Confluence FAQ

With a week to go before Confluence, my new novel, launches, I’d like to answer some of the questions people have asked me about it.

Q: Do I have to read your previous novel to understand Confluence?

A: No, Confluence is not a sequel, prequel, or in any way related to The Gospel According to Doubters and Traitors. (But if you would like to read The Gospel According to Doubters and Traitors, I think you would enjoy it.)

Q: Is Confluence a religious book, or is it aimed at a broader audience?

A: While Confluence is set in a church, the novel explores universal themes of artistic expression and belonging, faith and doubt, and manipulation and control.

Q: What kind of reader will enjoy Confluence?

A: Fans of upmarket character-driven fiction, those interested in deconstruction themes, and readers who enjoy nuanced psychological tension.

Q: Is the story based on real events?

A: Confluence is a fictional story informed by personal experience, research, and time in pastoral ministry walking with those recovering from manipulative leadership. The features of authoritarian leadership are consistent across church traditions and other organizations.

Q: Are you available to speak with book clubs?

A: Absolutely. Send me a message through my contact page.

Tyler Watson writes fiction and theology. He has served as a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church and earned his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written two novels, the forthcoming Confluence (available Agust 18, 2026) and The Gospel According to Doubters and Traitors, as well as several devotionals. His books are available in paperback and Kindle. You can find more about those works on this site.