By: Christopher M. Tate
Few stories like Von King’s carry the depth of transformation, faith, and perseverance. As an award-winning author and storyteller, King’s journey has shaped his writing and fueled his mission to inspire others to embrace their faith. His latest book, Altar Call, is more than just a literary work—it symbolizes hope, guiding readers through the power of redemption, spiritual awakening, and the courage to answer life’s higher calling.
For Von King, writing has always been deeply personal. His life experiences—marked by trials and triumphs—laid the foundation for the stories he tells today. Every hardship, every moment of self-discovery, and every testament of faith has contributed to his passion for inspiring others.
Photo Courtesy: Von King
“Inspired by the profound transformations I’ve witnessed in my own life and the lives of others, Altar Call is a testament to the power of faith and the journey toward salvation,” King shares. “Earning two prestigious International Impact Book Awards is not just a personal achievement; it symbolizes the impact of storytelling in touching hearts and inspiring change. My story, woven with trials and triumphs, fuels my mission to encourage others to embrace their faith and share their narratives.”
King’s belief in the power of storytelling goes beyond his journey. He sees writing as a tool to uplift, challenge, and ultimately guide readers toward personal and spiritual breakthroughs. His words resonate with those seeking clarity, healing, and a deeper connection to their purpose.
At the heart of Altar Call is the transformative experience of answering a higher spiritual calling. The book takes readers on a deeply moving journey, illustrating the impact of surrendering to faith and embracing a renewed path. Whether someone is at a crossroads in life or seeking guidance, King’s words offer a reminder that change is always possible and redemption is within reach.
The inspiration for Altar Call stems from King’s encounters with faith—his own and those he has witnessed in others. His storytelling is rich with raw emotion, honesty, and an unwavering belief in the power of divine intervention. King hopes to encourage readers to reflect on their spiritual paths and step forward into a life of purpose and meaning through his book.
Beyond his impact as an author, Von King also advocates for those looking to share their own stories. He believes that genuine connection comes from writing with authenticity and purpose. His advice to aspiring authors is simple yet profound: “To aspiring authors, I say: write from the depths of your experience, for it is in the authenticity of your voice that true connection and meaning are found. Let your words be a beacon of hope, guiding others on their spiritual journeys.”
Photo Courtesy: Von King
With Altar Call, Von King has written a book and created an experience that speaks to the soul. His work is a powerful testament to the beauty of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of answering life’s ultimate call. As he continues his literary journey, one thing remains clear: Von King’s mission is far greater than storytelling. It is about transformation, connection, and leaving a lasting impact on the world—one story at a time.
To delve deeper into his inspiration, writing journey, and the impact of Altar Call, I sat down with Von King for an exclusive conversation. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on faith, storytelling, and the powerful messages that drive his work.
What was the initial inspiration behind writing Altar Call? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the idea for this book?
The initial inspiration behind writing the book “Altar Call” was the song “Altar Call,” which I co-wrote in 1992 for the Carla Brown CD “Visions of the Second Coming;” and recut on Michael Nelson in 2011 for his CD “Nikao!” A friend of mine, Anthony Williams, and Ihad a conversation in December 2023 where I was telling Anthony how disappointed I was that the song “Altar Call” did not achieve the commercial success I that it would. Anthony then told me, “It’s not over yet,” which meant there was still time for something positive to happen. On May 5th, 2024, I was online, participating in a Leadership Week event hosted by the Los Angeles Tribune. The idea to write a nonfiction book was conceived during that conference. Within a few hours of that thought, the Holy Spirit gave me the title“Altar Call – An Honest Depiction of a Path to Salvation.”
Your book delves into deep and thought-provoking themes. What message or emotions do you hope to resonate most with readers after they finish Altar Call?
I hope that readers will gain some insight into some of the more complex issues of the Bible, such as the Holy Trinity, and other somewhat controversial matters, such as the Canopy Theory and Evolution vs Creation. Also, it is hoped that subjects like Bible Study will aid readers in conducting effective Bible Study and understanding practical Bible Study tools. Ultimately, the reader is expected to either reinforce their belief in Jesus Christ and/or accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Has there been any feedback from readers that truly moved you or made you realize the profound impact of your work?
I received feedback where I was told some of the issues, I addressed in the book were some of the same problems they had. Also, I was told they learned something new, like the Canopy Theory.
How does Altar Call differ from your other works, and what makes it a unique and personal piece for you?
I have two books out and am currently working on a third. The other two books differ from Altar Call, as they are both works of fiction, and Altar Call is nonfiction. The published fiction book is a romance novel, and the in-work fiction book is an adventure story. Altar Call is a unique and personal piece for me because it is my contribution to “The Great Commission” and chronicles my path to Salvation.
What challenges, if any, did you face while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?
My only challenge was filtering out the voluminous amount of research. What helped me overcome this was employing artificial intelligence, which helped narrow down the pertinent parts of the research to meet my target elements.
You’ve won awards for both Altar Call and Why Didn’t We Love. How did it feel to have your work recognized on such a high level?
It was amazing for me to win the International Impact Book Award for both books. What made it particularly satisfying for me is that I was always behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer, and record company president when I ran my independent record label. This was the first time in my life that I was a talent.
What do these awards mean to you personally and professionally? Do you feel they validate your journey as a writer?
The awards gave me writer credibility and helped me build my brand. They validate my journey as a writer, as my Instagram followers have increased from 348 followers to 19K followers.
Winning a book award is a huge accomplishment. What set your books apart and made them stand out to the judges?
With “Why Didn’t We Love?” I believe the realism of that work of fiction proved to be a universal theme, as multiple people have said the love story depicted in the book was representative of their personal story. With “Altar Call – An Honest Depiction of a Path of Salvation” I believe it was the story of personal transformation. Also, I think another element that sets my books apart is that they contain a message and information that can help them grow and resolve issues in their own life.
Now that you’ve earned such prestigious recognition, what’s next for you? Are there new projects on the horizon?
I have just completed a screenplay for “Why Didn’t We Love?” and am currently trying to market the script and seeking funding for independent film production. Also, I have started my third book, “Last Night in Trinidad,” which is an adventure story about Trinidad Carnival.
What advice would you give aspiring authors who dream of writing impactful books and earning similar recognition?
Find your unique voice, be authentic, and look for a way for your book to help people. Create strong, relatable characters and meaningful themes that provoke thought and emotion. Understand your audience and tailor your content to resonate with your target audience. It is essential to learn that writing is about rewriting. Also, build a platform using social media, blogs, and author websites to connect with readers and other writers.
Through his words and wisdom, Von King continues to uplift and inspire, proving that storytelling is not just about writing—it’s about touching hearts, changing lives, and creating a lasting legacy.
For more information or publicity requests, contact publicist, Desirae L. Benson
Published by Mark V.
