We all have a list of authors whose books we buy before we’ve even read the back cover blurb, those authors who weave stories that speak to the inner depths of our hearts and whisper truth to our weary souls. It strikes me as quite funny that I came across author Tara Johnson (and her books) not through a recommendation or a “Top Ten” list but by divine appointment.

While attending a writers’ conference last minute, having not prepared or researched at all, I stood in a crowded room and faced the conundrum of choosing which faculty I would most like to meet. Faces blurred and names became word jumbles before me. Lines in front of each faculty member grew longer, but one author had a lull at her table. I took an awkward step forward, opened my mouth and blurted “Hi! Who are you, and what do you do?”

With all grace and kindness, Tara introduced herself to me and we began a conversation about writing, books, and faith that has continued over multiple years. I am excited to open the conversation to you as we discuss Tara’s newest release, To Speak His Name.

Karen: If To Speak His Name was a movie streaming on Netflix, what would the logline be? How would you describe the book in one sentence?

Tara: What happens when a mute, enslaved woman meets the son of a slave-trader as they are launched into the throws of revolution? A swashbuckling adventure of freedom and redemption!

Karen: The story is an adventure, and I loved how you set up the path of redemption for your characters. This story was a bit different from your other books. Your previous novels were set during the Civil War Era. To Speak His Name is set during the early 1800’s, a departure from the throes of the Civil War. How did you approach the research process for this novel? Was your process different from previous projects?

Tara: This process was much slower. I had gotten into a groove with Civil War research and had spent years educating myself, so I didn’t have to constantly look up answers. To Speak His Name was definitely a stretch for me. Not only did I have to learn about life in 1816, but life in Barbados. I was delighted to learn that the very year I set my novel (1816) was the same year and timeframe there was a huge slave revolt on the island. (Good timing on my part.) That particular year was highly documented because of the violence Bussa’s rebellion birthed.

Karen: God often does that, doesn’t he? He gives us inspiration and then provides the background or details the fully develop the plot or setting. I’m wondering if something similar occurred with the female protagonist of the novel, Avelina, who suffers from selective mutism. Why did you choose that specific character trait and how did your personal experiences inform the character?

Tara: One of my sweet nieces has battled selective mutism since she was a toddler. She is an amazing and astute girl! Super smart and extremely observant. I’ve watched her catch things most people overlook simply because she is always listening instead of talking. We’ve even learned how to play Apples to Apples together without her saying a word. The best thing about hanging out with my niece is her laughter. It bubbles up from deep inside her. In addition, a few years ago, a little girl arrived in my Tiny Tots Sunday School class who had selective mutism. We bonded right away because I never pressed her speak. She was able to relax around me and even whispered to me when she thought no one was looking.

Karen: So what some might call a limitation you have seen as a blessing, and now you are bringing that perspective to readers. To Speak His Name also challenges readers’ understanding of the various slave trades and indentured servitude that have plagued many cultures throughout history. What do you hope readers they take away from your novel in a historical sense?

Tara: I think the most important thing to take away from historical accounts is knowledge and awareness so those decisions aren’t repeated. I’m not sure that history repeats itself but human nature sure does. I’ve recently been told I shouldn’t write about slavery. It’s triggering and outdated, but the truth is, slavery still exists all over the world, and it has since ancient times. Even worse that physical slavery is spiritual slavery, and having a reader realize they can be free from spiritual chains is my greatest prayer and hope.

Karen: In my day-time profession, I see so many young people who could use such freedom and redemption. I always appreciate how you weave Biblical truths into your stories, giving readers a fresh view of their value in Christ. What spiritual truth do you feel is at the core of the book?

Tara: The overwhelming, unfathomable love Jesus has for each of us. I know that sounds basic, but for years I’ve mulled over the scriptures that say the heavens declare the glory of God. His creation and fingerprints bear witness to His existence and power, even to those who have never heard His name. Avalina is raised in a polytheistic culture and I wanted to explore what salvation would look like to someone who had never heard the name “Jesus”.

Karen: It is strange to think that there are still many people in our midst who have never heard the name Jesus. I imagine, just as your understanding of historical accounts deepens when you write a new book, your faith deepens, as well. How has the writing of the novel changed your own perspective of that truth?

Tara: When I finished the last word, I sat back in my chair and wept. I was overcome with the depth of God’s love for people who have never heard of Him, never known Him or even wanted to know Him. He would have rather died than leave us in the dark. It left me overwhelmed with gratitude, and I pray that readers will see that, despite the horrors of Avalina’s world, God’s redemption and hope shines even brighter.

Karen: And there are horrors in her world. The topics in this book are intense and the events heart-wrenching. How did God show up for you as you developed the story?

Tara: There were several times I feared I had written myself into a corner. Lol Let’s face it: writing a story from the perspective of a mute is a tall order. But every time I thought, “I can’t do this”, God sent another encourager, or He showed me the next five feet forward. Faith is like that. He doesn’t always show us the whole picture. It’s like headlights on a stormy night. He gives us just enough to keep moving another foot and then another and another.

Karen: Even with those “headlights,” were there any points when you felt it difficult to keep writing? If so, what propelled you to continue?

Tara: Yes! Several people told me no one would ever publish a story about a girl in the Irish slave trade. Halfway through writing, I quit, but the story kept nagging me. Finally, my critique partner Michelle Griep told me if I didn’t finish, she’d kick my butt. Lol! She told me it was a story that needed to be told.

Karen: I am so glad you didn’t give up! I love the twists and turns of the storyline and the sweetness of the characters. What do you admire most about Avelina’s character? Josiah?

Tara: I love Avalina’s resilience and her hunger to learn, to explore, to mull over the hard things of life. Josiah stole my heart. I didn’t realize until after I’d finished that Josiah is a picture of Christ. How can I not adore him?

Karen: Readers have already begun sharing their favorites scenes and lines from the book. What is your personal favorite line? Which one do you feel is the most “quotable”?

Tara: Oh, that’s hard. I have some of my favorites, but it’s always interesting to me how one story can affect people in so many different ways. I think my favorite quote (and favorite scene) is when Avalina realizes God is calling her to His heart:

“I was not branded to be a slave. I was branded to belong to the Great God. Josiah’s God. My God. My throat thickened as I whispered into the quiet. ‘God, I am nothing. I have nothing. I am naught but a woman lost. Make me Yours. I give You all I am. My heart is bound to Yours forever.’”

Karen: That really is a beautiful scene. Will readers see more of Avalina and Josiah?

Tara: Absolutely! Book 2 will focus on Isabella’s story, and I promise you’ll be seeing more of Avalina, Josiah, Benjamin Magee, and maybe even Fountain Hughes. (hint, hint)

Karen: I get a little flutter in my spirit at those words, at the idea that we will be seeing more of these finely crafted characters who reveal the many facets of God’s love for us. Thank you, Tara, for listening to God’s persistent whisper – and for not forcing Michelle Griep to ‘kick your butt’ – so readers can walk alongside Avalina and Josiah towards spiritual freedom.

If you haven’t walked the path of redemption with Avalina and Josiah yet, you can grab your copy of To Speak His Name here. To say hello to Tara and stay “in the know” as she continues the stories of these beautiful characters, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.