hollywood

October 7, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 24 Comments

111 Classic Movies to Share as a Family

Just the other day I was looking for a movie to watch with a friend’s kids. They love High School Musical and all the new movies, but they watch those over and over again. Remembering the movies I loved as a kid–and ones my older kids loved–I started making a list of movies I’d love to share with my young friends. I also asked my Facebook and Twitter friends for input. Enjoy these classic movies to share as a family.

111 Classic Movies to Share as a Family! Yes Please! @TriciaGoyer

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Tricia’s Top Family Movie Picks:

Newsies–My daughter and I love watching it together. The music and dancing are great!

The Sound of Music–I didn’t watch this until I was an adult and now I watch it a few times a year. I’ve been to Austria and I know members of the von Trapp family, so that makes it extra special to me.

The Parent Trap–This was my favorite movie growing up. I didn’t know my biological father so I always dreamed I had a sister out there somewhere. Come to find out I had FOUR sisters!

Beauty and the Beast–This was the first movie I took my son Cory to. He sat through the whole movie, eyes wide.

Annie (1982 version)–I love the music and I love the story. Carol Burnett cracks me up.

The Princess Bride–This is a family favorite. If you are around the Goyers for any length of time you’ll hear us quoting it!

The Sandlot–This was Cory and Nathan’s favorite movie when they were small. Along with The Land Before Time I can sit there and quote the whole movie!

It’s a Wonderful Life–This is my favorite Christmas Movie. I’d always begged my kids to watch it with me. They were turned off by it being black and white but when they finally watched it they loved it too!

There are so many classic movies to share as a family!

Click here to download and print the list of 111 Classic Movies to share as a family.

Enjoy! And let me know if I missed any of your family’s favorites!

Even though this is mainly a list of classic films, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention Moms’ Night Out. If you just want some good clean hilarity, you have to see it!
Did you know that I actually wrote the book for Mom’s Night Out? You can actually read What I Learned From Writing Moms’ Night Out.

Get the book here.

October 6, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Making Wise Media Choices Together (Printable!)

Today I am going to share with you how you can include your children and work on making wise media choices together.

Making Wise Media Choices Together

When I was a teen (wasn’t that, like, yesterday?) I thought I knew everything—especially what I would and wouldn’t do with my kids. I thought the movies Footloose, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club were cool. Yet when I picked Footloose up at Blockbuster, just for fun, I was shocked by the sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. (OK, I confess I still like the music, but honestly were my standards that non-existent?)

Now that I have kids, of course, I’m even more conservative than my “stuffy” parents ever were. I was allowed to watch Pet Cemetery for goodness sake. Now I nearly have a coronary when a Victoria’s Secret commercial comes on with my kids in the room.

I realize the effects the media can have on young minds because I know how much my mind was influenced growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s. I remember every episode of The Cosby Show (and reruns of The Brady Bunch), and often times I related more to that family than my own.

I remember the first video I saw on MTV. @TriciaGoyer

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I remember the first video I saw on MTV. And musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Tiffany, and Billy Idol were my, uh, idols.

It’s not that I’m totally against television, music, and the media. I’m was addicted to Lost and Alias (still watching them on DVD). And I have to admit I look forward to skimming through People Magazine as I stand in the check-out line at the grocery store. It’s just that I’m not willing to replace a “television family” with my own family connections.

Is it possible to teach my kids values—especially a love for God and family—without moving to a deserted island? Or worse, disconnecting cable forever?

Determine your family’s values before the media determines them for you.

Determine your family’s values before the media determines them for you. @TriciaGoyer

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According to The Motherhood Study (2005), a comprehensive survey of two thousand women, “Many mothers feel that the values they are trying to instill in their children are the exact opposite of the values of pop culture and the media.”

Understand how kids form their own internal idea of “the type of person I want to be.”

“[By the age of 10] kids move from simply accepting and absorbing the attitudes and behaviors of their families to becoming more selective,” say Dr. Rick and Kathy Hicks, authors of Boomers, Xers, and Other Strangers. “They hold on to what seems appropriate, but they are also checking out new ideas, attitudes, and values as they are exposed to them through school, media, community groups, and other influences. They are choosing the values and behavior patterns that appeal to them, and they are creating an internal idea of the kinds of person they want to be.”

