Morning Wire

Inside Nefarious: Steve Deace on Evil, Art, & Adaptation

33 snips
Oct 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Steve Deace, a conservative author and host of The Steve Deace Show, unpacks the creative journey behind his novel Nefarious and its film adaptation. He shares how a shower revelation sparked the book's demonic narrator and tackles the challenges of turning polemics into compelling fiction. Deace reveals his intent to blend horror with theology and discusses casting choices that challenge genre norms. He also addresses the film's unexpected R rating and the production hurdles faced, all while aiming for meaningful, incremental character development.
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ANECDOTE

Shower Spark That Began Nefarious

  • Steve Deace wrote the opening lines of Nefarious after a shower on his first trip to Washington, D.C.
  • He immediately typed an introduction and tested it with friends, which launched the book idea.
INSIGHT

From Lewis To Cultural Takedown

  • Deace modeled Nefarious as an expanded C.S. Lewis-style takedown of culture rather than individual temptation.
  • The film serves as a prequel explaining how the demonic manuscript in the book came to be.
ADVICE

Aim For Timeless Themes And Atmosphere

  • Target timeless theological themes rather than fleeting political details when making faith-based media.
  • Use genre atmospherics to engage viewers so you can challenge their worldview more effectively.
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