Author Interview ~ Tricia Goyer

Tricia is the author of 20+ books and has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Guideposts for Kids, Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, Today’s Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from American Christian Fiction Writers, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award in 2005. Her novel The Swiss Courier was recently nominated for a Christy award.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I first thought about writing in 1993. A friend from church, Cindy Martinusen told me
about her aspirations to become a novelist. My first thought was . . . real people do that?

She invited me to attend Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference with her. I was new as new can be. I was also 22-years-old and pregnant with my third child, but I learned enough at that conference to start off on the right track. And I’ve been actively working at my writing ever since.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Oh, that's a good question. The best thing that happened to me was getting my first book contract ... and I didn't have the novel written yet. I had a deadline, and I had to write the complete novel. I didn't have time to keep getting suggestions or critiques. I didn't have time to second guess myself. I just had to write the story. I recommend every author does that. Just write the story.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I'm a very discipline writer. I wrote five books last year and I have to give myself daily word counts (sometimes big word counts) other wise I'll never get it done. There are many days I don't feel like writing—for sure—but with prayer and trust that the story is there it's amazing what shows up on the page.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I have a newborn baby. Alyssa is almost two months old, and she is so fun and relaxing. I love when she wakes up from her nap and I get to feed her and hold her. She's my biggest non-writing activity right now.

Aww...congratulations, Tricia!

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

I would have to say Love Comes Softly by Jeanette Oke. It was the first Christian novel I read, and I've read it many times since. It's a story that sticks with you.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Reading books by others help me to see what works and what doesn't work. I've also tried different styles of writing because I've thought, “If he/she can do that I want to try!”

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Life, In Spite of Me is a true story of Kristen Anderson and her suicide attempt.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture-perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook: three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a seemingly bottomless depression.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old decided she no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited for a freight train to send her to heaven…and peace.

But Kristen's story doesn’t end there.

In Life, In Spite of Me this remarkably joyful young woman shares the miracle of her survival, the agonizing aftermath of her failed suicide attempt, and the hope that has completely transformed her life, giving her a powerful purpose for living.

Her gripping story of finding joy against all odds provides a vivid and unforgettable reminder that life is a gift to be treasured.

Where did you get your inspiration for Life, In Spite of Me?

I have a friend, Margaret McSweeny who connected Kristen and I. I hadn't heard of her story until Margaret connected us, but once I heard Kristen's story I knew I wanted to write it! I was so amazed by the joy and hope Kristen had I knew that many could be blessed by her story.

Your book deals with some pretty intense issues: loss, grief, suicide. Considering the content, what is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

The number one thing I hope people walk away with is the truth that with Christ we can find joy and peace in even the most difficult circumstances. Kristen has told me that she wouldn't want her legs back if it meant loosing Jesus. That really touched me.

Was there ever a time in your life when you wish someone would have shared the tips found in this book with you? Can you tell us about it?

I had a very difficult time in high school. My senior year I got pregnant and dropped out of school. I was very depressed during that time. My boyfriend dumped me and my friends went on with my senior year. I felt very lost, but thankfully some women from my grandma's church reached out to me. I found Christ during that dark time and He transformed my life!

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I've done very little to market this book. Kristen's story just catches the attention of readers. My assistant Amy did help with the blog tour … and I think that's important. Each blog has it's own readership and I think of bloggers love a book then that can go so far.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I'm working on a three-book Amish series for B&H Publishing. The first will be out Spring 2011. I also have a new book coming out in July … Love Finds You in Victory Heights, written with my friend and co-writer Ocieanna Fleiss.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

If you're interest in writing consider what you are passionate about. I get lots of ideas, but I only write the ones that won't leave me.

Thank you!
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And thank you, Tricia, for your open and honest interview!

Bloggers, Tricia is giving away a copy of her fabulous book Life, In Spite of Me. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win! Below is word from Kristen Jane Anderson...

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Debut Author ~ Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer Hudson Taylor writes historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her fiction has won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Contest, and her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Everton’s Genealogical Publishers, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, genealogy, and reading. She resides with her husband and daughter in the Charlotte area of NC. Highland Blessings is her debut novel. Learn more about Jennifer at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I was 12 when I decided I wanted to write the next Gone with the Wind.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I wrote seriously for publication for 13 years before I received my first contract on my debut novel, Highland Blessings.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Never give up. If you keep working at it, learning, and being persistent, something is bound to happen for you. Things began changing for me when I switched from writing secular novels to Christian fiction. I felt God calling me to write for Him, but I was stubborn and wanted to write for me. Now I’m ashamed at how long it took me to make that decision for Him. I don’t think my road would have been quite as long if I hadn’t tried to be a Jonas.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

Not really. I had been hanging around the industry and learning all I could about publication that I haven’t experienced many surprises.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I have to be disciplined or I would never get anything done. My full-time job outside the home is a time consumer and an energy drainer, so discipline is a must for me. Plus, I struggle quite a bit not to complain. I think complaining is one of my weaknesses—although I’ve been praying about it and trying to do better. I’m a work in progress! :-)

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

To my husband’s frustration, I love to watch historical movies, especially in the time period I’m writing about. He can’t understand how Pride & Prejudice still appeals to me after watching each version twenty times. I like to go for walks, ice skating, visit historical places.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

This is a hard question because I have so many, but I would have to say, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

It inspires me. Sometimes God will speak to me through their work and give me hope for my work. I’ll think to myself, “I wish I could write like that.” It ignites that flame inside me to rise to the challenge and try to write better.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Highland Blessings, 1473 Scotland ~ Highland warrior Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. . .Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst . . . and murder is the ultimate weapon.

