Today we have the pleasure of getting to know author, Lynne Tagawa. Welcome, Lynne. How long have you’ve known you’re a writer?
I write, therefore I am a writer? Actually, I feel weird calling myself a writer. My first book was published after my kids were grown. It’s great fun. But I’m intimidated by those who have written stories since they were seven.
I like that. 🙂 When do you fit writing into your day?
I start after my devotions in the morning. I have realized that if I wait to check emails or do anything else I will get little to nothing done.
That’s some great advice. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
That is hard! One of my faves is 1 John 2:1. Knowing my sins and my frailties, the fact that my Savior intercedes for me is huge!
So true. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?
My current project is the last of a trilogy, and from the very beginning of the Russells series I had my eye on this story set during the Revolutionary War. I trace a number of themes in this series—salvation by grace alone is one—but another has to do with how to face unjust rulers. My research into the thoughts and writers of the people of that time helped me to flesh out my characters. And several things became very obvious: one, not everyone could rebel against King George III in good conscience and had what they believed to be good biblical reason, and two, at several points along the way during the war it seemed like the colonists were going to lose. What did that feel like?
That sounds interesting. Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?
I am still working on it, it’s only in rough draft right now, but most of my characters face each other at the Battle of Cowpens. One of my point-of-view characters is a British soldier (Robert Shirley) who has fallen for the sister of a Shenandoah rifleman. There’s a bad guy (Rawdon) plus Banastre Tarleton (inspiration for the bad guy in The Patriot.) :
“Captain Shirley, what have we here.” Rawdon’s deep, sonorous voice sent shivers down Robert’s spine. “A horse and a woman?”
Jonathan Russell was lying injured under a tree. Robert purposely ignored the man and grabbed the bay’s bridle. “Yes, I suppose I caught a real prize.”
He thought quickly. Rawdon mustn’t know he esteemed this woman. Her safety teetered on the edge of a knife.
“Tarleton will want the horse—or the girl.”
I promise, it’s clean! But I did give hints that these guys could be less than gentlemen.
Historical books are a favorite of mine. How much time do you spend researching before you write?
I do a lot of research before I before I begin the story, but I never actually stop. Almost every day as I sit typing away at a scene, I realize I am unsure of a fact, or need more information to flesh out a setting. So I scurry about looking for a book or surf the internet until I find what I need.
I can relate. I do the same thing. Where can readers connect with you?
They can sign up for my newsletter at www.lynnetagawa.com. It’s the best way to know about updates, discounts, and other good stuff.
Thanks so much for stopping by today.
