Southern novelist T.I. Lowe shares insight into the 'gift' of writing

The Christy Award-winning author will be one of the keynote speakers at this Summer's Southern Christian Writers Conference

Read any of T.I. Lowe’s award-winning inspirational novels and you’ll be swept into small town Southern life while meeting wonderful characters who emerge from struggles with strength and faith.

T.I.’s debut novel Lulu’s Cafe told the story of a resilient young woman escaping domestic abuse and finding friendship and love in an idyllic Southern coastal town; her book, Indigo Isle (which won the prestigious Christy Award for contemporary romance and was also named the Christy’s overall Book of the Year) tells the story of two “damaged souls” Sonny and Hudson stranded together during a hurricane. T.I. describes the book as a contemporary retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” and a perfect “grumpy sunshine” romance. (Watch this video of T.I. describing Indigo Isle.)

In addition to Lulu’s Cafe and Indigo Isle, T.I'.’s 20 novels include Under the Magnolias, Lowcountry Lost, Orange Blossom Cafe, Life Unwritten and Any Given Moment and numerous books in the Resolutions Series, Bleu Streak Series, Coming Home Again Series and Carolina Coast Series.

T.I. describes her novels as “Southern fiction seasoned with faith,” and has an inspiring journey as a writer. (She’ll be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Southern Christian Writers Conference and will speak on that writing journey; she’ll also lead a workshop titled “Get to Know your Characters.” The SCWC is June 6-7 in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about T.I. and other leaders here; register to attend here.)

We recently talked to T.I. about the conference, her books, and what made her want to be a writer in the first place.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I believe I was born with storytelling in my root system, but I didn’t do anything to cultivate it until my late thirties. Losing my mom was the kick in the backside I needed to remember life is a brief gift and that I should chase my dream of writing before it was too late.

What drew you to writing your types of stories?

C. Day Lewis said it best, “We do not write to be understood; we write to understand.” My stories typically begin with something I want to understand better, such as mental illness, domestic abuse, and addiction.

What has your publishing experience been like?

I took the route of publishing independently for the first few years, building platforms and studying the world of traditional publishing before I signed with an agent. It didn’t happen overnight, but I believe it definitely happened right on time.

What is most rewarding about being a novelist?

I love the creative freedom of storytelling, but the most rewarding part is the readers and the stories they share with me. Even though I write fiction, I’m humbled that my novels make such an impact on others.

Tell me a little bit about how faith plays a part in your writing process, and in the books you write.

A while back, during the early stages of a new book, my agent asked what elements of faith would be included. I told her I didn’t know, but God always shows up right on time. I don’t ever force my faith in the storyline, but it will present itself organically.

Is there a specific way it shows up in the writing process?

My prayer each time I begin a new book is that God will give me the story he wants me to tell and that he doesn’t let me get in the way of it.

What are your future writing plans?

I recently turned in my twenty-first novel and I’m currently working on a new one. I guess I’ll keep writing until the voices in my head stop talking to me.

What is your life like outside of writing?

I was born and raised in a small farming community called Loris South Carolina. I’ve been married for 27 years to my husband Bernie and we have two fabulous children: Nathan—aka Nate the Great—just graduated with his master’s in Nursing. He’s the serious one of the Lowe family and has his hands full keeping everyone straight! Lydia—aka Lulu—is a creative and could probably write better stories than me. She drew the map included in Lowcountry Lost and helps me brainstorm scene ideas. She is a freshman at Coastal Carolina University, majoring in Business with plans of opening her own bookstore someday. If I’m not writing, I’m either reading or finding a home improvement project to work on.

How do you like to encourage other writers (and specifically at the conference)?

I want aspiring writers to realize that since I did it, they can too. With God, truly all things are possible. I hope they understand that this writing life is a gift and they should enjoy it!

Want to learn more about T.I.’s books? Learn more at her website, www.tilowe.com and see her books on Goodreads here.