Faith-based books carry a unique power—they inspire, educate, and connect readers with deeper spiritual truths. For Archie Roy, receiving not one but two Illumination Awards has been both a personal and professional milestone.
His works, The God of Dreams and King Solomon’s Empire, have illuminated the minds of readers, earning accolades that recognize their depth, insight, and significance.
We caught up with Roy to discuss his journey, the inspiration behind his award-winning books, and his advice for aspiring authors.
A Dual Celebration of Excellence
Winning an Illumination Award is a high honor, but for Roy, it’s been twice as sweet. He received a gold medal in the Enduring Light (Christian Thought) category for The God of Dreams in 2020 and a silver medal in the Bible Study category for King Solomon’s Empire in 2024.
“When I found out I’d won the awards, I was very pleased both times,” Roy shared. “The second time was particularly special because my joy was shared directly with my wife, Margaret, who co-authored the book with me.”
Professionally, the awards have proven invaluable. “Even the physical award stickers help both online and in physical bookstores,” Roy said. “They’re a tangible marker of recognition that can influence readers and retailers alike.”
The Spark of Inspiration
For Roy, inspiration struck during a conference in North Carolina, where the subject of dreams was discussed. “It was agreed that there wasn’t much available on dreams from a Christian perspective,” he explained. “I left the conference knowing I had a book in mind that could fill that gap.” This idea led to the creation of The God of Dreams.
With his second book, King Solomon’s Empire, Roy followed a similar path of discovery. “I realized there was a significant gap in literature about Solomon, especially compared to David. The two main works on Solomon were out of print, and I thought it would be a fascinating study to bring his story to life.”
The Writing Process
Creating his books was a thoughtful and deliberate process. As a university employee, Roy had access to a wealth of resources through the library and academic publishing agreements, which he utilized extensively.
For King Solomon’s Empire, Roy and his wife divided the workload. “I focused on writing a new biography of Solomon and examining his influence in modern times, while Margaret analyzed the biblical books ascribed to him, drawing out meaningful insights,” Roy said.
While the pandemic delayed both the writing and publication of the Solomon book, Roy turned the challenge into an advantage. “The delays gave us the opportunity to ensure thorough editing. By the time the book was published, there were no errors or unintended inaccuracies.”
Themes of Faith and Truth
Through his works, Roy hopes to share several key messages:
- God’s Communication: “That God is real and communicates in various ways, such as dreams and visions.”
- Biblical Authority: “The Bible is God’s authoritative word, and biblical research can reveal profound truths.”
- Psychological Insights: “There is a rich overlap between biblical truth and psychological investigation.”
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Roy has a wealth of wisdom for those considering writing and publishing:
- Collaborate with Publishers: “Work with professionals to create the best possible version of your book. Presentation matters.”
- Focus on Marketing: “Develop strategies to promote your book. Libraries, bookstores, and positive reviews can make a significant difference.”
- Be Prepared for Challenges: “The publishing industry is competitive. Effort and focus are crucial for standing out.”
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his journey, Roy wishes he had known more about the industry’s challenges. “The marketplace is crammed with books, but with hard work and determination, you can ensure your work stands out.”
For those considering submitting to the Illumination Awards, his advice is clear: “Absolutely go through with it. The awards are well-respected and provide meaningful recognition.”
Looking ahead, Roy is delving into a fascinating new project: a book about London in the 1640s and the Westminster Assembly, which produced the Westminster Confession of Faith. “I’m investigating the key players and the lasting impact of the Confession,” he revealed.
Illuminate Your Own Path
Roy’s journey is proof that dedication, teamwork, and faith can lead to incredible creative success. From unraveling the mysteries of dreams to exploring King Solomon’s fascinating life, his books show just how powerful and timeless Christian literature can be.
Have you poured your heart into a book that inspires readers? Consider submitting your work to the Illumination Awards—you never know how far your story might go!
