Frank Peretti

Frank E. Peretti is a New York Times bestselling author recognized for pioneering the modern Christian thriller genre. The New York Times and Time have noted Peretti's role in shaping the crossover Christian thriller, and he is known for writing evangelical stories that explore themes of faith, the power of prayer, and spiritual conflict. Peretti, the son of a minister and an ordained minister himself, has more than 14 million books in print, making him a prominent figure in Christian fiction.

Peretti's early life was marked by significant challenges, including a serious medical condition that required multiple surgeries and led to periods of isolation. He developed a passion for storytelling at a young age, often entertaining neighborhood children with his imaginative tales. After working in music, ministry, and various jobs, Peretti left his pastoral position and took construction work to support himself. During this time, he began writing "This Present Darkness," a novel that would become a landmark in Christian literature. Although initially rejected by numerous publishers, the book eventually gained traction through word of mouth and support from influential figures in the Christian community.

"This Present Darkness" remained on the Christian Booksellers Association's top ten best-sellers list for more than 150 consecutive weeks. Peretti followed with a sequel, "Piercing the Darkness," and together the two novels sold 3.5 million copies. "Piercing the Darkness" earned the Gold Medallion Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, along with Readers' and Editors' Choice awards from Christianity Today. Peretti continued to publish bestsellers, including "The Oath," which sold more than one million copies and received the ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award for Best Fiction, and "The Visitation," which reached the New York Times Best Seller list and was adapted into a film. He also co-authored the supernatural thriller "House" with Ted Dekker, which was later adapted into a film.

Expanding his reach beyond adult thrillers, Peretti wrote "The Cooper Kids Adventure Series" for younger readers, a best-selling children's series with sales exceeding one million copies. His memoir, "The Wounded Spirit," addresses his childhood struggles with a facial tumor, and his non-fiction works "No More Victims" and "No More Bullies" focus on the topic of bullying. Peretti's openness about his personal experiences has contributed to his influence as a voice on resilience and faith. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Christian Fiction Writers for his contributions to Christian fiction and the impact of his books on readers and faith communities.

Peretti's work has had a significant impact on Christian literature and culture, inspiring a generation of writers in the Christian thriller and supernatural fiction genres. His supernatural thriller "This Present Darkness" is credited with influencing the direction of Christian fiction. As a public speaker and storyteller, Peretti continues to engage audiences with the same creativity and depth of faith found in his novels.