Where did you get your inspiration for Highland Blessings?

From other secular historical romance novels set in Medieval Scotland. I had read them in the early 90’s. Highland Blessings started out in 1998 as a secular novel, Promised Betrayal. I converted it to Christian fiction in 2006.

Which character is most like you?

Akira MacKenzie has my Scots-Irish temper. She also has my compassion. I struggle not to cry when I see others cry. It doesn’t matter if I know them or not. If there is a problem, I want to solve it. She’s also loyal and dependable like me. My husband says I’m there when it really matters. I don’t fold or crumble. I pull on my boots, roll up my sleeves, and work to get through what must be done.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I think my favorite character is Serena Boyd, the heroine in the sequel, Highland Sanctuary. I modeled her after my daughter, Celina. My daughter was born with a life-threatening seizure disorder. She would stop breathing and require CPR. My husband performed CPR on her eight times during her first year of life. I’m so thankful for modern technology, the seizure meds she had, the fact that we understand it is a medical issue. I created a character in 1477 Scotland that has a seizure disorder in a time when the word seizure wasn’t widely used. Modern technology wasn’t available, and people’s reactions would have been much different.

Like my daughter, Serena isn’t a dominant personality. She’s quiet, serene, but strong in her faith. She’s a wonderful mystery to people, but she’d rather hide her gifts and talents than be exposed. She wants to please people and would rather go out of her way to keep peace, even if she isn’t comfortable in what she must do to maintain that peace. Yet, she has dreams and desires hidden deep in her heart, but she would sacrifice them for a loved one’s happiness.

Did you know how Highland Blessings would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

Not really, as I didn’t write it with an outline in mind. I created it as I went. Yes, several plot twists surprised me, especially the mystery part of it.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

Regardless of past wrongs and long-held grudges, God can mend any relationship, even clans of people—whole nations.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

Of all the social networking sites, I think Facebook is the most useful for building a community of friends and readers who share common interests with you and get to see more into an author’s life, than a static website. Second, I believe a blog is very helpful in finding blog readers who are interested in similar things. For instance, my blog targets readers of historical fiction, people who love history, historical trivia, etc. I’m also working on the traditional blog tours, mail outs to bookstores and churches, giving influencers ARC copies for reviews. I’ve purchased a couple of ads in newsletters, and I’m setting up book signings wherever possible.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Highland Sanctuary, 1477 Caithness, Scotland ~ Gavin MacKenzie is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh. He discovers a hidden village of outcasts that have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and comely lass who captures Gavin’s heart. The villagers have an intriguing secret, while Serena harbors a deadly past that could destroy her future. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

A Season of Atonement, 1808 England ~ Regina Westfall has run out of options and soon will be considered upon the shelf. When Marcus Silverstone returns from South Africa alive, Regina believes her prayers have been answered. But he’s no longer the humble, caring missionary she fell in love with years ago. Marcus believes her brother betrayed him in South Africa, and he wants revenge. She must discover who really betrayed Marcus and left him for dead before he ruins their future. She prays one season will be enough to slip through the thorns in his heart and convince him of her and God's love as atonement for seven years of injustice.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I’d like to reiterate that if you really want to be published, don’t give up. Keep writing and praying to understand where your writing journey should lead. Everyone’s journey is different. Don’t compare yourself with others.

Jennifer is giving away a copy of her book, Highland Blessings. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Sunday Devotional

Hurricane Rita.

Those two words stir powerful emotions. The storm of 2005 battered our state, our house, even our spirits as we watched and worried what the day would bring. For only the second time in my life, I was forced to flee with my husband, my children, anything we could fit in the car. Oh, and Max, of course!

We sheltered in a small town in north Texas, five hours away from where we live. Already, evacuees from Hurricane Katrina occupied closer hotels. Huddled in a tiny, one room cottage, we listened to news reports that warned of coming disaster. Our eyes were glued to the T.V. screen as radar images showed the storm’s path directly over our area. Outside, rain battered the windows from this massive hurricane. And Max?

Max slept peacefully on one corner of the bed.

His heart was not troubled by the reports. His eyes did not watch with fear as the storm clouds rolled in. He simply trusted that all would be well. And he slept. . .while all around us, the storm raged.

