Tricia Goyer

I’ve been tagged by my friend Jessica. She’s an amazing photographer and she just took our family photos this weekend.

She took this one of us, and you can even see a sneak peek of more by clicking on her name! (It will take you to her blog.)

Anyway, the tag asks me to share five things about me that are weird. Hmmm . . .

1) I love DDR. Dance, Dance Revolution. My son, Cory, and I will have contests to see who can dance better. And, yes, this old woman can give him a run for his money. I even dare to say that once we got the dance pad I haven’t been on my treadmill once!

2) I’m a speed shopper. I can be in and out of the mall in 30 minutes. I have a system for scanning clearance racks, scooping, and buying. Walking around the mall “to window shop” drives me crazy. My motto is, “If you see something that works, get it and get done.”

3) I tend to be quiet in person. Maybe it’s because I use all my words writing and blogging? If we went out to coffee, I’d spend most of the time asking about you and listening.

4) I love reality TV shows, mainly because I love to see how people think and react to each other. It’s the best place to people watch 🙂 Of course, since I’m the only one in my house who things they are fun, I NEVER get to watch them. You can say they’ve been “voted off” our TV.

5) I rarely wear makeup. Most days I don’t. In fact, if I do put it on both my husband and kids ask, “Where are you going???” Nice.

I’m not sure if that’s weird enough. Maybe I’m just a boring person!

Now, I tag: Lesley, Julie, Cara, Amy and Michelle.

(Tricia with Tom, one of the veterans she interviewed in 2001.)

Last night, after taking family photos for our Christmas cards we went to see Flag of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood. Nathan was at a friend’s house, but the rest of us went. (Yeah, I wouldn’t recommend that movie for anyone younger than Leslie who is fourteen.)

It was SO good! (Of course, my novels are about about WW2.)

There were some graphic war scenes, but the story was amazing. It told the story of the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima–unlikely heroes for sure.

One of my other favorites is the Band of Brothers mini-series. I’d read the book, Band of Brothers, before I even know they were doing the series. John and I watched it together, then as soon as the episode started I’d start cry . . .

“What’s wrong?” John would ask.

“I know what’s going to happppen,” I’d blubber.

In researching for my novels, I’ve been to Europe twice. I’ve also attending two WWII reunions, and I’ve interviewed hundreds of veterans. Below is a write up of how I came up the story. Or rather how it came to me. I guess one could call my journey to writing about WWII also unexpected.

That was six years ago this month. And just look what God has done . . . the other men, other stories.

When these young me left for the war, they never knew their experiences would be novel-worthy. When I left for my vacation, I never knew my experiences would call me to write them.

***

From Dust to Ashes:
The Story Behind the Novel
by Tricia Goyer

I can clearly remember when my interest was first sparked by the liberation events that took place in St. Georgen, Austria during World War II. An Austrian historian had invited me and my friends into her home, serving up tea and bread, meat and cheeses. It was the end of a long day of travel, and I secretly desired a hot shower and a soft bed. But it wasn’t long before our host had me intrigued with her true tales of villains, prisoners, and GI heroes.

I sat—eyes wide—as Marta described the twenty-three, American GIs who had stumbled upon the Gusen camps May 5, 1945. I imagined their horror as they witnessed prisoners reduced to skin and bones. Or worse, piles of corpses. But Marta also spoke of other things, such as the first help to enter the camp—a young Nazi wife with her children on tow. Who was she? I wondered. Obviously she had not believed in the Nazi persecution. What would it have been like to helplessly witness such horror? How was her life forever changed?

I also imagined those prisoners who were mere days from death. How did they go on after facing such hatred, such loss? Just the night before, on a dinner cruise in Prague, I had sat elbow to elbow with a young Jewish girl and her brother. “Fifty years ago, they would have been killed,” my friend whispered in my ear as we talked and laughed with our new friends. It was then that the horrors of WWII became real, and I knew I would never be the same.

After we left Marta’s house that night, I turned to me traveling companions—also fiction writers. “Are you going to write about this?” At that moment their “no’s” became my “yes.”

I went home with much excitement and began researching the events concerning the liberation of Gusen and Mauthausen death camps. But I soon realized no articles or fuzzy, black and white photos could ever take the place of speaking with those who were actually there. So in August 2001, I was invited to attend the 59th reunion of the 11th Armored Division. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, I spoke to the brave men, now in their 70’s and 80’s who had liberated the death camps. Their bodies have aged, but in their hearts they are still the same brave, young soldiers who witnessed so much.

