Author Q&A: Anne Rice
Jennifer Garza - Sacramento Bee
Mar 14, 2008
Author Anne Rice has written extensively about immortality -- she's enthralled millions with her bestselling "Vampire Chronicles."
In her new book, "Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana" (Random House, $25.95, 256 pages), Rice explores what Jesus' life must have been like in the months before his baptism by his cousin John and the beginning of his ministry.
The author recently discussed her work, her Catholic faith and her decision not to write about vampires anymore.
Q: Why did you decide to write from Jesus' point of view?
A: To me, that was the way to bring the reader as close as possible to the Lord. I knew it was risky, but every good book I've written is from this point of view. I was discouraged when Norman Mailer did this in his book ("The Gospel According to the Son"). But then I realized there is plenty of room; no one book closes the whole field.
Q: Why did you decide to write about this time in Jesus' life?
A: I wanted to give a sense of what was going on that last winter before his public ministry. I wanted to show his humanity and the kinds of societal pressures -- the pressure for a 30-year-old man to marry, for instance -- and what was going on at that time historically.
Q: What kind of research did you do?
A: I studied the Bible, particularly the Gospel of Matthew. And I talked to a lot of scholars. I saw every movie and miniseries about Jesus. I drew on Scripture, history, archaeology and plenty of praying, crying for the Lord.
Q: Why? Were you nervous?
A: Oh, of course. I'd get down on my knees and say, "Help me go with you in the desert, Lord. Let me write this scene for you, let this be art for you." These books took a lot out of me because I wanted them to be accurate, because I believe completely in the Bible. I had to make this work because in a way, this is an answer to "The DaVinci Code."
Q: What did you think of that book?
A: I thought it was a riot. I had no idea people would take it seriously. There were so many lies. I was amused because I thought the book was clever ... then the world went crazy over it. By the time the movie came out, I thought, "I want to answer this."
Q: You were raised a Catholic but left the church. What brought you back?
A: I went back in 1998. I just realized that I had been searching for years for a way to go back. Finally, I just let go of all the questions and said, "Lord, I'm going to trust in you."
Q: How have your fans reacted?
A: There's a small but vocal group with a bit of a mean streak. They go online and say awful things, but they aren't the majority. I'd say 99 percent are positive.
Q: Do you have any plans to write any more vampire novels?
A: I don't think I'll go back. I toyed with the idea of writing a redemptive novel -- where Lestat is redeemed -- but I don't want to enter that world. I really mean it when I say I want my work to be for the Lord.
Q: Are there plans to make the "Christ the Lord" books -- this is the second in a series about the life of Jesus -- into movies?
A: I would love to see a movie of just this book, (but) I've had many disappointments in Hollywood. (I) think the book has to capture the imagination of a powerful producer. I need a deep believer and a powerful producer.
I loved Mel Gibson's movie. I think Hollywood is furious that no one has been able to capitalize on his success with "Passion of the Christ."
Q: How has writing these "Christ the Lord" books affected your spiritual life?
A: They've challenged me to be a better Christian. Not just going to church once a week, but really changing my life. ... On a practical level, I go to Mass every Saturday. I wish I could go every day. But for health reasons -- I have diabetes -- that's not possible.
Q: What is your next project?
A: I'm working on the next book, "The Kingdom of Heaven," which is about Jesus' ministry and ends with the miracle of Lazarus.
----
Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion
Copyright 2008 by Sacramento Bee
