Glenn HaggertyAt age 40, Glenn Haggerty was forced to revise his personal career goals. He moved from Plan A to B, and then finally C. But, just like every Divine Detour, his life readjustment eventually put him right where he needed to be—writing inspirational young adult stories. Run is his debut novel.

Glenn’s short stories have been published in Cadet Quest, Partners, Splickety, and Havok magazines. He is also a volunteer at Freshwater Community Church, based in Waconia, Minnesota, serving on the sermon team and writing weekly sermon-based Bible study questions.

He and his wife, and their two youngest, college age children, reside in Minneapolis.

 

What started you on your writing journey?

I’ve always loved reading but didn’t have that much time for it. Once glaucoma forced me out of the business world at forty, I tried not to ask “why Lord,” rather “what do you want me to do?” God provided and guided me into a number of blessed ministry opportunities over the next years, including seminary where the idea of creative writing took hold. When some doors closed and ministry settled into a routine, I had time to write. So I began my pursuit of creative writing in earnest in 2007.

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God sometimes sends us down an unexpected path—one that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

Yes, I was pursuing pastoral leadership in the local church, but wasn’t sure I could do it due to my physical limitations. In retrospect, I’m convinced that I don’t have what it takes. It was hard for me to admit my limitations. Plan B was teaching at a Christian college, but I just didn’t feel the enthusiasm or calling for one more degree. I settled into a more manageable volunteer discipling and teaching ministry in the local church — and started to write!

RUN-Cover-Final-203x300Let’s talk about your debut novel Run (Taegais Publishing, October 2015). Please tell us about it.

Run is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy from a Christian home trying to find his way. Wanting to hang with the cool crowd caused him to make some bad choices that mushroomed into a huge mess. A family relocation gave him the opportunity to start over, but he’s not a fast learner… Everything seems stacked against him, including a nasty run-in with some very bad men. But Tyler still wants to do things his way. Slowly he begins to trust in God again, and things begin to change. And it’s a good thing, because he’ll need God to make it through what lies ahead.

What part does your faith play in your writing?

First, I write from a Christian worldview, therefore, my stories reflect that perspective of reality. The key characters within each story must apply faith or not, and work through the stuff life throws at them. And in my stories, that’s usually a lot! Second, as I write, I pray for inspiration and guidance. Frankly, I’m astonished with what God provides sometimes. There is no way I could do this of myself.

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A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Definitely Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and not just the regular ones. The seasonal bags for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter just seem to have something extra tasty in them.

In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?

Probably the tall dark stranger, I’ve always been an odd combination of awkward, shy introvert and outgoing, aggressive competitor. In Christ, however, I try to subsume the stranger, and rather be a transparent and caring friend.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

As a child, I had a white lab mix that I claimed and took in and named Sugar. He was awesome, and I loved that dog. However, when he suffered a violent demise, I never really became that attached to another animal. On the other hand, we do have a fluffy Maltese named Chelsea, and I love the love she brings into my family’s life!

Thank you, Glenn! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

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For more information about Glenn, visit his website.

To purchase Run, log on to:

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