1.
What inspired you to write
this book?
The Crafty Old Thief was
born out of a mundane but stressful activity: paying the weekly bills. As was
often the case, I found myself with a surplus of expenses and a deficit of
funds. I knew I’d have to perform that delightful little dance—you know, the
one where you’ve got to time the mailing just right so that the payment gets to
the payee soon enough not to be considered late but far enough out so that your
next paycheck has been deposited and you’re not overdrawn on your account?
Yeah, fun times. So there I sat in my kitchen, unpaid statements strewn across
the table before me as I stewed, anxious and silently grumbling about the
injustice that the Rockefellers had somehow failed to claim me as a long-lost
heir, with my eyes fixed firmly on what I didn’t have.
Feeling
defeated, I slumped back in my chair, sighing as I glanced out the bay window
beside me, and my eyes fell on one of the two huge old evergreens that
separated my yard from my neighbor’s. It faced the east, and the morning sun
had glazed its outstretched branches in the most dazzling golden light. It had
rained the night before, and the remaining raindrops that still clung to the
tips of the branches became before my eyes miniature rainbows, glistening like
diamonds in the sunlight. It was glorious!
Nature’s beauty has always captivated my soul.
But this was more than just a pleasant moment; it was a teachable one. God was
meeting me in the everyday worries that come with being human and was exposing
a deeper spiritual battle behind them. I realized I had been deceived into
believing a lie about my true situation and was allowing fear to reign over my
heart instead of the God who loves me. And I was being suckered into letting my
enemy the devil rob me of my joy.
All
at once I felt such a peace wash over me, and I thought, How silly am I? I
am a child of the Most High God. And here I am fretting over dollars and cents
when He’s given me diamonds and gold right outside my window! My Father owns
the cattle on a thousand hills. He clothes the lilies of the field and freely
feeds the birds of the air. He knows how to care for me; He’s proved that over
and over. I’m rich beyond measure and blessed all the day long.
That
was the fountainhead from which the rest of the book would flow.
(And
yes, the bills got paid just fine in the end.)
2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?
The
book depicts a battle between the devil and a teenaged child of God. He creeps
into her bedroom one winter’s night and finds her softly singing a joyful song.
Thinking she’ll be easy prey, he taunts her, threatening to steal everything
she has in this world, beginning with her financial security, represented by a
gold coin she has in her hand. The tension escalates as the devil’s threats
grow increasingly more pernicious and as he becomes more enraged, crazed, and
frantic at the girl’s blithe resistance. Will he be able to break her spirit
and steal her joy—his ultimate prize?
I
wrote the book primarily for those of the Christian or Messianic Jewish faith
(or those open to such a faith). Scripture teaches that “in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the
others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Rom. 12:5-6 NIV). I believe that one
of my main gifts is that of encouragement, and I feel a distinct calling to
encourage my fellow believers through my writing.
That’s
not to say that The Crafty Old Thief holds no encouragement or value for
those of different faiths—or no faith, for that matter. Anyone who acknowledges
evil or experiences the pain of loss and suffering (and isn’t that all of us?)
can appreciate a story in which the main character aims to resist evil and not
succumb to fear and despair in the face of trials.
And
there are still other readers who may find pleasure in the book out of a love
of poetical verse, since I use narrative poetry to tell the story.
However,
since the book specifically references Christ and the promises found in the
Judeo-Christian Scriptures, believers in Christ will find that the message
speaks most directly to them.
My
first book, Have You Seen Enoch?, was written for young children, and I
had initially thought The Crafty Old Thief would be much the same. But
the vocabulary and subject matter lend themselves to a more mature reader, so
the target age group for this one is young adults on through adulthood.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of
reading your book?
My
greatest hope is that those who read The Crafty Old Thief will grow in
spiritual courage. I pray that it will equip them to trust in God’s promises
and to stand and triumph in the physical, emotional, and spiritual battles that
will surely come their way.
I
want to pass on the valuable truth I embraced that day in my kitchen: Though I
may endure trials and tragedies, as long as I remember who I am in the Lord and
all I have in Him, the devil’s wily schemes are ultimately powerless against
me. That’s incredibly liberating!
In
a world where violence and death, financial instability, natural disasters,
pandemics, cancel culture, and war threaten to shake us to our very core, I
would hope the book would remind my fellow believers that if you have Christ,
you have everything you need. You are not a pauper. You are not a victim. No
matter your circumstances, you are rich and blessed with eternal treasures that
the enemy can never take from you. Despite this world’s chaos and uncertainty,
you don’t have to be ruled by fear and anxiety.
