Tricia
Goyer has written more than thirty-five books, including both novels
that delight and entertain readers and non- fiction titles that offer
encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in
national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
Tricia
Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of two, and wife to John.
Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to
find the time to write.
She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired.
The following is a May 2014 interview with Tricia.
She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired.
The following is a May 2014 interview with Tricia.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
The Kissing Bridge or Moms' Night Out
by Tricia Goyer
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 2-16 May NZDT
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
The Kissing Bridge or Moms' Night Out
by Tricia Goyer
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 2-16 May NZDT
Tell us a little about yourself.
Sure! I've been married to John for 24 years, and we have six children. Three are our biological children, and in the last four years we've adopted three children in need of a forever home. Our oldest son is married with two kids, and they live about five miles from us. (Yeah!) Our oldest daughter lives in the Czech Republic, where she teaches English and shares about Jesus. Our college student and three little ones (6, 4, and 3 are at home). My 84-year-old Grandma lives with us, too, which means we have a busy house! As you can see my family consumes a lot of my time, but I also write books, blog, record radio podcasts (interviewing authors!) and I lead a teen mom support group here in Little Rock, Arkansas.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
It began when I met Cindy Martinusen Coloma in church, over 20 years ago. Cindy was also a young mom. We got to know each other, and Cindy told me about her dream to write. Something struck a chord in me. I had grown up loving to read, but I never considered writing. We encouraged each other. We attended our first writer's conference in 1994 at Mt. Hermon in Northern California. I was 22 years old and pregnant with my third child at that first conference!
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
Christian fiction uses story to entertain and encourage. It feeds our minds and our souls! When we read fiction we become a part of the story. This means we get to experience events, places and situations that we'd never face in everyday life. And because of this, we also open ourselves up to spiritual truth, too. The words we read feed our soul, which is why I'm so thankful for Christ-honoring fiction!
Sure! I've been married to John for 24 years, and we have six children. Three are our biological children, and in the last four years we've adopted three children in need of a forever home. Our oldest son is married with two kids, and they live about five miles from us. (Yeah!) Our oldest daughter lives in the Czech Republic, where she teaches English and shares about Jesus. Our college student and three little ones (6, 4, and 3 are at home). My 84-year-old Grandma lives with us, too, which means we have a busy house! As you can see my family consumes a lot of my time, but I also write books, blog, record radio podcasts (interviewing authors!) and I lead a teen mom support group here in Little Rock, Arkansas.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
It began when I met Cindy Martinusen Coloma in church, over 20 years ago. Cindy was also a young mom. We got to know each other, and Cindy told me about her dream to write. Something struck a chord in me. I had grown up loving to read, but I never considered writing. We encouraged each other. We attended our first writer's conference in 1994 at Mt. Hermon in Northern California. I was 22 years old and pregnant with my third child at that first conference!
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
Christian fiction uses story to entertain and encourage. It feeds our minds and our souls! When we read fiction we become a part of the story. This means we get to experience events, places and situations that we'd never face in everyday life. And because of this, we also open ourselves up to spiritual truth, too. The words we read feed our soul, which is why I'm so thankful for Christ-honoring fiction!
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
First, I hope that the characters and story captures their hearts. I feel honored that people choose to pick up one of my books, and I don't want to disappoint them! I want them to be entertained and inspired. But I also hope they walk away from the story seeing God in a new way. God has completely transformed my life. Because of that a bit of grace and truth is woven into every book I write.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
Two things came to mind right away. First, is when I receive a note from someone telling me that she has chosen to follow Christ because of the message in one of my books. That is amazing! Second, when I get notes from people from other parts of the world. I'm deeply thankful to be used by God in this way.
In 7th grade, in Mr. Langford's Social Studies class, we had an assignment to give a presentation on a pretend visit we made to a foreign country. I couldn't pick one, so I picked like twelve countries. I went on and on about what I experienced, who I met, and what I saw in each of these countries. I was thinking about that today. My books have been translated into twelve languages and my words are touching people on all parts of the globe. God reminded me of how He took my heart-desire and transformed it in a more beautiful way than I could ever imagine. I am in awe of Him!
First, I hope that the characters and story captures their hearts. I feel honored that people choose to pick up one of my books, and I don't want to disappoint them! I want them to be entertained and inspired. But I also hope they walk away from the story seeing God in a new way. God has completely transformed my life. Because of that a bit of grace and truth is woven into every book I write.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
Two things came to mind right away. First, is when I receive a note from someone telling me that she has chosen to follow Christ because of the message in one of my books. That is amazing! Second, when I get notes from people from other parts of the world. I'm deeply thankful to be used by God in this way.
In 7th grade, in Mr. Langford's Social Studies class, we had an assignment to give a presentation on a pretend visit we made to a foreign country. I couldn't pick one, so I picked like twelve countries. I went on and on about what I experienced, who I met, and what I saw in each of these countries. I was thinking about that today. My books have been translated into twelve languages and my words are touching people on all parts of the globe. God reminded me of how He took my heart-desire and transformed it in a more beautiful way than I could ever imagine. I am in awe of Him!