Realize that kids want the real deal, which is people connecting in authentic relationships.

Today’s kids are skeptical, yet what they do believe we want to apply to everyday life. They’re realistic, not idealistic. Their faith- and family-life has to be truly lived out, or they don’t buy into it.

**We can be the parent.**

God placed us in a specific generation as children in order for us to become a generation of parents designed to fulfill His chosen purposes. For in the crazy way God works, it’s us who God has been chosen to parent the next generation of powerful men and women of God!

God knows what He’s doing after all—giving us these kids during this time in history. We also must remember He has not left us to do this job alone.

Prayer

God, thank you for my children and my family. Help me protect their innocence and build their character in positive ways by making wise media choices. Give me the clarity and creativity to monitor and define their boundaries.

Download the Printable!

Tricia Goyer shares how you can include your children and work together on making wise media choice- Download the free printable is included.

More Resources

Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids by Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clark

Plugged-In Parenting: How to Raise Media-Savvy Kids with Love, Not War by Bob Waliszewski

August 21, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

Do you have a dream that you don’t dwell on long because the idea of it coming true seems so unattainable? I’ve had a dream like that. It’s seeing one of my novels make it to the big screen and that happened on May 9th!

Do you have “unattainable” dreams? I did. Once. @TriciaGoyer

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Well, to clarify, I wrote the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. That means they sent me an “almost complete” copy of the movie, and I wrote a novel from it. Yet even though I didn’t come up with the concept, there so much of “me” in this book. And more than what I gave to the project, I’m blessed by what I was given, too.

[Read the rest of this post on TheBetterMom.com]

Tricia Goyer Books On Sale! — click here for more info!

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June 23, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Books to Movies: With God All Things Are Possible

Books to Movies

With God All Things Are Possible

When I became a novelist there was a comment that I received often, but one I didn’t expect.

“Wow,” readers would tell me. “This novel would make a great movie!”

That’s something a novelist likes to hear, but it carries as much weight as when your son hits a home run for the first time. “Wow, your boy’s going to be in the Big Leagues.” It’s a nice dream, but the reality of that happening is so slim.

The thing I like about God is that He likes slim odds!

Guy and Amber Lia at the Moms' Night Out Premiere — Guy and Amber Lia at the Moms’ Night Out Premiere

Over a year ago my friend Courtney from Women Living Well connect me with Amber Lia. Amber is an awesome blogger at Mother of Knights. Amber and her husband Guy are founders and producers at Storehouse Media Group. They are amazing and talented people. We connected our dreaming-big and currently Guy and Amber are shopping some of my novel ideas around Hollywood. While there is no guarantee that a movie will result in their efforts, they are getting great feedback!

I’m blessed to work closely with these amazing people and I was honored to visit their home when I was in LA in April. I truly consider them friends and I’m praying for all their efforts to bring quality Christian movies to the television and big screen–not just mine.

Also when I was in LA, Guy, Amber and I were able to pitch to one of the executives at Hallmark. He seemed interested in our idea, so we’ll see where that goes!

Amber Lia and Tricia Goyer — Amber Lisa and Tricia Goyer

Do you like the idea of some of your favorite books being make into movies?

I encourage you to pray for Guy and Amber Lia and others in Hollywood who are working hard to make that happen. There is so much that needs to happen behind the scenes before a book is transformed to the big screen. Pray for all those who are involved in the process. Consider it YOUR part in helping God’s messages of hope to reach a wider audience!

Hollywood may seem like a tough market to penetrate, but with God all things are possible! And your prayers are needed!

The thing I like about God is He likes slim odds! @TriciaGoyer

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I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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

May 7, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 33 Comments

5 Things I Learned from Writing ‘Moms’ Night Out’

Well, to clarify, I wrote the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. That means they sent me an “almost complete” copy of the movie, and I wrote a novel from it. Yet even though I didn’t come up with the concept, there so much of “me” in this book. And more that what I gave to the project, I’m blessed by what I was given, too.

