Interview with Author Kathi Macias

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is my pleasure to welcome Kathi Macias, an author who has tackled this grim subject with a compelling novel that grips her audience on page one and doesn't let go until the last word is read.

Kathi, welcome to Patti's Porch. Your first book in the New Freedom series, Deliver Me From Evil, deals with the intensely emotional issue of human trafficking. Why did you feel called to write on this subject?

Human trafficking is indeed a dark subject. It is also much more widespread than most people realize. With an estimated 27 million people in captivity around the world, the latest figures out of Washington claim approximately 100,000 to 300,000 minors are being held in sexual slavery right here in the United States. Some say that’s a conservative estimate, but even one is too many! My publisher and I discussed this some time ago and agreed that we wanted to do an entire series on the subject, following the life of a young girl sold into this horrific lifestyle. I feel strongly that the Church must be at the forefront of these issues in any way we can.

How did you conduct the research that enabled you to portray the slave trade of innocent children in a realistic manner?

I did a lot of online research, spoke to many in law enforcement, as well as those involved in ministries and outreaches to these victims around the world. I also spoke with survivors, which was heartbreaking but necessary. While maintaining tasteful boundaries, I wanted readers to step into the dark underworld where this hideous atrocity takes place. So many have written to me after reading Deliver Me From Evil to say they are getting involved, to one degree or another, in helping to set these victims free. That makes it all worthwhile!

Will the next two books in the New Freedom series speak to the same issue?

Yes, Special Delivery, releasing in March 2012, picks up a couple of years after Deliver Me From Evil, dealing with many of the same characters. The final book in the series, The Deliverer, begins about six months after book two ends, tying together all the loose ends of the three-book saga.

You have a long list of publishing credits. Which do you prefer to write, fiction or non-fiction, short or long work?

That’s a tough question, as I love writing just about anything. I do a lot of blogging (for free, of course), and also write short pieces regularly for several publications (mostly online). But I prefer book-length projects, particularly fiction, though I’ve also enjoyed the nonfiction books I’ve done, particularly my flagship book, BEYOND ME: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World.

What was your most memorable speaking engagement and why?

I’ve had so many of them, but though I’m always honored to do radio/TV shows/interviews and/or speak at large conferences or churches, my preferred place of ministry/speaking is homeless shelters and jails/prisons. I’ve led Bible studies of three or four women inmates in county jails and spoken in chapels at some of the most notorious prisons in the country. That’s where my heart is, I suppose, though I enjoy speaking to anyone who wants to hear what God has done in my life and can do in theirs, as it never ceases to amaze me.

What do you like best about the writing life? Least?

I’m a storyteller at heart—always have been. I’ve wanted to be a writer as long as I can remember, so I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love. I suppose I like the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day when I realize I’ve reached my goal of 5,000 words (or whatever). It’s exciting to see stories take shape as characters develop lives of their own. As for what I like least—the absolute necessity of disciplined writing, even on days when I want to go outside and play in the sunshine. Every now and then I take short breaks and do that, but for the most part, turning out several books a year is long, hard work, even when you love it. I’m up really early (four or five in the morning), and rarely stop till evening. But when I finally type “The End,” I’m overjoyed at what God has allowed me to accomplish.

Thank you for visiting with us today, Kathi. I pray your series will make enough people aware of human trafficking so that someday, no child will have to suffer this atrocity.

My Review of Deliver Me From Evil:

In Deliver Me From Evil, Kathi Macias plunges her readers into the dark world of human trafficking and exploitation of young children. This story follows the broken and tortured lives of sexual slaves, including Mara, who is betrayed into prostitution by her own family at seven years old. Their innocence brutally torn from them, these young victims learn how to hide all emotion as they struggle for survival. 

The novel not only portrays the lives of these helpless hostages, but gives us a glimpse into the ruthless mindset and motives of their captors. 

Through the darkness and despair shines the light of hope sparked by the compassion of a teen who can't turn his back on the obvious abuse. He risks his safety, confides in his sister, and relies on God's direction to engineer Mara's rescue.

Realistic characterization and a compelling plot mesh to produce this heartrending story. Macias grips her readers with the impact of this degrading social issue and leaves a mark on the human conscience that is difficult to ignore. 

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