being an author

September 13, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 12 Comments

Writers, Do Not Give Up On The Book Of Your Heart!

Do you have a book that you’ve been wanting to write? Do you think it’s a great idea, but it’s been hard to convince a publisher the same? Do you feel discouraged and want to quit? Today I want to talk to writers and encourage you: writers, do not give up on the book of your heart!

In 1999 I had an idea for a book for young people called Prayers that Changed History. As a homeschooling mom, I kept coming upon these GREAT stories of prayer such as:

Governor William Bradford praying for rain for the failing crops in the New World, and nine hours later clouds rolling in after a severe drought.
John Newton (who penned the hymn Amazing Grace) nearly sinking in a storm on his slave ship and crying out to God for mercy. God saved the ship and John’s soul that night.
And Florence Nightingale who, at sixteen years old, feeling called into God’s service. She prayed and committed herself to God and years later she became the “Mother of Nursing.” Nursing practices around the world have been transformed because of Florence.

As a homeschooling mom, I knew that Prayers that Changes History was exactly the type of book I would buy for my kids. After all, I want my kids to know about heroes of the faith. I want them to understand the power of prayer.

This book was finally published in 2015 … sixteen years after I first got the idea and pitched it to a publisher. I LOVE getting feedback from parents and kids who are so excited about this book. I love that kids are learning about historical people and answered prayers. I love that they’re learning how to pray.

I’m so thankful that I did not give up on the book of my heart. And I encourage you too. Writers do not give up on the book of YOUR dreams!

To encourage you to keep going, here are a few things you need to know:

What you need to know …

1. Know that writing is a challenge.

It is hard work, and a great idea doesn’t automatically translate into a great book. Every writer struggles! Don’t feel as if you’re not the only one. Everyone has fears about not being good enough. No one writes ‘great stuff’ in their first draft. Writing is supposed to be hard. Overcome those fears one word at a time on the blank page.

2. Understand that not everyone will get what you’re doing.

There are some agents, editors, and publishers who will not like your idea or your writing. But then again, there will be someone who does. I happened to connect with an editor who immediately understood and loved my idea for Prayers that Changed History, but before that, there were many editors who turned it down. Not every idea is a good fit for every editor or publisher. But, take heart, writers; do not give up!

3. Know that some projects take time to flesh out.

Sometimes a manuscript needs to be rethought or reshaped. When it came to writing the final manuscript of Prayers that Changed History, I spent more time teaching children how to pray than I’d originally planned. My book idea changed for the better, and I’m excited that it did!

4. Know that sometimes God needs to mold you to make the message mean more.

I personally learned a lot about prayer from 1999 to 2015. I know that my book is different (and better) because of what God taught me.

5. Know that God’s timing is perfect.

God knows when a book is needed. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Prayers that Changed History was released around the same time as the movie The War Room. There is a theme that was happening that year. God is bringing people to His knees, and it’s amazing that He desires for children to learn about prayer, too!

To encourage you to keep going, there are also a few things that you need to do:

Writers, do not give up. Here is what you need to do …

1. Keep writing, researching, and praying.

I started a filing drawer filled with stories about answered prayer. Whenever I’d come upon a story, I’d photocopy it and put it in a file. Then, when the time was right, I had all the material that I needed. Even as I worked on other projects, I kept this one in the back of my mind.

2. Keep studying the writing craft.

Like any career, writing takes time, effort, and knowledge. The more you study the craft of writing, the better you become as a writer.

3. Consider self-publishing.

When I first came up with this book idea in 1999, self-publishing was an expensive venture. You had to hire an editor and a printer, and the end result was 1,000 copies of your paperback book in your garage. Today, self-publishing is altogether different. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it’s a great way to get your book published and in the hands of readers.

If you have a book that you’ve been wanting to write … keep going.
If you have a great idea … trust your gut.

During this time in history, we have amazing opportunities to share our words around the globe. If you have a book on your heart, don’t give up!

Resources on Prayer:

Resources on Publishing on Kindle:

Kindle Direct Publishing

Resource on Self-Publishing

TheCreativePenn.com

Happy Writing!

How to Breathe God-Messages and Find Inspiration

How to Breathe God-Messages

Where do you go for inspiration? Sometimes I sit down with my journal. Other times I take a walk or take a bath. Today I found inspiration from Facebook and hymns. Honestly!