You are free—free to be bold, to be brave, to be a lover of truth over comfort,
to be filled with joy, to be a light in the darkness.
I
believe the children of God are about to be tested like never before. Sadly,
many in the faith have grown complacent and spiritually weak—and I don’t exempt
myself from that assessment. My intent is that this book would encourage and
bolster us so that we might stand in our hour of testing. My desire is that, in
some small way, The Crafty Old Thief will be used as a spiritual wake-up
call to strengthen what remains so that we can face our challenges in a manner
that honors God and leaves a powerful, joyful witness to this present
generation and any future one to follow.
4. How did you decide on your book’s
title and cover design?
That
day in my kitchen, once I realized how Satan was manipulating me and
redirecting my focus away from the reality of all my blessings in an effort to
shake my faith and steal my joy, I thought to myself, Boy, he’s a crafty old
thief, isn't he? Well, that seemed a perfect descriptor for his character
in the book; thus, The Crafty Old Thief naturally became the title.
As
to the cover, I used a scene depicting the first item the thief attempts to
steal from the child of God in the story—a gold coin. I thought that would be
ideal because written on the coin is “In God We Trust,” and while the thief is
threatening to steal the girl’s finances, he’s really targeting her faith in
God, the true source of her security and joy, which is the underlying theme of
the story. As there are only two key characters in the book, I included them
both on the cover, but I didn’t show the girl’s face. I wanted the readers to
be confronted directly by the crafty old thief, to make it more personal for
them. That’s why he’s looking out toward the reader, not at the girl. And this
also shows his craftiness and deception; he’s looking in one direction, but his
action is directed somewhere else; he’s reaching back for the coin. So,
although he’s stealing from the girl, the message is that you, dear reader, are
his next target. The thief’s other hand is drawn close to his chest in a
clutching motion, as if he’s saying, “I want it all for myself. It’s all mine!”
Trying
to depict Satan was a bit challenging. I didn’t want the standard red suit and
pitchfork, but I still needed the reader to recognize who he was. I chose an
ash color for his skin because that seemed a logical result of his having spent
his time in the fires of hell. His flaming eyes are intended to show that he is
the embodiment of hell itself; it burns within him. The goat’s horns are
typical in renderings of Satan and they confirm for the reader that this is not
a human. He has a tail as well, but the reader only sees that on the interior
illustrations. He wears a cloak, which conjures the idea of the dark arts and
an air of secrecy, because he’s hiding his true evil motives. His wings not
only communicate his supernatural nature, they’re also partially blocking the
cross hanging on the girl’s wall. Readers may not know what the cross is at
first glance until they see it fully on the interior illustrations, but it
represents how Satan is always trying to obstruct anything that has to do with
our faith.
I
intentionally chose to depict the girl as being of mixed race because,
honestly, there’s enough division being stirred up in our world. And in the
family of God there’s not supposed to be any division; we’re called to love one
another and live in unity. Are there times when in our fallen humanity some
people—even people of faith—fail to live up to that ideal? Regrettably, yes.
And that’s where repentance and forgiveness come into play. Anyway, this was
just my little way of reaching out in a spirit of love and unity. I didn’t want
anyone to feel that the book’s message wasn’t for them. I wanted it to be
welcoming for all.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for
fellow writers – other than run!?
#1—Never
discard your work or ideas. I was nearly 60 when my first book was released,
and it was something I had written decades earlier. Publishing trends and
methods change, and that can work to your advantage. Also, you might return to
an earlier idea or project after the passage of time and find that you have
fresh insights born of greater wisdom and experience that can breathe new life
into what you’d originally written.
#2—Stay
connected to the sources of your inspiration. For me, that’s the Scriptures,
nature, music, and the works of my favorite writers and poets. And don’t forget
your contemporary fellow writers. Even though writing is typically a solitary
sport, we artistic types tend to come alive and thrive when we engage with
others of our ilk. It doesn’t need to be anything as formal as a writers’ club,
although I wouldn’t discount that. But it can just be a one-on-one friendship
where you exchange ideas with someone who shares your love of the written word,
especially someone who challenges you mentally or creatively.
#3—Seek
honest feedback on your writing. Remember, the heart and soul of an artist is
not just to create, but to have that creation reach out, speak to, and connect
with another human being. It’s incomplete otherwise, like a signal pulsing out
into the void of the ether, never received or returned. Take any constructive
criticism as it comes, as hard as that can be, and improve your writing
wherever you can. That’s necessary for honing your craft. But—and this is the
really important part—don’t let the naysayers crush you! If you believe there
is anything good or beautiful or true in what you’ve created, never stop trying
to share it with the world. After all, it may just be that you haven’t found
your true audience yet.