Here are 5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

1. Sometimes God gives you the desires of your heart even when they don’t look like what you think they do. Writing this book made me feel special. It’s as if God knew how much I’d love this project, and He honored me with it. He showed me He knows my heart even better than I do. He knew what would bring me great joy.

2. Sometimes God uses past struggles to encourage people we’ll never meet. The main characters of Moms’ Night Out are a teen mom, a ministry mom, and an overwhelmed mom. I’ve been all three! How crazy that I was able to share the struggles and journeys of each of these characters, mainly because they were my story, too.

3. Sometimes fictional stories hit our hearts deep. I’m not too proud to admit that I cried in this movie a number of times. Yes, it’s a comedy, but there are also heart messages that hit deep. The most important one is, “Mom, you are enough.” I’m getting teared up just thinking about it.

4. Sometimes you think a project is about one thing, but it’s actually about something else. Yes, I loved working on this book, but the new friends I’ve made along the way are amazing! Because of working on this project I’ve found heart-friends that I won’t trade for anything. (I’m pointing at YOU, Kerri Pomarolli!) I’ve often found that the people I get to work with are a bonus beyond the projects! Have you found the same?

5. Sometimes moms need a break . . . and they just need someone to get the ball rolling for the fun to start. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve just gone out with mom-friends. After watching this movie, I realized I needed to do this more. I might have gone a little over the top because I’ve rented a whole theater for my girlfriends to watch Moms’ Night Out with me. (A little over the top.) All I can say is that it’ll be great to be surrounded by 148 dear ladies (and a few brave gentlemen). And no popcorn fights, please!

What about you? Do you need time out with friends? I highly recommend Moms’ Night Out, to be released on May 9. (Find a theater near you, here.)

Also, friend, don’t be afraid to talk to God about the desires of your heart. Yes, there are some things that seem over-the-top, but I’m discover a God who loves to bless His daughters. Turn to Him with your desires and see what HE can do!

What did @TriciaGoyer learn from writing the novelization of @MNOMovie? Find out!

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Read the original post, plus other awesome posts, over on The Better Mom!

Leave a comment below and tell me about what you’d like to do during a time out with your mom-friends, and I’ll give one person a copy of my new book, Moms’ Night Out!

Steps You Can Take

Take a few minutes to call, text, or email your mom-friends!
Set a date for your own moms’ night out.
Bonus points if you make it to the weekend opening of Moms’ Night Out!

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for placing in my heart these desires; I know that wanting to spend time away from my children does not make me a bad mom. It just means I need some time to refresh and recharge. Help me to make time to do this.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

Moms’ Night Out by Tricia Goyer
Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions to Help You Survive by Kerri Pomarolli

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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

May 6, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out ~ AFTER PARTY!

Ever want to know what happens behind the scenes at a movie premiere? A few days ago I got to experience just that!

If you missed Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, you can read it here.

Part 2 is here. Part 3 is here.

So how did I get asked to be part of a Hollywood premiere?

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

I’ve been eager to tell you about the after party. When I got the invitation and saw that there was going to be one I literally squealed. It seemed so cool and “Hollywood” … something my everyday life is NOT!

Before I go into details, though, I have to tell you that I’m a novelist at heart. My fiction-writing self took it ALL in–the gathering at the Roosevelt, the car ride, the red carpet, the emotions coursing through me at the premiere itself. And I was especially taking notes as the movie ended and the movement to the after party began.

5 Things that Stick in My Thoughts

+ My 3 Favorite People

Things I remember …

1. Our “handler” was there, guiding is the right way. I’m so glad there was someone to tell me where to go and what to do!

2. We were given wrist bands to wear. I thought they were for admittance to the after party. NOT! They were admittance into the VIP area.

3. There is a secret passageway between the TCL Theatre and Lucky Strikes bowling alley where the after party was held. It was guarded by men in suits. (I’m NOT making this up!) As I walked those halls I was wondering who else had walked that same secret hallway. My mind was racing at the thought.

