Good afternoon readers!

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a new author of The Back Porch – Natasha Woodcraft, the author of the Biblical Fiction novel, The Wanderer Scorned.

Welcome to the Back Porch, Natasha. It is a pleasure to have you with us this afternoon. 

First, let’s chat about your writing journey. How do you develop your characters? Are they based on real people or entirely fictional?

I like to transport my readers back in time by using the Hebrew rather than English character names (Hence Kayin rather than Cain) and considering what those names mean. The meaning is usually significant.

It feels like I live with my characters while I’m writing. Imaginary conversations form while I’m doing the washing up, and they certainly keep me up at night! Though Bible-based, the characters definitely bear relation to people I know. I’m not going to reveal who though. That would be telling!

 That’s very clever of you. How do you handle writer’s block or moments of creative doubt?

Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. Lots of creative doubt accompanied this project. I wondered if it was even ok to explore the Bible in this way, and I needed the Lord’s reassurance at every step. It took a lot to share it with others initially, but now it’s out there and I’ve connected with other writers, I have an amazing support network. I’m so glad I obeyed this tough call. It has literally changed my life.

Amen to that. 

Tell us a bit about The Wanderer Scorned. What was the initial spark or idea that inspired this book?

I’m a mum of four boys and when they were all little, I didn’t read for ages. My brain was way too sleepy to engage with non-fiction texts. I realized that I remember stories better, and that Jesus used stories to convey deep truth and transform lives.

I had been praying for some time about what to write when I woke up convinced I should tackle Cain & Abel, from Cain’s perspective. “What, God? Really?” I asked. “He’s the bad guy!” But I believe God gave me the first paragraph and from there, the rest flowed.

I love it. Even the “bad guys” have their own thoughts and struggles. What research did you conduct, if any, while writing this book? How did it influence the story or characters?

Kayin (Cain) was a farmer, so I had to do a ton of research into ancient farming practices, creatures and climates. Then I had to try not to write too much of it, so I didn’t bore everyone to death. I hope what remains is fascinating and informs the reader’s understanding, particularly of Kayin’s punishment.

Are there any secondary characters in your book that hold particular significance to you? If so, why?

Of course, Abel, whose “blood still cries out from the ground.” It was extremely emotional tackling this aspect and I cried lots! I also love Chayim, who is the younger brother and the light relief. He’s a prankster and loads of fun. If you love Chayim too, you can read his spin-off story by subscribing to my newsletter https://natashawoodcraft.com/subscribe

Can you describe your writing process for this book? Did you encounter any unique challenges along the way?

The entire book was challenging: Presenting Cain as a character that people could relate to and engage with, even though we know the outcome of his story. I needed to be clear what God wanted me to convey and had to keep returning to Him in prayer and soaking in the scriptures. He was so gracious to me!

It’s been even harder to convince people they want to read it. But everyone who does comes away challenged and inspired, which is amazing. It was worth the battle.

No one likes to think their thoughts and behaviors are as jaded as “the bad guy”. But we are all filthy rags and wretched without Jesus.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?

Book 2, The Wanderer Reborn is already out, and is a hope-filled redemption story featuring Kayin’s sister. Book 3, about Lamech’s family from the end of Genesis 4, is releasing in April 2025. You can keep up with my news, and receive a free ebook, by subscribing to my newsletter https://natashawoodcraft.com/subscribe

That is fantastic, Natasha. I am sure many who enjoy biblical fiction look forward to reading your stories. Thank you, again, for joining us today. I pray this tour blesses you as new readers discover your work. 

Readers, please keep reading to see more about The Wanderer Scorned, and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end. 

Thank you for stopping by,

Melissa Wardwell

About the Book

Book: The Wanderer Scorned

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: March, 2024

“It all started with the banishment. As soon as the truth was known about their disobedience, my parents were driven from the Garden planted for them by the LORD God, Yahweh Elohim. A garden pleasing to the eye and filled with every kind of food. Yet for them, it had not been enough.”

Kayin lives in the shadow of his parent’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden and its lingering cloud of shame. He believes in the Creator but struggles for affirmation. When suffering comes and sibling rivalry threatens, Kayin wrestles with God, grasping at shards of faith. But his cries drown in the noise of his own doubts and fears, until his youthful faith lies shattered, replaced by a twisted dance of pride and jealousy.