As the research progressed, I was also able to visit Austria a second time to participate in the memorial services celebrating liberation so many years prior. And while there, I spoke with others, including a man who was just twelve-years-old in 1945. I was awed as he led me through the streets where former SS houses still stand. And tears formed in my eyes as I stood before the guesthouse of the brave, Nazi wife, now gone.

So fueled by memoirs, oral histories and personal interviews, I began to write. And in my mind, the streets of St. Georgen and the events of 1945 soon became as real as life around me.

On that sunny day in October, my greatest concern had been resting after a long day of travel. It was only later, after months of writing, that I realized God’s intentions were far greater. His plan was to have me share a story of liberation. A story inspired by true events . . . and true heroes.

Want to know about Tricia’s upcoming speaking events, booksignings, and radio interviews? Click here.

https://triciagoyer.com/want-to-know-about-tricias-upcoming/

In my last newsletter, I offered a poster contest. I offered to send out a FREE poster of From Dust and Ashes, and if the subscriber posted it in a public place and sent me a photo, he or she would receive two free books.

Also, the two most creative entrys would be BIG WINNERS.

Here is the first entry.

Here are Sherry’s comments:

Ok… Here goes…

Yes, the ladies’ room: It’s in the lobby and right beside the auditorium entrance … That should be the most noticeable spot in the place. Besides, with the light door, the bright poster helped liven up the place…lol!***

Is that awesome, or what?!

If you’re interested in recieving my email newsletter and hearing about cool contests like these, please email fromdustandashes@hotmail.com

I do read my blogger comments. Actually, I LOOK FORWARD to them.

I’m a Gen Xer remember??? I need the gold star, the pat on the back.

Last week, Leticia asked (in the comment section) about the editing process. I asked my editor Andy if he’d be interested in explaining it. His answer was short and sweet.

Andy said:
Basically, the acquiring editor (me) proposes some big-picture revision suggestions to the author. Then, the copy editor (LB) helps the author incorporate some of those suggestions, as well as focusing on some of the smaller-picture issues, such as phrasing, grammar, inconsistencies, etc.

Once the copy editor turns the manuscript over it goes into page proofing. This is usually done in two rounds. In this process, all the little mistakes are found (hopefully) and corrected.

So . . . that is how it works. Andy is the meanie and LB is the one who helps me to play with the scenes and words. (Just kidding, because Andy is as helping and gracious as can be!)

Both of their work makes the manuscript 100% better. They make me look good!

After page proofing is complete, the manuscript comes back to me. THEN I go through it again. (The book at this stage is called a galley.)

This is the fun part–reading the story as it will be printed. It’s also an awesome feeling to see it all come together. It’s then I sit back and whisper a prayer, “Wow, God–together we did good.”

Where in the e-world is Tricia Goyer?
Check out these links . . .

Read Chapter One to Generation NeXt Parenting!

Tricia’s interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher Part II.

Girls, God, and the Good Life blog.

CAN Marketing blog.

Sally Felton Life Coach
Wednesday, October 25th.
The show airs live over the Internet at 12 noon pacific time on http://www.contacttalkradio.com/.
Topic: Support for Teen Mothers
If you would like to call in, the number is: 1-877-230-3062.
(Remember to adjust for time zones.)

WCTS Radio (Connection button in left sidebar.)
Friday, October 27th
8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Central Time
30 minute interview discussing Arms of Deliverance.

Speaking @ Women’s Awareness Day
Christian Center Kalispell, MT
Saturday, October 28th
Starting at 8:30 a.m.
For more information call 752-6426.
Speaking on: Loving the Skin You’re in–Body Image

FamilyNet Radio Mornings with Scott and Lori
Monday, October 30th
7:30 a.m. Central Time
20 minute interview LIVE disucssing Generation NeXt Parenting
(It will be archived. Link to be posted.)

Booksigning
Borders, Bozeman MT
Saturday, November 4th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Joined by fellow novelist, Sharon Dunn

Other:
KTIS Radio
Northwestern College, St. Paul, MT
Talking about Generation NeXt Parenting
Air date to be announced.
(Button to listen online is in top right corner.)

