Friday, September 14, 2012

Kathi Macias: The "Easy Writer" Who Writes Heart-grabbing Stories

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes back author Kathi Macias. Kathi writers powerfully gripping novels about some of the world's more grittier topics, but as you will see, they're stories that instead of focusing on sordid details zero in on a very powerful Love. There's a lot to share this week: a great book giveaway, a blurb and You-tube video, and then an interview with Kathi. And, now I finally "get" where "Easy Writer" comes from!

Everyone's Story runs from Friday to Friday. However, because of the ACFW conference, Kathi's visit with us will extend to Monday, September 24th, followed by a very special visit starting on that Monday--and yes, you're being kept in suspense!


Please enjoy our time with Kathi. She'd enjoy hearing from you.

Book Giveaway:
Kathi is graciously offering the third (and final) book in the Freedom Series, on the topic of human trafficking (specifically, child sex slavery). One randomly chosen commenter will win one copy of THE DELIVERER. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 24th.

A blurb follows, and then a You-Tube video.

The Deliverer picks up just months after Special Delivery leaves off, continuing with the stories of Mara, freed from slavery but still struggling with scars and memories from the past; Jonathan, attending Bible college but strongly drawn to Mara, despite her past; and Lawan, having escaped the brothel in Thailand and miraculously reunited with her younger sister in the US and adopted by the same family. Will Mara be able to move past the pain and hatred that bind her, even if it means traveling back to the place where her parents betrayed her and sold her into sexual slavery? Will she allow The Deliverer to set her free—once and for all?


An Interview with Kathi Macias:
What inspired you to write the Freedom Series?

I was finishing up writing my previous fiction series, The Extreme Devotion Series, about the persecuted Church around the world, when my publisher asked what topic I would like to tackle next. We tossed a couple of ideas back and forth, but when she suggested human trafficking, particularly child sex slavery, I agreed to do some preliminary research and get back to her. I knew human trafficking existed and that it was a terrible thing, but I didn’t believe it existed here, in the US, and I had no idea how prevalent it was worldwide. When I discovered there are approximately 27 million people held in some sort of human trafficking (modern-day slavery) today, with estimates of 100,000 to 300,000 minors in sexual slavery in the United States right now, I was horrified. I was also convinced that I had to do whatever I could to help educate others on this monstrous crime and to call them to get involved in stopping it.

The Freedom Series, published by New Hope Publishers, follows your other notable series, Extreme Devotion. As an author, did you set out to write a series each time or did one story leave you personally hungering to explore more through other character’s viewpoints?

The Extreme Devotion Series was launched with my twenty-year passion to write book one, No Greater Love, set in South Africa in 1989, just before the fall of Apartheid. But as I talked to New Hope about the book (who at that time had never published any fiction), I was encouraged to consider a series in order to better launch their first-ever fiction line, “Fiction with a Mission.” Being a long-time supporter of Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, and other such ministries, I was already familiar with many around the world who paid a huge price for their faith, so it was no problem to come up with more stories to flesh out the series. Unlike The Extreme Devotion Series, however, which consists of four books with four completely different stories/characters/settings, The Freedom Series is three books that follow the main characters throughout the continuation of the same story.

Your stories are not a light-read. Despite being a best-selling and award-winning author, did you worry about how your Freedom or Extreme Devotion novels would be received?

Absolutely! And to be truthful, it’s been an uphill battle to generate interest in such difficult topics. Once I convince someone to try one of the books in either series, they proclaim they’re hooked and can’t wait to read the rest. But so many, when they learn of the topics around which the series are built, decline to read them, saying they prefer something “less dark” when it comes to fiction. I can certainly understand and respect that, but like I always tell anyone who will listen, I don’t write about the darkness; I write about the Light that shines in the darkness!

Please share with us why you cite the scripture of Habakkuk 2:2 on your website. What importance does it hold for you?

Habakkuk 2:2 epitomizes the way I look at a writing ministry. The verse admonishes us to “write the vision” and “make it plain.” That’s a two-part instruction, and writing clear, readable, applicable material is a two-part process. Yes, I believe God inspires us to write on a particular topic or even give us the basic story, but I do not believe He gives us every word. The Canon is closed! It is up to us to write down the vision we believe God has given us—and then to go back and work as hard and long as it takes to polish that written vision so we will honor the One we claim has inspired us to write it in the first place.

You began your writing career not as a novelist but rather as a newspaper columnist and reporter. In hindsight, would you say this helped form your seemingly author’s theme of writing about the ugly truth of what happens in this world?

I can’t give enough credit to my journalism background when it comes to my writing today. Not only did it open my eyes to the often ugly truths that are part of a fallen world, it also helped me learn how to research those ugly truths—and how to write about them cleanly and efficiently, eliminating the need for numerous, in-depth rewrites and edits. That’s not to say I don’t spent the time on the second part of that Habakkuk 2:2 admonition to “make it plain,” but it does mean that my initial draft is relatively clean and well organized, thus requiring less editing and tweaking.

As a Christian, what message do you hope to show in your novels?

As I said earlier, though many of topics I tackle are dark, I don’t write about the darkness; I write about the Light that shines in the darkness. That is such a key for me! After all, if we don’t believe that the Light of Christ is strong enough to penetrate even the most evil darkness, then we have made our God far too small. People in dire situations need to know that there is nothing too hard for God; that He is able to rescue even them; and that He loves them enough to go to any lengths to do so.

And for a fun question: do you and your husband still go biking? What joy does this bring to you?

I must confess that after forty years of Harley-riding, my husband has traded in his bike for a Corvette. I am still known as “Easy Writer,” as we zip through town in that Sunburst Orange sports car, but I don’t have to wear a helmet anymore. When you get to my age (looking 65 in the eyeball!), that’s a welcome change.