Facebook is always interesting, but when I read through my feed today I noticed a few things:

Death, loss, and moms struggling with anxiety. I saw needs . . . lots of needs. I saw friends and acquaintances who need a fresh dose of encouragement and hope.

Inspiration means “breath of God.” Sometimes when inspiration hits I’m able to do fun work. I’m able to write a moving chapter in my novel or pen a short story for a magazine. But sometimes God’s breath takes me to harder places where I feel others’ hurt deep in my chest.

Inspiration isn’t always light and fluffy. (Don’t we wish it was!) And sometimes creativity comes so that we can offer just the right words, messages, or images to hurting friends.

Here are 5 ways to breathe God-messages:

Start with God’s Word. God’s Word is truth and is where all creativity comes from. Read meaningful passages and delve into the creativity of God’s Word. I love the poetry of Psalms. The word images always inspire me!
Pray for God’s inspiration. “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed,” Isaiah 50:4 (NIV). Pray that God will give you a well-instructed tongue to inspire and bless someone else.
Fill yourself up first. Before I even opened Facebook I spent time with God. I read numerous chapters from the book of John. I marveled at the compassion Jesus had for those who dared to trust Him. My heart grew thankful over His compassion for me, and soon my full heart was ready to spill out.
Pray for words, messages, or images that can be a gift to others. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver,” we read in Proverbs 25:11. Those “words” can be shared in numerous ways!
Find creative ways to share God’s truth. This morning my heart was drawn to creating a visual message for so hurting friends. This is what I came up with:

I don’t know who is going to see this graphic. I don’t know how these words will speak to hurting hearts. All I know is that God inspired me this morning, and creativity flowed. From the stirring that I feel deep within, I imagine it’ll keep flowing. That’s how creativity works, isn’t it? Once you prime the pump, it’s amazing what comes out!

What about you? How do you get inspired? How many God-messages has He given you lately to share?

Steps You can Take

Spend time with God, praying for God’s inspiration.
Do something to feed your creative soul.
Let the creativity spill out through words, through music, through art.
Share your message (God’s message through you) with others.

Daily Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the creativity and inspiration you give us. I pray that you would continue to inspire me daily so that I can breathe your messages to those around me in need.

In Jesus name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

The Creative Life
A Million Little Ways

August 2, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Just Be Available to God

Just Be Available

If you want God to work in your life, then just be available! Be available AND believe He will move on your behalf. You have to believe this. If you don’t believe in a BIG God with BIG dreams there’s no use being available. When you learn to trust God completely and trust in His dreams, THEN you can also trust Him to lead you down the right path. Let me tell you how I know!

Fifty-two years ago, there was a woman about to give birth. She was young and didn’t know how she could afford a child without her parent’s help. She hadn’t talked to her former boyfriend in months–she didn’t even know how to reach him. How could she tell him she was having his child?

This young woman attended church some, yet her dialogue with God was stilted. How could God let this happen to her? What would her life be like now?

A baby girl was born, and upon holding her child this young lady knew things would be okay. Perhaps this baby was a gift, not a burden as she supposed. So this woman raised her daughter the best she could, and while she wanted to give her child more than she had…

History has a way of repeating itself.

When the daughter became a young woman she found herself in the same situation—living at home, pregnant, scared. The daughter knew she could raise this child. After all, her mom had done it. But what would her life be like? How could God let this happen to her?

If you haven’t guessed already – I was the daughter.

I was born to a single mom, becoming a single mom myself as a teenager. At age seventeen, God gave me a son. My boyfriend was out of the picture, and I faced raising a child alone with little education, no money, and – maybe, according to the world – little hope for my future.

Now if you take this story at face value, I am nothing more than a statistic.

According to government research, most daughters of young mothers go on to be teen mothers themselves. They face lives of hardship, living on welfare for the most part—becoming a burden rather than an asset to society.

Yet, I am not a statistic. And you know why I’m not a statistic? Because God doesn’t do statistics.

Did you hear that?

God doesn’t do statistics. In fact, He likes to blow them out of the water.

You see, God has a history of seeing something that no one else does. Like seeing a king in a shepherd boy named David, seeing an apostle in a young zealot named Paul, and seeing a mighty warrior in a frightened nobody named Gideon.

God has X-ray eyes that see right through any outward characteristics or any national statistics. His X-ray eyes scan down to the heart.

And what did God see? He must have seen something worthwhile. Because . . .

