Who Is My Shelter? (50 page)

NJ:
Did you have a passion to write as a young girl? Who (or what) influenced you the most to become a novelist?

KCT:
I was one of those girls who always had a notebook and pens at the ready, writing little poems, journaling, even taking a stab at song lyrics. But as I said, writing novels never entered my imagination. Total and complete God-thing. When He began piecing
Heavenly Places
together in my mind, I cocked my head, and said, “Huh. Really? You want me to write fiction? How in the world do I write fiction?” Didn't know a single fiction author, had never read a writing blog or been to a writing conference— nothing. He led me through the entire process, from books I should read (both novels and books about the craft), to the actual writing. And you'd better believe I was hanging on to Him every step of the way!

NJ:
What are some of your other passions and interests? Any secret wishes—something you'd love to do that you haven't done yet? (You've got time, girl!)

KCT:
I've still got some time? Cool! Let me grab another sip of coffee. When I think “passions and interests,” the Bible comes to mind immediately. I knew next to nothing about the Bible when I became a believer at 27. But once I started digging in, I was totally captivated . . . and my world completely changed—attitudes, beliefs, opinions, actions, everything. Now, I have a passion to help others understand and be changed by the truths of the Bible. I love that I can do that through fiction, and I've also done weekly devotions and small group Bible studies. Given the way God likes to surprise me, I'm looking forward to seeing what else He might do with this passion.

But wait . . . can't leave “passions and interests” without mentioning Hawaii! That's right, it's my dream to move there one day, to bask by the ocean, in the shadow of majestic mountains, daily soaking in warm sun. That's my ultimate secret wish!

NJ:
And now . . . you've recently joined Women of Faith as one of their speakers! Wow! That's fantastic! Tell us how that came about and what God is teaching you through that experience.

KCT:
Oh, God has taught me tons, from the moment I became aware that I was being considered for Women of Faith. The Thomas Nelson Fiction team threw my name into the mix, and I thought it was nice but it wouldn't go anywhere. Me? Speaking in front of thousands of women in an arena? The most I'd done was speak to a couple hundred in a church setting. But God had already been nudging me about “upping” my faith, so He kept whispering to my heart,
Believe
. I was flown to a conference and had an opportunity to meet the Women of Faith leadership, as well as speakers and others on the team. It was fabulous—yet, I still struggled to believe it could actually happen. Soon after, though, I was offered an opportunity to speak at four events in 2010. In 2011, I'll be speaking at all fourteen events on the Women of Faith Imagine tour. When I think of the way it unfolded, I'm still in awe of God. He's teaching me, yes, to believe that He is able to accomplish His plans and purposes— regardless of our own limited abilities or experiences. But He's teaching me so much more. Doesn't matter how many are in the audience. I have an audience of One, and I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

NJ:
As you know, there haven't been that many African American novelists published in the Christian market, so I'm delighted the evangelical world is discovering this rich resource. Since each part of the Body of Christ is important and has something crucial to contribute to the kingdom of God, what would you say African American Christians have to bring to “Christian fiction” that's unique?

KCT:
Whew . . . do I still have time? Can I pour a fresh cup of java? It's interesting . . . African Americans, like everyone else, come from so many different walks of life. What anyone brings to fiction will depend on background, denomination, and his or her personal walk with God, among other influences. For example, many African American Christians grew up in the church, whereas I didn't belong to a church until my late twenties.

But absolutely, I do believe we bring a unique voice to the genre. We're able to infuse our culture, aspects of our unique history in America, and perspectives that others in the Body of Christ may have never considered or experienced. For example, in
Heavenly Places
, the main character has a darker skin complexion, and her mother has always openly favored her sister, who has lighter skin. Many outside of the African American community have told me they had no idea that that sort of favoritism or dynamic existed.

I also think the “something crucial” we bring is simply awareness that we exist as part of this Body. As you stated, there haven't been many African American novelists published in the Christian market. If someone picks up a “Christian fiction” book, the chances are great that it won't even contain African American characters (which is why I admire your books so much!). In essence, just as we have our separate places of worship, we have our separate segments of the publishing market. But Jesus prayed that we would be one, as He and the Father are one. I think our voice in “Christian fiction” helps to bridge the greater gap that exists. It's my prayer that many Christian authors, regardless of color, will begin to diversify their characters, to show through story how we ought to live in life, as living, breathing parts of the Body fitted together.