Author Bio:

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.comwww.boldfiction.comwww.theTitus2Women.com) is a multi-award-winning author of 40 books, including the Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and Carol Award Finalist, Red Ink. A popular speaker at both women’s and writers’ events, Kathi lives in Southern California with her husband, Al.

You can find Kathi on the web at:





Please consider helping Everyone's Story by adding your name on the Guest Book Page: http://elainestock.blogspot.com/p/guest-book.html


25 comments:

  1. Thank you so much, Elaine, for this gracious post. I am so pleased, and I welcome your help in spreading the word about this awful crime of human trafficking, specifically child sex slavery. It must be stopped, and the children must be rescued!

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    1. Kathi, as I've already Tweeted, I cannot imagine how anyone can even think about getting involved in such an atrocity as slavery, let alone child slavery. I'm thankful you are bringing light--and His light--on this subject. Before I post my new blog segment, I pray for each of my guests, and the viewers who may be reached by this segment, and this time, I also prayed for the end of all slavery. I am so pleased that you've come back a 2nd time to Everyone's Story, a place where you're always welcome.

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  2. I commend you for choosing to stick with your writing journey, shining light into dark corners of our world, despite the uphill road. Though I live abroad and am not eligible to win the giveaway, you've found a new reader! I've put The Freedom Series on my list. :-)

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    1. Sara, it's always a warm-fuzzy feeling seeing you here on Everyone's Story :) I'll check with Kathi about an ebook version ... Just maybe!

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    2. Yes, Sara and Elaine, if someone needs/prefers an ebook version, I'm happy to provide it. The first two books in the series are already available on Nook/Kindle, and the third one will be any day now. Blessings!

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    3. Wonderful news, Kathi. I still love the feel for a traditional book in my hands, but I'm beginning to see the practicality of e-books in our frenzied present lifestyle.

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  3. I would love a chance to read this story. I, too, have some topics that I'm tackling that would be considered on the dark side: Suicide, abduction, hostage, and torture, to name a few. Thank you for paving the way...

    clSwalwell@gmail.com

    In Him,

    Cheri :)

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    1. Hi, Cheri, and welcome to Everyone's Story. I also write darker type of stories and appreciate how Kathi is a trailblazer for those of us pursuiing this genre. Blessings on your writing!

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  4. I am a strong believer that Jesus told "parables with purpose," not just pleasant stories to entertain. Rather, He challenged His listeners right where they lived, calling them to change their minds, their hearts, and their lives. Since He is, after all, our ultimate Role Model, can we do any less? Write On, fellow authors!

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  5. These stories sound powerful. I'm working on my memoir detailing the abuse I received as a child and the ways I spent in rebellion - forty years in the wilderness. I too was delivered and found real healing and freedom in Christ. He gave me the strength to forgive my abusers and by that act to cut the ties of the pain that bound me to the past. God saved me during the time I thought He was the Great Abandoner. He kept loving me when I hated Him. And He sent Godly people into my life to finally capture my attention. Real healing is possible through Him. I am putting your books on my book wish list because I'm still learning how to tell my story effectively and I think your books can help.

    God bless you.

    HM at HVC dot RR dot Com

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    1. Hugs to you, Heather. You're so right about counting on God for healing and mercy. I'm glad you visited Kathi today. May you be blessed with peace and joy.

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    2. Heather, may God use your past to help others in the future. Blessings!!!

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  6. Coincidentally. my daughter and I have been talking about this subject. Her Sunday School class had a speaker on human trafficking in the US and through our area. It's always sad, but especially when children are involved. Best wishes for continued success with your writing, Kathy. Have a great conference.

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    1. I'm always happy to see you here, Caroline ♡

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    2. I'm so pleased to know that people are beginning to speak up and educate others on this horrific crime. Together we can make a difference!

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  7. I love Kathi's books and how she tackles these issues. Would love to be entered for this latest volume.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Julia, a warm welcome to Everyone's Story. You'll definitely will be entered in the Giveaway offering :)

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  8. Wow - Sounds like a great series!

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    1. Melissa, it's always wonderful to see you here on Everyone's Story ♡

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  9. This comment is from Patti Shene (her comment ended up on the Guest Book Page). Patti is the Executive Editor of Sarsongs Magazine:



    Loved this interview with Kathi. Our church group did a book study on the first book in the freedom series. We divided it into six chapters per week for an eight week study.

    My pastor and I did not tell the participants what the subject was for reasons Kathi mentioned. The one lady who was most reluctant to read the story because it was about human trafficking and was later unable to continue attending the group finished the book on her own. She called me with a frantic request as to where she could get the second book! I'm sure she has read all three by now.

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    1. I apologize Patti--

      Patti is the Executive Editor of Starsongs Magazine!

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    2. And I'm very honored that Patti visited :)

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  10. Great to see Kathi here, Elaine! I recently read one of her books and LOVED it! I love her heart for justice, and I love that she tackles tough issues--inspiring! I'm looking forward to reading this new one.

    Elaine, thanks for stopping by my blog. It was so good to see you there. It has been awhile, hasn't it? Are you going to conference. Email me. :)

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    1. Melanie, I'm so happy to have touched basis with you too, and am especially happy to see your return to Everyone's Story. Glad to know you enjoyed Kathi's visit.

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  11. Our extended visit with Kathi is finally ending today. Kathi, as always, it's been a wonderful week and then some with you. I hope you'll consider coming back again. While I was at the ACFW conference these past few days I've shared the news that you were my present guest and several people ranted and raved about your novels! I've prayed that this segment has reached many new readers for you.

    The winner of Kathi's generous Giveaway of THE DELIVERER is Julia. Yea, Julia! Kathi and I will contact you in separate emails. Happy reading!

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