At age 52, I’m a multi-published author of magazine articles, Bible study notes, curriculum, and many books. My book for teenage mothers was nominated for a prestigious award. I’m a national speaker, traveling to share God’s good news.

While in my twenties I helped to launch a Crisis Pregnancy Center, helped start numerous abstinence programs, and launched support groups for Teen Moms.

Just Be Available

Now, if I were not a believer, all these would be things I could really tout. But honestly, I can say that it doesn’t have to do with me at all.

It’s about:

A BIG God with BIG dreams.
A God who has made an agreement with me that is eternal, final, and sealed.
A God who is constantly looking after my safety and success.
A God who is strong in my weakness.
A God who sees the future sees the past and has a perfect plan for me.

Well, I guess the whole truth is that I do have something to do with it. It’s only a little something, but I guess it makes a pretty big difference.

See, God can be all those things in my life, but only if I let Him.

There is one thing I must do . . . and that is Be Available. Of course, I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Here I am, God – use me.” I didn’t just clear my schedule and wait for God to show up.

Rather, the steps toward my availability were a work in progress. They started on the day I was six months pregnant and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I like to look at that as Day One.

In those 34 years from then to now, I’ve learned a lot.

Lesson #1: Sometimes being available means stepping away from the status quo.

For me, that meant moving 1,000 miles away. Seriously, 1,000 miles. You see after I gave my heart to the Lord, I birthed a beautiful son. Not too long later, God gave me an amazing, Christian husband and two more children. Then He asked us to move . . . (in a roundabout way.)

First, God put us into a community of like-minded people. Our friends longed for a simple life away from the hurry and worry in California.

Next, He placed a desire in our hearts to raise our children in a better place – a place called Montana. We’d talked about it with our friends, we’d dreamt about it, and hoped that many someday it would come true.

Then, we decided to pray. My husband and I got on our knees and prayed that IF it was God’s desire He would make it clear. John had just graduated from college, and I was raising three small children under the age of 5.

We knew we’d be leaving our families, leaving our friends, leaving everything we knew. We had no job in Montana, no money to move; in fact, we’d never even been there before! Still, we had a desire. One we couldn’t shake.

At the time, my husband sold computers on commission in a small store. He’d usually sell 1-2 a week. He went to work the next day after our joint-prayer, and sold 11 computers! Enough to pay off our current bills with enough left over to move and live on. It was the confirmation we’d been looking for.

So we did it. We packed up our three kids and moved. Our families thought we were crazy.

They were sure we were joining some commune or something. We saw Kalispell for the first time as we drove in with our stuff. Within the week, we were renting a house. Within three weeks, my husband had a far better job than he had in California. And within six months, we’d purchased our first house. In less than a year, we were plugged into an amazing church and ministering to children in ways we’d always dreamed of.

We serve a BIG God with BIG dreams.

You have to believe this. If you don’t believe in a BIG God with BIG dreams there’s no use being available. But when you trust that fact. Trust God completely. Trust His dreams, THEN you can also trust Him to lead you to the right path.

Seeing God at work and what He did with our lives when we were available made me hungry for more. I wanted to experience God at work like that again.

Henry and Mel Blackaby say, “Watching the activity of God from a distance can never compare with the thrill of being fully involved in the Spirit’s active work.”

You have to want God. Not just want to work for Him or learn about Him, but truly want Him. You have to want to experience Him at work in your life. You have to be hungry for what only He can give—a hope and a future.

Prayer

God, I want to trust you. I want to be available for the big plans you have for me. Lead me to the right path. I am hungry for a hope and a future.

What BIG DREAM is God whispering into your heart? Maybe, like me, you feel God pulling you towards words, towards writing and speaking and sharing His message. If that sounds familiar then maybe you need to join me in the Write That Book club!

I’m here to help, and I’ve invited some of my friends to help you, too. They are professional agents, editors, authors, and marketing and publicity team members. They’re the best of the best in the Christian publishing industry. Together, we want to help you reach your dreams.

To help you do this, I’ve created Write That Book. This premier group provides education, inspiration, and connection with other writers and experts. Learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered.

Over thirty experts will be available throughout the month to answer your questions. Their decades of experience will be at your fingertips. They not only want to help you, but they also want to get to know you better. After all, your words might just be the ones they’re looking for!

Learn more here:

July 17, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

It’s Time to Get Creative, Mom.

