Today, we are interviewing Father Frank DeLuca, the protagonist in my mystery Cleansed by Fire. Father Frank, as he is generally known, is thirty-three years ol
d, six feet tall, and weighs 175 pounds. The things you notice first are his dark, dancing eyes. He has curly black hair, and I would have to describe him as handsome. He is currently the pastor at Prince of Peace Church in Pine Tree, a small east Texas town. Welcome, Father Frank.
Frank: Thank you. It’s nice to visit with you today.
JRC: You were a rising star basketball player in college. Then, you just dropped out of sight. What happened?
Fr. Frank: I got a better offer. I realized that my real calling was to the priesthood. I dearly loved basketball – still do – but I made the right choice by entering the seminary.
JRC: You still look pretty trim. How do you stay in shape? Personally, I eat too many desserts.
Fr. Frank: I shoot some hoops whenever I get the chance, which isn’t often enough. And I try to get in a couple of sets of tennis each week. Notice, I said “try.” Some weeks it’s impossible. Of course, just trying to keep up with the youth of the parish provides plenty of exercise. And like you, I enjoy the desserts too. I never met a pie I didn’t like and ice cream is almost a necessity. I give up both of those during Lent and that’s the longest 40 days of the year.
JRC: Recently, you got involved in a criminal investigation. Can you tell us anything about that?
Fr. Frank: No, not really.
JRC: Nothing?
Fr. Frank: Well, let’s just say that when churches were being burned, I found it impossible not to try to discover who was doing it so that it could be stopped. Not because my church might be next, but because the destruction of any church is an affront to me and to all Christians. I’m not a passive person. So, I just decided another pair of eyes, looking for clues, wouldn’t hurt.
JRC: Do you watch detective or cop shows on TV?
Fr. Frank: Outside of the news, I find little time for TV. When I do take a break for TV, it is likely to be a rerun of MASH, or maybe a Harry Potter movie.
JRC: Some ministers might think Harry Potter movies are not appropriate, particularly for young people.
Fr. Frank: And some people say we shouldn’t read Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs to kids. I don’t follow that line. As long as the listener understands this is fiction, that is, not true, then I see no harm. Now, I’m not saying all fiction is appropriate for all ages. But Harry Potter is clearly not real. Even young kids understand that. It’s just a fun story.
JRC: I appreciate you taking this time with me. One last question. Ever have any second thoughts?
Fr. Frank: Heavens, yes. About many things. But never about my decision to become a priest, if that’s what you’re asking. But when you counsel someone, I think you will often wonder, “Was that the best advice that could be given?” You never know the complete story. Often very crucial information is withheld. Mine you, I ‘m not criticizing or judging. I’m just saying it is possible if I had known that information, I might have said something different. I pray that I don’t give bad advice. I pray that I say something that will lead the person to find peace. And of course, it is my belief that faith in God is the path to peace.
JRC: Thank you, Fr. Frank. I hope to see you in another Father Frank Mystery.
You can find out more about Fr. Frank in Cleansed by Fire, on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions.
Father Frank fantastic character…fine work Jim
What a fun interview! I want to know how he stays slim. I’m 6 foot tall and would love to be 175 lbs. again. My protagonist was interviewed in a blog last year. Those posts are a joy to write. Still looking for a copy of your book!
Sally Carpenter
Hi Sally,
I’ve spoken to the publisher and there was a mix-up with Amazon. It should be available again soon. I apologize for the delay, but I can’t seem to make things move any faster. But I am assured it will be back available soon. Thanks for your patience.
Terrific interview, and I think I’d like Father Frank. Of course, this means I’m going to have to read the book.
Nicely done! Enjoyed the creative interview with Father Frank!
‘Interesting way to reveal things about your protagonist and how he thinks, Jim. Did you do a character profile or outline for Father Frank before you began writing “Cleansed By Fire?”
Hi Doug,
Yes, I did a character bio on Fr. Frank before I started the book. I had thought about the book a good bit. But before I really started writing it, I did a bio on several of the key players. And I certainly recommend doing bios – how extensive depends on the character, and the writer, of course. Thanks for asking. I hope that helped.
I hope to see Father Frank in another mystery too! I enjoyed reading “Cleansed by Fire.” Father Frank is an interesting and likeable character with a lot of spunk.