This week, I have the honor of sharing this space with Christian/Historical Fiction author, MJ Krause-Chivers. We first met during our collaboration on a charity anthology, but since then, I have watched her journey as an author blossom. With stories inspired by her family, and set in Eastern Europe, she adds a unique perspective to history that should be learned from and never forgotten.
•Thank you for joining me, MJ. Please give me a synopsis of your newest book: Katarina’s Dark Journey?
1918: Ukraine: When the Bolsheviks burn their village, 17-year-old Katarina and her pregnant sister Anna flee across the steppes. With the pressure of Anna’s due date looming on the calendar, time is of the essence. Plus, they’re trapped between the Red Army on one side of the river and the anarchist rebels on the other. Sinister characters hide around every corner, prompting Katarina to use her wits and make fast decisions — challenging her faith. Can she trust God to protect them until they find safety?
The framed story takes place in 1952 in Munich, Germany, after WW2. Katarina’s adopted son, Peter, who suffers with PTSD, fears becoming a father. He struggles to concentrate on his work and feels unstable. In book one, Peter disbelieved the German government’s letter declaring Katarina’s death and began searching her diaries for clues to the past. In book two, Peter struggles with closure to her death. He continues to refer to the diaries to find references to his childhood and biological parents.
•Sounds like an intense read. Tell me, what inspired you to tell this story?
When I visited Ukraine in 2014, I learned about my grandparents’ trials and tribulations during the Russian civil war. They fled Ukraine during the 1920s and came to Canada as refugees. I wondered what it was like to be a teenager during that time; and I wondered what the women went through, too. The stories from that time are truly horrifying. I wanted to capture that history, and those experiences, and put them into a text that could both teach history and entertain.
•We share this history to some extent – both sides of my family were in Germany and Poland during World War II – and their connections to Russia kept the stories from the civil war in their minds as well. You are not exaggerating the horrific things people faced in Europe during such upheaval. And no side was immune to brutality – both inflicting it and having it inflicted upon them.
It was a gruesome era.
•It really was. Sadly, we see much of that horror repeated in Eastern Europe today, and around the world. While you were in the Ukraine, no doubt a lot stuck in your mind as you were writing this book. Can you tell me about one of those places and why is stands out in your mind?
The most intense day was when I hired a private guide to take me to the rural region where my father’s family had lived. It is south of present-day Dnipro, north of Zaporizhia. I hoped to find my great-grandparents’ graves. A few houses from one village remain, but the other village no longer exists. There were no gravestones or graveyard nearby. The guide explained that everything had been destroyed by the communists. It was impossible to learn where my family are buried.
I remember looking across those wheat fields and wondering where exactly my family had lived and where those graves are. That’s when the reality of ethnic cleansing hit me. Both Lenin, Stalin and other radicals wanted to destroy both the wealthy and everyone with German blood. The Mennonites were also targeted by Ukrainian rebels. Later, Stalin tried to destroy the Ukrainians through the Holodomor. My great-grandparents died during that great famine. Fortunately, their children all made it to Canada. I’m alive because my grandparents risked their lives to leave Russia.
•I can only imagine what it is like to see the proof of ethnic cleansing – an effort to erase a people and their culture. Thank you for sharing your experience. Are any of these places in Katarina’s Dark Journey?
My stories take place in southern Ukraine once known as the Land of the Mennonites. The first two books in my series are set in the (then) two major centers of the Mennonite world. In real life, one of my grandfathers came from a village near the Chortitza region (now named Khortysia). In my series, Katarina’s parents live there. Katarina lives across the Dnieper River in, what was then, the more modern town of Halbstadt.
•Is Katarina, or any of your other characters, inspired by someone you know in real life?
Katarina and Anna were inspired by my great-aunt and my grandmother. I never knew my grandmother as she died after my dad was born. My dad was raised by his aunt — who was a wonderful grandmother to me. It was clear to me that my great-aunt had suffered terrible trauma in her teens.
•I am sorry you never knew your grandmother. My own, like your great-aunt, wore a heavy burden of whatever past she experienced while she was in Europe during WWII. None of her side of the family ever discussed it, but it was tangible. Instead, she focused her stories on history that came before her own, which is how I know a little about the Russian civil war.
Please tell me more about Katarina, as if she were a real person. What would make her stand out in a crowd?
Katarina is a feisty, rebellious teenager. She is tall (about 5’10”), ash blond hair, blue eyes. She bucks tradition and wants to carve a life of her own — preferably as a missionary schoolteacher or a journalist. At 17, she’s still unsure about how to achieve independence, but she knows she doesn’t want to play the traditional Mennonite role of wife and mother. She respects the faith and the moral code but feels the religion doesn’t quite suit her. Hence, she asks a lot of questions, demands answers, and throws a few temper tantrums. She is simply a young woman who is trying to find her own way in a patriarchal world during wartime.
Others perceive Katarina as selfish, immature, and exasperating. They often devalue, dismiss, or disregard her opinions and comments. In their attempt to mold her to the status quo, she is harshly criticized.
