Meet YA Author Dr. Tara Fairfield

Carpinello's Writing Pages welcomes Tara Fairfield, author of the YA series River of Truth.

First, a bit about Tara:

Dr. Tara Fairfield is a licensed psychologist who loves to write! She’s committed to helping others and making some small difference in the world. Last spring she accompanied her youngest daughter to Manila to work with street children and those suffering from the aftermath of the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

Her faith and relationship with Christ is the foundation of her life. This permeates everything she does, including her writing and strong commitment to support good stewardship of the ocean. She believes it’s never too late to follow your dreams and hopes to inspire others to take a risk and have a positive impact on the world around you!

Why did you pick to write books for YA?

I just wrote the story in my heart, and it turned out to be for young adults. I hope that means I’m still young at heart. LOL. Seriously though, I’ve worked with youth and families in many settings and do want to offer a positive reading alternative to young adults that imparts messages I’d want my own children to learn.

What types of books do you like to read?

I’m a huge fantasy buff. I love stories that transport me to new and adventurous places! One of my favorite books growing up was the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. He was the first author to teach me the power of using your imagination to impart important messages about life. The intersection of creativity with lessons on human morality and integrity can be a powerful vehicle for imparting wisdom to youth without losing any entertainment value.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

My family is very important to me, and I spend much of my free time with them, but I also enjoy traveling, kayaking, and playing with my dogs. Wherever I am, there is almost always a book or Kindle in my hand. I can’t remember how I coped before Kindle. It’s wonderful to be able to carry a virtual library with me wherever I go.

Tell us about When My Lion Calls: River of Truth Series Book 1 and how the story came to be.

When My Lion Calls is a novella launching my new series: River of Truth. The idea of the book was sparked by a dream I had of a pride of lions and after writing down the dream…..the story started to flow. It’s strange because at the time I was editing Makai King, the second book in my Makai Series and not really ready to start something new.

When My Lion Calls takes place in the aftermath of worldwide plagues, which wipe out the entire adult population. Teens band together in clans for survival. When a magnificent lion calls out to a young girl, his words ignite a thirst in her heart for truth and launch a journey that might save her clan.

Here's a peek at When My Lion Calls:

In a world decimated by death and disease, evil threatens to descend upon the small clan of survivors Elle calls family. Things are not what they seem and dark forces are at work. When a bear savagely attacks her friend, rumors suggest the incident might be more than coincidence. Nobody is safe. Armed with a sense of determination, Elle joins forces with a young lion keeper to save those she loves. Together, they embark on a quest to journey to the City of Light and seek the protection of King Elohim. Will this king have the answers they seek? Every choice has a consequence. Will Elle choose to embrace the truth? The future depends upon her decision.



Have you written other books? If so, tell us a bit about them.

I’ve written two novels released in my Makai Series: Makai Queen and Makai King. The Makai Series introduces readers to the whimsical underwater world of Moku-ola where nothing’s as it seems! Makai Queen is about a young woman who is kidnapped and taken to a mysterious underwater world where she eventually becomes queen. In Makai King, the queen faces her biggest challenge yet as an evil prince who controls the sharks threatens her kingdom.


What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?

I’m currently writing the final book in the Makai Series and hope to have it out within the next year.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Listen to the feedback from others on how to improve your writing but don’t let anyone discourage you from following your dream to publish! Write what you love and never give up! This is a tough business and most of us are in it because we simply must write. Get involved in supportive writing communities; they are invaluable!

Anything else you want readers to know?

I want readers to know how much I appreciate their support and reviews. I love it when a reader sends me messages through social media and lets me know they enjoyed one of my books. Thank you.

Where can readers find you and your books?


Tara

Websites:

http://tarafairfield.com

http://makaiqueen.com

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Books

When My Lion Calls:  Amazon

Makai Queen:  Amazon


Makai King:  Amazon