KBJS Radio
Jacksonville, Tyler, Longview Texas
Talking about Generation NeXt Parenting
Air date to be announced.
(Button to listen online is in left sidebar.)

If you have any ideas for media events for Tricia Goyer, email me at: fromdustandashes@hotmail.com

I’ve always wanted a sister. I have one brother who is four years younger. He’s a great guy, but no one understands like a sister . . . or so I’ve heard.

I never knew my biological dad. My mom got pregnant in college. He moved away before I was born. Then, when I was 27, I asked my mom about him. (I was always afraid to ask because I didn’t want to bring up a difficult subject.) She gave me his name. I googled it. Within five minutes I had his home phone number. My mom called and told him about me. Then he called me.

Let me backtrack a little. You see, growing up my FAVORITE movie was The Parent Trap. Since I didn’t know my dad I used to imagine I had a sister out there, somewhere, with him.

I soon discovered I had four.

Wow.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me to meet them. I won’t go into details, but I was disappointed. I prayed some day we’d make a connection.

Then last night, I received an email from one of my sisters. It was the most amazing thing. She’d heard about me and finally asked more questions. Brave and caring, she emailed me. Then today, a second sister did too. They both have tender hearts.

Fifty emails must have flown between us today–photos, small details of our lives, excited chatter.

It’s weird to look at a photo and see my smile. Or look at another and seeing my daughter’s hair, or my son’s ears. Odd and wonderful too.

So tonight I think I’m going to have a hard time sleeping.

Because it seems that a whole new world has opened to me.

THEIRS.

It’s not every day two good friends get to celebrate the launch of their new books. But just last Friday my friend, Joanna Weaver and I did just that.

First, let me tell you a little about Joanna. We met about ten years ago. Out of the blue I got a phone call from someone who wanted to be a writer. She sounded nice enough and so I invited her over. I talked to her about writing, about proposals, about articles, about writers’ conferences and she soaked it in.

But she didn’t just soak. She did it! And her enthusiam, matched with her natural gifts, launched her to the top. Not long after we met, Joanna attended Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference with me and was voted Best New Writer. How exciting is that??

Now, years later, Joanna and I decided we needed to celebrate our friendship and our newest books. This fall Joanna has a much anticipated book out, Having a Mary Spirit.

I also had two books Arms of Deliverance and Generation NeXt Parenting.

We had a terrific night and about 200 people showed up. Joanna and I read from our books and we had snacks both savory and sweet. Mostly we rejoiced with friends at what God has done in our lives and writing!

Here are a few glimpses of our fun. I’ll be posting more later this week.

(My daughter Leslie at the book launch.)

(Book table.)

(Joanna and Tricia.)

10 Questions for Dena Dyer

As a busy mom, wife, author, and speaker, Dena Dyer adores her life—but there are days when she wants her own mommy! Thankfully, she has God, her mom, and a Christian counselor on speed dial.

Dena is married to Carey and they have two boys, Jordan and Jackson. When she’s not desperately trying to find her cell phone, she enjoys writing articles, essays and books. Her credits include Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms (Barbour), The Groovy Chicks Road Trip to Peace (Cook, co-authored with Laurie Copeland and a lot of groovy girlfriends), and magazines such as Family Circle and Parenting. Her hobbies B.K.–before kids–included scrapbooking, watching old movies, and decorating. Now, her interests (obsessions?) are napping, eating, and helping with MOPS at her church.

1. Tricia: You’ve been doing this publishing thing for a little while now. If a new author approached you what would be your advice for working with editors?

Dena: I think the most important things I’ve noticed are being flexible, professional, and respectful. The business is very volatile and editors change jobs a lot. They are also under tremendous pressure to acquire books and shepherd those books through the publishing process. Then they’re supposed to go to writing conferences, where they look for new writers, teach classes, and nurture professional writers. I honestly don’t see how they do it all. I have always tried to respect the time constraints my editors have and thank them for their efforts. And I try to meet my deadlines and not be too protective of my writing (taking criticism like a big girl). At the same time, I am persistent if there’s a question I need answered or a concern I have. And it’s nice to have an agent at that point to be a mediator. The main piece of advice I have is: if you want to write for a living, don’t burn your bridges!

