I am a husband, a father of three, and a firefighter. My first novel, Through the Fire, comes out in July ’09 with Bethany House Publishers.

2. You started studying Theology at Point Loma Nazarene University before changing gears to Fire Science Technology. This dramatic change of career remind me of the scripture passage: ''Purify me as a golden nugget in your loving fire, God.'' Do you consider your career change a calling to help others in a wider spectrum? Has God purified your heart and soul through your job?

I knew coming out of high school that I wanted to serve God and people. My initial thoughts were to become a pastor or perhaps a physician. But as I progressed through the school year, I felt a distinct draw toward the hands-on and dynamic nature of emergency work.

I remember being at Point Loma and helping a furniture mover who had a large object fall on his lower leg. The San Diego firemedics that arrived were adept, confident and professional. They’d just come from a fire, so they were all sooty. I thought they were so cool.

Working and living closely with others in the fire department makes one's character known, both the positive aspects and those in which we need to grow. I know that it is God's ongoing work to purify our hearts, and it is my continual prayer to become more like Him.

3. After obtained your Associated of Science degree in Fire Science Technology you went to Truckee Meadows Community College to obtain a license as Paramedic. Was this a requirement to enter the Firefighters Training Program? If no, what motivated you to pursue this course?

It wasn’t a requirement, but many fire departments look to hire paramedics, so it’s a strong job skill to have. Along with becoming a fireman, I was drawn to the practice of medicine, so becoming an engine company medic was the ideal for me.

4. Do you think the California wildfires disasters and the 911 tragedy played a pivot effect in America by creating awareness of the important role firefighters play in our society and ultimate to our nation? Were you called to duty to either one of these tragic events?

There was definitely an immense outpour of support for firefighters and first responders after 9/11 and more recently with the widespread California wildland fires. Most people are exceptionally gracious and it feels good to know that your efforts are appreciated.

I was working as a helicopter flight medic in Reno when 9/11 happened but didn’t play a role in the mitigation of those events. There’s been several seasons of widespread wildland fires in recent years in California and the Reno Fire Department has sent strike teams of engines to help out numerous times. So far, the rigs I’ve been on haven’t been called out. Assignments like that can last up to 21 days, so it can be tough to leave family behind.

5. As an experienced firefighter and paramedic, how do you assess the scene before tackling the situation at hand to complete your task and prevent or reduce casualties? Have you lost a fellow firefighter in duty? If yes, how did you cope with the lost?

By God’s grace I haven’t had to go through the loss of a fellow firefighter.

As firefighters and medics we’re trained to approach emergency scenes with the primary consideration of our own safety and the safety of our partners. A big part of that is doing a good size-up of what we’re going in to and what hazards and priorities we have. With a medical/trauma patient, we take care of scene safety first and then assess and treat the A,B,C’s- Airway/Cervical-Spine Immobilization, Breathing, and Circulation.

6. Now let us talk about, Shawn, the award winning writer. On 2008 you were the recipient of the ''Most Promising New Writer'' award at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference with your first novel, Through the Fire. How were you nominated? Do you consider this award a validation of your work as a new writer? How this award change your vision and mission as a writer and as a firefighter?

In my adult life I hadn’t won an award for writing before, so the fact that the faculty at Mount Hermon nominated and voted for me to win that was a huge boon. It did feel like a validation and gave me a much-appreciated boost to carry on with the hard work of crafting and honing Through the Fire. It has definitely made me resolute to deliver on the “Most Promising” aspect.

7. The main character of your novel, Through the Fire, has a unique gift – He hears the fire speaking to him. Was the storyline idea inspired and based on Moses encounters with God and the burning bush?

No, but that is a great allusion because God does use the fire and Aidan’s gift for sensing it to draw Aidan to Himself.

During very early drafts, one of my editors, Dave Long, made the suggestion of having the main character acquire the power to speak to and control the fire after a near-death experience.

I morphed that concept into Aidan possessing a type of inherent sixth-sense about the fire, something borne into his blood. It's as if the fire speaks to him. That gift fuels his brash self-confidence and is a strong contributing factor to the inciting incident that launches the story.

8. How does your novel stands out among other books and films written about firefighters with some paranormal situations such as in the movie, Frequency?

I really enjoyed the movie Frequency. With Through the Fire I’ve endeavored to translate into words some of the things I’ve seen and felt and smelled and a bit of what it’s like to be on a fire company. For example, contrary to much of what is seen in movies and TV, structure fires are usually really dark. The smoke is often banked down to the floor and visibility extends only a couple feet in front of you, and that only if you have a powerful flashlight. My desire with Through the Fire has been to deliver a suspense in a way that feels tangible and real to the reader.

9. In 2008 you signed with Bethany House Publishers. That was a big accomplishment for a new author. Why did you choose Bethany House? Are you pleased with your choice?

I am really thankful and credit Editor Dave Long’s willingness to put faith in my writing ability early on as a huge factor in what brought me aboard. Bethany House Publishers has been around for over fifty years and they really know fiction. I’ve learned so much from them already. In September I had the opportunity to visit them in Minneapolis and they welcomed me with warm and generous hospitality. It was neat to see the old oil paintings on the walls from the days when they used to keep a fine artist on staff to create book cover art. I met their current cover designer, Paul Higdon, who has done incredible work, including the cover art for Through the Fire.

10. Where can our readers buy your books? How about a signed copy?

Through the Fire is available through any bookstore in the U.S in addition to online stores such as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Christianbook.com, and others. I am more than happy to sign a copy if it is sent to me with a self addressed stamped return mailer. Just send the copy to be signed to:

Shawn Grady

18124 Wedge Parkway #231

Reno, NV 89511-8134

Or contact me through my website: http://www.shawngradybooks.com/contact

11. Are you working on new projects?

Yes. I am currently writing a novel about a Reno paramedic who feels like he's chasing the Angel of Death. That's scheduled for release Summer 2010.

12. A word of advice to those considering a firefighter career.

It is a fantastic and rewarding job. No day is the same. Give it much prayer and consideration. The Lord will guide you in the path that is right for you. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (NASB)

If you have any questions about emergency professions feel free drop by my discussion forum at http://www.shawngradybooks.com/forum