As a writer, I know all about creativity. I know how essential it is to be creative. I know how fun it can be. I also know what it’s like to be at a loss for creativity. Even as a mom, creativity is important. Combine the needed creativity for being both a mom and a writer . . . well, it’s tough to come by.

When there are people and paperwork and piles to manage…
When I look around my house and see the walls that need to be painted and the cupboards that should be organized…
When my inbox is cluttered with notes I need to answer about work stuff and volunteer stuff…
When output is more than input…
…my creativity well often runs dry.

What can you do when you need an extra “spark” of inspiration?

Here are a few things I do.

Call a funny friend.

Sit outside. Breathe in fresh air.

Listen to birds sing. Watch busy ants.

Open a book of poetry or rent an audio book of poetry from the library. Absorb the symbolism and fresh word combinations.

Open a cookbook to a random page, then go shopping for the needed ingredients. (And then cook it!)

Go to YouTube.com and watch old dance numbers like this one.

Visit Etsy and take their taste test. This is one of my favorites. I love the fresh colors, textures, and ideas.

Play with Visuwords. Follow word trails and see where they lead you.

Have a visual feast on iStock Photo. (It’s also a great place for gathering inspiration for novel settings and characters or blog ideas.)

Pray and thank God for His creativity. Thank Him for your favorite places, people, tastes, and the beauty of nature.

Read your favorite Bible verses in a translation or paragraph you normally don’t read. Here is my favorite Bible verse in The Message (Zephaniah 3:17): “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.”

Write a greeting card verse and e-mail it to a special person. Or better yet, browse creative sites (like MarthaStewart.com) for card ideas and make your own.

Sometimes what we need is simply a break in our day from the mundane tasks of life.

These tips are perfect for breaking up a routine. Who knows? You might end up inspired to finish writing that blog or to tackle that inbox.

Prayer

God, thank you for being the source of all creativity. Allow today to be inspired with fresh ideas and new creativity.

Looking for More Ways to Get Creative?

Check out my book Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom!

More Resources

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger

Creativity by Matthew Fox

Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas. Advice & Projects from 50 Successful Artists by Danielle Krysa

Creativity Workout: 62 Exercises to Unlock Your Most Creative Ideas by Edward De Bono

September 2, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

5 Tips I Use To Stay Motivated as a Writer

These are 5 tips I use to stay motivated as a writer and to keep going when distraction or the business of life hit. I hope you find them helpful.

I first started writing in 1994, I was only 22 years old and pregnant with my third baby. While sitting in the church nursery one Sunday chatting with a friend, I got the epiphany that I wanted to become a Christian writer. Since that time I’ve written over 70 books. It’s been a long road, but I have been so blessed to be able to walk it with wonderful friends, family, and mentors along the way.

Having been this prolific you might think writing always comes easily for me. But the truth is I have to work to stay motivated just like anyone else. These are the top 5 tips I use to stay motivated as a writer:

1. Think of someone who needs advice or a word of hope and write just to that person.

Why are you writing? Usually, it’s because you feel called to share something. When I sit down to write I often envision one person and write as if I’m writing just to them. Sometimes I’ll ask my facebook friends questions and that always sparks my creativity. But other times, I will see that someone is struggling with something or feel they need a message of hope and I will write my book, blog, or message specifically to address that. I love encouraging others.

You can stay motivated with your writing.

2. Choose one thing to accomplish the next day with my writing.

Before I go to bed each night I focus on just one thing. Maybe I’ll research just one thing. Write 500 words. Schedule posts for social media. Often when I do one thing it gets me excited about one more thing … and before I know it I’ve marked a few things off my list. Worst-case scenario, I get one thing done … and those one things add up. By the end of the year, a lot of things have gotten done.

We all have lists and when the list is long it can be overwhelming. I like to allow myself to focus on just one thing at a time and that helps me to stay motivated to keep going and be successful.

3. Think about what I first wanted to write and what got me excited about that. Then foster that excitement again.

Sometimes the everyday work of a published author can get tedious and I forget why I really wanted to write in the first place. When that happens it’s really helpful for me to remember why I started writing. I might open up a file on writing ideas I’m thinking about or look back at some of my past work. Or maybe I’ll just take a moment to re-ignite that fire I felt when I was a young mom sitting at home reading a Brody Thoene novel thinking how fun it would be if I could write novels about World War II.

