Interview with Heather Kaufman

Please join me in welcoming Biblical Fiction Author, Heather Kaufman to the blog today! Guys, do you remember when I told you I found my favorite read of 2024? It’s still my favorite read in case you were wondering. Visit my blog post to see why I loved Heather’s debut novel so much! Shortly after I read that, I asked her if I could interview her for the blog. Then we had wedding planning, the wedding, my daughter’s move, and some health issues get in the way. I’m so pleased to finally be able to share it with you!! And even better news – I’m going to share with you the cover for her second novel!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEPPPPPPPPP. If you cannot tell, I am super excited about it. But first, a reminder of book one.

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About the Book

Up from Dust
Author Heather Kaufman
Published by Baker Publishing Group
on January 23, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Biblical, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Religious
Pages: 352

"A biblical story with a heart for today's world, pulling out an array of joy and hope, sorrow and loss."--Mesu Andrews, award-winning author

"Taking us on an intriguing journey through heartbreak and healing, Heather Kaufman leads her readers directly to the joy of the empty tomb."--Connilyn Cossette, award-winning author

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother's untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings--quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha's friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she's not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

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Interview with Heather

When did you know the Lord was calling you to write?

I distinctly remember feeling the tug to commit myself to writing when I was twelve. I’d been writing poems and stories for as long as I could remember and was currently devouring Al and Joanna Lacy’s Mail Order Bride series when a startling thought gripped me and wouldn’t let go: “I could do this. I want to do this. I should do this!” I’m a firm believer that God plants certain desires within His kids and that it’s our joy in discovering and pursing them by His strength. I can see His hand on my life guiding and nudging me to this moment, and I’m grateful—profoundly grateful—that He helped me follow that deep desire to write stories for His glory.

Where did you get the inspiration to write Martha’s story?

During an Easter sermon in 2016, I was blindsided by a new admiration for Martha. Up until that time, I’d thought of her mainly in cautionary terms. She’s the sister who received Jesus’ correction, the sister who was too busy in the kitchen to spend time with the Lord. Unfortunately, I’d zeroed in on the Luke 10 account and somehow missed what a startling woman of faith she is in John 11! Her strong confession of Jesus as the resurrection and the life gripped me in a new way and led me to wonder how she transitioned from the woman in Luke 10 to the woman in John 11.

I have to tell you how much this resonates with me. Often in church we’ll reminded not to be a Martha, but honestly – and I don’t want to spoil the book, but look at all the good things about her! What did you learn while writing Up from Dust?

So much! I learned that when Mary sits at Jesus’ feet in Luke 10, more is going on culturally than I first realized. “Sitting at the feet” was a Jewish idiom for learning from a rabbi. In positioning herself at Jesus’ feet, Mary was boldly demonstrating her own discipleship, which was a role reserved for men. Martha represents the culturally appropriate role, and her angst with Mary becomes much more understandable when we see how unusual Mary’s actions were.

Personally, I learned that I need God’s moment-by-moment strength. I knew this intellectually, but I experienced it in such a keen way during the writing of this book. I felt (and sometimes still feel) completely out of my depth. The task seemed too hard, and I felt too weak. But God impressed Nehemiah 6:9 on my heart as an anthem: “For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” My heart cry became: “O God, strengthen my hands!”

Oh goodness yes, I can relate. Can you tell us a little about your research process?

The biblical accounts served as the bedrock of my research and from that foundation sprang two basic camps: spiritual and cultural. I wanted to immerse myself in books that talked about Martha as well as spiritual themes that are significant in Up from Dust. I read through Joanna Weaver’s trilogy on the siblings as well as Phillip Keller’s classic A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 among others. When it came to the cultural pieces, I began with books that helped me view the Bible through middle-eastern eyes. Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg and Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien were helpful resources. In fact, I highly recommend all of Lois Tverberg’s writing! And lastly, there were the nitty-gritty details of everyday life in Bible times. And for that, authors like Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Fred H. Wight were invaluable.

What 2 things do you always need around when you’re writing?

My noise-cancelling earbuds—especially if I’m writing in a public place! I used to be able to handle more background noise, but lately I crave quiet and the earbuds have been a gamechanger. The second must-have item is my resource library! Tagged and highlighted books are all over my desk and floor, and I love being able to reach for them as needed. If I’m writing away from home, I’ll bring a handful of books with me.

I love using book flags! I can’t bring myself to highlight anything other than my bible, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t been tempted! What was the most difficult part of writing Up from Dust?

Scenes with Jesus felt very tender and hard to write. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to be so careful with the words in his mouth. As much as I could, I kept his words tied to Scripture and infused the nonverbal with deep meaning. For example, when Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan and locks eyes with Martha, there is more going on under the surface. Or when he takes Martha’s hands in his own, this says volumes without me having to place additional words in his mouth. Even the scenery became a way to layer in meaning. When Jesus tells Martha he is the resurrection and the life, where he declares this is significant and adds to the emotion. Finding creative ways to portray his interactions with the characters ended up being a rewarding challenge.

Honestly, I thought you did a great job! What do you hope readers take away from reading Up from Dust?

There is no pain that is deep enough to separate you from the love of Jesus Christ. He will pursue you relentlessly. Surrender to that pursuit. There is no anger or hurt or confusion you could harbor that would disqualify you from His love. Feel all the feelings, scream with all the pain, and then give yourself over to Him. He is strong enough to bear the weight of your hurting soul. You see a piece. He sees the whole. Come to Him broken and watch Him create a kaleidoscope of grace in your life.

Amen. Readers – take a minute to reflect on this.

What do you like to do when you’re not reading?

I love exploring new parks with my family! Enjoying trails and seeing my kids’ faces light up at a new playground never gets old. Experimenting in the kitchen is another favorite pastime. Sushi is my go-to indulgence. My husband and I sometimes make our own rolls for an in-home date night.

What can readers look forward to next?

Readers can expect two more books in the Women of the Way series! Book two is entitled Before the King: Joanna’s Story and releases January 2025. Joanna is named only twice in Scripture—first as financial supporter of Jesus’ ministry in Luke 8:3 and second as eyewitness to the empty tomb in Luke 24:10. In researching her, I uncovered hidden gems that I absolutely cannot wait to share with readers! Joanna left a palace for the dusty road to throw her influence at the feet of Jesus—and yet we barely remember this brave woman’s name. Get ready for a ton of political intrigue, family secrets, and a love story that will leave you swooning!

YAY!!!!! I cannot wait. Thank you so much for chatting with me today.

Readers…..here’s a look at the cover for the next story. Preorder your copy today!

Isn’t it gorgeous!?

About the Author

Heather Kaufman lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.

What did you enjoy most about this interview?