Press Kit

Latayne C. Scott

A Short Bio

Latayne C. Scott is the award-winning author of over  two dozen books, published by major Christian publishers such as Zondervan, Moody, Baker, Howard, Word and others. In addition, she has published poems, radio plays, and hundreds of articles in magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman, Guideposts, Writer’s Digest, The Upper Room, Christian Research Journal, Christian Retailing, and Military Officer. A full-time writer, she also speaks at seminars, retreats, and on television and radio programs. She has a PhD in Biblical Studies from Trinity Southwest University and  is the recipient of Pepperdine University’s Distinguished Christian Service Award for Creative Christian Writing. She is a full-time, patron-supported author who makes her home in her native New Mexico.
I pull an amorphous issue forward until it resolves into its face. Then I put my face right up against it and talk to it. I take all comers: the monolith of Mormonism, the challenge of writing truthful fiction, the bittersweet contradictions of faith in a mysterious and terrifying God of love. I look them all straight in the eye.
Latayne C. Scott

A Conspiracy of Breath

This book has garnered five-star reviews such as:

A Conspiracy of Breath changed me, deepened my love for The Breath, and swelled my appreciation for those who sacrificed so much to ensure people like me–millennia later–could turn the parchment pages and read Truth for ourselves. I did not want to leave this story and fear Latayne has spoiled me as a reader. That's how thoroughly it captivated my heart and rearranged my definition of elegant and life-altering storytelling.

Cynthia Ruchti, Golden-Scroll winning author of 20 books, including A Fragile Hope and Song of Silence

Wonderful writing, characterizations that are precise and vivid, excellent historical detail, fabulous prose marked by fresh metaphors and great rhythm, and the description of romantic feelings–so hard to write–rock my world. Beautiful, lyrical. 

Rosslyn Elliot, 2012 double Carol Award-winning author

Scott writes with a literary sensibility. Those who wonder who wrote the book of Hebrews (it's on my Questions to Ask God When I Get to Heaven list), and those intrigued by the person of Priscilla, will be fascinated with this well-researched, sophisticated read.

-Tracy Groot, award-winning author of Madman and The Sentinels of Andersonville

A fresh and engaging approach, which balances vivid imagination and extensive research.

-Jeff Miller, editor of Priscilla Papers

If I've ever read more exquisite writing than A Conspiracy of Breath I don't know what it would be. Latayne's amazing novel inserts the reader into the ancient world of Rome and Corinth and Jerusalem and lets her feel what it would have been like to live at the time of Paul and Timothy, Aquila and Priscilla, and Latayne's unforgettable character, Cordelia–as an outlaw believer in the Name. The revelation of the book of Hebrews as received by Priscilla is profound, such as I've never experienced it before. This story completely captures the reader. The first chapter is enthralling, hard to leave. Beautiful, mournful writing. Truly, truly unforgettable.

-Sharon K. Souza, author of The Color of Sorrow Isn't Blue

 

The Hinge of Your History: The Phases of Faith

This book has received high-praise commendation such as:

“More profound than you can possibly imagine,” says award-winning author Philip Yancey of the concept of the Phases of Faith that this book explores. Using the lives of Abraham (who the New Testament calls the “father of our faith”) and is often-reluctant wife Sarah as foundation, The Hinge of Your History: The Phases of Faith confronts modern, rubber-meets-the-road issues of faith for today's Christian who must live within the challenges of the second phase, the stark phase, the stark real-life contradictions to the promises of God.

 

Discovering the City of Sodom:

Discovering the City of Sodom is sure to create discussion, conversation, controversy, and enjoyment among lay and scholarly communities alike. Collins carries the reader on a journey through the Bible's ancestral tales of sacred obedience, decadent lust, and apocalyptic destruction, uncovering impressive archaeological remains of a sprawling metropolis possibly used by the biblical writers as their geographic setting. A book not to be missed in the debate over the Bible's role in archaeological studies.

-David C. Maltsberger, Professor of Religion, Wayland Baptist University

 

‘Welcome to Sodom’ signs are absent—so has Steven Collins found the place? Latayne Scott imaginatively tells how Collins concludes it is Tall el-Hammam, east of the Jordan river, arguing vigorously from biblical texts, geography and his discoveries at this large site. Archaeology's slow processes come to life in this vivid narrative.

-Alan Millard, Emeritus Rankin Professor of Hebrew & Ancient Semitic Languages, The University of Liverpool

Latter-day Cipher:

From the surrealistically tranquil opening scene in which the reader scans the body of a killer's first victim, to an explosive final chapter delivered with the rhythm of a quickened pulse, Latter Day Cipher is a masterwork of riveting story-craft and elegant prose…Her compassion shows in fully-dimensioned characters caught in crises of faith and loyalty as questions are asked and secrets exposed.

