Interview with Kathy Macias, author of "My Son John"

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

This book was a long time in the making, which is unusual for me. I am currently writing about three or four books a year, but I started My Son, John about twenty years ago. At the time it had a different storyline but the same message of unconditional love and forgiveness. It wasn’t until I talked with the publisher (Joan of Sheaf House) that we decided to revamp the story but keep the same message. Once I did that, we got it finished and published in short order.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My biggest supporter (and critic!) of my writing is my husband. He still remembers when we were about thirteen or fourteen and we were walking home from school one day when I announced that I would be a writer some day. He reads everything I write and does so with a critical eye—which I appreciate. He doesn’t just rubber-stamp it and tell me it’s great. He gives me his honest opinion, and I listen. But he also supports every aspect of my developing career, and I appreciate that more than I can say!

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

My number-one ministry passion is supporting the underground Church. Modern-day martyrs of the faith are my heroes! In fact, I am currently working on a four-book series called the “Extreme Devotion” series, which will release between April 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011. Each book is set in a different country and loosely based on the true life story of a modern-day persecuted (and/or martyred) believer.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

I write fast and fairly clean, but I always finish my first draft and then set it aside for a few days/weeks before beginning the final editing/rewrite process. I know I will be able to do so then with a fresh eye, so I catch things I would never have seen if I’d read it right away. Then I pass it to readers for their input as well.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

My advice is to be willing to “earn your spurs.” I spent a lot of years writing for free (or close to it), and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. I also advise writers to get some journalism training. That was one of the wisest moves I ever made! It taught me to write on time, on target, and on focus—no such thing as writer’s block in my life!

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

OK, I know this is obvious, but the Bible is my first pick. I read/study it daily. It is always fresh, always new, always speaks to me where I am today. There simply is no other book like it, since there is no other book authored by the Master Author Himself.

What is your favorite past-time?

I’m the classic “busman’s holiday” example. If I get five spare minutes, I’m immediately reading—cereal boxes, books, whatever. I’m a word person, period. Can’t resist reading whatever my eyes land on, though aside from the Bible, I prefer a good novel above all else.

About the Author:

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 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, and recently 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, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley. You can learn more about her and her books/speaking engagements at www.kathimacias.com or http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/

 

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