2. Tricia: If you were asked to write a travel article about your hometown, what would the opening paragraph be?

Dena: I grew up in Dumas, Texas . So I’ll do a couple of sentences about it, because those years were formative for me: Perched on the high plains of the Lone Star State, this windy city—where the women have to use industrial strength hairspray to keep their Texas-sized hairdos in place– is a friendly, old-fashioned gateway to just about anywhere.

And I’ve lived in my current town, Granbury , Texas , for about ten years. It’s home now…
Nestled around a lake, Granbury is full of quaint bed and breakfasts, friendly people and great shopping. Sure, it has growing pains—but it’s a wonderful place to raise your kids…or just visit.

3. Tricia: You have two kids at home. How do you balance writing and motherhood?

Dena: Not very well, sometimes. I usually try to limit my writing to two days a week, although I do a few small things daily (check emails and respond, blog, etc). My oldest is in school M-F, and our toddler goes to a little church preschool up the road on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9-2:30. So those are my sacred writing times. If I have a deadline or an assignment that leaks over into other times, my hubby will watch the kids (his schedule is somewhat flexible) or I’ll get a sitter to come to the house. And I’ve been known to stay up late and do writing while my hubby watches television. No getting up early for me, though—my brain doesn’t work until about 9:30 or 10 a.m. Mostly, I rein myself in because I love to write and I could fill up every waking minute with work. But that wouldn’t be good for my relationship to God or my marriage, friendships or kids! And I know that my youngest will only be little for so long—so I’ll wait until he starts school fulltime to devote hours every day to the craft.

4. Tricia: You have a drama background. How had this benefited your writing?

Dena: I’m sensitive to what makes people pay attention—and to details. I also have an ear for dialogue and I know that there’s no drama when there’s no conflict. Even in non-fiction, it’s important to tell stories and not just relate the principle you’re trying to get across.

5. Tricia: You offer a free e-book for journaling on your website. How do you think journaling benefits writers?

Dena: It’s a place to write freely and not worry about being criticized, rejected, or laughed at. My journals (and I have a lot—I’ve been journaling since I was eleven) are a picture of what my life is like, warts and all. And sometimes, when I need to recall what I felt or said at a particular moment, they’re invaluable.

6. Tricia: I love your Groovy Chicks’ Roadtrip (TM) books. What was the grooviest part about writing them?

Dena: Getting to read stories from all different kinds of women. The books are compilations, and my co-author (Laurie Barker Copeland) and I had the joy of discovering the talents of several amazing writers who had never been published before. And the stories were so varied—it was neat to see how God works in so many wonderful ways to navigate our individual journeys (when we let Him!).

7. Tricia: Everywhere I look on your website, blog, book titles, I find the word “Grace.” What’s up with that?

Dena: Well, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior at a young age, but I grew up with a faulty view of God. For several reasons, I really thought He was hard and judgmental, and I never felt like I measured up. Then, in my twenties, I got sooo tired of trying to be perfect. My life fell apart, and God—with the help of a godly Christian counselor—built me back up. And He revealed His true nature—love. Of course, He is perfect and so He has to reject sin, but I finally understood that when Jesus died on the cross and when I accepted His sacrifice, He became my righteousness. I didn’t have to try and be enough or do enough for God. That was freeing….that was grace. And I can’t get enough of it. I think so many women, even (or especially) in the Church, have believed Satan’s lies and feel that they’ll never be enough. My message is that you don’t have to be enough. He is enough.

8. Tricia: Cookies or potato chips?

Dena: Cookies. Preferably chocolate chip.

9. Tricia: If I were to show up on your doorstep and whisk you off to dinner, where would you suggest we go? What would you order?

Dena: I think I’d say “On the Border,” if you were up for a drive (25 minutes). And I would order empanadas. They’re wonderful little meat pockets…mmmmmm…..I’m getting hungry!

10. Tricia: I know you’re mind (like mine) is always coming up with new ideas. How do you organize and focus your writing ideas?

Dena: For book ideas, I mull things over and talk them through with my agent or my husband, and see what rings their bell(s). I also write about things on my blog and the feedback I get tells me whether or not I’ve hit on something that resonates with my audience. With article ideas, I put them in a folder and start clipping things that relate, either from magazines or the Internet. Eventually, I’ll have enough material to either write a query or write the story. If I don’t have an assignment, I’ll create my own deadlines. I work better when I know when I have to finish.

Dena Dyer http://www.denadyer.com/
Amazing Grace-land, my blog:http://www.denadyer.typepad.com/