4. Connect with another writer and find a way to help each other.

Writing is such a solitary work and at times it can be very lonely. To overcome this I have chosen to write several books with other authors. It’s so encouraging to work with an author friend to produce a book together. Often all we need is a little comradery to help us stay motivated. I love connecting with my writer friends and it helps me stay motivated as an author.

It’s so wonderful to be in community with other writers because we can encourage each other in the job we love. I even started an online subscription group through Facebook to help connect writers, agents, and publishing professionals so we can all benefit and build each other up. One of the most wonderful things about the group is the support and accountability we provide for each other. If you’d like to find out more you can visit Write That Book.

5. Envision the future.

Imagine your finished project. Imagine yourself getting your word count done for the day. Imagine yourself figuring out that plot twist. Imagine YOUR book sitting on the shelf of a bookstore and someone picking it up, buying it and reading it.

Sometimes just the act of visualizing the things you want to achieve can help you to stay the course when the going gets tough and you want to quit and surf social media for an hour. Instead of giving in, close your eyes and allow yourself to dream about the future where you reach your goals and live those dreams.

For More Information or to Join Write That Book now CLICK HERE.

Or go to: https://triciagoyer.teachable.com/p/write-that-book

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July 31, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Writer Wednesday with Jen Babakhan

Today on Writer Wednesday we welcome Jen Babakhan, author of Detoured.

Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Detoured! Winner will be e-mailed.
Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Today on Writer Wednesday Jen Babakhan, author Detoured, shares what a typical day in her life looks like.

Writer Wednesday with Jen Babakhan: A Day in the Life

7am-9am: Most days I wake up about an hour before my boys (ages 5 and 7), and start the morning the way all the experts advise against: checking my email. As a freelance writer, most of those I work closely with are on the opposite coast, meaning that by the time I wake up in California, they’ve already been working awhile. I try to address any urgent emails from the comfort of bed, and then get ready for the day. I homeschool my boys, so during the school year our mornings look different than they currently do. We will have breakfast, I’ll spend some time reading the Bible while they eat and wake up, and then we begin our school day.

9am-1pm: While they’re working on any independent work, I’ll take a moment to check my email and social media, and try to mentally plan out the rest of the day. School usually lasts until lunch, when like any other stay-at-home mom, I’ll serve up only the healthiest of foods, organically grown from our garden, which my children will devour ravenously. JUST KIDDING. I make either chicken nuggets, or macaroni and cheese, or whatever they claim they will eat that day.

1pm-4pm: After lunch is usually when I’m able to carve out a chunk of time to promote my new book, Detoured:The Messy, Grace-Filled Journey From Working Professional to Stay-at-Home Mom, or to work on any freelance projects. If I’m working on freelance work, this usually includes lining up or conducting interviews with sources, or doing the actual work of writing (which, surprisingly, is a small part of the process).

While I work, my boys will either play together cooperatively, or hold a cage-fighting match in my living room, and most days it’s a mix of both. The life of a stay-at-home-mom-turned-writer means that I’ve had to learn to write during very brief uninterrupted moments of the day (these moments are the ten minutes here and there when I’m not fetching a snack—usually this is when they are eating said snack). This means that a lot of times my work never feels great, or even good enough— but it’s done, and I have to be satisfied with that. It’s during this chunk of the day that I often wind up playing super-heroes in the playroom or kicking a soccer ball, instead of putting the finishing touches on a piece, or researching.

4pm-8pm: At this point in the day, as afternoon fades into evening, I’ll step hesitantly away from the computer and wander into the kitchen to figure out what we will have for dinner. By the time my husband comes home, it feels as though we’ve lived a few days in the span of the ten hours he’s been gone, and we are all more than ready to settle in for the evening. After dinner, I’ll read or succumb to their pleas to play video games with them, and before long it’s glorious bedtime for all of us.

Each day is a little different than the next (just enough to keep my sanity), and though they’re all busy and chaotic, each one is blessed— and I am grateful.

If you would like to follow more of my adventures as a stay-at-home mom turned writer, you can find me at my website: www.jenbabakhan.com, on Instagram, @jenbabakhan, or Facebook, @jenbabakhanauthor.

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Jen Babakhan, author of book Detoured

Jen Babakhan is an author living in California with her husband and two young sons. She is the author of Detoured: The Messy, Grace-Filled Journey From Working Professional to Stay-at-Home Mom. Jen is also a contributor for Reader’s Digest, and her work has been featured various national news outlets.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

More about Detoured

Does having it all even exist?

