Today I am hosting an interview, once again, with author Kathi Macias. She has been a frequent featured author on my blog because I love her writing so much.
Her latest series begins with The Moses Quilt. I'll let Kathi tell you more about that book and the rest of the upcoming books in this series.
The Quilt Series sounds interesting, but what makes it unique or sets it apart from the many other quilt books that are so popular right now?
First, I must confess to NOT being a quilter. I’ve never even considered taking it up! Second, I love quilts and have always been fascinated by the stories behind them. I combined that fascination with my passion for writing issues-related fiction, and I ended up with a three-book series that is, for the most part, contemporary but told against historical backdrops.
Yesterday I decided to participate in Margaret Feinberg's 21 Days of Wonder Challenge. For most people that would be no big deal but since I haven't been feeling well or spending much time online it was actually a big commitment.
Why the Wonderstruck challenge?
It all started when I read a sampling of Margaret's latest book Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God. Something about this book got to me. I have not received my copy to finish reading it but so far this is what I can say. It made me realized that the trials of life, which have loomed large lately, have in many ways hindered me from sensing God's presence in my life.
I don't want that to continue.
So I decided to spend the next 21 days really looking for God in small and big ways. I'd already begun to pay more attention then I had in quite sometime since reading the sample. As a result, I've snapped some pictures of beautifully colored clouds. Stood and listened to the symphony of birds singing in our backyard. You get the point. I'm becoming more aware of God.
But I want much more.
So yesterday I created this graphic from a picture that I took this fall. It is my prayer as I begin this challenge which is more like a season in my life since my word for 2013 is "wonder." Thank you, Margaret. I've got hundreds of days to travel on this path to increased awareness of the nearness of God. I'm anxious as to what it all means for my life.
Which is why it seems strange that I almost quit this challenge on the very first day.
I awoke to the sound of rain beating against the window. The weather report was/is not good. There are predictions of an ice storm heading our way. Ice is never fun to drive on and both of my guys (husband and son) are out in the elements. It is an ugly day and my mood has been dampened by all of the rain.
Today's challenge was to capture something beautiful with the lens of a camera. I sighed when I first read it. It really seemed more like a chore. But determined to try I spent much of the day looking. This afternoon I was hoping that a bird would come out to hunt worms. It appears that it's even too cold for them. Ha!
What wonder could I possibly find in this dreary day that is worth sharing?
I'd all but given up after scanning my surroundings countless times. Then, late this afternoon, I spied the weeping cherry tree in our yard. It is bare and ugly during this season. Gnarly would be a fitting word. Yet, as I stood staring I noticed the way that the raindrops were sitting on the branches. It was then that I grabbed my camera.
Something about them struck a chord in me.
About that time a dialogue began in my mind about how amazing it is that God allows rain to fall from the sky. How this planet would be inhabitable without it. How we would miss out on the beauty of so many things if we didn't experience the dormancy of winter. The latent phases bring strength to the roots of the trees and plants.
And the rain keeps them alive and prepares them to bloom in season.
Suddenly my mood improved and I began to see this day differently as I pondered the provision of God regarding things that we often take for granted or even complain about. Oh me.
Someone once said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Today I have found that to be true. This photo won't be beautiful to anyone else but it reminds me of the God's faithfulness to me. That is beautiful, indeed.
"You give abundant showers, O God; you refresh your weary inheritance." Ps 68:9
If you spend a few moments looking around my blog you’ll quickly discover that I am a huge fan of Kathi Macias’ books. She is an author who is using her writing gifts to craft stories about difficult subjects that educate and enlighten the readers. Every time I read something which Kathi has written I am challenged to change my thinking and or actions.
Her holiday book, for this year, focuses on homelessness. I did not realize until I began reading Unexpected Christmas Hero how little I really knew about this subject. For example, I was unaware of the fact that about 25% of the homeless in America are families (one or two parent) with young children.
There was much that I learned from the story of Josie and her two children. Thrust into poverty suddenly through no real fault of their own they struggle to survive daily and do so only because of the goodwill and help of others. Along the way they meet Rick, a homeless Vietnam vet, who does a great deal to help them navigate the streets. He also becomes their unexpected Christmas hero. To say more would ruin your reading experience but I really was touched by this novel.
As with all of Kathi’s books Unexpected Christmas Hero had me from the first page. I spent an entire day reading it to see what the outcome would be for each of the characters. The story left me counting my blessings. It also challenged me to consider what I might do to help the many people who are less fortunate than me...especially during this season.
That is the reason that I love this author’s work. It makes the reader realize that there is something that they can do to help others in "seemingly" hopeless situations. It is often something that would be thought of as insignificant or small. We all can play a part in making a difference. The author always conveys within the story the very necessary reminder that no situation is hopeless with God. He is able to do miracles in the most difficult circumstances…and use people to be His hands and feet.
I highly recommend that you begin your holiday season by reading Unexpected Christmas Hero and then pass it along to friends. It will put things into proper perspective while bringing hope. I also recommend that you search out other books by this author. Each one of them has been life-changing for me. I believe that they will be for you as well.