-Kathleen Popa, author of To Dance in the Desert and The Feast of Saint Bertie

Award winning author Latayne C. Scott has another hit with the suspense thriller Latter-Day Cipher…This is definitely a page turner all the way to the surprising end.

-Susan Storm Smith, former Mormon

Here is one of those books that is so interesting that the mystery becomes almost secondary to what you are learning from the book, Latter Day Cipher…This is a good story and the action continues all the way to the end.

-Chris Jager, Baker Book House fiction buyer

 

 

The Mormon Mirage:

Her book presents one of the most complete treatments of Mormon theology that I've read in some time. It is thorough, historically accurate, well researched and documented with up to date evidence that substantiates even further the falseness and deceptiveness of Mormonism. Her presentation of the errors of Mormonism is admirably balanced by her honest portrayal of not only the positive values of the Mormon Church, but in sharing her soul-wrenching resolve to leave the religion she had so loved.

-Janis Hutchinson, author of The Mormon Missionaries

Latayne actually narrates two journeys: her own and then the historic development and changes of the Mormon Church from its founding right up to the Twenty First Century. The integrity and rigor of the research and scholarship are impressive. All sources are available to be rechecked by any skeptic. Even after being subjected to lies and vilification, Latayne's generous spirit extends affection to those left behind, still trusting the mirage.

-Barnes & Noble Reader Review

 

 

Interview Endorsement

 

“I have interviewed many of the most prominent, respected and recognizable leaders within Evangelical Christianity today, and Latayne C. Scott has become one of my very favorite guests. Her gift for crystal clear articulation and command of the English language, her vast knowledge of theology and her fascinating testimony of having once been a member of a major cult give Latayne the ability to keep listeners riveted to their radios while being interviewed. Her irenic, humble spirit and her very pleasant, endearing voice allow her to speak the truth unequivocally without unnecessarily intimidating or insulting those she is attempting to correct, counsel or rescue. I heartily, without hesitation, recommend her to other talk hosts.”

-Chris Arnzen, host, “Iron Sharpens Iron” Radio Program

 

Suggested Interview Questions for A Conspiracy of Breath

Who do people think wrote the book of Hebrews?
Why do most scholars think it was not Paul who wrote the book?
Why do scholars say Priscilla is the logical candidate?
What evidence in the book of Hebrews seems to say Paul didn’t write it?
What evidence supports the theory of prominent women writers of antiquity?
What is a lithopedion?  Why is it a symbol in your book?
What is the significance of the fact that Priscilla was apparently a Gentile and a noblewoman?
Why are feminists and egalitarians on the one hand, and complementarians and traditionalists on the other, endorsing your book?
What is the opening scene of the book and what scene does it set?
Why does this book carry counter the common saying that “the Holy Spirit is a gentleman; He doesn’t go where He’s not invited”?
Why have people objected to the manner of revelation (sometimes in a trance) that this book says may have been the mechanism of revelation?

 

Suggested Interview Questions for The Hinge of Your History

Why do Christians of today feel “ambushed” by crisis?
What are the three phases of faith, and where are they found in Scripture?
Did Jesus teach about the phases of faith?
Did Jesus face contradictions to the promises of God?
What are the marks of a contradiction, in phase two?
What can a person do in Phase Two in order to preserve faith in God?
What is the Hinge?
What are the layers beneath the hinge on the cover of the book?
What is a Phase One promise? Does it always have to be a specific promise?
Why do you say that the life of Abraham shows that the Phases of Faith are cyclical in our lives?

Suggested Interview Questions for Latayne C. Scott on Mormonism

How did you become a Mormon, and what did you find satisfying about that religion?
What were the circumstances that led to your leaving the LDS Church?
What changes led to your decision to write a new edition of The Mormon Mirage?
What other books have you written about Mormonism and cults?
What doctrinal differences are there between Mormonism and traditional Christianity?
What are the biggest factors facing Mormons in the 21st century?
What is your advice for someone who wants to have a dialogue with a Mormon?
Why, after publishing non-fiction, did you decide to write a novel about Mormonism?
What is unique about your novel, Latter-day Cipher?
What are the greatest struggles faced by the characters in Latter-day Cipher?
What is your next writing project?

 

Find Latayne C. Scott on the Internet:

Representational Research
Twitter: Latayne

Contact:

Celeste Green, Publicist