My previous book, Beast, took place on an offshore oil rig. I remember that moment so clearly: I was living in China at the time and I was on a bus on the way to work, and I thought, “I’m going to write a book about these people.” I had to finish the book I was working on at the time ( Cyn) and finish the next book I had planned ( Beast) so the idea had plenty of time to simmer in my imagination.įWI: What made you want to write Nikolai? There was a passage in the book about the Flagellants and their exploits, and how they were eventually condemned by the Pope for their outlandish behavior. Vitus’ Dance, a maniacal phenomenon that crept up centuries later.

The book was a historical account of the Black Death and its effects on the world, as well as St. It was called The Black Death and the Dancing Mania, written during the 19th century. MC: A few years (and two books) ago, I downloaded a free ebook from Project Gutenberg. It is a very grim and brutal story that deals with guilt, self-righteousness, and forgiveness.įWI: That’s certainly original in Christian fiction.

The problem is that these groups quickly became mired in corruption and hedonism contrary to their original purpose, and Nikolai has to face this struggle as well. My story follows one young man named Nikolai who loses everything to the plague and joins this group, hoping to purify himself and find direction in his life. Traveling groups of people called the Flagellants, and one group in particular called the Brotherhood of the Cross, would go from town to town, whipping and beating themselves as penance for their sins and those of the townsfolk. Nothing could drive this plague from the land, and everyone thought it was God’s judgment upon them. This was right in the middle of the Dark Ages, and medieval Europe was gripped by fear and superstition.

MARK CARVER: It’s a historical fiction novel set in Germany during the Black Death plague of the 14th century.

He creates raw, edgy fiction that still tackles spiritual issues.Īnd in honor of his upcoming novel, Nikolai the Penitent, I present to you an interview I had with Mark about his book and writing itself.įENCING WITH INK: Tell me about Nikolai the Penitent in your own words. Throughout my blog I’ve lamented over the state of Christian fiction, mostly that it’s stuck in familiar ideas. This week, I have something new for you guys.

The Age of Apollyon by Mark Carver