Roger Bruner worked as a teacher, job counselor, and programmer analyst before retiring to pursue his dream of writing Christian fiction full-time. He sings in the church choir, plays bass guitar on the praise team, and participates in the weekly nursing home ministry. He enjoys reading, writing songs and playing his guitar, web design, mission trips, photography, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Kathleen. Roger’s new novel, The Devil and Pastor Gus, released in November of 2014. Two Young Adult novels, Found in Translation and Lost in Dreams, came out in 2011. He’s also published a small book of his short older works, Yesterday’s Blossoms. Eight completed novel manuscripts are waiting to be discovered by some discriminating acquisitions editor.

Leaving a Legacy

by Roger Bruner

Pastor Gus Gospello is suffering a mid-life crisis. Unlike men who use middle age as an excuse to buy expensive sports cars, jump out of airplanes, or cheat on their wives, Gus wants to leave a lasting Christian legacy. He’s not concerned about becoming famous or having people remember him by name. In fact, he wants his legacy to stand on its own without anyone knowing who’s responsible for it.

I can relate perfectly. Although not a minister, I am Pastor Gus in many ways. Although I’m sixty-eight now—a tad past middle age—I’ve spent years wondering what my legacy will be. What can I do now that will count for years beyond my death?

Like Pastor Gus Gospello, I’ve come to the conclusion that my best chance to touch the lives of other people is through my writing.

Just as Gus has touched lives though years of soul-stirring sermons, I’ve had the opportunity to share original poetry, short stories and plays, and dramatic monologs in a variety of ways. Some through denominational publications. Others through local newspapers and free magazines. I’ve used many of my original songs on mission trips to England, Wales, Romania, Australia, and Nicaragua. Also in prisons, nursing homes, and migrant camps. Sometimes I even get to sing in my own church.

Like Pastor Gus, I’ve found myself asking, “Are those things enough? Surely my influence hasn’t been very far-reaching or widespread. How can I make a more significant difference as a Christian?”

And like Pastor Gus, I believe my legacy lies in my fiction. I’d like to believe that the novels God has inspired me to write in my years of retirement will not just touch lives now, but continue to touch lives for years to come. Whether people remember the name Roger E. Bruner is immaterial; I won’t be around to care about that. But if even a few of my words will continue to make a difference in their lives, what greater legacy could I ask for?

I’d love to hope that thousands of people will feel this way after I’m gone:

“I just finished your book, Found In Translation, and loved it, and now I’m halfway through Lost In Dreams. Your books are very inspiring and have helped me grow so much closer to God. Thank you so much. You couldn’t even imagine how grateful I am.”

No, I can’t. It’s all in God’s hands. And that’s the best place any legacy can be.

More about The Devil and Pastor Gus:

B.L.ZeBubb became the laughingstock of Heaven when he failed to win Pastor Gus Gospello’s soul years earlier. He’s determined to succeed this time.

Gus is obsessed with leaving a legacy—a satire making fun of B.L.ZeBubb’s foolish pride. He feigns friendship with the Devil to learn back story for his novel.

When B.L.ZeBubb discovers that he’s being used, he starts wrecking Gus’s life in every imaginable way and ultimately tricks him into willingly signing a contract for his soul.

Gus has some tricks up his sleeve, though. But the Devil is still the Devil, and Gus has no guarantee of success. Who knows where he’ll go when he dies?

Links for Roger and his books:
Website: RogerBruner.com 
Blogs: AsIComeSinging.wordpress.com
OnAgingGracelessly.com
Facebook: Roger.Bruner
Twitter:  @RogerBruner
Pinterest: rogerbruner
Purchase My Books: RogerBruner.com/Purchase.shtml

Thanks for joining us, Roger.  I’m not sure if you meant it to be or not, but this book sounds hilarious.

Blessings,