Wilson, Debbie 1956–

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Wilson, Debbie 1956–

PERSONAL: Born 1956; children: two sons. Religion: Christian. Hobbies and other interests: Defensive firearms techniques, embroidery, rottweilers, political and human rights activism.

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Kregel Publications, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2607. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: Freelance writer.

AWARDS, HONORS: Christy Award, Christy Advisory Board, 2005, for Tiger in the Shadows.

WRITINGS:

Tiger in the Shadows (novel), Kregel Publications (Grand Rapids, MI), 2004.

Contributor of articles to periodicals, including Christian Libraries.

SIDELIGHTS: Debbie Wilson is a freelance writer whose work has covered everything from equal rights to abortion, and home schooling to politics. A devout Christian, she frequently reviews books for Christian Libraries and believes her faith strongly affects her own writing. Her interest in the persecution of Christians around the world, particularly in China, led to the subject matter for her first novel, Tiger in the Shadows. The story is based on the treatment Christians receive in communist China, where they are considered cult members who are defying political control. Wilson follows her protagonist, Stefanie Peng, as she travels from Chicago to China in an attempt to rescue her grandfather, who has spent many years in prison because of his religious beliefs. Stefanie is accompanied by Troy Hardigan, who offers to help her in her quest. Wilson includes an afterward that chronicles true stories of the hardships suffered by Chinese Christians in their efforts to practice their faith.

In a review for Kliatt, Maureen Griffin called Wilson's work an "inspiring and gripping story." A contributor for Christian Monitor online wrote that "the concise narrative never strays from its main objective, which is to accurately portray and bring to light the ongoing persecution of China's underground Church. Wilson's vivid depictions of imprisonment and the torture inflicted on Christians, some of which are based on true stories, are heart wrenching, meticulously researched accounts of the brutality and suffering our brothers and sisters in China are forced to endure for their faith in Christ."