4. It’s hard hanging out in a VIP area when you don’t know most of the people. The actors and producers and such knew each other. People often looked at us as if to say, “Who are you?” Everyone got super excited when I talked about the novelization, though, and John and I had some nice conversations.

5. The VIP area was PACKED! And loud. And one could hardly move. It was literally “rubbing elbows” with famous people.

I did have a few favorite people I talked to though.

Favorite Person #1 Manwell Reyes. Manwell plays “tattoo parlor guy” in the movie, and I have to admit he’s one of my favorite characters. Mostly because he is GENIUS. How do I know? I had the script & I watched the movie, and nothing he said/did is in the script. I asked him about it.

Me: I wanted to meet you because what you did on film was amazing. I know what’s in the script, and all that was all YOU.

Manwell: Yeah, they let me just do my thing, man. It was cool. We had a fun time. I’m thankful they let me do that.

The premiere was the first time Manwell got to see the whole movie, and he loved it! We chatted with Manwell for a while, and later he helped John in the food line as John was trying to balance two plates. And before he left Manwell came over and shook our hands, telling us he enjoyed meeting us. An outstanding guy. And, yes, I did by this Group 1 Crew album.

Manwell is part of Group 1 Crew, and you can read about that here. He’s married to Angelah Johnson who also plays a fantastic part in the movie! Here is Angelah and Manwell on the Red Carpet.

Favorite Person #2 Sheila Erwin

While standing in line, waiting for my ride to the theater I overheard someone pointing out a a woman who walked by, “That’s Jon and Andy’s mom.” Jon and Andy Erwin are the brothers who directed Moms’ Night Out. Jon also co-write the movie.

The week prior I’d read an interview with Jon and I knew that Sheila Erwin had homeschooled her sons. I made a mental note to introduce myself if I had the chance.

The chance came when I was in the VIP section of the after party.

“From one homeschooling mom to another I just have to tell you how much of an inspiration you are to me,” I said. (Okay, the truth is I’m pretty sure I gushed.)

The Erwin brothers are a perfect example of the type of men we homeschooling mamas want to raise up. Men who will use their talents to impact their world for the glory of God. I’m so thankful that Sheila homeschooled in a time when it wasn’t very popular … which made her one of my favorite people.

Favorite Person #3 Mandii Erwin

Also in the VIP room I had a chance to talk to Mandii Ervin, Andy’s wife. Even before I met her in person I knew I wanted to. Why? Because behind every great man is a great woman. I have no doubt that her influence is in every part of this movie.

Moms’ Night Out happened because of the real-life moms in these men’s lives. And it also happened because of wives who believed in their men–an inspiration to us all!

I’m bummed that Mandii and I didn’t get a photo together, but isn’t she pretty?

I also had a chance to talk to some of my favorite blogger/author friends … but I’ll save that for the next post!

How about you? Who have you been thankful to meet recently?

May 2, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 15 Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere (Part 2)

Ever want to know what happens behind the scenes at a movie premiere? Just a few days ago I got to experience just that!

If you missed the Part 1 of Behind the Scenes of the Moms’ Night Out Premiere, you can read it here.

So how did I get asked to be part of a Hollywood Premiere?

In December I was asked to write the novelization of Moms’ Night Out. What’s a novelization? Basically, I watched the movie (over and over again) and turned it into a book! It was such a great movie that I loved every minute of it.

Here is the book with, like, the best cover ever! —> And take note of my name on the front!

I couldn’t have been more pleased to share a ride to the TCL Chinese Theater with the screenwriter of Moms’ Night Out Andrea Nasfell.

Here is a photo of me and Andrea:

OK, that might be jumping a little ahead of ourselves.

Here is a photo of me and Andrea on the way to the premiere of Moms’ Night Out:

I’ve connected with Andrea a little over Facebook and Twitter, and she’s amazing! I can’t wait to see what she’s working on next!

When we got to the Red Carpet (<–deserves to be capitalized) there was what my husband called our “handler” waiting. Albert was there to lead me down the Red Carpet, and he did a fine job!

I posed for photographers, and I’m trying to get the “official” photos for those.

