You traveled all over the world with your parents as they worked in the ministry. How do you think those experiences shaped your writing?

Visiting other countries, tasting other foods, experiencing different customs...all of these provide an amazing education that many Americans miss out on. I love people of all colors and faiths. I love to write using all the senses, in reflection of the various things I've encountered.
 
Do you think of yourself more as a thriller writer who explores themes of faith and belief, or a Christian who ministers by writing thrillers?

I love to write good stories. If I wanted to preach sermons or pound people over the head with a "message," I'd write nonfiction. Most Christians are afraid to wrestle with the unknowns of life because it might topple their shaky faith. For me, faith is all about wondering, questioning, wrestling--and still believing. My characters reflect that side of me. But the story still has to stand on its own.
 
Your latest, Haunt of the Jackal, is the second in the Jerusalem's Undead trilogy. Did you travel to all of the locations you write about in the series? Is it important to you to walk the ground where your scenes take place?

Yes, I almost always write about places I've been. I love the details of real locations, and they often change the direction of the scene. Thanks to the Internet, I can wing it on some things, but I prefer on-the-ground research to help the story come alive in my own mind first.
 
Many readers may know you from the book, Fireproof, a novelization of the screenplay for the movie starring Kirk Cameron. What was it like to adapt a screenplay that someone else had originally penned?

I doubt many readers on this site have read the book, but yes, the success of that novelization has allowed me to keep writing vampire books. I've heard horror stories of working with producers, screenwriters, and such, but my experience was fantastic. The Kendrick brothers allowed me a lot of creative room to expand their script into a full-fledged novel with backstory and interior monologue, as well as an extra subplot or two. Though it's less taxing creatively to adapt, I wasn't sure I had the ability to partner like this. As a writer, I usually create alone. To my surprise, I loved the collaborative process.
 
Has working with screenwriters piqued your interest in writing for the movies?

Screenwriting and novel-writing are two very different crafts. I'm interested in giving it a spin, but I'm not sure I have the gift for it. I do see very visually as I write, so of course the idea of my own stories being turned to film is enticing. We'll see where it all leads. My future is wide open.

Dennis Tafoya is the author of Dope Thief, coming from St. Martin's Minotaur in May, 2009. He's an ITW Debut Author and is currently working on his second novel for St. Martin's. He lives and works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.