Sometimes, the reader will find Katarina infuriating. At other times, they will cheer when she stands up for herself. Still again, they will sympathize with her plight of living in challenging situations during war time.
•As you describe her, I can completely relate. Her character reflects a lot of my own at that age. What is a lesson one might learn from reading Katarina’s Dark Journey?
We can’t control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. As the theme says, “when darkness falls, faith prevails.”
•Do you have a favorite scene from the book? Please tell us about why that scene is your favorite.
I loved Katarina’s interaction with Sergei. Sergei is a colorful character with few morals. Katarina has never met anyone like him before. Although she is taken aback by his laissez-faire attitude, she becomes very curious about him. This is when Katarina begins to understand that most of the outside world don’t live or think like the Mennonites. Her definition of “normal” is beginning to implode. Although she finds her experience with Sergei somewhat unsettling, this incident is a huge growth point for her character. The unusual stopping point on the journey also helps to paint a more muddied view of the complicated political crisis in Ukraine.
•Ah, yes… Meeting people outside our regular sphere of influence. It can be so eye-opening, and character shaping. Who do you hope will read your book?
My book will be of interest to anyone who enjoys stories based on true history. Persons with an interest in refugees and intergenerational trauma, and those with family ties to Ukraine, Poland, and Germany will appreciate this, too. Although Mennonites in North America didn’t suffer from the Russian experience, they will appreciate the alternative reflection on our shared faith. Readers should be aware of the mature and triggering nature of the content. This is not a book for young readers.
•Thank you for the heads up regarding younger readers. How did you get into writing?
I’ve always loved books and dabbled in writing. When I was eleven, I wrote to a correspondence writing school. They wrote back and said I was too young. I should write back after I was eighteen. I was crushed. In high school, I wrote for the school newspaper. For a very short time in my 20s, I wrote a column in a local paper. But I didn’t enjoy the public attention, so I quit.
•So, you have been writing from a young age. When did your writing become serious?
See above. I started blogging as a Christian writer about twenty years ago, but I wasn’t very serious about it. In 2018, after joining Self-Publishing School (now selfpublishing.com), I wrote and published my first Christian non-fiction book. Later, I collaborated on several Christian devotionals before deciding I wanted to write fiction. I published my first novel in 2021: Katarina’s Dark Shadow is the first book of the Russian Mennonite Chronicles series. When the war in Ukraine broke out, I joined with fourteen other accomplished authors to write for the anthology Children of War. Katarina’s Dark Journey is my second fiction book in this series.
•Share a moment of inspiration that affected something you have written, even if it is not in your book.
As mentioned above, the trip to Ukraine in 2014 changed my life. This year in 2023, I joined a centenary celebration train trip across Canada to commemorate my grandparents’ immigration to Canada in the 1920s. This was life-changing, too. I’m inspired by war and trauma survivors and I’m indebted to the determined people who helped my grandparents get out of Russia. Without them, I wouldn’t be alive today.
•Being inspired by survivors of war and trauma gives you a unique opportunity to lend those survivors your voice. Have you ever had anyone share how your look at wartime trauma spoke to them, or for them, in a way they could relate to?
I’m new to public speaking and only starting to talk about the book series and the history behind it. I was recently interviewed by the Spotify podcast, Authority Figures (Episode 37) where I spoke about the Ukraine history and inter-generational trauma. I’m hoping to do more public speaking in the future. A few readers mentioned how my story resonated with their experiences of growing up in a family scarred by trauma. Historians appreciated the accurate history and how the story portrays the frightening war time experience.
•That’s incredible and rewarding to know that your books can resonate with readers. How much research have you had to do to write Katarina’s Dark Journey?
Historical fiction demands considerable research. It was challenging to find details about Ukraine during the Russian Civil War. There are several reasons why writers avoid this time period.
1. This was a complicated era with constantly changing governments and currency.
2. The political borders shifted frequently.
3. Many of the historical records conflict. I had to read them several times to understand what I was misunderstanding.
4. Much of the history was hidden during the cold war years and available only in Russian. It’s only recently that we’ve been able to access that data. Without knowing Russian, it was difficult to find the needed information.
I relied both on recently translated documents or family journals that were either written by the refugees or their children. I’m so grateful for the Mennonite and Ukrainian historians and archivists who have translated many original documents and are now releasing them online for anyone to view.
•Incredible! Clearly, you have invested a lot of time to make sure your series is as authentic as possible. And a tribute to your family. Now, I’m going to shift gears a little: As indie writers, we rely on many tools (books, apps, programs, etc.) to write and prepare to publish. What is the most useful tool you use when writing or preparing to launch your book? Why is it so valuable to you?
For writing, I use Scrivener and google docs. I don’t use Scrivener well, but I’ve bought Joseph Michael’s course to help me use it better. The app helps me organize my book while I write and move things around. It’s like a huge binder with pages. I can put sticky notes everywhere. I’m a disorganized clutter bug, so this tool helps me keep my notes together so I don’t lose anything. Google Docs are convenient, but I use this mostly for short drafts and work projects. I haven’t figured out any great launching tools yet. If you have something, please share.
