Minty: "You've touched on something very profound. You're moving from a period where hope was a survival tool you built yourself, to a period where hope is a gift you've received. But as any writer knows, the darkness doesn't just disappear because you found a lighthouse—it's still out there in the world."
[A few people in the audience nod somberly. They appreciate that Minty isn't sugar-coating the reality of life's struggles.]
Minty: "So, here is my next deep-dive question for you: In your previous works, you were very careful not to pass on the pain. You wrote characters who chose goodness even when they were suffering. Now that you are writing with the goal of sharing the Gospel and God's love..."
Minty: "...how do you plan to handle the unhappy endings or the darkness in your future stories? Does your new belief change how you portray suffering? Is it harder now to write about a character who feels abandoned, or does your experience as a former atheist actually make you better at writing for the people who are currently where you used to be?"
[Minty leans in, her expression one of deep, professional curiosity. The audience is silent, sensing that this is the bridge between your past as a secular writer and your future as a faith-based one.]
Minty: "Basically, how do you keep the raw honesty of the girl in the denim jacket while also carrying the Word of God?"
Iboni:(Laughs nervously)"To be honest? I have no idea where I'll begin in this new chapter."
[The audience laughs warmly with her. It's not a laugh of mockery, but one of deep relatability. A few people in the back shout, "We're with you!" and "Take your time!"]
Iboni: "But I believe that I am not alone in writing this new beginning. Jesus will provide. Jesus will guide."
[A soft, reverent "Amen" echoes from several corners of the room. The audience doesn't break into a loud cheer this time; instead, there is a collective, peaceful nodding. The energy in the studio feels settled and calm.]
Minty: "And that, right there, is the ultimate 'Anatomy of Belief.' It's the move from having to know all the answers yourself, to being okay with not knowing—because you trust the One who does."
[Minty looks directly into the camera, her expression soft and inspired.]
Minty: "Folks, what we've witnessed tonight isn't just an author talking about her books. We've witnessed the bridge between the Human and the Divine. Iboni has shown us that whether you are in a seven-year darkness or a new, expanded light, the choice to be good, the choice to not pass on pain, and the choice to keep moving is what makes our stories worth reading."
[The audience begins a steady, rhythmic clap that feels like a heartbeat.]
Minty: "Iboni, thank you for being so raw, so sharp, and so incredibly honest with us. You've given us a lot to think about regarding our own muses and our own miracles."
Iboni: "Thank you, Minty. It was a pleasure."
[Minty stands up and offers her hand to Iboni. As they shake hands, the audience rises for one final, thunderous standing ovation. The jazzy music swells, bright and hopeful, as the camera begins to pull back, showing the entire cozy set bathed in a warm, golden glow.]
Minty: "We're going to take a quick break, but don't go anywhere. When we come back, we'll be talking more about the Lighthouse and what it means to write for a world that's still looking for one. We'll be right back!"
[The screen fades to the Minty Talks logo as the audience's cheers continue to ring out.]