Meet author Lynne Tagawa

Lynne B. Tagawa is married and the mother of four sons. She attended the University of Hawaii where she met her husband and obtained a degree in secondary education. The Tagawas live in Texas where she teaches part-time.She writes fiction, educational materials, and Christian devotionals; she is especially inspired by the lives of great men and women of faith.

Tell us about your newest book.

The Root of the Matter is a new adventure for me. Yes, it’s historical—kind of. It’s actually time-travel!

What inspired you to write The Root of the Matter?

My last series was set in the 18^th century and covered some important historical—and theological—events there, like the Great Awakening. But long ago, I’d read an excerpt from John Winthrop’s diary, and never forgotten the pathos of it. I wanted to explore this “forgotten Founding Father” of the 1600s, and finally got my chance. But when I did, I felt stymied. How could I get into the heads of these people? Time travel as a plot device popped into my head, complete with characters ready-made, seemingly.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

The Root of the Matter is the first installment of a series sending time travelers back to study the Puritans of New England. My near-future heroine, Geneva Fielding, struggles with anxiety, and when she and her friend, physicist Peter Donatelli, are tapped for a Trip to the 1630s, she’s terrified. But she’s fascinated with John Winthrop—what would the real man be like? And what about Roger Williams? Were the Puritans being cruel when they exiled him?

What genre do you focus on?

History grabbed me almost from the beginning—you just can’t make up better material! The real people and real events in history—especially our nation’s history—serve as rich sources for stories!

Why do you write?

I never thought of myself as a writer. Then I put together a curriculum for a school where I taught. I wrote it in narrative form, like a story. I mean, why bore the kids? Then I wondered, could I write fiction? Now I’m addicted.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Geneva Fielding popped into my brain, personality and all. Her first name does have a meaning of sorts. During Shakespeare’s day, there was no King James Bible. One of the translations favored by the Puritans was called the Geneva Bible. King James hated it because it had study notes in it—the first “study Bible.” And those study notes were critical of the “divine right of kings” theory James used to excuse doing whatever he wanted. So he banned it and made his own version.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

Schedule? What schedule? I do try to write first thing in the morning—even if I only get fifty words written. I know other things will crowd in throughout the day.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

See the above question. Just getting the words down. You can always edit later (love word processors).

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

I’m not sure. I love the process of writing. It’s like living the story. But I also love getting feedback from readers. Some are very enthusiastic, true fans, and their comments help keep me going in the drier times.

What’s one unusual fact about you?

My sister was the “writer” growing up. I was NOT the creative sort. I preferred the chemistry lab. For me to write fiction still amazes me.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

I’m always growing and learning. My first novel I wrote by instinct—I’m a voracious reader, always have been, and crafting sentences myself wasn’t that hard. But I hired an editor, and she kindly explained everything I was doing “wrong”—the areas I needed to improve. Best money I ever spent. Editors are underappreciated.

What is your favorite pastime?

Reading, of course.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

The Russells series is set during the eighteenth century and follows a single family (the Russells) through the Great Awakening, the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution. The Shenandoah Road and A Fallen Sparrow are Selah Award finalists.

What are you working on now?

Now that Root is finished, I’m working on book two. It’s about Puritan minister John Cotton and the infamous Anne Hutchinson. It’s a challenge because I have to understand all the theology—and try to figure out what these people were really like. I wonder what Geneva and Peter will think—maybe they will even have an argument!

Website: www.lynnetagawa.com