Dawid Marczak

I was born in Tuchola, a picturesque area known for its dense forests and natural beauty. Growing up in a farming family, I developed a deep connection to nature early on, spending my childhood exploring the woods and learning about the local flora and fauna. When my family moved to the Krajna region, my love for the outdoors only grew. I enjoyed fishing and mushroom foraging, and found joy in frying potatoes by the fire, surrounded by the countryside. During high school, we moved to a larger city, which was a significant change. However, the lessons from my rural upbringing stayed with me, providing solace and inspiration throughout my studies. The close contact with nature and farm animals left a lasting impact, helping me appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world. This deep connection to nature has shaped my perspective, instilling a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.

When I was 8 years old, my family was invited to a Christian worship meeting that profoundly impacted me. Although my parents raised me with Christian values, prayer, and Bible reading, God had always seemed distant and strict. This service was different. The atmosphere was amazing, with genuine, harmonious singing and prayer. For the first time, I felt loved by God and experienced His presence in a personal way. Great joy filled my heart, and I knew without a doubt that God is real and that He loves me. From that moment on, I had an inward assurance of God, which I believe is faith. For years after, I felt an indescribable happiness. I fell in love with God and saw how amazing He is, hard to put into words until you feel it. It's an experience I wish for everyone.

Over the years, my faith grew even stronger. I met many amazing people from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. Each travel experience broadened my horizons. I remember visiting the Philippines for the first time and being struck by how friendly, warm, and happy people were, despite not having much financially. Europeans often have a materialistic approach to life, while Filipinos are very family-oriented. They value family and friendship above all else, which I deeply appreciate. I noticed the same focus on relationships in other Asian countries, especially in Vietnam, where I lived for almost two years. There, I learned to be content and happy with small things rather than constantly chasing more. This experience taught me to appreciate and be grateful for every moment of my life, recognizing that true value can't be measured by money, but is found in the priceless moments we experience.

My wife and I moved to Iceland 2.5 years ago. It wasn't easy to leave our families behind, but we wanted to embark on a new adventure and seek a better life. Here in Iceland, I started writing, perhaps influenced by the weather. Let me explain: for half of the year, most days are dark, and the weather is often harsh and depressing. While Iceland's beauty is undeniable, the challenging climate can be tough to face every day. During those long, dark days, there's little to do but stay indoors, providing ample time for contemplation and writing. This unique environment has fueled my creative process and allowed me to explore new depths in my writing.

Seeing Gullfoss waterfalls for the first time was incredibly inspirational. I had seen many waterfalls before and after, but none impressed me as much as Gullfoss. Standing in front of it, I realized the immense power of creation and how small and helpless humans are in the face of nature's elements. The waterfall is both beautiful and majestic, inspiring a healthy fear and respect. It reminded me that the spiritual realities I discuss in my writing are powerful and should be approached with caution. Gullfoss served as a profound metaphor for the awe and reverence we should have for the spiritual world.

As I mentioned before, family is important to me. I think Mark, the main protagonist in my book, is somewhat similar to me. Like him, I searched for the meaning of life and have an interest in supernatural things. Although I didn't experience the tragic loss of a mother like Mark did, I did fall into a trap of darkness and deception for a short period. However, God is faithful and rescued me. My book serves as a warning not to believe everything just because it's supernatural. Not everything supernatural is of God. This theme is central to my story, reflecting my own journey and the lessons I've learned about discernment and faith.

I don't want to reveal too much of the book's narrative, but I can share that the main protagonist, in his search for power and knowledge, loses his way and hits rock bottom. In dramatic circumstances, he hears a message of redemption and hope in Jesus Christ, which eventually leads to the restoration of his friendships and family ties. This storyline is inspired by the greatest sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins. When I put my faith in Him, it restored my connection with God and brought hope and meaning to my life. This is not just my testimony, but also the testimony of many people I've met in different countries.

It's crucial to stay true to history. Although my book is fiction, it incorporates true historical events, such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago. While the Gospels provide only a brief historical account of His disciples, we can't know the whole picture. That's why I tried to express my personal perception of this crucial event. I aimed to connect with the reader's emotions so they can identify with the painful experience of Jesus' slow death while also understanding that it was not without purpose. My friend, who helped me edit the book and isn't a believer, told me that when he read those chapters describing Jesus' crucifixion, he felt like he was there. I couldn't ask for more. I hope readers will have a similar experience.

I think I already answered this question.

Navigating the fine line between respecting cultural traditions and avoiding cultural appropriation in writing requires thoughtful effort. I start with thorough research to understand the culture deeply, learning from authentic sources and engaging with individuals from that culture. It's important to respect the significance of traditions and portray them with nuance, avoiding stereotypes or oversimplifications. I also acknowledge my perspective as an outsider and seek feedback from readers to ensure accuracy and respect. I'm always open to criticism and willing to revise my work if members of the culture express concerns. By doing this, I aim to give credit where it's due and handle cultural elements with the respect they deserve.

My book is not just for Christians; it's for anyone seeking spirituality, the meaning of life, and something deeper. I hope it brings readers closer to understanding the power of God's love for everyone, regardless of their past. There's hope and redemption even for those who feel like the worst case. We all stumble and lose our way, but God is faithful and offers a helping hand when we need it most.

Since this is my debut, I had no previous experience in writing and publishing. I had to re-read the manuscript multiple times and make many changes. New ideas often emerged during the writing process, requiring adjustments throughout the book. Even though I worked for several years as a translator and later as an English teacher, English isn't my native language, so I relied on dictionaries and other language tools. Writing is fun, but producing work of high quality requires significant time and effort.

As a student, I was taught not to believe written texts without thorough analysis and research, a principle I apply to every project I work on. I read extensively on spirituality from various perspectives, not just Christian ones. Before writing about the Society of Light in my book, I researched secret societies and how they function. While not every description is based on research—some elements are from my imagination—many aspects relate to how secret societies operate today or in the past. This blend of research and creativity aims to create a realistic and engaging narrative.

Yes, I have a few projects that I'm working on. I have a plan for the second book in this series and a few projects that are specifically directed toward Christian readers. I'm excited to continue exploring these different avenues and sharing my work with a diverse audience.

I've been using AllAuthor for over three months now, and it's been a positive experience. Upgrading to premium membership has its perks, like increased visibility for my books and access to helpful marketing tools. It's been a good investment for my writing journey, making things a bit easier and more effective.