Former marketing executive turned third-grade teacher, Jen Babakhan never expected her transition to stay-at-home mom would bring feelings of grief and loss. She felt God was calling her to be home with her newborn son, and she wanted to be with him—yet she felt conflicted about giving up her career.

Detoured chronicles the often-bumpy path Jen took to contentment and peace in her new role at home. She honestly shares the struggles and joys of being home, and the truth she uncovered about “having it all.” She invites you to walk beside her on this journey and find:

a new confidence and peace in your decision to place your career on hold
an invitation to discover your true identity that has nothing to do with your job title
a sense of community and the knowledge that you are not alone in your motherhood journey

Stay-at-home motherhood isn’t easy—but it can be the most beautiful detour you ever take.

Purchase a copy of Detoured
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | CBD

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

July 22, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

7 Amazing Christian Novels

I love to read. If you do too, here’s 7 amazing Christian books you won’t want to miss. From the Roman Empire to a Civil War plantation to modern-day Prince Edward Island–and everywhere in between–these books will weave their words into your heart.

Enjoy!

1. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

I have enjoyed Lisa Wingate’s books for many years, but Before We Were Yours has risen to the top of my all-time favorite novels. Wingate introduced me to a little-know event in Southern history, sharing the stories of twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings who were caught up in the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. This novel was especially powerful to me as a mom who’s adopted seven children myself. I’ve recommended this novel time and time again to friends.

2. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

I read this novel over twenty years ago, and I go back to it again and again. A Voice in the Wind is a story of true love discovered in a world of pain. I’ve always been fascinated by the Roman Empire, but Rivers made me feel as if I was living it with the characters. I love this book and the others in the series.

3. An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

4. As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

5. To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexandar

To Mend a Dream took me back to a time when ordinary people were caught up in the aftermath of the Civil War. A Belle Meade Plantation novella, there was enough story within the pages to read like a novel. I fell in love with the characters and it made me search for more of Alexander’s books to read!

6. The Red Door Inn by Liz Johnson

Ever since I read Anne of Green Gables I’ve been fascinated by Prince Edward Island. Johnson helps us to see the island–and the lovely people–through the eyes of characters in pain. The Red Door Inn becomes a place of hope and promise of the future. It’s a sweet and heartfelt romance.

7. The Number of Love by Rosanna M. White

The Number of Love is a unique look at intelligence work in the Great War. I know far more about World War II and The Spanish Civil War, so learning about this time in history was delightful. The characters were unique and interesting, and I found myself cheering them on.

These 7 Amazing Christian Novels will keep you reading well into the night. I hope you find some new authors and characters you love!

Maybe you’ve dreamed of writing a Christian novel, but you don’t know where to start or how to finish or even what to do in between.

Write That Book

I’m here to help. And I’ve invited some of my friends to help you too. They are professional agents, editors, authors, and marketing and publicity team members. They’re the best of the best in the Christian publishing industry. Together we want to help you reach your dreams.

To help you do this, I’ve created Write That Book. This premier group provides education, inspiration and connection with other writers and experts. Learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered.

Take my FREE 7-day writing challenge and start moving towards your dream of being a writer!

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

July 13, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Get My WWII Liberators Series for a Song

I get asked all the time which one of the books I’ve written is my favorite. Picking a favorite one of my books would be like trying to pick a favorite one of my children, but I narrowed it down and chose this series because of the men who made it possible to write.

About 20 years ago I was on vacation with two friends when I first heard about the 11th Armored Division–the men who liberated Mauthausen and Gusen concentration camps.

So intrigued by the history of these men, I wrote two novels about them, From Dust and Ashes and Night Song. In the course of writing these books, I attended two of their WWII reunions. I interviewed them, looked through their photo albums and cried with them as they shared their experiences about being young kids fighting a big war. Several years ago I got to see many of my veteran friends again as I attended their 68th, and last, reunion.

I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to go.

Walking into the hotel and seeing the men in their 11th Armored caps brought tears to my eyes. I know their history. After being with them, I understand their friendship. I know that although they looked weak and feeble they were once young and very brave. Actually, they are still brave. Many traveled to their last reunion despite their failing health. Others came knowing that many of their friends were now gone. They came and confronted painful memories. I saw glances of knowing as they looked at each other across the room. Only their friends there could truly understand, having experienced what they did, too.

Many people label these men and women as the greatest generation.