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the prestigious 2008 member of the year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) at the annual Golden Scrolls award banquet. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.
To catch the "story behind the story" check out my interview with Kathi here. You'll find all of her contact information and the ways you can connect with her via social media within the interview.
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of Kathi Macias' holiday book Unexpected Christmas Hero. Of course, it did not fail to disappoint. As with all of Kathi's books I found myself carving out a place on the couch to read it from cover to cover. I will be posting my review in a separate post.
In the meantime I am delighted to feature an interview with the author which provides background information for the readers of this story as well an inside story regarding the cover of the book. You have the opportunity to possibly help a family be reunited. Don't miss the "story behind the story."
As someone who is an avid reader of Kathi Macias' work, I've come to expect the unexpected from her books. That is one of the things that sets her apart as a Christian fiction writer. You can never be sure where her well weaved stories will take you. But you can be certain that before the tale is over, you will be challenged or changed in some way. And in no small measure.
The series exposes the atrocities of human trafficking which is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions in our own country as well as around the world. I'm embarrassed to admit that I prior to reading this series I thought of human slavery as more of a "third world" problem. How wrong I was. It is a growing problem America. (more information is available here)
Award-winning author Kathi Macias has recently penned and published The Deliverer which is the final book in the Freedom Series. I have personally found the entire series to be riveting and quite possibly some of the most life-changing fiction that I have ever read.
In short, I am a fan of Kathi's work. Not only is she a great writer. She is also an advocate and an educator.
Today, I have the honor of interviewing Kathi to learn more about the Freedom Series along with other projects and ministry activities which she is currently involved in. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my review and also giving away a copy of the book. I hope that you'll come back and enter to win. You don't want to miss any of the books in this series.
Here is Kathi... While this is the third and final book in the Freedom Series, I’m sure there are people who are just learning about it. Would you please share what prompted you to write these books on such topic as relevant and difficult as human trafficking?
I was finishing up my previous fiction series for New Hope Publishers (the Extreme Devotion Series, dealing with the persecuted Church around the world) when Andrea Mullins (the publisher at New Hope) asked me what topic I wanted to tackle next. We discussed a few possibilities, and then she suggested human trafficking. I was aware of it and thought it was terrible but had no idea how widespread it was. I agreed to do some preliminary research and get back to her. When I discovered there are more than 27 million people held in various forms of human trafficking (sexual slavery, forced labor or military conscription, involuntary donation of body parts/organs) and that many of them are children (including an estimated 100,000—300,000 MINORS held in sexual slavery in the US today!), I was horrified. I was also convinced that I had to do everything possible to help educate others about this widespread horror and to call them to join the fight. Not only have I now written/released the Freedom Series on human trafficking, but I’m speaking on it everywhere/every chance I get.
What was your original objective in writing these books, Deliver Me From Evil, Special Delivery, and The Deliverer? And, what are you hearing back from people who have read the books? How are they taking action?
Originally my plan was to see the books alert readers to this horrific crime and, hopefully, challenge them to get involved in fighting it some way. That seems to be happening, but on such a larger scope than I had imagined. The response from readers is overwhelming! Pastors have written to say they are challenging their entire church to get involved on some level, and I’m being invited to speak all over the country on this topic. I am thrilled to see the Light being shined in this terrible darkness at last! As for specific actions, pastors and civic leaders are inviting me (or others in this ministry) to come and speak to their congregations/groups to help educate them on this massive tragedy. Readers tell me they are posting about my books all over the net to help snag people’s attention. I’m getting invitations to speak on radio and TV as well. I’ve also been contacted by readers who are getting involved in setting up safe houses for rescued victims, which is a huge need. I was even contacted by the Department of Homeland Security and invited to participate in group conference calls on the topic. Overall, I’m thrilled at the way God is using these books to help sound the alarm and to “rescue the perishing.”
It seems there is always someone in your books who is an intercessor. Why is that important for you to include?
This is vital to me, and as you said, I almost always include an intercessor in my novels. I know there were intercessors in my own life who prayed me through some incredibly dangerous and difficult times, and I appreciate those heroes of the faith more than I can express. Highlighting their importance in my books accomplishes two things: it enables me to honor those faithful intercessors who often get no recognition in this world, and it also calls others to get involved in intercession as well.
You write books as you often call them, parables with a purpose, on topics such as human trafficking, the persecuted church, illegal immigration, and your Christmas 2012 book is about homelessness. Some might call you an advocate. Why is it important for Christians, and the church as a whole, to discuss these issues?
You’re right that I call my novels “parables with purpose,” because I believe Jesus is our example and that’s what He told to His followers—parables with purpose. He didn’t just tell them “nice stories” to entertain them. He told stories that would grab them right where they lived, and then challenge them to change their hearts, their minds, and their lives. The Church has always been at the forefront of serious social change, leading the charge to abolish slavery for instance, and leading the charge on these other issues is right where the Church needs to be now. The first step is to discuss the issues, to make people aware of them, and then to call them to action. I believe gripping fiction is one of the most effective ways to do that.
Will you give us a glimpse, a taste of things to come -- without getting too far ahead -- of what’s in store for your next series and books on the horizon?
