David Kitz
David Kitz's story, "Friday, 8:50 a.m., April 7, AD 30," on page 157 of Hot Apple Cider was adapted from a section is his novel about the crucifixion, The Soldier, the Terrorist, and the Donkey King.
David Kitz is an actor, an award-winning author, and a public school teacher. For over twelve years, he served as an ordained pastor with the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada.
He has a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies, in addition to Bachelor’s degrees in both Arts and Education.
David's love for drama and storytelling is evident to all who have seen his Bible based performances. For several years now, he has toured across Canada and into the United States with a variety of one-man plays for both children and adults.
Though born and raised in Saskatchewan, David now lives in Ottawa with his wife Karen, and their two adult sons, Tim and Joshua.
Hot Apple Cider came together in a rather unusual way. What made you want to have your work in it?
I like the concept behind this book. I believe we are stronger when we work together. This is true in any field of endeavour, but I think something truly beautiful is possible when Christian writers bring their best to the table.
This book is 100% Canadian. Canadian authors, publisher, printer—everything. Is that important to you?
Yes, I think it is very important. The Canadian Christian marketplace is dominated by American authors and publishers, and I wish them no ill—may God bless them, even as I have been blessed by reading many of their books—but we need to hear from our own people. We have been shaped by a different history, culture and spiritual climate. Something resonates within me when I read of the experiences, triumphs and struggles of other Canadians. I identify.
In her foreword for Hot Apple Cider, Janette Oke mentions that writers are often asked, “Why do you write?” How do you respond to that question?
I write to change the world. Why else would anyone write? Wow, that sounds like a grandiose response! But for me it’s true. We live in a rather messed-up, sin-darkened world. Jesus is the greatest agent of change anyone can ever meet. He brings light into my darkness—speaks peace into the storm. If I can bring anyone closer to Him through my writing, I am changing the world.
David, you also do a lot of acting. Did the writing come first, or the acting? The two areas are rather opposite, in that one involves you being alone and the other requires a crowd. Do you find they work together in some way, or do they tug you in different directions?
I find there is a wonderful synergy between my acting and my writing. To play a character, you need to become that character in thought, word and action. The same is true as you develop a character in a novel.
From an early age I enjoyed creative writing, but I had minimal experience in drama. As a pastor I discovered my "gift" for drama, and it has informed, and been the basis for, each of the three books that I have written thus far.
You’re actually a junior high school teacher; you do a lot of performing; and you have a family. How do you make time for writing?
Writing is a weekend or vacation time activity for me. I enjoy the creative aspect of it, but it's work, and it requires a good deal of self-discipline.
Your story in Hot Apple Cider is actually an excerpt from your first published book, The Soldier, the Terrorist and the Donkey King, which is really the story of Christ’s crucifixion. What prompted you to write that book, and what did you learn while writing it?
I had been doing my one-man Passion of Christ drama, "The Centurion’s Report" for about four years, when I realized that this four-act play formed a natural springboard for a novel. I can honestly say I felt the Holy Spirit’s prompting to write this book. I wanted to create a realistic portrayal of Christ’s Passion from the centurion’s perspective.
Your second book, Little Froggy Explores the BIG World, is very different. Why a children’s book?
Why not a children’s book? I was an elementary school teacher for the first twelve years of my teaching career, so I was well acquainted with children’s literature. Little Froggy Explores the BIG World was a story I first told to my sons as they were growing up, and they simply loved it. After the quick success of my first novel, I thought it was an opportune time to follow that up with this children’s book.
What I find remarkable about Little Froggy Explores the BIG World is its staying power. It was published in 2004 and won The Word Guild Children’s Picture Book Award. Now, six years later, it is on the Salem Storehouse bestseller list for children. The feedback from kids over the years has been a huge encouragement to me as a writer.
Your latest book is called Psalms Alive! Can you tell us a little about how you got the idea for this book and what it’s like?
For ten years, I have been doing live dramatizations of fourteen selected psalms from the Bible. I do these dramatizations without commenting on the psalms. Having memorized and meditated on these psalms for that length of time, I thought it only natural to write about them and their impact on my life. God truly speaks to us through his Word, if we will but take the time to read, study and listen.
I would describe this book as a devotional study of thirteen selected psalms. It combines elements of a typical devotional, with some of the elements of a more formal Bible study. Each chapter begins with a reading from a psalm. This is then followed by a five to six page discussion of that psalm portion. This may include stories from David’s life, my own experience, or the experiences of others. Finally there are a series of questions or points of application that aim to make that psalm alive, real and personal for you the reader.
I’m assuming you get feedback from a lot of people because of the nature of your books, and feedback is great for the author—you know someone is actually reading your words! But I’m wondering if you’ve learned anything from your readers that you could share with us?
As a writer, your words can transform a life. A few years back, I was invited as a guest author to help launch a new Christian bookstore in Saint John, NB. But the evening before the big event, I was introduced to man who had read my book, The Soldier, the Terrorist & the Donkey King. Bill gave his heart to the Lord as a result of reading that book. At the time, he was hospitalized with a heart attack. While in recovery, he was reading The Da Vinci Code. His wife’s pastor came into the hospital room and gave Bill a copy of my book. Bill said that as he read my book, for the first time in his life, the gospel message made sense. That’s the power of words—words well-written. I feel honoured to be a part of what the Holy Spirit can do through the written word.
You, too, may change the course of someone’s life through what you write.
Are you working on something else now, and if so, can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently ghost writing a book for a Pentecostal pastor who passed away a few years ago. He left a manuscript and sermons that have a good deal of potential as a possible book, but a lot of work is needed to develop his thoughts and stitch them together in a more coherent whole. Once again, I find myself trying to get into someone else’s head. I enjoy the challenge.
Aside from your own story, is there a particular piece or thought in Hot Apple Cider that stood out for you?
I'm a bit of a World War II nut; I'm fascinated by that epic struggle. So, Keith Clemons account of his father’s experience in "Faith of our Mothers—Holy Faith" really impacted me.
A lot of people want to share their stories in order to help others. What advice do you have for someone who wants to write but doesn’t know how to begin?
Begin with your experience. You are unique.
What is your prayer for the readers of Hot Apple Cider?
May the Holy Spirit inspire and transform the lives of readers of Hot Apple Cider.
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