I was reminded again how true that statement is. They were raised in a time when the United States was a Christian nation. They have lived lives dedicated to God, country, and others. After the war, their hard work didn’t end. They came back and attended school, started businesses, and created a foundation of community for their children and grandchildren. Some of the men, in their 80s and 90s, still work and give. They know they could have lost their lives on foreign soil, and they don’t waste a day wishing the world was different. They know WE are the difference.

At the reunion, I spent time with wives too. I talked to some of the women who were home during the war. One woman talked about being in high school and every week seeing a flag at half-mast … knowing that they’d lost yet another young man from their community. The women cared for our country during the war. They raised families afterward. And some of them now physically care for the men they promised to love in sickness and in health. For most, those years of health have passed, but their dedication and love hasn’t.

I interviewed these veterans again. I spoke to some who attend the reunion for the first time in 30 or 40 years. Knowing it was the last one they had to come and say their final goodbyes. I talked to men who drove tanks, who fought from foxholes, who supplied the troops with fuel and ammunition, who cooked on the front lines. Their faces may fade from my mind over time, but their stories will always be with me.

I have to admit that tears are flowing down on face as I write this.

First, because there were many of my veteran friends who didn’t make it to this reunion. Arthur, Charlie, Roy, Pete, John … you were missed. You are remembered. But I’m also thankful I got to sit by Bert and hear his stories again. I’m thankful that Tony was around watching out for me. I’m thankful for the hugs I got from LeRoy and that I danced with Darryl. I’m thankful for talking to Chet and Phyllis and so many more.

I’m also crying because I’m so grateful for the opportunity to know these men. My grandfather died before I had a chance to hear his stories. I missed out for sure, but God gave me 100 adopted grandfathers. I care for them and they care for me. When I walked among them I was appreciated. I gave voice to their inner memories. I brought their stories to life. And they do think of my novels as THEIR story. Each one feels the novels are about him. I love that. I want them to feel loved by the words on those pages.

One man, Gerald rereads From Dust and Ashes and Night Song twice a year. He’s told me many times that I got it right. I took his words to heart.

They deserve to have their stories told correctly–and being able to do so was one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

I can’t believe there will be no more reunions with these men. Tears come again when I realize I won’t see them again, this side of heaven. When I left the reunion that last day some still lingered in the hotel lobby. They had suitcases by their sides and a far-off look in their eyes.

They couldn’t believe it was the last reunion either, but they all decided it would be.

They’re getting too old to travel. Will their children and grandchildren will pick up where they left off? Will they still meet and remember?

The last moment of my time with them was spent saying goodbyes. One of the guys I had the hardest time saying goodbye to was Tony. He grew up in New York and told me about getting care packages from his mom during the war. “I’d open the box and it would be filled salami and cheese,” he’d say with a chuckle. Tony is New York through and through, but his tough exterior crumbled on the last day.

“This doesn’t seem right it being the last one,” Tony said in our last moment together. There were tears in his eyes.

“I know Tony, it doesn’t.” I hugged him. “But I’ll keep writing stories. I’ll keep telling people to remember.” Hearing those words seemed to give him a little peace.

As he hurried over to the shuttle, loading up for the plane ride home, I said a prayer for thankfulness. I don’t know what I deserved to be honored to get to know these men, but I’m forever grateful.

I’ll keep writing stories. I’ll keep telling people to remember. @TriciaGoyer

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All these books are FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited. If not, they’re all still available for less than $30 on Kindle!

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May 14, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Praying God’s Word

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with knowledge of your care.

Is it your goal to read through the Bible in 2019? More than that, do you want to apply God’s will to your life and the life of your child? I’ve created some resources for that!

Daily Bread

First, my book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal to help you read and apply God’s Word to your life.

My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth. It’s divided into three parts.

*Praying Through the Bible in One Year* interior pages.

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch-up.

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

Find Community

There’s no doubt about it, we need each other. God created us for community. That’s why I started a group for us to connect and share how He is moving in our lives through His word. Every morning we post the daily verses (except weekends!) and talk about how the Spirit spoke to us regarding that passage.

Join the Facebook group–and join me–in praying for your child through the year:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/walkitoutscripturejourney/

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up. The journal isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week. God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task. This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

Pick up a copy for yourself and share with friends! May God’s Word transform each of us this year!

Order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here:https://amzn.to/2D6tBm5

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May 13, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

One Brave Step Started My Road to Publishing

24 years ago I took ONE brave step. I was at the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference, and I’d taken a workshop on article writing. I’d attended the conference wanting to write a novel, but article writing intrigued me. I jotted down a few ideas for articles, but didn’t think much of it.