In addition to the 2012 Christmas novel, Unexpected Christmas Hero, dealing with homelessness in America, I will be releasing a new series starting in January. The first of the three novels is called The Moses Quilt, and it deals with a contemporary interracial romance, set against the background of a quilt that tells the story of the courageous, faith-filled woman known as Harriet Tubman. A contemporary novel dealing with the issue of abortion will follow, with the first woman doctor in America, Elizabeth Blackwell, as our backdrop heroine. The final book will be built around the much beloved Fanny Crosby, as we deal with the issue of people with disabilities. That series is from New Hope Publishers, but I also have a book releasing in the Spring of 2013 from B&H Publishers called Last Chance for Justice. It’s part of the multi-author Bloomfield Series, and I’m very excited about it.
You also write a devotional blog. Can you tell us what the focus is and where we can find it?
I started writing a weekly devotional several years ago, in response to a request from the then newly formed group CAN (Christian Authors Network). I sent it out as a group email and had about 40 recipients then. The devotional mailing quickly grew and expanded beyond the CAN group, with countless readers signing up to receive it. I also started posting it each week on my devotional blog http://kathimacias.com/category/devotional-2/, which is part of my primary website www.kathimacias.com, where you will also find my “Easy Writer” blog, which is more writing-related. (You can also sign up there to receive the weekly devotional in your inbox.) Over the years the devotional has been picked up by Crosswalk, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News (I offer it in Spanish as well as English), Believe.com, Christians in Recovery, etc., so the readership has mushroomed beyond anything I ever imagined. God is amazing, isn’t He?
Finally, we know you as an award-winning author, but you also enjoy speaking for women’s events, and other groups, as well. On what areas or topics do you focus your speaking presentations? How can a church or group find out more about having you speak for their event?
I speak on various topics, including the issues I address in my books, but on other topics too. One of my most requested topics is “When Passion and Purpose Collide.” That, along with several other popular topics, can be found in the speaking section of my website http://kathimacias.com/speaking/. To see my current speaking schedule and/or to explore the possibility of having me come and speak, just go to http://kathimacias.com/speaking/speaking-schedule/ and click on the Christian Speakers Services button to make contact. You can also see some of my speaking endorsements at http://kathimacias.com/speaking/endorsements/.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview and/or book review on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services http://ChristianSpeakersServices.com.
"Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, and also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all." Psalm 65:1-2 The Message
I come from a "church background" where typically noise is denoted with praise. The louder we sing, the more we clap, the larger the crescendo of the instruments the more passionate our praise. And, might I add, the more measurably meaningful our worship.
At least, that is what I was taught.
But just because someone says it, doesn't mean it is so. Which is why when I recently stumbled on this verse during my daily Bible reading it provoked some thought. I've read plenty of verses that associate noise with worship.
Yet, to God, even SILENCE is praise.
I can't help but wonder if sometimes our silence before God is more sincere and heartfelt than all of the noise we make in an attempt to praise Him.
Sometimes it is the only response we can muster when we are truly in awe of Him. Has there ever been a time when you've praised God with silence?
I've been very quiet on this blog for most of the past year. There was a time, long before blogs were popular, when I really enjoyed writing. It was as natural as breathing. But lately, I can't seem to find my voice.
Despite not writing, I have done a great deal of reading. Between books, articles, blog posts, status updates, tweets, and private messages I've taken in enough information to "choke a horse." Whatever that means.
When I really think about it, I do feel choked. Strangled. Left struggling for breath. Unable, despite many attempts, to exhale words that might be insightful or meaningful to someone else. It seems that I've been at a perpetual loss.
As a person who struggles with chronic illness occasionally I have dealt with something I refer to as "Grasshopper Syndrome." Many have suffered from this ailment along life’s road. Perhaps you've heard of it.
The Old Testament gives a powerful example in Numbers 13: 30-33. Spies had been sent out to explore the land of Canaan and bring back a report. When they returned and reported what they had seen the children of Israel exhibited symptoms of this "dis-ease."
Deliver Me from Evil, the first book in Kathi Macias' Freedom Series, which exposes the horrors of human trafficking, left me anxiously awaiting the arrival of Special Delivery.
This second book is the continuing story of Mara, a young woman once enslaved in a human trafficking ring, and Jonathan the pizza boy turned Bible college student who aided in her rescue. Their relationship, which is strained at best, gives insight into the deep emotional trauma experienced by someone who has been victimized so severely. I'm now anxious for the final book in the series, The Deliverer, to see how things progress.
I am thankful that the beginning of Special Delivery was a refresher of sorts because it had been awhile since I read Deliver Me from Evil. Within minutes of picking it up, I was completely engrossed. So much so, that I read it from cover to cover. I found it impossible to put down with the character's lives hanging in the balance. For me the book was riveting. Just as it is with a really good movie, by the time I'd finished the book, I was emotionally spent. This is something that I've rarely experienced from a fictional work.
Today I am hosting an interview, once again, with author Kathi Macias. She has been a frequent featured author on my blog because I love her writing so much.
