PRESS RELEASE
January 29, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Jennings
Litfuse Publicity Group
903-874-8363
@litfuse

 

God's grand narrative - the only 'true myth'

Author's debut novel is rich in Christian theology and symbolic imagery

Seattle: At some point everyone will have a moment where they simply know something is missing in their lives. Attempts to fill, ignore or dull this void are never successful and only end up leaving them exhausted, confused and alone. These are themes explored by author Erik Guzman in his debut release, The Seed: A True Myth(New Growth Press/May 16, 2016/ISBN: 978-1942572794/$17.99). This parable uses symbolism and vivid imagery to help readers think critically about the great lengths they go to in order to avoid the pain of living in a broken world, rather than accepting the peace and freedom the Gospel offers.  
 
Guzman's "true myth" takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that captures the grand narrative of God's redemptive work in the world. "The word 'myth' is derived from the Greek word 'mythos,' and that word simply means 'story,'" Guzman explains. "Tolkien famously used the idea of a 'true myth' to lead C.S. Lewis to accept the Christian faith. The Christian story is similar to pagan myths. However, what Tolkien argued was that in the case of Christianity, the story we see everywhere in cultures across time actually happened in the person and work of Jesus. Therefore, Christianity is the one true myth . . . the one true story. And my book tells that same story."
 
The Seed introduces readers to Madeline and Roark, two young people who are desperately running from the shadow that destroyed their home and is threatening their lives. One day, they encounter Tatus, an older man who has sworn to avenge the death of his family at the hands of the shadow. As the three form an alliance, Tatus promises he can keep them safe from the shadow if they help him build a fortress. So they build.
 
As fortress-building consumes their lives, Madeline and Roark are increasingly filled with anger and fear, and unknown to them, an unseen evil threatens to destroy them. When they finally face the shadow, they are presented with an unthinkable offer that will reveal the shocking secrets of the forgotten past, the unseen present and the unimaginable future.
 
Without using overtly Christian terms, The Seed deftly communicates the heart of Trinitarian theology and reinforces biblical themes such as God's character and man's true identity and calling. Writing with theological accuracy was critical for Guzman. "I went to seminary to write The Seed. I read lots of books and attended lots of lectures. It took years of shooting ideas around with friends and a number of talented editors to get the story right. I didn't do it alone." This page-turning fantasy tale is packed with mystery and drama, and readers will feel the weight and power of redemption as they journey alongside Guzman's characters in their epic battle.
 
Guzman hopes the imagery, characters and events in The Seed will truly become an actual seed in readers' hearts that will blossom into a lifetime - and an eternity - of freedom and joy.
 
Learn more about The Seed: A True Myth and Erik Guzman when you follow him on Twitter (@ErikGuzman) or read his articles at www.keylife.org.

Advance Praise
 
"It's rare, but sometimes one reads a book that is so absorbing that one can't put it down, so filled with truth that one can never 'un-see' it, and so profound that one will never forget it. The Seed is that kind of book. The 'experience' of reading The Seed will haunt me the rest of my life. I don't even have the words to describe that 'experience.' Experience it for yourself and then give this book to everyone you know."
~ Steve Brown, Author; Key Life radio broadcaster
 
"There are stories that we know so well they lose their power to overwhelm, transform, warm, and enlighten us. The story of God's love for sinners is sadly one. But here, in this beautifully written fantasy, Erik Guzman has done what many writers try to do without success. He's made that old story come alive in a new, illuminating way, the way of Love. The Seed will both remind of the old story and teach you new truth about the repeating 'pattern of Love in the world' and how we are loved, not for what we do but because we are His. Buy this book. Share it with your family." 
~ Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, Author of Home: How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy Our Deepest Longing
 
"A colorful, right-brained feast that satisfies the soul and stimulates the imagination." 
~ Frank Viola, Author; speaker; blogger at frankviola.org 
 
About the author

Erik Guzman
is Vice President of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network. He's the co-host of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc. and announcer for Key Life. Guzman's writing has been featured in the organization's magazine and website as well Liberate.org, Burnside Writers Collective and Sojourners (sojo.net). He has a BA in mass communication and an MBA and is perpetually working toward a Master's in theological studies. He is also the author of the soon-to-be-published book The Gift of Addiction: How God Redeems Our Pain.
 
Guzman is also a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a drummer and a fifth-degree black belt in Aikido. He lives near Orlando, Florida, with his wife and their three children.
 
Keep up with Erik Guzman on Facebook and Twitter, or read his articles at www.keylife.org.
 
Suggested interview questions
  • The Seed: A True Myth is your first book. What drew you to the fantasy genre?
  • Just what is a "true myth"?
  • You say the shadow in your book is real. What is it, or what does it represent?
  • We've all had the feeling at one point or another that something's not quite right with our lives. Where does that come from?
  • What are some ways people seek to ignore or fill the emptiness in their hearts? Why are these methods not effective?
  • What is the most genuine way to survive in a broken world like ours?
  • What responsibility do you think Christians have to show others how to handle the suffering life often brings us?
  • Explain the concept of a fractal and your fascination with them.
  • Why do you view The Seed as a type of fractal?
  • Why do you think most readers will be able to identify with the struggles of the characters in The Seed?
  • The Seed is packed with Trinitarian theology but doesn't use the typical "Christianese." How did you take care to present the Gospel in an accurate way while still creating an entertaining and engaging story?
  • What is the overarching message you're trying to communicate to readers in The Seed: A True Myth?
To request a review copy of The Seed: A True Myth, schedule an interview with Erik Guzman, or for more information, please contact Audra Jennings, [email protected].


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