Tanya, thanks so much for this interview which will allow our readers to learn more about you. I’ve known you for what? Almost 10 years? I’m so proud of you! It’s wonderful to see your growth and I’m excited to share you with our literary friends. Let’s start off with an intro. Who is Tanya Marie Lewis?
TML: I’m a child of God who loves people. I love being apart of this great Body of believers, called Christians and having a part in witnessing and ministering the Word of the Lord to the lost. In addition to that, I love my family and friends and the older I get, the more I realize how important they are to me. Outside of that I’m a writer for the Lord, a professional business woman, a student and teacher of the Word of God.
Why and how did you start writing?
TML: I was nine when I realized I was a writer, though I’d been scribbling stories long before then. I was sitting in math class watching a bird on the windowsill. He looked how I must have felt…vulnerable. He eventually flew away and in that moment I penned a poem titled, “Unconditional Love” and I’ve not put my pen down since. Of course the school year was out before I realized I didn’t have to be in math class to write. Hence, that’s why I have to use a calculator to this day. So, that’s where it all began for me, from poetry, songs, plays, short stories and finally novels.
LOL! I can definitely relate to wanting to do something other than math (and the calculator, too). ïŠWhere did you get the inspiration to write The Carpenter’s Princess?
TML: I was on a three-day fast when I started working on the outline for (then titled Misdemeanor) The Carpenters Princess. During the course of the fast, God gave me the inspiration for the novel which was totally different from the original synopsis. I have always had an extreme “soft” spot when it comes to love and marriage. I found myself reflecting back on the relationships of my grandparents. They had the type of love that endured; that long suffering kind of love the Bible talks about. If there were problems at home, we didn’t know about it. I’m certain their love was based on something totally different than what society depicts as ’till death do us part’.
Nowadays, the word love is thrown around like a basketball to whomever/whenever the moment feels right. If they toss it back its love…if they don’t, well, umm let’s just say we begin to back peddle because many of us don’t know the true definition of love. I just felt God showing me that He is love and without Him as our leading man; wheels are spinning, hearts are hurting and lives are being placed on hold, because we are out of line with the destiny that He created for us.
The character in The Carpenter’s Princess suffered unnecessary pain simply because she wouldn’t line up with God’s will for her life. Which is why the story opens with the scripture, “Except the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it. (Psalm 127:1 KJV)”
Can you share with us the meaning of the title and why you changed it for the re-release.
TML: Good question. The storyline deals with redemption. I was saved and had a fervent passion for Christ when the story was originally released in 2003. Although I was on a fast when it was written error still managed to seep through the ink of my pen. One thing that we have to remember as believers is that the enemy is subtle in his machinations and the Bible tells us we are not to be ignorant of them. In the months following the original release I transitioned from the church I had grown up in to the ministry I’m apart of now. God really begin to deal with me concerning ministry and I shut everything down so I could hear Him. I couldn’t serve Him and be attached to the things/people that were coming between us. In that time frameHe began to rebuild, reconstruct, renew my passion. Jesus profession was that of a Carpenter and I felt that I had been made over, much like the character in TCP. I think I had begun to take the gift of writing for granted because I got caught up in the book deals, the best seller list and so on. I had to sacrifice some things and at the time it just happened to be a two-book deal with a major New York publisher. I knew when I let that deal go and the money involved that I was serious about being His writer.
So, when the season presented itself, the Carpenter (Jesus), redeemed the book with a new look, a new name and an opportunity to share the truth. And the fact that Grant, the male character in the book, bares the name Carpenter tied perfectly into the storyline. The only thing that you don’t know is does she surrender to her Carpenter. <wink>
I really loved The Carpenter’s Princess, which I first read when it was titled Misdemeanor. I also enjoyed your short story in Proverbs for the People, and other bits of your stories I’ve read over the years. You have a very distinct voice in your books and stories. If you had to define it, how would you?
TML: Thank you. I really didn’t understand my voice, until Bittersweet Chocolate was written. If I had to describe it; intimate communication with someone you can trust.
What are you currently working on?
TML: I am finally prepared to release Bittersweet Chocolate which was my first full length novel. That’s my baby and it’s time I introduce her to the world. Bittersweet Chocolate deals with love, regret, forgiveness and betrayal on a level that’s so disturbing only God can heal and restore the broken pieces. I’m also in the process of working on an anthology to20be released for the holiday season.
I am looking forward to Bittersweet Chocolate! To this day, the portions I read of Bittersweet Chocolate are still with me, especially that line about the flower. LOL. Is it “different” writing in the Christian Fiction Genre?
TML: Since I’ve been writing, God has been at the forefront of my work even when I was playing footsies with sin, He was there. I read things I wrote over twenty years ago and like breathing He entered into my work every time. The Lord has always been there for me so it’s an honor to write for Him and glorify His name.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned about writing, especially as it relates to your ministry?
TML: Once I realized that a writing is a literary pulpit of sorts it changed my perspective on the seriousness of the call. God has granted many of us with the gift to function in the office of a creative scribe, but its not to be taken lightly. Your work should never be a place for revenge or an opportunity for self-exaltation. I’ve had people ask me if they’re going to be in my book, my initial thought is not if I can help it. I truly attempt to write what God gives me from the title to the character names. When He speaks I write…when He stops, so do I. Again, as a writer you have the power to influence through the power of a pen.
You were once very active and well known in the literary industry and sort of drifted off the scene. Where have you been and what steps lead you back?
TML: Wow, let’s see. I have been in a season of preparation, in the backfield, where I’ve had to fight for love to live a little longer. I’ve been beaten, broken, sliced, diced and spiritually maced so I would be in a place to not handle the word of God deceitfully, but with the compassion of a servant clothed in a linen robe of righteousness, writing only what’s been given to me from the foot of the Father.
Your writing is just one part of your ministry. Tell us about your other projects, including your publishing house and magazine. Also, let us know how we can find you on the web.
TML: Yes we have a publishing house with several divisions; a Christian magazine, Sufficient Grace that was launched in April of 2006. Due to personal things that took precedent at the time, it has been on hiatus since Nov/Dec 2007 but don’t fret because SGM makes a return this winter. We also have a self-publishing division, as well as a graphic/media division. If you would like to contact me you can find my home on the web at www.tanyamarielewis.com or on twitter.com.
Thanks once again for the interview, Tanya. Any closing words for us?
TML: Thank you Tee C. Royal and RAWSISTAZ for this opportunity. I appreciate the support from beginning of my journey (when I was reviewing books and a literary publicist for others) to now. My word for you is to continue forward, seek God for this next transition in your life and remember the only thing you should ever go back to is your first works.
Truly, I love you,
Tanya Marie Lewis.
Awwww…right back at’cha and I’m proud of you too! Please keep us posted on Bittersweet Chocolate and your company’s upcoming releases.
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