TMW: Firstly, congratulations, Eugene H. Strayhorn Jr., on your book, Echoes of My Son, being awarded The Most Moving Book of 2025. How does this recognition feel to you?
Eugene: This award makes me feel grateful, hopeful, and somewhat self-conscious. It also reminds me to thank God for providing me with the tools and the time to write.
TMW: What personal experience or inspiration led you to write Echoes of My Son, and how did that experience shape the narrative?
Eugene: The book is inspired by a true story. In church one Sunday it was announced that the son of a member of the congregation had been killed during a botched robbery. The question that occurred to me was what could be the best possible outcome of such a horrible tragedy.
TMW: In what ways have you noticed readers connect most deeply with the book?
Eugene: Readers who have experienced the pain and anger associated with the loss of a loved one can draw strength and healing from the power of the Holy Spirit which leads to forgiveness and unconditional love.
TMW: Could you walk us through your writing process, from idea to the final draft?
Eugene: I start with a concept, a theme that captures my imagination. Next, I envision the characters, who they are, their motives and personalities, and who they will become. Then I create a fairly extensive scene outline detailing events, relationships between characters, settings, and activities. Then when I actually write a scene, I go back and revise the scene outline as appropriate, depending upon insights gained during the writing. After the first version is completed, I go back through the novel to correct any mistakes, creating version 2. If necessary, I’ll go through the book again, producing version 3. Finally, I have text-to-speech read the novel back to me because, apparently, my ears do a better job identifying typos than my eyes.
TMW: What challenges did you face while writing Echoes of My Son?
Eugene: I thoroughly enjoy the process of writing, but sometimes it’s hard to sit down and actually write—there are simply too many distractions. The biggest challenge is to spend at least some time writing every day.
TMW: If you could sum up the core message of Echoes of My Son in one sentence, what would it be and why?
Eugene: By the grace of God, and through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit in times of suffering and great need. This is the message that underlies the whole book.
TMW: How has writing this book impacted your personal growth as a writer and an individual?
Eugene: As a result of this book, I believe I’ve become more sensitive to the impact losing a loved one can have on people. It also has strengthened my faith, knowing that God loves us, and through his spirit will be there to comfort us in times of distress.
TMW: Do you have plans to explore any of the themes in Echoes of My Son in future works?
Eugene: In my next book, I’m considering taking a look at the essential role forgiveness and unconditional love play in healing the fractured relationship between estranged siblings.
TMW: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope Echoes of My Son will leave behind?
Eugene: I would hope that Echoes of My Son challenges people to examine their faith, and consistently strive to gain a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit so they may find peace and spiritual healing.
Thank you, Eugene, for sharing your thoughts with us! Echoes of My Son has touched so many hearts, and we are honored to present it with The Most Moving Book of 2025 Award. Congratulations once again!
(read The Moving Words Review on Echoes of My Son)