The Flog – The Fabry Log

I’ve spent much of my life in Christian radio, so it makes sense I would write a book about its power. What I didn't foresee was the main character, Billy Allman. Almost Heaven is loosely patterned after this man from Lost Creek, WV. A listener phoned me in January of 2008 to tell me of Billy's death. He lived at the radio station he had built. As she described him, I realized I knew Billy—not personally, but I knew his stock. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back.

I put Billy at the Buffalo Creek flood, made his father a coal miner, then moved the family to my favorite fictional town, Dogwood. Billy wound up a beaten man but still had a dream. And the "messenger" in the story gives you an even wider perspective of his life.

I would like for you to experience Almost Heaven. The novel releases in October. But I have a few Advance Reader Copies I would like to give away before that release date. All I ask is that you spread the word if you like it. My guess is, you'll be thinking about Billy long after you turn the final page.

One major theme of the novel is the power of local Christian radio. So, tell me your story. How has a Christian radio station made a difference for you? Did you hear a song at just the right time? Were you buoyed in your life by something someone said? Share your story and you may win a copy of Almost Heaven before it's released. Be specific about your station and include the call letters. We'll share the winning entries publicly, so this is your chance to point others to a station you've enjoyed.

Here's how it works:

Email your entry to me at chris@chrisfabry.com by midnight on Saturday, August 7. Include your mailing address. By submitting your story, you agree that it may be shared publicly at the judges' discretion. The winning entries will be judged for story content and all decisions by the judges will be final. If you're one of our winners, we'll send your advance copy of Almost Heaven soon.

I look forward to hearing your story, and I hope you'll enjoy reading mine.