Then, the next day, as I was sitting on a bench out in the sunshine, one of those editors walked by. It was Jon Walker from HomeLife Magazine. I considered calling out to him, and before I could change my mind the words left my mouth:

“Mr. Walker, do you have a minute? I have a few ideas for magazine articles.”

Those two seconds of being brave opened up an amazing connection with an awesome magazine!

He sat down next to me with a smile. “Yes, of course.”

We probably talked for ten minutes. I shared some ideas, and Mr. Walker was interested in a few ideas. I promised to write those articles and email them to him. I followed through, and that started an amazing relationship. Over the years different editors have come and gone, but I’ve continued to write for HomeLife Magazine. My newest article is Mad Kids, Sad Moms is in the May Issue.

One Brave Step For You

Two seconds of brave CAN change everything. What do you need to be brave about today?

Maybe you’re interested in writing articles but you’re not sure where to start. Or maybe, you have a story inside that is just dying to be written? It’s so compelling but you just don’t know where to begin or what to do next.

Making your writing dreams become a reality is tough. You have ideas but you wonder if any of them are good. You have no idea how to connect with agents and editors, and what in the world is book proposal anyway? The truth is that almost anyone can write a novel . . . but (did you guess that was coming?) it takes a lot of time, persistence, and skill. Much more than I thought when I first started writing.

That’s why I created the Write That Book Club. This premier group provides education, inspiration, and connection with other writers and experts. It’s a place to learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered and finding friends who understand the struggle and are with you in the journey.

For More Information or to Join Write That Book now CLICK HERE!

Or from Facebook go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/writethatbook/

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May 6, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Spring is a Celebration!

They say ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ But when you’re an author (and a homeschooling mom!) it also brings a busy conference season!

However, when May comes around the first thing I think about is my WWII friends. Because my first novel From Dust To Ashes was inspired by the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp on May 5, 1945, this time of year is always significant to me.

And I have to admit, April was full to the rim … but it was joyful because I was intentionally focused on celebrating what is important.

Celebrating Family

First of all, our family went away to celebrate Easter. Because of this, we were able to focus on our Savior and His resurrection in a peaceful, joy-filled space. We spent quality time together without the distractions of home life.

Second, my sweet grandbaby Amelia came to visit from the Czech Republic. The holiday allowed for a more relaxed schedule and consequently, she got to bond with us all individually. (This is her with Uncle Nathan!)

Certainly, a highlight was meeting my long-lost brother! (Who I just discovered as a result of taking a DNA test through 23 and Me!)

I had no idea I had another brother until a few months ago, and we look so much alike!

Celebrating Homeschooling

I LOVED speaking at homeschool conferences this spring, and I’m thankful my kids get to travel the US with me. Here are Jordan and Bella in Ft. Worth (on our way to Waco).

I also loved meeting so many of you! It’s always a highlight of conferences when I get to connect with my readers and friends in person.

I’ll be in Mobile, AL this weekend. If you’re nearby, please come say hello!

Celebrating Heroes

On May 5, 1945, Mauthausen Concentration Camp was liberated by the members of the 11^th Armored Division. I met members of that division fifty-six years after the fact. Having known them is one of my greatest joys. Here is a photo from an Austrian newspaper of my friend LeRoy “Pete” Petersohn being honored at Mauthausen. Listening to Pete’s stories (and those of other veterans) inspired me to write my novels From Dust and Ashes and Night Song.

To honor these men, these novels are back in print. (And I even designed the covers myself!)

You can buy them here.

THANK YOU for all those who have loved these stories and shared them. It’s so important to me that these stories go on. Please enter to win a free copy of From Dust to Ashes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I love my new covers, and I love reading inspiring reviews, like this one from GoodReads:

Finally, to tie it all together … I’m thankful for the men and women who fought for freedom, so I can enjoy life and enjoy my family. Their sacrifice is not forgotten!

I’m thankful for the men I once knew, for they’ve grown my appreciation for the family I have today!

(This was me with Tom in 2002 … what an honor to know these veterans!)

Celebrating Relationships

Above all, I’m thankful for YOU friend! May you hug your family close as we remember the liberation of Mauthausen and what we celebrate at Easter–the day God liberated us all from sin and death through Jesus Christ!

Tricia