6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and
where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
With
the pace of life growing ever more frantic and the average attention span
growing ever shorter, I think the demand for audiobooks will continue to rise.
That’s why I decided to offer an audiobook version of The Crafty Old Thief, and
I’m glad I did; the narrator I chose is a talented actress who really brought
the book to life. Audiobooks are great for when you’re in the car or at the gym
or for some other scenario when you’d like to multitask. Of course, true
bibliophiles like myself will still always prefer the feel and scent of a
physical book. And maybe it’s just me, but I think there’s a greater intimacy
and bond that forms between the reader and author when you allow yourself the
time to curl up in some private, comfortable nook and immerse yourself in the
world, characters, and content that the author has created and invited you to
share.
Another
trend I anticipate is the desire for more inspirational books. People are
desperately yearning for truth and a place of grounding amid the chaos all
around them. Faith-based books or books that fortify moral courage can meet those
people at their point of need and—lofty as it sounds—serve to promote a more
peaceful and mentally and spiritually healthy society. Never underestimate the
power of the written word to change a life. Or, as Martin Luther put it, “If
you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”
One
not-so-good trend I’m noticing in our world overall is an increasing
intolerance for alternative points of view and, in some cases, outright
censorship of legitimate facts. How prevalent is this in the book publishing
industry? I don’t know. I do note that certain bookstores will more prominently
display books that align with their management’s worldview than those that
don’t. And some authors who have sold more books than their fellow authors have
nonetheless intentionally been ranked lower on certain bestsellers’ lists due
to “internal algorithms.” While this disturbs me, it doesn’t surprise me. I
believe we live in a fallen world. Now, I certainly wouldn’t advocate that any
writer self-censor their work to fit a prevailing narrative or be intimidated
into not expressing what they truly believe. But be aware that, depending on
your book’s content, you may face additional challenges, so be wise regarding
whom you choose to engage with to produce and distribute your work. And stand
up for the First Amendment in every way you can; otherwise, the next voice to
be silenced could be yours.
7. Were there experiences in your personal life
or career that came in handy when writing this book?
Absolutely.
I began my personal relationship with Christ in February of 1988, so I’ve had
quite a few opportunities to witness and appreciate God’s faithfulness over the
years, especially in the area of my finances. I can’t tell you the number of
times I’ve had a financial need, not knowing where the money would come from,
and out of nowhere an unanticipated refund check would suddenly show up in the
mail—for roughly the same amount as what I needed. Or an envelope of cash, that
I’d swear wasn’t there before, would mysteriously appear in a handbag or
drawer. Or just recently, extra unexpected funds showed up in my bank
account—from the government, of all places!
You’d
think I’d have learned by now to trust in the promise of Scripture that says,
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall
He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32 NKJV) But, no, I
still sometimes struggle and still need reminders. And even that works to my
good because it led to the inspiration for this book.
Another
helpful experience was my background in lay biblical counseling. Having
ministered to hurting people has made me sensitive to how someone in the
midst of great suffering might find the encouragement in The Crafty Old
Thief to “keep singing” in the face of trials or loss to be too simplistic.
As a result, they might miss the comfort, strength, and joy that a deep,
authentic faith can offer. So, I made a special effort to reach out to such
individuals in my Note to the Reader at the back of the book. I imagine
that, for some, those few pages of encouragement alone would be worth the price
of the book and would be the part that touches their heart most.
8. How would you describe your writing style? Which
writers or books is your writing similar to?
Naturally,
I’d like to think that I have my own unique voice, and that’s basically true,
but no doubt all artists are to some degree the product of their influences. My
influences growing up were drawn from the classics of English literature. As an
example, in my teens, while my girlfriends giggled and gossiped, splashing
happily in the waves at the Jersey Shore, I was typically the one sitting
quietly on the sandy blanket, fully engrossed in my dog-eared volume of
Shakespeare’s tragedies. (Just a little light reading for the beach.)
As
a writer, though, I do try to keep my style flexible enough so that it can be
informed by the particular project at hand. For The Crafty Old Thief, the
style seems to my ear a rather curious amalgam of Dr. Seuss meets Edgar Allan
Poe meets C.S. Lewis. The writing is rhythmic and at times playful, with dark
and menacing overtones, but it’s resting squarely on a foundation of hope and
biblical truth.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of
this book?
