Dr. Tara Fairfield, a licensed psychologist, has dedicated her life to helping teens find meaning in their lives through the power of the Lord. Author of Makai Queen, a young adult novel about a curious teenager named Tessa who’s destiny becomes entwined with a mysterious undersea world, Dr. Fairfield has appeared on Teen Talk and Parent Talk radio with advice for teens and parents about life’s issues.
MTAR: What do you do when you are not writing?
Tara Fairfield: Hmmmm…..you mean I’m supposed to stop writing? Kidding…..I actually have a day job, family and friends. I love serving the Lord and am involved with a local ministry. I love to travel, kayak and garden, or just play with my dogs.
MTAR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Tara Fairfield: I’ve always loved to write but never had the time while I was raising my three children. Now they’re all grown, with families of their own and I am having a great time releasing the pent up creative juices from my parenting years. Also, when I walked into bookstores and saw all the YA books focused on messages of violence and death, I knew I had to write a story focused on positive messages to build up instead of tear down our youth today.
MTAR: If you could trade places with any other person in your books with whom would it be?
Tara Fairfield: What a great question! I love all my characters but will always have a special place in my heart for Tessa. To be able to communicate with all life in the sea would be so amazing! I dream about swimming with dolphins and whales, and having a sea lion for a best friend, but she gets to do those things everyday.
MTAR: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Tara Fairfield: There are three messages I hope come across to readers. First, God has a plan for your life and it’s much better than you could imagine for yourself! Second, forgiveness has the power to heal and transform lives. Not only is forgiveness what we as Christians are called to practice, it sets us free to live a joyful life. Failure to forgive harbors bitterness and enslaves us to sin. Third, and less obvious, I strongly believe we are called to be good stewards of this earth and all that dwell here, including caring for our oceans.
MTAR: What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Tara Fairfield: Everyone is different, but for me, I must keep my focus on God and being obedient to what he has called me to do, and also maintain balance in my life. I’m involved with a local ministry, spend time with my family and make sure to play. In today’s crazy world it’s easy to become busy and over scheduled, so for me, it’s important to have down time, just basking in the presence of the Lord.
MTAR: What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing novels set under the sea? Or novels for teens?
Tara Fairfield: In writing for teens it’s important to create material that’s interesting and also relevant to their experience and issues. Youth today are engaged in ways they never have been before and I want to make sure I’m respectful of their struggles while also entertaining them, it’s a delicate balance.
MTAR: What makes you laugh?
Tara Fairfield: My animals and my grandchildren. They are both constant sources of entertainment. Recently, I spent the night babysitting my grandsons (ages 2 and 4) and they informed me, “we were thinking you wanted to buy us some treats.” LOL, they crack me up…..and yes, I wanted to buy them treats.
MTAR: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
Tara Fairfield: My favorite chapter to write so far is in the second book of the Makai Queen trilogy, which has not been released yet. I am writing some of the chapters from the perspective of the antagonist, Moho, and it has been so fun to delve into his relationship with the sharks. In book two, readers will gain new insight into how Moho and his sharks are linked and how that impacts him and the decisions he makes. Being a writer is so much fun!
MTAR: Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
Tara Fairfield: I’m not done with the series yet, so I’m still in the midst of developing my characters and storyline, although I know how it will end. I will be developing Moho and his relationship to both the sharks and Eka in more depth, also in book two we will learn more about Akalei and Kele. Tessa’s skills will continue to develop as she grows into her role as queen and the romance between her and Kupua will blossom. The theme of protecting our oceans will be stronger in the second book as well.
MTAR: What environment is best for you to write?
Tara Fairfield: I work best in total quiet, with no distractions, just sitting with my laptop and losing myself to the story. Sometimes, I’ll have background noise going on, but I do better without interruptions.
MTAR: What are you working on now?
Tara Fairfield: I’ve just finished the next book in the Makai Queen trilogy, it doesn’t have a title yet but I am really excited with how the story has progressed. I’m about to start the final book in the series and am truly enjoying this story. As a new author, I continue to stretch and grow, learning from the process and having a blast!
MTAR: Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Tara Fairfield: Thank you for all your encouragement and support! Hearing readers say they loved the book or couldn’t put it down really makes my day and encourages me during those moments when discouragement raises it’s ugly head. Thank you, thank you, thank you!