Discovering Faith Through Storytelling: Kirthana J. Fanning

An Interview with Children's Author Kirthana J. Fanning

Valerie - Welcome to Book Worthy! Today we’re thrilled to chat with Kirthana J. Fanning, an award-winning children's author. Her passion lies in empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. With twenty years in the television industry and experience in Southeast Asia, Kirthana crafts stories to help kids navigate life’s challenges with faith and grace. Her heartwarming book, "The Girl with Her Noble Steed," introduces us to Ophie, a spirited girl with big dreams. Welcome to Bookworthy, Kirthana!

Kirthana - Thank you! I'm super excited to be here. I've been following your podcast and love the wonderful interviews. It’s a pleasure to join you.

Valerie - Thank you for joining us! Before we dive into books, let’s do our random question of the week. Since you have a background in television, what’s your favorite movie?

Kirthana - My favorite movie has to be The Ten Commandments. It's a classic!

Valerie - The one with Charlton Heston?

Kirthana - Yes! The first time I watched it was in seventh grade. I saw it at my Christian convent school in India. It was a strict environment, and our first movie experience was The Ten Commandments. The film profoundly struck my heart. Raised in a Hindu family, I had known about Jesus but didn’t have a personal relationship with Him. This movie made me realize how amazing God truly is. I highly recommend it!

Valerie - I remember being captivated by it as a child, too. It's incredible how it brings stories we’ve often heard to life, showing us the might and love of God. Can you tell us more about your book, "The Girl with Her Noble Steed"?

Kirthana - Of course! The story is a dream project for me. I love underdog stories because I believe we all feel like underdogs in some way. My passion for storytelling led me to create a tale about a brave orphan girl who wins a race against the odds. Initially, I had a different animal in mind, but after praying, the Lord inspired me to include a miniature donkey named Zo. This choice made the story come together, blending adventure and Christian themes. The aim was to write a fairy tale that would resonate with kids while imparting meaningful lessons.

Valerie - How fun! Underdog stories truly resonate because, at times, we all feel like the underdog. Your book is aimed at kids aged eight to ten. It's an early chapter book, correct?

Kirthana - Yes, that's right!

Valerie - You also collaborated with a unique illustrator. Can you share a bit about that experience?

Kirthana - Yes! Travis Hill is an award-winning illustrator known for his work with Pixar. His talent is remarkable! When we began, I conveyed my vision, and he captured it perfectly on paper. I hardly needed any adjustments, just minor color changes. He truly brought each character to life, creating a unique look for Zo and Ophie. I can’t wait to continue working with him on more books in the series, as I have plans for seven or eight titles.

Valerie - That’s exciting! I love how you plan to continue Ophie’s journey. What message do you hope to convey to children through your books?

Kirthana - I want kids to read a story that teaches them not only narrative elements but also life lessons. In "The Girl with Her Noble Steed," Ophie encounters various challenges, facing them with faith and prayer. This story shows children how to communicate with God. Simple prayers can make a difference; God listens. It's also about using His words in everyday situations, which I think many books overlook. For instance, when Ophie feels like giving up, she recalls, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The story emphasizes that kids can always rely on God and have fun while doing so!

Valerie - What a beautiful message. It's great for children to see how Scripture can apply to their daily lives. When did your writing journey begin?

Kirthana - My storytelling dates back to my childhood. I’ve always enjoyed crafting wild tales, sometimes scaring my friends! Coming from a media family in South India, creativity was in my blood. I created content for television and short films, and that passion never left me. Eventually, after praying for direction, I felt God's calling to venture into children’s books. It was a confirmation of my purpose.

Valerie - It’s amazing how God aligns our paths!

Kirthana - Absolutely. There were struggles in accepting the call, but it always leads to something beautiful.

Valerie - You transitioned from TV to writing. What prompted that shift?

Kirthana - After my marriage, I moved to Massachusetts and did freelance work. The pandemic forced a significant change in my life, making it challenging to continue traveling for work. I felt doors closing for various jobs I applied for, which was humbling. When I prayed and fasted, God directed me to pursue children's writing, revealing my joyful purpose. Publishing my first book last year marked the start of a beautiful journey.

Valerie - It's inspiring to see how God listens and guides us, especially during tough times. Now, what can we expect next from you?

Kirthana - I hope to release something special for Christmas! While it won't be the second book in the series, it's a side story set within the holiday season. I plan to work on it soon, aiming for a release by early December.

Valerie - Wonderful! You also have a couple of other books, including an Easter book and activity books. Can you share more about those?

Kirthana - Yes! Alive: An Easter Story was my first book, released last March. It features three bunnies on a hunt, discovering the true meaning of Easter amid the festivities. I also released activity books like "I Am a Child of God," filled with fun puzzles and coloring pages. It encourages kids to build a relationship with Jesus through creative activities. Recently, I published A Feather of the Brightest Color, which tells the story of a boy restoring color and kindness to a dreary town through prayer.

Valerie - That’s such a sweet message! It highlights how kindness brings joy. Where are your books available?

Kirthana - They can be found on Amazon and my website. Additionally, The Girl with Her Noble Steed is available at Barnes & Noble.

Valerie - Awesome! It's great to see your work accessible to so many. Thank you for joining us today, Kirthana. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

Kirthana - Thank you for having me!

Valerie - And thanks to everyone for joining us in this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast. Check the show notes for any books or links discussed, and share your favorite movie with us in the comments. Don't forget to like and subscribe so we can discover more great books together.

Happy reading!