Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Forged in Firra by C.B. Sharp, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

CB: Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush, Cara! I appreciate you carving out time to answer questions so we can get to know you and your book better. Author interviews are one of my favorite things to do because it provides the opportunity to discuss faith and books. I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your new book Forged in Firra.

You have loved stories and creativity from a young age. When did writing begin to feel like something you wanted to pursue seriously rather than just enjoy? 

CS: A part of me has always wanted to write as a profession, but it came down to timing in the end. I recall writing my first stories in elementary school and becoming completely absorbed in the process. I have written several unpublished novels throughout my life, but I believe Forged in Firra is the right novel to debut, as it is the first book I have written since my baptism. I often wrote to try and understand the world, and now that I have found my faith, I feel I can at last adequately tell the stories my heart has wanted to tell all my life.

CB: You have spoken openly about wrestling with imposter syndrome. What helped you push through those doubts and continue creating? 

CS: Taking myself out of the equation helps immensely. When I focus on my creations as something to glorify God and not myself, my doubts tend to fade. I trust He has blessed me with specific gifts for a reason, and to make myself small would be a disservice not only to myself but to Him.

CB: As a Christian fiction author, how do you stay grounded in your faith as you write, and how does that shape the heart behind your stories?

CS: Writing is such a quiet and reflective time that allows me to ponder the great questions of life and appreciate the vast intricacies of God’s creations. Stories speak to something so deep within us, helping us navigate what it means to be human and think about what our purpose is here on earth. I often like to open my writing sessions in prayer and find that God leads me to some incredible conclusions and ideas. Writing is my quality time with our Lord in many ways, and I am honored each time He whispers inspiration in my ear.

CB: When the world of Tirra Nova was first forming in your mind, what image or idea helped you begin building the story?

CS: The very first spark of this world ignited when I was reading an article about black holes with one of my tutoring students. In the world of Tirra Nova, there is a great black hole in the sky that continues to distort and corrupt those beneath it wiping out all memory of the time before, including all memory of their true Maker. From there, the idea of the Ancients was born. Beings that capitalized on this cataclysm, convincing the human population that they were gods and manipulating them into worshipping them.

I envisioned what a world would look that was strictly controlled by these false gods and arrived at the arrangement of small self-contained Settlements, mimicking medieval style farming villages with dystopian laws. The protagonists live in Settlement Eight of the Fledgling region, though throughout the series they will traverse the entire continent, including two hidden islands. There are many disparate inspirations and ideas from various stories I have created over the years that somehow amalgamated to create this world.

CB: What drew you to tell this story through a family rather than focusing on a single hero?

CS: I wanted to explore the dynamics of sibling relationships in this series, as it is something that is near and dear to my own heart. This series explores the concept of division versus unity in several ways, including the way the Ancients try to divide and conquer their subjects. Throughout the series, the Oriel siblings will be forced over and again to learn they are so much stronger together than apart and must always seek to work together. I believe this is a powerful message for people of all ages, especially in our world that seeks to create division and disharmony in so many ways. By showcasing the different perspectives, strengths, and weaknesses of each sibling, it is an opportunity to develop understanding and empathy for our differences.

CB: Why was it important to you to portray parents who are present, imperfect, and deeply committed to their children?

CS: In my opinion, strong and healthy family units are at the core of whether humanity thrives or crumbles. It pains me to see the nuclear family under attack in our present time, as strong family values are an indispensable foundation for humanity. It was important that my story was centered around healthy yet realistic family dynamics. No family is perfect, yet we can all strive to be our best, and I wanted to portray parents that seek to protect their children above all else.

CB: The prophecy and restrictions on travel create real tension for the characters. What themes were you hoping readers might reflect on as the story unfolds?

CS: The themes of sovereignty versus bondage and destiny versus free will are themes that all people wrestle with and contemplate through our lives. I, as a fellow human, do not have the answers about how to best achieve freedom or how God directs our will, but I do hope to encourage young readers to think about these things and ask questions. What does true freedom look like, and how do we temper the chaos that can accompany it? How does order factor into the equation, and is it our role to decide how much or little freedom others have? If we are to grow and prosper together as people, it is important to think about these deep-seated questions, and I hope if nothing else, my series can ignite a curiosity in its readers.

CB: You chose to include illustrations throughout the book, something many readers find nostalgic. What role does visual storytelling play in how you imagine your stories?

CS: Yes! Including illustrations was a must! I have been creating art just as long as I have been writing, and I can vividly recall reading books as a child where the illustrations ignited so much wonder and a sense of magic inside of me. Once I began reading chapter books, it was always such a delightful surprise to discover illustrations throughout. I have a very vibrant imagination, so as I am writing, I am always clearly seeing the characters and settings. I think that including a few illustrations allows me to really share my imaginary worlds to the greatest degree with my readers.

CB: Discovering Christian fantasy has been meaningful for you. What do you appreciate most about writing within this genre?

CS: I want my stories to mean something and to stand the test of time. When I think of great storytellers like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, their stories endured because of the beauty, truth, and faith at their core. Fantasy stories are such an excellent format for allegory, and they speak to our subconscious minds and imaginations in such powerful ways. Christian fantasy provides the opportunity for rich symbolism and can take readers on meaningful internal journeys.

CB: What do you hope readers come away believing or remembering after spending time with one of your stories?

CS: I hope to kindle a sense of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort; a reminder that despite the darkness and uncertainty of our world there is goodness and love all around. I hope Forged in Firra reminds readers to pursue the goodness in themselves and seek the goodness in others, and that all things are possible with God.

CB: It has been a pleasure hosting you here on the blog. Thank you for sharing your time and heart behind your writing.