An Interview with C.O. Wyler
Born and raised in Southern California, I am a Christian who lives in the Pacific Northwest. Having owned a business for over thirty years, I am thankfully retired and enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Since I was a teenager, the Biblical Pre-Tribulation Rapture has fascinated me – what would happen if it occurred this minute and I was left behind? How would I deal with it? How would my loved ones and I survive? Now that I’m in my late sixties, I find it an interesting and growing topic for those who enjoy end-time scenarios.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
This first book took over thirty years to write, with five rewrites. At one point, one of the top five Christian publishers had me rewrite its ending, but they declined after a year due to the Left Behind series coming out at the same time. The book was under a different title before COVID hit, so it was rewritten again under a new name. After this book was self-published, I never expected to write a sequel, but there are four books in its series, the last three written in the past two years, which I never expected to do.
Describe your dream book cover.
I appreciate book covers that have subtle hints in them and contain something pivotal to the story. I tried to use this format when designing all my book covers.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
I do not have any valid songs that would match my novel since it is Christian futuristic fiction. Several hymns might be appropriate, such as It Is Well with My Soul and To God be the Glory.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Nowadays, I read only Christian novels, especially if they are Biblical historical fiction where I learn something new about Scripture. My well-researched series is based on the Bible, which I have been reading daily for over four decades. I also relied on pastors’ viewpoints, online articles, and world events.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Having had my own successful business in office management, I am a Type A personality who is detail-oriented and concise, which makes my writing style direct and to the point. I also have a degree in art, so I tend to be creative and unique. I am not a cookie-cutter person, so I like to be different than the norm. All books are written in the present tense, first person, with the first two ‘breaking the fourth wall’ of speaking directly to the reader, while the last two are in singular and multiple point of views.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
As an artist, I never expected myself to do something so structured as writing a novel. The first book was urged by my relationship with Jesus Christ – the only reason why I would keep writing for over thirty years. The three sequels were prompted by my readers, who urged me to continue to tell the story. Much of my research involved artificial intelligence, which was gleaned from a Christian friend in the IT industry.
Where is your favorite place to write?
A lounger in a family room by a huge sliding glass window with plenty of natural light was where I spent most of my writing time.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Do not stress or put deadlines on yourself – wait for God’s perfect timing because He knows best. This advice is pivotal because if I had published the book forty years ago, it would not have made as great an impact as today (over twenty thousand downloads and print sales to date). Nowadays, there is much more happening in the world compared to decades ago, so current day events and issues were easily documented in my end-times series, especially regarding IT and AI.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
Please don’t be UNTAKEN when the Rapture happens and you have to deal with the seven-year Tribulation! What if it happened right now? How would it impact you? How to be ‘taken’ is explicitly explained in each of the four books. This first eBook in the series is always free online.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.