Cami Tapley, Gibraltar - Catholic Book Spotlight

More Than a Story
An Author Interview with Cami Tapley, Gibraltar

With the publication of her first novel, Gibraltar, author Cami Tapley has gone beyond the telling of a good story. Although the book is not overtly Christian, Tapley draws on her own spirituality and family resources to share a yarn that is at once enticing and inspirational. Gibraltar moves beyond today’s all too formulaic “chick lit” genre to share a story of family relationships, of intrigue, and ultimately of the true meaning of love.

In the book, which Tapley published under the banner of Lindenville Publishing, the reader meets the Borderline family through the narration of eighteen year old Clary. This young woman, in concert with her father and paternal grandfather, seems to live somewhere off the beaten path. This picturesque backdrop is the setting for a tale of twisted interactions and a web of lies that is ultimately and lovingly unwoven through Tapley’s lovely talent for storytelling and dialogue.

Gibraltar is one of those highly readable books – once you’ve become involved in the storyline (which happens quickly), you won’t want to put this book down. When you reach the end, you’ll find yourself wanting more from these characters and the world of Gibraltar. The good news for new Tapley fans like me is that this book is the first in a planned series.

Cami Tapley, author of Gibraltar, shared the following on her book, her writing and her faith.

Q: Please give a brief summary of the book.

A: Eighteen-year-old Clary relates the story of Jem, the son of a hard-hearted businessman and his unhappy socialite wife. Jem wants more than anything to escape the superficial life laid out for him—and he knows a way. Remembering the summer he spent on the St. Lawrence Seaway five years before, he forgoes returning to Boston for his second year of college and escapes to Gibraltar, the home of his grandfather. There, he uncovers a family secret that will extricate him from the web of lies his parents have spun around him all his life—and set him on a course for love and a new hope for his future.

Q: What was your motivation for writing this book?

A: A writer writes best about what they know. To some, the struggle within the Borderline family will be nothing more than a provocative storyline. But as one who has taken the unbeaten path, I know firsthand how much it costs to learn something worth sharing, especially when it means going against the grain of your upbringing or culture to gain it.

Q: What goal or message do you hope to share in this book?

A: I once heard someone say, “Faith is spelled r-i-s-k.” I can’t imagine that taking risks is easy for anyone—it certainly hasn’t been easy for me. But whenever I look back at the times I stepped outside of my comfort zone, I marvel at the grace of God that has been present in my life. I purposely didn’t write Gibraltar overtly Christian because I believe that God is speaking to everyone all the time. What shuts His voice out is the unnatural standard of protocol; doing what is expected instead of listening to that “still, small voice” inside. God can only lead us into personal relationship in personal ways.

Q: Was there a special inspiration for the character of Clary? Is she based on anyone you know, a composite of people, or a completely invented character?

A: Clary is the only voice that could relay such a harsh story palatably. Without her pure heart and her innocent strength, the situation would have seemed more tragic than inspiring. I believe there is “Clary potential” in all of us just waiting to step out and make someone else’s load lighter.

Q: Gibraltar, the setting for the book, has the feel of a sanctuary from the real world. It gives your reader the sense that one can step back from life's craziness into a place of calm and tranquility. Do you think there are really are such places in today's world?

A: No one place on earth can be safe for everyone, that’s what home is for. “Gibraltar” is my sermon on what we should all strive for.

Q: Please discuss some of the relationships in the book, both familial and romantic.

A: Because of the stalwart love Clary’s father and grandfather have for her, she is able to step out and be a blessing to someone else. It shows us that if we will love those given to us, it will become a ring of blessing touching others beyond our own reach. The romantic love in this story develops very quickly to a deep level because it is based on self-sacrifice, the foundation of lasting love.

Q: You chose to include one Catholic character in the book, Paul. Why specify his religion and what does this lend to the story?

A: I have a dear friend who has been a kindred spirit of my heart for many years, and she is a devout Catholic. Clary’s relationship with Paul is my way of giving testament to it. Even though Clary’s faith is described as “homegrown,” the relationship between herself and Paul is strong and true because of what they have in common; their evident love for God and for others.

Q: The plot twists in your book keep it very exciting - without giving away the ending, how did you conceive of some of the conflicts that arise between the Borderline family members?

A: The best way to learn anything good is to witness a good example, but when this isn’t possible, we can also learn from where others have gone wrong. The great thing about beginning my fiction writing career in the middle of my life is that I have lots of life experiences to draw from; not only mine, but those of others I have watched from a distance over a long period of time. It is true what they say, “No man is an island.”

Q: Please discuss your decision to self publish this book.

A: Writing Gibraltar was something I just decided to do one day. But when I began to research what it took to be traditionally published, it seemed to take all the fun and inspiration out of it. I didn’t need a “go ahead” from an agent or a big city publisher, I already had the “go ahead” in my heart. It’s definitely been a labor of love; something I believe that God gave me to give back to Him.

Q: Do you have any future projects in the works? I found myself curious about what would happen with some of the characters in the future. Any plans for a sequel?

A: Gibraltar will be part of a three book series (at least). I am currently writing book two, Course of Dreams.

Q: Are there any additional thoughts or comments you'd like to share?

A: One of my favorite thoughts is one of doing the duty that lies nearest. People need to be faithful where they are planted, wherever that might be. It is very important to keep our hearts open to the implicit meaning in our everyday lives; what is all too often considered the mundane is really our personal opportunity to shine.

For more information on Gibraltar visit www.Lindenville.com