NJ:
Who are some of your favorite authors? Any recent discoveries you'd like to recommend?

KCT:
Because I've homeschooled a number of years and have read lots of books with my kids, my list of favs might seem a tad unusual. But I just love Homer's
The Iliad
and
The Odyssey
. Such great fun reading those with my son! Another fav is J.R.R. Tolkien's
The Lord of the Rings
. Hmm . . . I see I have a love affair going with the epic story. But I do have present-day favorites as well! Can't claim you as a “discovery”—not in front of your readers anyway—but I can't let the interview end without saying how much I love you! I've told you before and have to say openly that you are my hero. I love your heart for the Body of Christ and love that you write stories that reflect the diversity of the Body. And you're just a plain good storyteller as well (smile). It's very obvious that your walk with God spills out on paper. Thank you for being you!

NJ:
Kim, I know readers who are captivated by
Faithful
will be looking forward to your next novel. Any hints what that will be, and when it will be coming out?

KCT:
I'd love to give some hints! My next novel is
Cherished
, and it releases in fall of 2011. It features many of the same characters in
Faithful
, but will focus on two new main characters, one of whom is “the other woman” who was involved in the affair in
Faithful
. The heart of this book is the lavishness of God's grace and mercy to cover the shame and guilt of the past. I'm praying that many women will find healing and strength through the story.

NJ:
Thanks so much, Kim! You certainly have your plate full with raising children, writing novels, and speaking for Women of Faith. Whew! We don't want you to burn out—but we
are
looking forward to the ways God intends to use you to bless the rest of us in the Body of Christ. Shalom, dear sister!

To learn more about Kim Cash Tate and her novels,
visit her website at
KimCashTate.com
.

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An excerpt from
The Yada Yada Prayer Group

The lobby of the embassy suites hotel in Chicago's northwest suburbs was packed with women. An intense hum ros and fell, like a tree full of cicadas. “Girl! I didn't know you werecoming!” . . . “Where's Shirlese? I'm supposed to be roomin' with her.” . . . “Look at you! That outfit is fine!” . . . “Pool? Not after spending forty-five dollars at the salon this morning, honey.Who you kiddin'?”

Avis and I wiggled our Mutt and Jeff selves through the throng of perfumed bodies and presented our reservations at the desk.

“Jodi Baxter? And . . . Avis Johnson. You're in Suite 206.” The clerk handed over two plastic key cards. “If you're here for the Chicago Women's Conference”—she added with a knowing smile—“you can pick up your registration packet at that table right over there.”

Avis let me forge a path back through the cicada convention to a long table with boxes of packets marked A–D, E–H, all the way to W–Z. As we were handed our packets emblazoned with CWC in curlicue calligraphy, I noticed a bright gold sticker in the righthand corner of mine with the number 26 written in black marker. I glanced at the packet being given to the woman standing next to me at the A-D box who gave her name as “Adams, Paulette”—but her gold sticker had the number 12.

“What's this?” I asked the plump girl behind the registration table, pointing to the number.

“Oh, that.” Miss Helpful smiled sweetly. “They'll explain the numbers at the first session. Don't worry about it . . . Can I help you?” She turned to the next person in line.

Humph. I didn't want to wait till the first session. I was nervous enough surrounded by women who seemed as comfortable in a crowd of strangers as if it were Thanksgiving at Grandma's. I didn't want any “surprises.” Avis waved her packet at me over the heads of five women crowding up to the table between us and nodded toward the elevators. We met just as the door to Elevator Two pinged open, and we wheeled our suitcases inside.

“What number did you get?”

“Number?”

“On your packet, right-hand corner, gold sticker.”

“Oh.” Avis turned over the packet she was clutching in one hand, along with her plastic key card, purse strap, and travel-pack of tissues. “Twenty-six.What's it for?”