•I don’t use Scrivener. I tried it, but at the time it was too clunky for me. I was using a three-ring binder until I recently discovered Trello. There I keep all my notes open as I type out my stories in Word or Google Docs. As for a launching tool… I rely on Vellum to help me format my books to launch wide. It has been invaluable.
I don’t know Trello. I’ll need to check it out.
•Have you ever stumbled on advice or a tip that you found to be useful in your writing journey?
Reverse engineering. Writing the last chapter of the book can sometimes be helpful in drafting the outline. I also like to write first thing in the morning when I’m most productive. I have an accountability team that meets at 8 a.m. every day. This is incredibly motivational.
•Reverse engineering. That is such a great idea! I think that might help me with my second book! (I’m kind of stuck – right there, so close to the end. I will have to try that and see if it helps.
What is one thing you wish to express to readers who might enjoy your books?
First, thank you for buying my books and I hope you enjoy them. Second, please leave a review, but please be kind. Writing is a lonely journey, and authors need to know someone cares. Third, don’t be afraid to reach out and email me. I’m approachable.
•When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I watch historical movies, hike, spend time in nature, and visit historical sights. I especially enjoy unique cultural experiences and great food. I enjoy traveling but my health has limited my ability to travel internationally since the pandemic.
•Above you mentioned a collaboration with 13 other authors. Of course, you are speaking of Children of War Anthology, which we collaborated on to help raise awareness and money for Voices of Children – Ukraine. Yours is a high favorite of mine. Would you share a quick bit about it here?
I wrote Through Vira’s Eyes. Vira is a five-year-old year girl in Ukraine who is trapped in a bunker with her mother and brother during the war. During a lull in the firestorm, she, and her friend Andriy, are thrust into the hands of soldiers to escape the active zone. After more unfortunate circumstances, these two children must find their way to the river where the boats are waiting. Vira relies on her guardian angels to stay optimistic and focused on the destination.
•Does that short story fit into the same story line as Katarina’s Dark Journey?
No, the stories are not intertwined, although they both take place in Ukraine during war time. I wrote Through Vira’s Eyes specifically for the anthology.
Vira’s story of survival echoes Katarina’s refugee story of one hundred years earlier. Vira could possibly be Katarina’s great-granddaughter. However, I haven’t written that story yet.
•What was it like to collaborate with so many other writers?
It was a phenomenal and intense experience! We had to work to strict deadlines. Our leader, Astrid V.J. commandeered a tight ship. Being part of a virtual team from around the world meant we couldn’t all be online at the same time, and we had to continually adapt to a fluid situation. It was intimidating to be judged by my fellow authors. I was constantly second-guessing myself, wondering if my work would measure up to the others. Also, it was unnerving to know that if I didn’t pull my weight, others would notice. My feathers were ruffled a few times. But our hard work produced an amazing book. I’m so proud of it.
•I agree it was intense – in both a good and challenging way. I too felt incredible support, but also incredible pressure. In the end, both really helped me become a more self-aware writer, but I think it will be awhile before I jump into another collaboration like that. There was a lot I was not prepared for – mainly the time taken away from personal life and writing projects. I don’t regret it at all – I just know better now.
If you could give a shout-out to any fellow writers, now’s your chance. Give us their name, and a book by them that you read and enjoyed.
I’m a multi-genre reader. Late at night, I read light fiction like P.C. James or Kathryn Mykel’s cozy mysteries. They both have a ton of books and they’re all good.
For dark reading, I loved Rhys Shaw’s Welexia series.
I recently read Weapons of Wyn by Demery Matthews and was blown away. I don’t normally read Viking genre but I loved the Viking series on Netflix, so I picked it up. I’m glad I did.
One of my favorite Russian historical fiction authors is Marina Osipova. Her most recent release Victims of Victory parallels some of my research.
I read many traditionally published authors too, but I prefer to highlight Indie authors since they have to work harder to get noticed.
•How can readers follow you or contact you?
Email: mirandajchivers@gmail.com
Website: https://linktr.ee/mjkrausechivers
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/russianmennonitefiction
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMJKrauseChivers/
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mirandajchivers/
Twitter page: https://twitter.com/authormjchivers
Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17627436.Miranda_J_Chivers
TikTok page: @authormjchivers
YouTube: @mjkrause-chiversbooks5359
•Thank you, Miranda! I really appreciate the time you granted me for this interview. It is clear you have a very focused point of view and purpose for your book series. I know a bunch of people who will enjoy your series now that they know so much more about it. I look forward to your future endeavors and wish you the best of luck!
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining us today. I encourage you to learn more about MJ and her books by connecting with her. And remember: once you’ve read her books, please take just a few minutes to leave your honest review. I will be taking November off from interviews here so I can spend more time focused on NaNoWriMo23 – though I will be posting one a week with updates on how I am doing within that 50k word challenge. I hope you join me again in December as I interview more Indie authors like Carol Carman – author of TwiceTime, Tabitha Min – author of Dawn of Avarice, Katie Keeley – author of Through the Passageway, and more!