Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, mom, pastor and author. My husband and I work with mostly teenagers and young adults. I love what I do. Discipling students, especially young women is a passion of mine. Writing is a newer venture but definitely a love. (especially because I can do it in my pajamas, sitting on my sofa.) I have written two books. The first was a self published collection of essays for women in ministry titled, Pulpits and Pink Lipstick. The second is my debut novel, The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline is my latest book and I would have to say that as far as the story, it feels like something I dreamed. I kind of started with a simple scenario that wouldn’t go away until it because a full blown book. Switching my writing focus from non-fiction to fiction was inspired by some of my students. Seeing what they were reading and wanting to give them something with all the romance, action and mystery that also had glimpses of Biblical truth and hope.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Unless you count potty training toddlers while writing. It seems that I was potty training one of my daughters with each book. That won’t be a habit that continues though. (I only have the two girls.)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love C.S. Lewis, and not just the typical Narnia books. My favorite of his is The Screwtape Letters. I also love Harper Lee.
What are you working on now?
The second book in The Chronicle of the Three trilogy. I have the series mapped out and am about halfway through book two.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still so new to this that really I’m not sure. I am still trying out new things so I will have to get back to you on websites. I do have an awesome street team. (I call them my squad.) They have really helped spread the word on the book for me and made it super fun.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. I feel like I heard that a lot and didn’t really get it until now. But if this is something you want to do, do it. Work at it. Write little nothings to get you through blocks, write blogs, write your masterpiece, just keep writing. (Feel free to sing it like Dory would in Finding Nemo.) Also, one thing that has helped me is setting goals. I think I read somewhere that Ted Dekker has a goal of 2,000 words a day. I’m not there yet. But I thought to myself I could do 2,000 words a week. Trying my best to stick to that goal is what got this book done.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On writing or life? For me its more of a quote that helps keep me grounded in the right things. “Talent will take you where only character can keep you.” At the end of the day who I am is more important than what I do.
What are you reading now?
Currently I am on a non-fiction kick. I just finished The Bush Always Burns by Heath Adamson and Walk the Talk by Sarah West. I am in the middle of You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan. The next fiction on my list is Go Set A Watchman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am pretty focused on this trilogy. I also have a children’s book that I tinker with. (It was born out of a girl from our church wanting me to write a story just for her because she’s a little young for my book.) I have a couple other ideas that i jotted down and will be ready to see which one takes further shape when the characters from this trilogy decide I’m done and they leave me alone.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible (not just for religious reasons but because there are some great stories in there.)
To Kill a Mockingbird because its a favorite.
The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood because it makes me laugh and cry.
Something, anything by CS Lewis.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tabitha Caplinger Website
Tabitha Caplinger Amazon Profile
Tabitha Caplinger’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account