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Who Are You, Really? Finding Identity Through Fantasy with Trinity Martell
What if a fantasy story about mysterious lands, broken identities, family, and the battle between good and evil could point us toward something very real—who we were created to be?
In this episode of the Saved & Strong Podcast, Carrie Watts sits down with Christian fantasy and speculative fiction author Trinity Martell to talk about her debut young adult novel, She Comes from Marai.
Trinity’s journey to publication began years ago. She first started writing the story in 2015, stepped away from it for a season, and eventually returned with new perspective, maturity, and purpose.
And perhaps that time away was part of the story too.
More Than a Fantasy NovelShe Comes from Marai follows two cousins on a journey filled with mystery, family relationships, questions of identity, and the timeless struggle between good and evil.
But beneath the fantasy world lies a very real question:
Where do we find our identity?
Trinity shares how the characters began to reflect different pieces of her own growth and healing. Although the novel isn't autobiographical, writing their journeys gave her a way to explore truths she was learning in her own life.
As Trinity explains:
“The characters are kind of almost like two main parts of my core and my soul.”
The result is a story about more than adventure. It's about discovering who you are when the things you've depended on to define you begin to fall away.
Stories That Illuminate TruthTrinity believes stories have the power to change lives.
On her website, she describes herself as a Christian fantasy and speculative fiction author whose greatest identity is being a “Daughter of the Most High God.” She writes stories designed to illuminate truth and encourage readers to find their identity not in their abilities or earthly relationships, but in the God who created them.
That calling influences the way she approaches every character, conflict, and decision in her fiction.
“Every choice really has to be, in my opinion, spirit led,” Trinity shares.
For Trinity, writing Christian fiction isn't simply about inserting faith into a story. It's about allowing faith to shape the story from the inside out.
For the Girl Who Still Loves a Princess StoryReaders who grew up loving princess stories and authors such as Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale may find themselves at home in Trinity's world.
She Comes from Marai is written primarily for young adult readers, particularly ages 15–18, while remaining approachable for younger readers. Trinity has also created resources to help readers go deeper into the themes behind the story.
And those themes extend far beyond fantasy:
Family. Identity. Brokenness. Healing. Courage. Faith. And discovering who you were created to be.
Your Story May Take Longer Than You ExpectedTrinity's journey is also an encouragement to writers.
A story that began years ago eventually became a published novel—but not according to a quick or predictable timeline.
Sometimes the years between the first words and the finished book aren't wasted years.
Sometimes we're growing right alongside our characters.
And sometimes God is writing something in the author while the author is writing the story.
Join Carrie and Trinity for a conversation about writing, faith, fantasy, perseverance, family, and finding our identity in the One who created us.
🎧 Listen to this episode of the Saved & Strong Podcast and discover the story behind She Comes from Marai.
📚 Learn more about Trinity Martell, her books, reader resources, and upcoming projects at TrinityMartell.com.
Follow Trinity on Instagram and Facebook @thetrinitymartell and Trinity Martell
☀️ Connect with Carrie Watts & Saved and Strong
🌐 Website: https://www.carriewatts.com
📸 Instagram — @carriewattswrites
💙 Facebook — Carrie On ✍️ Substack — Carrie Watts Writes: https://carriewattswrites.substack.com
📚 Want to know more about my publisher and a community of faith-filled writers?
✍️ Click here for more about Hope Writers: http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21481832 📖 Click here for more about Hope Books Publishing: http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21481004
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