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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I'm Praying For You - But Am I Really?

A couple of weeks ago, Patti's Porch was surrounded by beautiful white snow drifts. Today, after a few days of above freezing temperatures and sunshine, we are now engulfed in a sea of mud! Yuck!


Okay, on to today's subject.

How many times do those of us of the Christian faith say these words: "I'm praying for you" or "I"ll keep you in my prayers." Many times, I respond to a friend's email with a one word "Praying!" 

Yet, when I go to God in prayer, I often find myself drawing a blank as to who I promised to pray for. Sound familiar? I kind of hope so. I'd hate to think I'm the only one who does this!

Anyway, I have found a solution to the problem, if I can just follow through with it! When I receive an email from someone with a prayer need, I immediately access a spreadsheet file I have started. I log in that person's name and the need. I have the OCD tendency to make elaborate spreadsheets, but I'm trying to keep this simple. Sometimes a first name and a word or two about the problem, such as "Bob" "job interview" or "Janet" "back surgery" will suffice. 

If  I'm not near my computer, I always have my smart phone with me, where I have added a "prayer" memo. This allows me to have access to either prayer reminder several times a day. (Heaven knows I have the computer screen or the cell phone in front of me a dozen times a day at least!).

Not only do these tools remind me who I've promised to pray for. They also allow a means to keep track of answered prayers. I bet after a year, I'll be amazed at how many of them are, sometimes in totally unexpected ways!


This is one of many new habits I hope to develop in 2012.

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Welcome 2012

I hadn't been out of bed even an hour when an expletive I was not proud of escaped my lips, I had dropped something on the floor. No one was around to hear the offending word, for which I am grateful.

My husband and I went to church this morning.  I started yelling at him when the place he chose to park had me hemmed in between a snow bank and an ice-covered street. Thank goodness, he is slow to anger and brushed off my tongue-lashing with a chuckle.

So much for my good intentions to start off the New Year as an even-tempered, considerate person.

I've spent six decades looking forward to a new year with hopes for a new beginning, forming of new habits, and leaving negative behaviors behind. Somehow, though, it just doesn't work that way.

Even our pastor, during this morning's service, commented that "New Year's resolutions are made on January 1st and broken on January 2nd."

 Resolution embraces and encompasses change. Change requires a certain amount of planning, purpose, and perseverance.

Change also comes about as a result of necessity.

If the doctor tells me to lose weight to lengthen my life, I'll start paying serious attention to my diet. If my willy-nilly filing system prevents me from finding important papers I need repeatedly, I'll probably make a conscious effort to clean and organize my desk.

Last year, I tackled my OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) tendencies and abandoned one of my daily routines. I used to, methodically and obsessively, keep track of literally every penny I spent. If the balance on my Excel spread sheet didn't agree with the amount of cash I had on hand, I would sometimes spend hours looking for the discrepancy.

It was difficult for me to turn loose of that habitual task. I experienced a significant level of anxiety for about a week after I stopped keeping track of daily expenses.

That was over six months ago, and I see no major difference in my expenditures. I do see an increace in the amount of free time I have to pursue things I enjoy. I've learned that I need to weigh the balance of what is won and what is lost in giving up some long-standing habit or routine. We need to evaluate whether the change will improve or hinder our life-style, relationships, or attitude.

What would you like to change this year?

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The Day After Christmas

Christmas cards have been opened. Flickering flames from the candlelight Christmas Eve service have been extinguished, Gifts have all been pulled from under the tree and unwrapped. Food has been prepared and consumed. Christmas music gives way to regular radio programming. Friends and family have been greeted with hugs, kisses, and Merry Christmas wishes.

Today, the stack of Christmas cards sits on my desk. Christmas letters will be saved for a while, new addresses added to the data base on my computer, and cards sent to St Jude's card recycling program. The trash bag filled with Christmas wrapping will go to the dumpster today. All the left over wrapping paper, tags, ribbon, and tape will be packed away in the Christmas storage box. The tree will stay up for a few more days. The gifts that we opened yesterday will be stored or put into use today.

The day after Christmas can be a sad day for some, filled with regrets. We lament the gift we didn't buy, the Christmas card we forgot to send, the gift we didn't get, the money we spent unwisely, the overeating, the family members we missed. The list goes on and on.

Christmas builds like a giant wave in early November and reaches its crescendo on December 25th, when we are tossed about in a maelstrom of laughter, joy, happiness, excitement, and love.   We ride the crest until, over the next few days, it ebbs and returns us to the "back to normal" of everyday life.

Despite the shopping, the wrapping, the card writing, the eating, and the decorating, the spirit of Christmas is always present because of the reason we observe the holiday in the first place.

It is the day we celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. No, he probably wasn't born on December 25th and there probably wasn't any snow on the ground. Still, the fact remains that this is the day we have chosen to remember that most holiest of events and the One who impacted history forever.

The young person who turns thirteen is still a teen the day after the birthday party. The couple who reaches their golden anniversary is still married half a century the day after the big celebration. Such a monumental event as our God giving us the most wondrous gift of all, His Son, cannot be forgotten simply because Christmas Day is over.

Like the ever pounding surge of the ocean waves, the impact of Christmas stays with us all year round.

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Are You An Indian Giver?

Oh my, it has been such a long time since I posted anything on this blog! I'm surprised anyone has stopped by, but my weekly report indicates I still have folks checking in. Thank you for your patience!


These past couple of months have been stressful. Let me tell you about them by starting with a quick story. A friend and I went out to dinner a couple of months ago. During the course of conversation, she asked "are you an Indian giver?" What had precipitated that question? Had I given my friend something, then perhaps borrowed it back and never returned it?


That's not what she was talking about at all. As she listened to my anxiety about my husband's upcoming open heart surgery, she asked if I had given my concerns to God. Well, yes, of course, I had prayed for a successful surgery and a rapid recovery for my husband. Yet, here I was, going on about all that could go wrong.


How often do we take the advice in Philippians 4:6, turning our anxieties over to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Yet, a mere few hours later, we snatch them back from his "questionable" embrace and clutch them close in our "capable" arms. After all, don't we feel a bit guilty if we don't worry about our loved ones' trials? Do we appear callous or even naive if we sit back and say, "Oh, God will take care of it?"


As my husband anticipated his quadruple bypass, he drove me crazy with his lack of manifestation of anxiety. When I finally asked him about it, his reply was so simple, yet so true. "I could have a stroke and never get out of bed again. I could die, but worrying about it won't change the outcome. It's all in The Lord's hands."


Truer words were never spoken. My husband did have his surgery, and the day before the procedure, the surgeon told me, "You need to know that his risk for stroke or even death during this procedure is extremely high." Yet, my husband's own words, "it's in the Lord's hands," carried me though those tension-filled hours.


My husband is home now and doing well with his recovery. He is still at risk for the complications that come with heart disease, but like he says, "why worry about it?"


Slowly but surely, I'm learning not to be an Indian giver!


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