Sleep
deprivation, for one. This wasn’t a book I had long intended to write. I have a
stack of other projects in various states of completion that I had expected to
focus my attention on at that time. But God clearly had other plans. And much
as I’d rather report that I’m always obedient to the Lord’s prompting, too
often that’s not the case. I continually struggle to overcome the “tyranny of
the urgent” that crowds out the truly important tasks, as Charles E. Hummel so
aptly exposed in his essay of the same name.
So,
God had given me that beautiful revelation, that teachable moment beside my
kitchen window that I previously described, and I instinctively knew it was a
message I was meant to share. But day after day, tyrannical life kept crowding
out the minutes and hours I should have used to commit the idea to the page.
Sure, I’d work a little here, a little there, but invariably I’d soon be drawn
away by my distractions or, worse, paralyzed by my insecurities (you fellow
writers know what that feels like, right?). What I really needed to do was
spend time alone with God, listening for His voice and writing what He gave me.
But there were family obligations to meet, as well as cooking, laundry, and
those dreaded bills to do (not to mention that great new series on Paramount+
my hubby and I wanted to watch!). So God did what a loving father would do;
when I made no time for Him, He made time for me, during the only part of my
day in which He could consistently get me alone—which was while I was sleeping,
typically around 4 a.m. Much of the book was written at that hour. He simply
wouldn’t let me go back to sleep otherwise.
10. If people can buy or read one book this week or
month, why should it be yours?
Let’s
face it, life is filled with uncertainty, loss, and suffering. That causes us
all to wrestle with fear and anxiety at times. In fact, I’ve heard reports that
anxiety is one of the fastest-growing mental health conditions in our country
today. The Crafty Old Thief empowers readers with spiritual insights, a
positive perspective, and practical coping skills so they may develop the
resilience needed to confront their fears, embrace joy, and find
strength in their spiritual convictions despite the uncertainties and struggles
of life.
We
don’t have to live our lives in fear. As the days grow darker, this message is
going to be increasingly crucial for those who believe in God and try to live
their lives in line with biblical truth. We need courageous warriors—grounded
in the certainty of their identity, purpose, and destiny—to stand as a light
for truth in a world of darkness and lies. The weapons of our warfare are clear
eyes and a joyful heart.
For
those readers who don’t believe, as I do, in a literal Satan who’s actively
trying to tempt, frighten, manipulate, and deceive you, I would say that, for
you, the crafty old thief may be used as a metaphor for anything that’s
attempting to defeat you and steal your joy. If you accept the principle that
at times you will find yourself in a battle, be it against other people, hard
times, or even your own negativity, this book can help you to take a step back
and reassess your attitude toward your trials, so you can focus on the good
that you have rather than what you don’t have or could lose.
Just
being able to pause, to not take the bait and react emotionally or out of
anxiety can give a person clarity and strength. So many times since I wrote
this book, my husband and I have come home after a particularly trying day and
instead of being overwhelmed by our struggles, we’ve been able to make light of
them and say, “Yeah, Ol’ Crafty was really working on me today.” Simply
recognizing the battle can give you the wisdom to stand and the courage to
fight.
For
my brothers and sisters in the Lord, the take-home message of The Crafty Old
Thief is this: When what you know you have eternally is greater than what
you fear you could lose temporally, you become an indomitable force because you
are truly free. You can bear up under the pain, pressures, and uncertainties of life that
pummel you and not only not be broken, but actually face them with invincible
joy. And you can then look the enemy in the eye and quote that fabulous line
from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: “Beware, for I am fearless and
therefore dangerous.”
About The Author: Karen Allard lives in Virginia with her husband, best friend, and soul mate, Fred. Her mother, Fran, also shares their home. Karen is the author of Have You Seen Enoch?, which encourages little ones to walk with God, as Scripture tells us Enoch did. She holds a BA in English from Rowan University and has received a certificate in advanced biblical counseling from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation. Karen has worked in various healthcare settings and as a copy editor and proofreader of books and magazines for both secular and Christian markets. She has led various publishing ministries and has served as a lay counselor in her church. She is currently blessed to serve as her mother’s caregiver. Karen is a lover of art in all its forms and nature in all its glory. Her hope is that The Crafty Old Thief will inspire, strengthen, and encourage readers to trust in the awe-inspiring truths and promises of Scripture and, as a result, to live in irrepressible, fearless joy. For more information, please see: http://covenantbooks.com/books/?book=the-crafty-old-thief.
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