(They have this sweet girl labeled as Tricia Goyer. Maybe if I found the fountain of youth!!)

I posed for my husband, too. (That is my “handler” on the left.)

Then Albert took a photo of John and me!

Then I thought I was done, but no. Instead, I was interviewed!! I wasn’t expecting this, but it was fun. I talked about the novelization and what it was like writing it. Interviewers asked me about my other books and my kids. It was so easy to talk about all of it!

Everything was such a blur, but I was interviewed by 6–8 people with microphones and video cameras. I wished I would have paid better attention to who was interviewing me. John said one of the was CNN! (I also wish I could find a video clip online—let me know if you find one!)

Thankfully, my dear friend Tracey Eyster captured a shot!

Oh, there is so much more to tell! I’m just getting started!

Here are a few more things that I’ll share on upcoming blogs:

The inside of the theater and WHO I sat next to.
The after party at Lucky Strikes.
The privileges of a VIP Guest.
The three favorite people I met! (The list may surprise you.)
Red Carpet fashion
and more . . .

But until I can get to that, here are some more Red Carpet photos for you to enjoy! (These are taken from the Moms’ Night Out Facebook page. If you have not LIKED the page, please do!)

What about you? Which one of these actors would you like to meet? Leave a comment!

April 26, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 31 Comments

Hello, Hollywood!

I was never one to dream about Hollywood growing up—of going there, or being a star, or seeing my name in lights. Instead, I wanted to get married, have a few kids, and become an elementary school teacher. I imagined living my whole life in the small town I’d grown up in. Just thinking of that made me content.

Nothing I dreamed of came true—not that I’m complaining. And I’m ending up in Hollywood, not with my name in lights, but with my name on the cover of a book.

Tuesday I’m attending the premiere of Moms’ Night Out. As the author of the novelization I’m told I’ll be walking the red carpet, but I have no idea what that means. Is there a manual I can buy somewhere? A quick how-to guide that will keep me from looking like a fool? Not that people will notice me, because there will be stars there. Real movie stars that have Twitter followers in the millions.

And Monday I’ll be going to Dancing with the Stars. I’ve watched the show for many seasons, but I never imagined myself THERE. And, also while I’m in Hollywood, the producer friends that I work with at Storehouse Media have set up some appointments with me to talk to studios about turning some of my books into movies and television shows. <—- Read that last sentence again. I’ve read it over, like, five times because it doesn’t seem real, even to me.

Find out @TriciaGoyer’s #Hollywood adventures and the #MomsNightOut red carpet premiere!

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Like Allyson in Moms’ Night Out, but life is normally like this (that’s sanitizer in her hand!):

And this: (That’s marker on the wall)

And this: (Writing is my sanity)

But since I’ll be in Hollywood, it’ll be more like this:

Only I’ll be in this dress:

What about you? What dream has come true for you that you never imagined would?

I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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

hollywood

Tricia’s Top Family Movie Picks:

There are so many classic movies to share as a family!

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://triciagoyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/111-Classic-Movies-TriciaGoyer.com_.png" alt= &nbsp; "Enjoy this printable of classic movies to share as a family" width="816" height="1056" />

Enjoy! And let me know if I missed any of your family’s favorites!

Making Wise Media Choices Together

Determine your family’s values before the media determines them for you.

Understand how kids form their own internal idea of “the type of person I want to be.”

Realize that kids want the real deal, which is people connecting in authentic relationships.

We can be the parent.

Prayer

More Resources

5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

Books to Movies

With God All Things Are Possible

The thing I like about God is that He likes slim odds!

Do you like the idea of some of your favorite books being make into movies?

Hollywood may seem like a tough market to penetrate, but with God all things are possible! And your prayers are needed!

Here are 5 Things I Learned from Writing Moms’ Night Out

Steps You Can Take

Daily Prayer

Resources You Might Like:

5 Things that Stick in My Thoughts

+ My 3 Favorite People

How about you? Who have you been thankful to meet recently?

What about you? Which one of these actors would you like to meet? Leave a comment!

Hello, Hollywood!

What about you? What dream has come true for you that you never imagined would?

**We can be the parent.**