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Great question! Personally, I think it's wonderful therapy! It's also a chance to depend on Jesus more. So many of my characters “issues” are actually mine. I'm written about abandonment, adoption, disappointment, and fears. (Just to name a few!) As I deal with the characters I have to dig into God's Word and see what God has to say about the matter. Writing novels has helped me to see my own life as part of God's story. I've grown closer to Christ as He breaths inspiration into me, and works through me.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
I want to live the type of life that I write about—one filled with challenges, faith-steps, trusting God, and impact. I want to have integrity, where my inward life and outward life match, and I'm Jesus-centered on all I do. I want to love my family and raise my children to be godly influences on their generation. I want to be a voice to teen moms, encouraging them and telling them they DO make a difference in the lives of their children.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Every spare moment I have is filled with my family. Together we like to travel! We went to Florida in January. (11 of us in a 12 passenger van!) Recently the same group went to Branson, Missouri. We love being together, and seeing the world together. If, on the rare occasion, that I'm not surrounded with my family, I read!
Great question! Personally, I think it's wonderful therapy! It's also a chance to depend on Jesus more. So many of my characters “issues” are actually mine. I'm written about abandonment, adoption, disappointment, and fears. (Just to name a few!) As I deal with the characters I have to dig into God's Word and see what God has to say about the matter. Writing novels has helped me to see my own life as part of God's story. I've grown closer to Christ as He breaths inspiration into me, and works through me.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
I want to live the type of life that I write about—one filled with challenges, faith-steps, trusting God, and impact. I want to have integrity, where my inward life and outward life match, and I'm Jesus-centered on all I do. I want to love my family and raise my children to be godly influences on their generation. I want to be a voice to teen moms, encouraging them and telling them they DO make a difference in the lives of their children.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Every spare moment I have is filled with my family. Together we like to travel! We went to Florida in January. (11 of us in a 12 passenger van!) Recently the same group went to Branson, Missouri. We love being together, and seeing the world together. If, on the rare occasion, that I'm not surrounded with my family, I read!
Tricia & John at the MOMS' NIGHT OUT premiere
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
I have two novels that just recently released.
The Kissing Bridge is set in an Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana where most of my other Amish novels are set. The main character Rebecca is a minor character in my Big Sky Series. It's fun to take these minor characters and give them their own stories!
Caught between a stifling Amish community and an unnerving outside world, a devout young woman on the run is about to become the newest arrival to West Kootenai, Montana.
On the day of her sister's death, Rebecca Troyer took her first step away from the Amish. Rebecca had always strayed a little outside the fold---a job at an Englisch bakery, long weekends with non-Amish friends---but nothing could have prepared her family for what she is about to do: Rebecca is abandoning the community to attend nursing school. She is headed to college, into 'the world.' But she has to make it across the country first.
When she stops in West Kootenai, at the home of a lapsed Amish friend from her youth, Rebecca finds a lot more in Montana than she had bargained for---namely a handsome working man named Caleb Hooley.
Caleb is at a crossroads of his own. A daredevil bachelor with high standards, he has decided he'll never find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Needless to say, the pretty Amish girl who has fled her community in secret catches his attention immediately.
As hearts are opened and secrets are revealed, Rebecca and Caleb find they have much more in common than just their Amish background. But can this runaway find love with a risk-taker who has lost his faith in God? All it will take is one week in the wilderness to find out . . .
Another novel that just released is Moms' Night Out. This is a novel inspired by the movie with the same name. I basically watched the movie 100 times and turned it into a book! It's funny and was fun to write!
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
I have two novels that just recently released.
The Kissing Bridge is set in an Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana where most of my other Amish novels are set. The main character Rebecca is a minor character in my Big Sky Series. It's fun to take these minor characters and give them their own stories!
Caught between a stifling Amish community and an unnerving outside world, a devout young woman on the run is about to become the newest arrival to West Kootenai, Montana.
On the day of her sister's death, Rebecca Troyer took her first step away from the Amish. Rebecca had always strayed a little outside the fold---a job at an Englisch bakery, long weekends with non-Amish friends---but nothing could have prepared her family for what she is about to do: Rebecca is abandoning the community to attend nursing school. She is headed to college, into 'the world.' But she has to make it across the country first.
When she stops in West Kootenai, at the home of a lapsed Amish friend from her youth, Rebecca finds a lot more in Montana than she had bargained for---namely a handsome working man named Caleb Hooley.
Caleb is at a crossroads of his own. A daredevil bachelor with high standards, he has decided he'll never find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Needless to say, the pretty Amish girl who has fled her community in secret catches his attention immediately.
As hearts are opened and secrets are revealed, Rebecca and Caleb find they have much more in common than just their Amish background. But can this runaway find love with a risk-taker who has lost his faith in God? All it will take is one week in the wilderness to find out . . .
Another novel that just released is Moms' Night Out. This is a novel inspired by the movie with the same name. I basically watched the movie 100 times and turned it into a book! It's funny and was fun to write!
