Tell us about yourself.
I work as a game warden, enforcing laws that protect hunting, fishing, boating, trapping, and the use of government lands. My career has given me a deep respect for the outdoors, conservation, and the importance of stewardship. Each day in this role has given me experiences that inspire the stories I tell, especially as they connect to creation, responsibility, and character.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors, exploring woods, creeks, lakes, and wilderness with my English Setter, Hunter. I enjoyed camping, fishing, swimming, and eventually SCUBA diving, which gave me a passion for discovering the underwater world. These experiences nurtured my love for the outdoors, God’s creation, and the mysteries of what lies beneath the surface. They continue to inspire the themes and settings of my writing.
What was your journey to getting published like?
During COVID, my parents were caring for my grandmother in lockdown. My dad decided to publish the first book I wrote in middle school, Patches: The Cat is a Thief. He learned the publishing process, taught me, and together we began the journey. What started as a project became an adventure in itself, and it has been a rewarding path these past few years.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or passage that influences your writing, and if so, how does it play a role in your books?
The central passage guiding the Frogman Puck series is Ephesians 5:11, “Have no parts in the works of darkness, but rather expose them.” The light of Christ reveals truth, and when darkness is exposed, people are invited to step into the light, repent, and follow Him. That message runs at the heart of my storytelling.
What advice would you give to fellow Christian authors who are looking to write stories that inspire and uplift others?
What advice would you give other Christian authors about inspiring and uplifting readers?
Take your gifts, knowledge, and experiences and bring them back to God’s Word. Apply those lessons to the Great Commission. Step out in faith, be creative, and use your talents to reveal truth. Every part of the Body of Christ matters, and when we work together under His leadership, we reach more people with the Gospel.
How has your own relationship with God influenced your approach to writing and your storytelling process?
My relationship with God has deepened my prayer life, my gratitude, and my reliance on His guidance. I wanted to create heroes not born from accidents or mutations but through intelligent design, faith, and God-given purpose. Writing in this way has connected me more deeply to what it means to be a Christian, a father, a husband, and a warrior against darkness.
What challenges did you face when writing for a Christian audience, and how did you overcome them?
In prayer, I realized this is a central theme of my series: unity in truth, staying on the narrow path, and following Christ as the head. By aligning with the Holy Spirit, we focus on His will and message rather than distractions or division. A kingdom divided can not stand. The hand does what the brain tells it to. We should be an example of the Body of Christ. I overcame it by writing it in the book, as we should follow Christ's Word in RED. I had to write to Christian's and non-Christians.
How do you balance sharing your personal spiritual journey with creating a narrative that resonates with a broad Christian audience?
I write as much to myself as I do to my readers. My struggles, prayers, and hopes flow into the story. This allows both Christian and non-Christian readers to see honesty and faith woven into the narrative.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Bible studies, Christian content, outdoor activity with family, and spending time with family to generate a memory.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Chronicles of Narnia. These books sparked my love for adventure, discovery, and mysteries that reveal deeper truths. They reminded me that we are not accidents, that we have purpose, and that God has a plan for us. They also stirred in me a longing for the place He has prepared for His people.
What inspired you to write your latest book, and how does it reflect your Christian faith?
The Frogman Puck series was born from the desire to create wholesome, faith-driven adventures for readers searching for godly heroes. Too often, Christians have limited entertainment that uplifts while still offering epic adventure. Puck’s story reflects the call to serve, to act boldly, and to look deeper into God’s greatness with childlike faith.
How do you incorporate biblical principles into your storytelling without it feeling forced?
Sometimes it happened naturally, as my daily Bible studies matched the themes I was writing. At other times, I had to be patient, pray, and wait for the right place in the story. By trusting God’s timing, the principles of creation, design, and salvation found their place in the narrative in ways that flowed with the story.
Can you tell us about a character in your book that embodies Christian values, and what lessons can be learned from them?
Puck is the central character, but all of Team TIDES represents faith in action. They follow the light, confront darkness, and meet challenges with courage rooted in God’s truth. Each member reflects aspects of Christian character—teamwork, integrity, dedication, excellence, and service.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Frogman Puck Resurgent: Turn of the Tides
The narrative is done, I am working on the images now!
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes. There are tons of them! They are coming at the reader in every chapter. Too many to list. They follow a trail of artifacts related to the design of creation. In the second book, they follow the trail to the end of the line, and then their own mission of mystery begins!
How do you approach writing themes of forgiveness, grace, or redemption in your stories?
Through Puck’s journey, I explore the brokenness of humanity, the reality of sin, and our need for a Savior. In the second book, Resurgent, the theme of redemption takes center stage through salvation, baptism, and a powerful rebirth in Christ.
What do you hope readers take away from your book in terms of spiritual growth or personal reflection?
A stronger, empowered faith
A renewed love for God’s Word
A vision of faith in action
A sense of adventure in God’s plan
The courage to seek truth and expose darkness
A call to rise up and do His will
A way to share the Gospel with anyone, even if by the surprise of an epic adventure novel.
Joel Chanaca’s Author Websites and Profiles
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Joel Chanaca’s Social Media Links
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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