William Burt Interview

Today, I am pleased to welcome William Burt to Interviews & Reviews. William is the award-winning author of the seven-title Christian allegorical “King of the Trees” series and of his new Creation Seekers series: “The Lake Lights” (Book 1) and “The Vikings of Loch Morar” (Book 2). 

As an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Western Oregon University, William served as a successful grant-writer and program coordinator. He holds a B.S. in English from Lewis and Clark College and an M.S. in Deaf Education from Western Oregon University. William has been an RID-certified sign-language interpreter with over forty years’ experience. His interests include reading, foreign languages and mycology. He is married with two grown children and four grandchildren.

Today he is going to talk about his latest book The Vikings of Loch Morar and he is giving away a free eBook! Welcome to Interviews & Reviews, William!

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How many books have you written?

I’ve written and published a total of nine titles so far. Seven of those make up my “King of the Trees” allegorical fantasy series (The King of the Trees, Torsils in Time, The Golden Wood, The Greenstones, The Downs, Kyleah’s Mirrors and The Birthing Tree); the other two titles (The Lake Lights, The Vikings of Loch Morar) are in my “Creation Seekers” series.

Do you travel to the places you write about?

I did frequently visit the Oregon setting for The Lake Lights and The Vikings of Loch Morar, since I grew up in that area of Lake Oswego. I even took numerous photos along the Iron Mountain trail, ensuring that my descriptions of its environs were accurate. Although I visited Scotland briefly about a decade ago, I’ve never traveled to Loch Morar but depended heavily upon the accounts, photos and videos of those who have.

Which do you enjoy more, the research part for a book, or the writing?

I actually enjoy both. My biggest challenge in this book was to incorporate historical facts (and fiction) into the plot without sounding stuffy.

What is the central theme of your book?

In a word, Jesus. I have no other reason to write than to glorify God. The Vikings of Loch Morar focuses on Creation Science and more broadly on various aspects of Christian living as demonstrated by my fictional characters. Calling upon metaphors from the natural world, I also allegorically depict Christ’s sacrifice in my “King of the Trees” fantasy series.

What inspired you to write it?

Ultimately, the account of Creation in the Book of Genesis motivated me to write The Vikings of Loch Morar (and The Lake Lights). Moreover, in this series I am attempting to counteract the prevailing stereotype of Christians as anti-science flat-earthers. Consequently, many of the Christian characters in the Creation Seekers series have earned doctorates in various branches of science. I also present basic but convincing scientific evidence supporting the Biblical account of Creation and refuting Darwinism.

I love that! Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Yes, there is. I would like my readers to understand that the Bible is historically and scientifically accurate, and that living the Christian life is a real adventure!

How were you saved?

While in college, I developed a serious and debilitating case of anorexia nervosa, which God used to bring me to Himself through a classmate’s testimony. Her simple words, “For me, life is Christ,” set me on the path to salvation. After I was saved, the Lord miraculously healed me of anorexia in a remarkably short time without any medical intervention.

What authors have inspired you?

In the writing of my fantasy series, the Bible, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien provided all the inspiration I needed. In writing The Lake Lights and The Vikings of Loch Morar I’ve been most influenced by John C. Whitcomb, Henry M. Morris, Dr. Duane Gish, Dr. Donald Chittick, and other prominent Creation Scientists. Of course, God Himself is my highest inspiration.

​Thank you for joining us today William. It sounds like your books would be great for those who homeschool.

​And now, Dear Readers, if you would like to win an eBook of The Vikings of Loch Morar just fill out the form below! This giveaway ends July 2, 2019.

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And the winner is Eleanor Bertin!
​ Expect an email from me soon!

Jonathan Oliver is chasing down an intruder on Lake Oswego’s Iron Mountain when he discovers some long-buried artifacts. One of these relics sparks a remarkable spinoff from the Oliver family’s anti-gravity inventions. Together, Jon and his father incorporate their breakthrough into a revolutionary submersible design. At the invitation of Dr. Graham MacKenzie, the Gyrosensors team travels to one of Scotland’s wildest and remotest regions—and its deepest lake—to develop their secret prototype. While staying at Dr. MacKenzie’s retreat center, they meet a pretty but mysterious Frenchwoman going under an assumed name. Across the loch, the reclusive caretaker of a Victorian-era hunting lodge is hiding staggering secrets of his own. During the prototype's construction and sea trials, Jon and his family confront enemies on land, in the air and under the water. In the end, Jon rekindles a long-lost love and finds an ancient, holy treasure-hoard.

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