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
In the fall there is a WWII novella collection that I wrote with Cara Putman and Sarah Sundin. It was fun to write World War II again! I also have a Christian novella in a collection with three other Amish authors. It's always fun to work with other authors who I consider friends. I have more Amish novels in the works, too!
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I'm so thankful that God has given me the chance to connect with readers through the use of story. I know there are many choices of things to do with your time and money. I'm honored whenever someone chooses to give value to my stories by giving them time!
Do you have any parting words?
Thank you, Ellie, for all you do to promote Christian fiction. You are one of the great cheerleaders that we authors need to keep going!
In the fall there is a WWII novella collection that I wrote with Cara Putman and Sarah Sundin. It was fun to write World War II again! I also have a Christian novella in a collection with three other Amish authors. It's always fun to work with other authors who I consider friends. I have more Amish novels in the works, too!
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I'm so thankful that God has given me the chance to connect with readers through the use of story. I know there are many choices of things to do with your time and money. I'm honored whenever someone chooses to give value to my stories by giving them time!
Do you have any parting words?
Thank you, Ellie, for all you do to promote Christian fiction. You are one of the great cheerleaders that we authors need to keep going!
The Memory Jar
Every year, 30–40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!
Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart.
Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?
Every year, 30–40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!
Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart.
Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?
The Promise Box
Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!
In The Promise Box, the second book of best-selling author Tricia Goyer’s Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational “tell-all” book about the Amish.
Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. But will the pain of her childhood---and her potential betrayal of her community---keep her from committing her whole heart?
Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!
In The Promise Box, the second book of best-selling author Tricia Goyer’s Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai to give comfort to her father after her mother’s death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother’s most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational “tell-all” book about the Amish.
Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. But will the pain of her childhood---and her potential betrayal of her community---keep her from committing her whole heart?
The Kissing Bridge
Caught between a stifling Amish community and an unnerving outside world, a devout young woman on the run is about to become the newest arrival to West Kootenai, Montana.
On the day of her sister's death, Rebecca Troyer took her first step away from the Amish.
Rebecca had always strayed a little outside the fold---a job at an Englisch bakery, long weekends with non-Amish friends---but nothing could have prepared her family for what she is about to do: Rebecca is abandoning the community to attend nursing school. She is headed to college, into “the world.” But she has to make it across the country first.
When she stops in West Kootenai, at the home of a lapsed Amish friend from her youth, Rebecca finds a lot more in Montana than she had bargained for---namely a handsome working man named Caleb Hooley.
Caleb is at a crossroads of his own. A daredevil bachelor with high standards, he has decided he’ll never find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Needless to say, the pretty Amish girl who has fled her community in secret catches his attention immediately.
As hearts are opened and secrets are revealed, Rebecca and Caleb find they have much more in common than just their Amish background. But can this runaway find love with a risk-taker who has lost his faith in God? All it will take is one week in the wilderness to find out . . .
Caught between a stifling Amish community and an unnerving outside world, a devout young woman on the run is about to become the newest arrival to West Kootenai, Montana.
On the day of her sister's death, Rebecca Troyer took her first step away from the Amish.
Rebecca had always strayed a little outside the fold---a job at an Englisch bakery, long weekends with non-Amish friends---but nothing could have prepared her family for what she is about to do: Rebecca is abandoning the community to attend nursing school. She is headed to college, into “the world.” But she has to make it across the country first.
When she stops in West Kootenai, at the home of a lapsed Amish friend from her youth, Rebecca finds a lot more in Montana than she had bargained for---namely a handsome working man named Caleb Hooley.
Caleb is at a crossroads of his own. A daredevil bachelor with high standards, he has decided he’ll never find an Amish woman who can quench his thirst for adventure. Needless to say, the pretty Amish girl who has fled her community in secret catches his attention immediately.
As hearts are opened and secrets are revealed, Rebecca and Caleb find they have much more in common than just their Amish background. But can this runaway find love with a risk-taker who has lost his faith in God? All it will take is one week in the wilderness to find out . . .
Moms' Night Out
Moms' Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
Moms' Night Out is a novelization of the hilarious family comedy that celebrates real family life—where everything can go wrong and still turn out all right.
All Allyson and her friends want is a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and conversation . . . a long-needed moms’ night out. But in order to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag, they need their husbands to watch the kids for a few hours—what could go wrong?
Chronicling one night out gone awry, three harried moms, their husbands, a sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang, and a bewildered cabbie all learn to embrace the beautiful mess called parenting. This book spotlights the unfulfilled expectations and serial self-doubts many moms feel . . . then reassures us that the key is raising kids in a loving home. Mom’s Night Out is an endearing, true-to-life comedy.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
Buy Tricia's Books at The Book Depository
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Be in to win a copy of
The Kissing Bridge
or Moms' Night Out
by Tricia Goyer
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to
entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
2-16 May NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Tricia Goyer. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
The Kissing Bridge
or Moms' Night Out
by Tricia Goyer
One copy of each to be won
Contest open to
entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
2-16 May NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Tricia Goyer. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
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