Author/Novel Spotlight: Tabitha Caplinger

As a reviewer of Christian fiction, I have developed a passion for new Christian authors who write in the genres that I like to read. Any new author needs as much exposure and encouragement as they can get, especially Christian authors. It can be a lonely existence spending months or years researching, brainstorming, writing, editing, finding a publisher, more editing and revisions, cover design, then the all-important launch! From what I have seen and experienced with some authors, after their launch, they can become anxious and despairing when reviews don't appear, and/or sales are slow to occur. They question whether it is worth all the effort they have just put in writing their first novel and this journey to becoming a published author.

It is from this perspective, that I wanted to help counteract this occurrence. This blog exists to not only promote Christian fiction but to support authors and increase their exposure by giving them a review or if I am able, an interview, especially if they are a new author. 

In this Author/Novel Spotlight, I am exposing Tabitha Caplinger, with the release of her debut novel, The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline. So before we go any further, here is the run down on Tabitha: 

Tabitha and her husband, Brian, have been in youth ministry for close to 15 years. Both are ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God and are the student pastors at Faith Community Church in House Springs, Missouri where they live with their two sassy daughters. Writing has slowly crept its way into Tabitha's ministry calling and vision. At present, her heart is set on fiction. She loves the drama of storytelling and getting lost in imagination along with creating characters who's lives have a message. She believes that stories can bring to life the Gospel in a way no sermon can. Her desire is to craft a story that would minister to and motivate young adults in their faith. She also has a TV addiction for which she does not plan to get help anytime soon.

I was curious to know how this book came about, so I asked Tabitha, here is her reply:

Being in student ministry, I try to keep up with all things popular culture that our students are into and they don't just read books they obsess over them. Sometimes the stories are missing elements of faith or just stand contrary to it and I wanted to offer something that had all the elements young adults love but without losing the truth of the gospel. I also wanted to write something that students who don't know Christ would pick up and read and get a glimpse of him. Just enough to get them to ask questions and spark conversation, to start searching. 

So I had the desire for a book and just needed an idea, a story. That part actually came to me in a sort of dream. Really I was laying in bed half asleep and started getting this little idea that grew and grew. I like the thrill and suspense of the supernatural so I think that was the most natural direction for me to head in and why that type of story was sparked in my imagination. So the story came and I outlined it and then sat on it for almost a year. I wrote five chapters and just stopped. Then a friend read those chapters and fell in love and kept wanting more so I kept writing more. Now the first book is published, the second is halfway written and the third is a nice outline waiting to be filled in. 

As far as what you can expect without giving too much away, well that is a tough one. I would say we get to know the characters more, including more about their past and how they got to this point. We also see them walking out and developing their own faith. And of course, we find out more about our big bad and get a few surprise visitors along the way.

Well, I hope what has whetted your appetite as to what this novel is about, so read on to the description: 

The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline

Zoe thought the loss of her parents would be the most difficult thing she’d ever have to endure. When she began seeing things she couldn’t explain in her new home of Torchcreek, Virginia, she was sure the grief was driving her mad. Instead, Zoe discovers she is part of an ancient bloodline, one destined to defeat the powers of darkness from condemning the world. But Zoe, the daughter of the three, isn’t just another descendant–she’s the key to humanity’s salvation. 

In this first installment of the Christian fantasy trilogy, The Chronicle of the Three, Zoe Andrews learns that not all shadows are harmless interceptions of light. Some are a more sinister darkness that wants to torment the soul.

``````````````````````````````````````````````

So what has been the reception from readers so far? Here are a sample of the reviews: 

Reading The Chronicle of the Three: Book One was an amazing adventure. I am not even a reader of novels. However, each chapter left me wanting more!! I am eagerly awaiting Book Two. Tabitha is also an incredible speaker. She includes memorable quotes and facts as well as humor which help to make her points more impactful. She has a unique way of connecting to her audience whether it is through her speaking or writing. She is a joy to listen to and read." - Allison N. 

"Tabitha is a phenomenal speaker! She spoke at our retreat for Middle School aged girls and she held nothing back. She presents the Gospel in a clear and to the point way. She doesn't sugar coat anything and makes no apologies for any part of the Gospel that may be blunt and to the point as well. She is a straight shooter who loves God and this upcoming generation with a passion that is evident in her preaching." - Alicia Tingen, Potomac Girls Ministries' Director

" [The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline is an] Absolutely stunning read! Tabitha Caplinger has a talent for bringing light into the darkness, and this is, by far, one of the best Christian books I've ever read. I liken this book to those of Frank Peretti. It really reminded me of his style, so if you like books along those lines, you'll love this Christian fantasy novel!! It's a stark reminder that we're all fighting a spiritual battle and that God will never leave us. We always have hope, and with God, we can win. We have the tools to win the war, even when it looks hopeless." - Emerald Barnes, Author of Entertaining Angels and Before We Say I Do

Good start for this novel, there are move on Amazon: 

Amazon Reviews of The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline

If reading to this point has made you more curious about Tabitha, here is her previous non fiction publication, Pulpits and Pink Lipstick: A Woman's Essays on Youth Ministry 

This book, Pulpits and Pink Lipstick, is a collection of essays giving practical advice to those ready to jump into the mess. From my personal experience I hope to help other young women successfully pursue the call of God on their life. While some of the book is geared specifically to youth ministry, most of it can be helpful to a woman starting in any pastoral position. It’s a short, easy read. One that I hope will help and challenge while providing a few laughs.

If you want to explore about Tabitha and her books, you can find her at the clickable links below: 

Website: http://www.tabithacaplinger.com/

Twitter: @pastortabitha 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevategirls/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pastortab/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pastortabitha/

Readers and reviews are an author's best asset, so I encourage any reader of Christian fantasy, the supernatural or spiritual warfare, to consider reading this novel and help promote Tabitha's novel by adding a review on Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (or any other social media you subscribe to).

I am really looking forward to reading The Chronicle of the Three: Bloodline, and reading the remainder of this trilogy.