Gary Hughes, Author: Background, Goals, Writing Objectives

Since Gary's earliest years, over fifty of them, he has pursued interests diverse as music, electronics, history, alternative medicine and theology. But one of the pivotal moments in his life came when he prayed a simple prayer to God, for salvation at the end of his junior year in high school. It has since, influenced every decision and provided direction at every crossroad he has faced.

In January of 1971, a few months into his new experience with Jesus Christ, Gary became involved with a group of "Jesus People" known as the "Bible Way." He saw young people turn from drugs and the hippie culture, to Jesus Christ and real life. Although straight-laced as a teen, Gary immersed himself in their enthusiasm and love for The Lord. It was a movement that eventually spread throughout the entire Pacific Northwest. Gary's musical gift came to the fore as he played his instrument as part of the music services in gatherings in the state of Portland. And while he served God in musical endeavors, he also pursued electronics as a vocation. He serviced audio equipment, televisions, and especially organs, working six years as a free-lance repairman. He also repaired coin-operated equipment which culminated in becoming a service manager for a coin-route operator.

In 1990 Gary's life took a major turn when he moved to Portland, Oregon to attend Portland Bible College, where he graduated four years later cum laude with a Bachelor of Theology degree. There he began to service broadcast video gear, which he still does to this day.

In 2004, at the age of fifty-one, Gary married Sandra, who has been his inspiration and support in every conceivable way.

Writing has always been part of Gary's life, entertaining the junior-high crowd with his versions of popular television characters, writing in the high school 'underground' newspaper relating to his Christian faith, and writing a regular column for Star Tech Journal, the technical monthly for the amusement's industry. Sermons and Bible studies have always been a passion.

Alyen began life in 1977, written out first in longhand and then pounded into typed form on a vintage "Underwood Model 5" typewriter with glass-faced keys and Victorian stenciling. The concept of Alyen was set aside until almost 30 years later, when Gary realized it was still a story that needed to be told. Computers, and not the vintage "Underwood," did much to get this first Science Fiction Novel manuscript done in short order.

A Brief Word From Gary About Writing Books:

In my writing, I want to address some of the other poignant issues of our time, such as same-sex attraction, political conspiracies and the outrages perpetrated by socialist elites. So, for relevance in my writings, I try to present a world that touches on everything the forces of desolation work against us, in our time. I also strive to present scenarios that express a heart-cry for hope, in our insane world. I have always found that there are answers from the Word of God. Part of my "Jesus People" legacy is a love for the Bible, expressed in word and song. So, I include portions of Scripture (usually the KJV) in key places. Did you know that even nonbelievers often find short passages of scripture uplifting and compelling?

The original concept for Alyen dates back to 1977, after watching both Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica come crashing onto our cultural shores. But though I enjoyed the stories, I often wondered whether a person could write of science, space, technology and rockets yet reserve God His rightful place.

Psalm 19 is amazingly appropriate to events such as a space flight. And in Psalm 102, the Lord takes special note to hear the "groaning of the prisoner." The thought of "hope written for the generation to come" speaks volumes to me as for the purpose and context of my writing.

From the very first I have seen my writings as basis for a motion picture. As I pursue publication, I want to develop a screenplay. Even though many scenes can often replaced or changed, I see places where a movie would actually shed light on the message of each book. That would be a rare achievement, but one I would enjoy greatly.

May God Bless and Encourage You on Your Journey