We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynne Tagawa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lynne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I would like to be able to say that I am a good writer because I am gifted. Or because I was a voracious reader growing up. The reading part certainly helped, but there is a significant distance between the basic elements of a skill–like knowing grammar and sentence structure–and learning the craft of writing fiction. Or learning any craft, for that matter.

The main ingredient for improving a craft is being open to instruction. When I finished my first manuscript, I found an editor. Every cent was worth it. She served as a mentor, pointing out the basics of modern fiction, and the specifics of what I did wrong. It was a true turning point. Although other editors have helped me since none was as instrumental as Jeanne.

Podcasts, writing books, and critique partners have all helped in my journey. The next time you read a novel, notice the “acknowledgments” section. You will get the picture that although writing is in some ways a solitary endeavor, it is not accomplished alone.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I write Christian historical fiction, and as a former educator, I keep teen readers in the back of my mind even though I write for adults. I try not to be too obvious about the educational benefit of my stories!

Worldview questions and theological truth are important to me. One of my novels is set during the time period of the Great Awakening, and we see the effect of George Whitefield’s preaching on people. In a Fallen Sparrow, we see the wrestling that Christians had with the issues during the Revolutionary War period. Should they submit to the mother country? Could it be God-honoring to resist tyranny?

I seek to provide quality stories at an accessible price point, and because I’m an indie author, I can set my own prices while maintaining full control over my creative content.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One marketing guru explained that “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and that biblical principle has stuck with me ever since. Pushy sales strategies make me uncomfortable, and marketing in general is not my favorite thing to do anyway.

My focus ever since has been, “How can I give, how can I bless?”

In my newsletters, I ask, “What would I like to see in my inbox?” I send subscribers links to discounted books–not just my own. I have found that although my business has grown slowly, it has grown steadily, organically.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I believe that most people are creative in some way. I have a friend who loves gardening. Another who quilts. For myself, Sewing machines scare me–but I have found my own niche, writing.

Sometimes the fruit of a creative endeavor can be shared. I just purchased homemade earrings from a friend’s child. I get to share my stories. I enjoy writing them, I enjoy sharing them, and occasionally I get feedback that helps me to persevere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lynnetagawa.com
• Facebook: Lynne-Basham-Tagawa
• Twitter: @LynneTagawa
• Other: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lynne-basham-tagawa

Image Credits

Geary Tagawa