As Kayin spirals further, misunderstandings within the family dynamic dominate, and whispers of temptation slither through the cracks. Then a chance at redemption presents itself. With flames of forbidden love still raging hot, Kayin and his brother bring sacrifices to Yahweh.

No one foresees the resulting tragedy.

The Wanderer Scorned is the first instalment in The Wanderer Biblical fiction series, immersing readers in the world of Genesis 4. This exploration of the first murder brings the Bible to life in a fresh way, delving into the character of the Creator God and His earliest interactions with humankind.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Natasha Woodcraft lives in a slightly crumbling farmhouse in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Also a songwriter, Natasha peppers her emotional prose with poetry and song.

More from Natasha

Q & A with Natasha Woodcraft

• You’re an Author from the UK. Tell me more about that.

That’s right. I’m a Brit, which is great but has its challenges, like negotiating single quotation marks! There’s a massive lack of Christian fiction here. It’s not stocked in secular bookstores, there are few Christian bookstores left, and there aren’t many big conventions or publishers. I’m part of a team passionate about changing the landscape. We offer support services to authors and publishing services. Please pray for us and our country, and support British writers if you can.

• Who do you share your home with?

My husband, Ben, and four sons ranging from 15 to 7. Plus a dog, 2 cats, 3 goats, 9 chickens and 16 quail (though they don’t all live in the house.) It can get a little crazy…

• Sounds like it. How do you find time to write?

Good question. My mornings are usually taken up with feeding/cleaning kids and animals. My afternoons with working for the family business or publishing house. Before tea, I’ll be out picking vegetables and pulling weeds – we try to grow as much as we can ourselves. Writing gets squeezed into late nights, early mornings and quieter days. It’s my downtime and my favorite time spent with Jesus.

• You write Bible-based fiction. What specifically?

The Wanderer Series is based on the story of Cain & Abel in Genesis 4. It came about because I woke up one morning wondering what prompted the first murder (no kidding; my brain is weird.) I’d been pondering Jesus’ words about murder and anger in the Sermon on the Mount and praying about what I should write for a while. Suddenly, I knew it had to be a reimagining of Cain’s story – from his perspective.

• Hang on. From Cain’s perspective?

Yeah. Though there’s certainly a place for them, I personally dislike stories that are too simplistic. Where bad guys are really bad and good guys are really good – that kind of thing. The Bible teaches us that we all need grace (especially me), and as regards Cain – I don’t think he was much different to any of us. Writing from his perspective gave me opportunity to spend a lot of time in the Word of God, exploring Cain’s slide into sin in a way that challenged me to examine my own heart.

• That’s some heavy stuff. Did you have any background that helped you tackle this story?

Sure. I have a degree in Theology, and I’ve also studied English Literature and Creative writing. Mostly though, it was a case of leaning heavily into what God wanted to teach me through this book and hoping some of that resonated with my readers. The reviews so far say it has!

• What would you say to those questioning whether Bible-based fiction is right for them?

I totally understand the fear surrounding this genre. I felt it myself when I started writing and that was something I had to take to God and trust Him with. “Is it even ok to write these stories?” I asked.

Essentially though, it isn’t much different to a sermon. It’s exegesis and expansion of the scripture, just presented differently: in fiction rather than non-fiction. I’ve researched, covered my writing in prayer, and had pastors check my work. I’m super careful about handling scripture faithfully but state where the story comes from my imagination. It isn’t intended to replace the Bible. Quite the opposite – I hope it will inspire people to pick the Bible up. I even include an appendix that explains decisions I made, and study questions, at the back.

My hope and prayer is that Jesus will be glorified as lives are touched by this ancient story reimagined. If you’re still not sure, why not give The Wanderer Scorned a go? You don’t know until you try…

Blog Stops

A Reader’s Brain, November 13 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, November 13

Back Porch Reads, November 14 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 16 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Fiction Book Lover, November 19 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 20 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 21

Guild Master, November 22 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, November 23 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Natasha is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.