This week, I am thrilled to share this interview with new author Tabitha Min. I met her several months ago online, and read her new book, which I enjoyed a great deal. Of course, it is always a pleasure to meet another Indie Fantasy Author who shares a lot of my beliefs.
Tabitha, thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. I know you’ve been so busy since your book launch and with the launch of your new YouTube series. Still, how exciting that Dawn of Avarice, a Medieval Fantasy is your first book! You must be so proud!
Yes, very much! But it almost seems more surreal than anything. I think even now, it’s hasn’t fully registered. Like, when people ask me about it, I often have to take and second and remember that yes! I did write that! Hahaha
•Give me a brief synopsis of this book:
A king and his children must survive in a world that seeks to destroy them.
•That is a really concise blurb for a complex story.
If I gave you the main synopsis, I think it would longer than this whole interview combined, lol
•Tell me, what inspired you to tell this particular story?
As I’ve read the Old Testament during my devotions, I came up with an idea of retelling a dramatized version, focusing on the perspective of the Canaanite people.
•Is the main character, or one of the main characters, inspired by someone you know?
There are several characters from the Old Testament written into the story as a whole. But one main character which the narrative focuses on is Rahab. There are certain aspects or traits that are written into the personalities of many characters, but none are based on anyone that I know personally.
•Rahab is a fascinating woman from the Bible. What is it about her Biblical account that drove you to create this fantasy depiction? How does you MC compare to Rahab?
I am so amazed by her strength when she could’ve just resolved her life to what she knew from the world around her. But to have only indirectly heard of the God of Israel and His power, she was willing to risk everything for her faith in Him. She was trapped in a world filled with hopelessness, and the news of this new God, was the one thing that brought her hope. So powerful to me. So much so, that she was even grafted into the lineage!
•Who do you hope will read your book?
Anyone who has an interest in fantasy or the Bible!
•Christian Fantasy is a small genre despite having some very popular authors who actually began the genre (Tolkein, C.S. Lewis, etc). Have you read any newer Christian Fantasy that you would also recommend to people who would enjoy Dawn of Avarice?
Honestly, no, not recently. I had recently gotten the book Noah Primeval by Brian Godawa. But I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, so I can’t say for sure if I’d recommend it though. 😬
•Now, how did you get into writing?
I’ve been writing for the majority of my life. But with the encouragement of my husband, I decided to take that first step into actually working toward publishing. And I’m so glad that I did!
•Same here: I dreamt of really becoming an author for much of my life, but it was my hubby and son who really encouraged me to write to publish. It is such a blessing to have a familial support system, isn’t it?
Absolutely! And I think my mom is probably my biggest marketer, haha! She practically tells everyone she comes in contact with about it, so I’m very blessed.
•Your Mom and mine would get along splendidly, I think. How long have you been writing?
For most of my life. Until recently, however, most of my work have been primarily short stories.
•Very cool! I started with short stories as well. Have you considered publishing any of your short stories?
Actually yes! I’ve always wanted to publish them, but wanted to present them in a slightly different manner other than directly publishing. So I ended up starting a YouTube channel with a couple of people where we create immersive/animated audiobook versions. There’s not exactly a name for what we’re doing as far as I can tell, so we decided to coin them as CineTales!
•Exciting! Share a moment of inspiration that affected something you have written, even if it is not in your book.
There was a time when I had come across a painting and I couldn’t stop looking at it. To most people, I’m sure it wasn’t a setting to write home about, but for me, in that moment, I couldn’t look away. It was a single ship, which sailed against the backdrop of cliffs in the stillness of the waters. But within the cliffside, there were old relics of the past carved deep within the stone. They appeared to be remnants of an old city. So, from that picture, I wrote one of my very first short stories.
•It is incredible where we can draw inspiration from. My fantasy realm was inspired by a series of drawing by my great-grandfather. Something about the way artwork touches places in our soul, and for writers, can spark the imagination.
Are any of your short stories set in the same fantasy-style world as Dawn of Avarice?
None at the moment, but I have certainly thought about it. Like maybe doing an offshoot story from my current book, perhaps.
•Are your short stories also Christian based or themed?
Some are and some are not. I like to explore many different themes and genres, so usually when I have an idea for something I write it down as quick as I can so that I don’t forget it later. And since we’ve started our channel, it’s almost like we all have so many ideas for stories now that we can’t even keep up with them.
•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?
Scrivener has been such an awesome tool for me. I’m very unorganized when it comes to writing, but this software really helped me to keep everything together! I would definitely recommend it for anyone interested in writing.
•I have seen so many great reviews of Scrivener. I tried using it several years ago, but it was not useful to me. Then again, I was at a point where I preferred having all my notes on paper. There was something about handwriting out all my notes and having that binder next to me for easy flipping. I have since moved on to digital note-keeping, so I might need to check out Scrivener for one of my future projects. Was there any part of writing Dawn of Avarice that was enlightening to you as the writer?
Well, a lot of my studies in the Old Testament really changed my perspective on certain aspects of life for the people at the time. I know my story is far from accurate in terms of the actual interpersonal relationships and everything, but as I’ve tried to further understand their motivations from a Biblical context, I’ve only further realized how easy it is for us as people to fall into the similar pitfalls of sin. I hope that makes sense…
•Makes perfect sense. Was there any aspect of writing Dawn of Avarice that was particularly challenging to you?
