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Mike Nappa (MN): Let’s talk first about your experience writing Star Wars novels. What do you like best and least about that?

Kathy Tyers (KT): I’ve been a Star Wars fan since the first movie came out. I’m still struck by the honor of being asked – twice – to come and play in the Star Wars universe. Besides the legions of Star Wars fans, I’ve enjoyed getting to know other authors, editors, and the people at Lucasfilm Licensing. I’ve also had the privilege of attending a planning conference at Skywalker Ranch.

The most difficult aspects of working in the Star Wars universe arise out of storyline constraints. Because the New Jedi Order series follows a roughly 20-book story arc, my novel BALANCE POINT had to begin and end with the characters exactly as preplanned. As you would probably guess, I also struggle with the editorial decision that "there is no God in the Star Wars universe." I’ve probably put more redemptive theology into TRUCE AT BAKURA and BALANCE POINT than some people realize, but the editorial constraint still holds.

MN: What do you hope readers will gain from your Star Wars work?

KT: I’ve tried to help anchor the Star Wars mythos in the struggle of good against evil, bringing forward the vital role of each individual. My main character in BALANCE POINT, Jacen Solo (elder son of Han Solo and Princess Leia), has a Jedi’s powers but a peacemaker’s heart. His universe is being invaded by terrible aliens. He has to decide whether to join the battle or try to find another way to peace.

MN: Some Christians frown on the science fiction/fantasy like Star Wars, arguing that immersion in that style of fiction leads to unhealthy interest in magic and possibly demonic encounters. How do you respond to those kinds of accusations?

KT: Generally by pointing out the example of C.S. Lewis. This fiction genre, like any genre, can be used by the enemy as a vehicle for false teaching, but also by the baptized imagination. SF and fantasy are fields of incredible wonder and fertile creation, and I would be sad to see them surrendered to writers whose works do emphasize magic and demonism.

It is important for a reader to practice discernment and seek out good fiction, remembering Jesus’ cautions in Luke 11:34-36 and Matthew 15:17-19. Those verses say that our eyes are to be full of light -- not darkness --and that it's what comes out of our mouths (and hearts), not what we put into them, that can defile us. I don't think we make ourselves any holier or dearer to God by maintaining lists of things that we refuse to read. However, when we make careful entertainment choices out of a desire to honor and love Him, I believe He is pleased.

MN: Now, you’ve also written a series of Christian science fiction novels, the FIREBIRD books (Bethany House Publishers). In these, you follow the adventures of worlds at war, Netaia against a Federacy of planets. How did you first come up with the concept for these books?

KT: My dad was a test pilot, and my mother was a musician, and so the Netaian characters came first: Firebird herself [the heroine, who is also a pilot and muscian], Phoena [the villain], their mother Siwann, and the situation that linked them. The plot unfolded over a span of thirty years, during which I discovered J.R.R. Tolkien, Zenna Henderson, and Star Wars. They taught me the concepts of sacrifice, wide-eyed wonder, unusual abilities, and swashbuckling adventure. Then there was "Romeo and Juliet," and the idea of impossible but irresistible love.

MN: Which character in this series is most like you?

KT: I didn’t do this consciously, but it seems that I’m both Firebird and Phoena. Firebird is "me plus courage." Phoena is "me minus redemption." I’m an over-achiever. The main temptation in my life is to pride and self-absorption, and my deepest desire is to know God better. But I tend to freeze in situations that I perceive as dangerous, and so I could never be a combat pilot.

MN: If they were to make a movie out of the newest book in that series, CROWN OF FIRE, which actors would you like to see cast in the leading roles?

KT: I’ve only seen one film in which an actor would’ve been perfect for a Firebird movie. The 1987 Faerie Tale Theater version of "Cinderella" cast Matthew Broderick as the Prince, and he could’ve been lifted directly out of that role to play [hero] Tel Tellai.

MN: Finish this sentence: "Kathy Tyers is all about . . . "

KT: Let me borrow Ephesians 5:10 and answer, "Kathy Tyers is all about ‘trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.’" I’m still trying to learn how to break out of my utter selfishness and focus on what’s genuinely pleasing to Him.

MN: What can you share with us about your spiritual journey thus far?

KT: I've loved God and wanted to know Him better for as long as I can remember. Still, it took me a long time to abandon the idea that "all good paths lead to heaven" and to realize that if God truly exists, He has the right to tell us how He wants to be served. When I was a college student, I discovered Lewis's writings and realized how very little I knew about Christianity. In the words of the old spiritual, "I have decided to follow Jesus -- no turning back."

MN: How has that decision to follow Jesus affected your life and work since?

KT: That was almost thirty years ago. Since then, my faith has affected everything -- my marriage, my parenting choices, my work, and my so-called free time. When I'm tempted to despair over the mistakes I make again and again, He gives me hope, forgiveness, and a fresh start. I owe Him everything.

MN: What’s the best advice you could give to parents about the reading habits of their children?

KT: Read with them, starting before you think they’re old enough to understand. Make it a wonderful, close, snuggle-up time. Show them it’s fun, but also establish the fact that you are involved. As they grow, read what they’re reading and make it a topic for conversation. If you want them to read, let them see you reading! Talking about books also nurtures their ability to evaluate what they’ve read.

Be aware that the contemporary media are constantly pushing the boundaries of acceptability, in order to develop original plot lines and deliver the adrenaline kick. Do get in the way of what’s unsuitable; part of your job is to protect your kids from injury, whether that’s physical or emotional. It is possible to be deeply scarred by what you’ve read, and so if you get five or fifty pages into a book and discover that it isn’t worth finishing, don’t finish it. That also sets a great example – how many people do you know who still feel compelled to finish a poorly written book because "it might get better"?

But otherwise, enjoy reading, and make it a springboard for the important life issues you want most to talk with them about.

MN: Many Christian men (especially teenagers) shun Christian novels because of the notion that "all Christian fiction is romance fiction." Why do you
suppose this is opinion is prevalent?

KT: Because for many years, a large percentage of it was!

MN: What advice would you give to women who want to encourage their husbands and/or teen sons to read Christian fiction?

KT: Go down to the bookstore and look at what's there now. Don't base your evaluation on what you may have seen there in the past.

MN: Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

KT: I’m often asked for advice by beginning writers. My three pointers to people who’d like to write a novel are to read the very best of what’s written in your genre (what you read will become part of you), to edit mercilessly (my first drafts are STILL awful!), and to keep it in its place – remember that even if writing is God’s call on your life, He expects you to put His business and your family first.