Surely, that is the lesson God wanted His disciples to learn when He sent them out in a boat with the rain clouds brewing. He is present. He is able. And He wants us to learn to depend on Him, even in our most trying times.

Teach me, oh Lord, how to find rest…even in the midst of the storm.

Matthew 14:22-33 (New International Version)

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

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Winners!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

angelbuffer15 – Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts

suzluvsjesus - Latter-day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott

Linore Burkard - The Mormon Mirage by Latayne Scott

rebecca191 - A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith

Winners of this week's books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book, and thank you Deborah Vogts, Latayne C. Scott and Virginia Smith for your generosity in providing books!

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Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away three great books:

Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts ~ A heart-warming contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas where a former rodeo queen abandons her dreams in order to care for her deceased father's ranch and her two half-siblings, only to realize with the help of a young new pastor that God can turn even the most dire circumstances into seeds of hope. Spanning the Seasons of the Tallgrass, each story in this series reveals the struggle of the people who live there and the dreams they have for the land until they come full-circle in a never-ending cycle, just as man comes full-circle in his understanding of God.

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Latter-day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott ~ When rebellious Utah socialite, Kirsten Young, is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story, which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved, several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last. Meanwhile, Sedonnah is distracted by her mother's onset of Alzheimer's and her sudden attraction to the mysterious Salt Lake City police chief who is investigating the murder. Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah's cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife, Eliza, is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised' Could the murderer be asking the same questions' And most importantly, will they be able to stop him before he commits his biggest crime, taking out a Mormon landmark and dozens of sightseers'?

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The Mormon Mirage by Latayne Scott ~ Latayne Scott is a gifted writer with a thorough knowledge of Mormonism. The book is filled not only with excellent information, but keen analysis. Moreover, she demonstrates genuine kindness and empathy toward Latter-day Saints, based on her positive experiences growing up in the LDS Church...The additional material provides excellent insight into current trends and problematic issues facing the Mormon world. Ms. Scott is very tuned in to the current climate, and she addresses all of the key issues and debates. People often ask me to recommended books on Mormonism. This one has risen to the top of my list. --Ross Anderson, author of Understanding the Book of Mormon

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A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith ~ To receive her inheritance and make peace with her late mother, Kelli Jackson must abide by the woman's will. Even though it means working as a zookeeper for six months—with animals that terrify her. How can she possibly explain her fears—and her past—to her handsome boss, Jason Andover? The glimpses of kindness— and painful secrets—she sees in his eyes slowly have her sharing everything. But then she makes a startling discovery—one that may tear them apart forever. Unless she can return the gift of love he's given her.

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Winners will be announced on Saturday, 05/15/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith

Chapter 1

Of all the ways she could have chosen to spend a Thursday morning, attending a stranger’s memorial service wasn’t at the top of Kelli Jackson’s list.

Especially when that stranger was her own mother.

Kelli faced the front of the open-air amphitheater clasping a completely dry tissue in her lap and trying to ignore the curious glances being cast her way. Apparently everybody wanted to get a glimpse of the outsider who claimed to be Lillian Mitchell’s daughter. As people had filed toward their seats among the rows of semi-circular wooden benches in the moments before the service began, more than one puzzled whisper reached her ears.

“I never knew Lillian had any family. Did you?”

“Can’t say as I did. Looks like her, though. Wonder why Lil never talked about her.”

Kelli kept her face schooled in the detached, professional mask she wore when preparing a tax return for a new client. Wouldn’t do to show dismay at the humiliating affirmation that her mother hadn’t even cared enough to mention to those she worked with that she’d given birth to a daughter twenty-six years before. As person after person stepped up to the podium on the center of the stage to recall incidents from Lillian’s life, Kelli’s gaze kept stealing to the table where the polished wooden box holding her mother’s ashes rested, a single vase of flowers beside it.

The deep roar of a lion exploded in the distance, and a wave of gooseflesh rose along Kelli’s bare arms as the primeval cry reverberated in the air around her. The sound echoed across the years from childhood nightmares she’d thought safely forgotten long ago.

What am I doing here, Lord? This is no place for me.

The man standing behind the podium paused in his tribute and raised his head to listen until the roar died away. His smile swept the crowded amphitheater.

“Apparently Samson would like to speak a few words on Lillian’s behalf. He always was an attention hog.”

The crowd’s chuckle held an indulgent tone. Obviously Samson was a favorite among the mourners. Kelli shifted on the rough wooden bench.

“Actually, it’s fitting that Samson be included in this service to honor Lillian. She dedicated her life to making sure that he and the rest of the animals here at Cougar Bay Zoological Park receive nothing but excellent care and the highest quality of life.”

Of course she did. Kelli’s lips tightened, despite her efforts to keep her expression impassive. She cared more for those zoo animals than she did her own child.

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Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Enterprises
Copyright © 2010 by Virginia Smith

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

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A BB Tip...

Be sure to check out the Writing/Craft page this week. Sandra has started an interesting discussion on the problem of backstory.

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