I struggled a lot with portraying the amount of moral depravity in a way that is edifying. It’s very difficult, I think, to show someone how morally corrupt people can be without going too far. I really wanted to portray the darkness of this people’s world without having to go into the lengths at which they would go. So in the end, I decided to show that corruption through the exploring the state of their hearts, for example, with greed, lust, and the pursuit of power. But from the spiritual aspect, I decided to show it best through their pagan practices and rituals mostly from the eyes of their “chief priest” Gorhan aka Balaam.
•Personally, I think you did a fantastic job of depicting the immorality of those characters without becoming to heavy-handed. If you experienced any periods of “writer’s block,” how did you overcome it?
I did A LOT. But I found that the best way for me was to just take a step back for a day or two to so that I could re-gather my thoughts. That usually helped.
•What has your experience been after choosing to self-publish your book?
It’s a difficult process, that’s for sure. Because you take on pretty much every role throughout the entire publishing process. But with that, I have found it the most rewarding.
•What lessons have you learned taking the Indie route?
I’ve definitely made some mistakes a long the way, but that’s how we learn right? I know now. What to do better the next go around, and what NOT to do. But by having complete control of my book is something that I’m so thankful for.
•Have you ever stumbled on advice or a tip that you found to be useful in your writing journey?
Yes, don’t focus too much on word count. It’s good to have a word count goal for writing each day, but if you don’t make it, it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes I’d beat myself up over not reaching my goals for the day, and it would only make the whole writing process more stressful.
•Yes! The push for daily word count. I mean, I understand the logic behind it. Especially for newer writers. Creating a goal, setting up writing blocks, or creating a schedule – all are great for developing good writing habits. But, I found, after a while, I put so much effort into meeting word count goals that I forgot to rely on inspiration, or to have fun with the writing. I track word count to gauge progress, but like you, I don’t want writing to become a chore – which would then stress me out.
EXACTLY. I love writing and I would hate for my passion to become a nuisance.
•What is one thing you wish to express to readers who might enjoy your book?
The most important thing for me, is that through it all, until the very last book, I hope that God is glorified. That even through the darkness of the world in this book and especially in our own world, we can find God’s redemptive love.
•I think you accomplish that well in Dawn of Avarice. Now, tell me, will there be more to the story?
Absolutely! With the CineTale series now on YouTube, I feel as if a whole new life has been breathed into it, and it’s reignited my drive to finish the second book.
I cannot believe that God has given me such a wonderful opportunity with this, and I’m just amazed at how it’s all unfolding.
•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.
The last book that I’ve completed by a fellow author was Great is His Faithfulness, by C. Borden! Such an awesome retelling of Ruth.
•I really appreciate that! It took me so long to write Great Is His Faithfulness, but now that it’s out there, my prayer is that He uses it to bless women, particularly those who have experienced hardship and loss. What do you enjoy doing most when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, these days I like to sit and do nothing, hahaha. With a 4 year old and a 1 year old, every day is so chaotic, it’s a gift to just sit and not have to think about or do anything for a bit.
•Ah… I remember those days of having a little one in the house. Yup – getting to just be still is quite a feat some days. I hope you get plenty of those moments. Do you dabble in other creative arts besides writing?
I really enjoy painting/drawing on my iPad and video editing. The video editing was a recent discovery after I started down the YouTube path.
•Tell me something unique about the area you live in.
Well, we live in smack dab in the middle of Nowheresville, SC so there’s not a whole lot that goes on here. But this area is known for its large Mennonite community. Our neighbors are in fact. But they are some of the kindest and most generous people I know.
•Interesting. The area I live is also home to a Mennonite and Amish community – you are right: they are a kind and generous people. Share your favorite quote, and what it means to you.
If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at God, you’ll be at rest. -Corrie Ten Boom
Her words could not be more true today. Especially through recent times in my life, I’ve come to truly understand the gravity of this truth.
•How true, and a good reminder particularly as we approach this Holiday season. Thank you. If you could describe yourself with one word, what would it be? Why?
Tenacious, for sure. Whenever I get an idea or plan set in my mind, I will do everything I can to make it happen. Often to my own detriment, however.
•Haha! I have a few other author friends who describe themselves the same way. If you have some extra tenacity to spare, please share. ::wink:: What is your favorite book? Movie? And TV Show?
I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite book. As there are so many that I’ve read that I hold in such high regard. But as far as favorite movie, I’d probably say Count of Monte Cristo with Jim Caviezel.
Thank you, Tabitha. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you. I’m glad to be able to share more about you and your book, and new Youtube videos with my readers. I hope you and your family have a delightful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
READER: Thank you so much for joining us here today! Included below are several places you can connect with Tabitha, and get your hands on er book! I hope you join me in a couple weeks for my next author interview.
Email: Authortabithamin@gmail.com
Website: Dawn of Avarice
Facebook page: Tabitha Min
Instagram page: AuthorTabithaMin
X/Twitter page: TabithaMin
Goodreads page: Tabitha Min
YouTube: @CuriousScriptorium (The Curious Scriptorium)