Interview with Tricia Goyer

Captain's Log, Stardate 05.01.2006

Today I get to interview the fantabulous Tricia Goyer! Many of you know her for her powerful WWII novel, FROM DUST AND ASHES. I met her at Mount Hermon in April and she's totally fun to talk to.

And now, here’s my interview with Tricia Goyer!

It was so much fun meeting you at Mount Hermon! How many years have you gone to Mount Hermon Writers Conference? What are you favorite memories from the conference?

I attended my first Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 1994. I was 22-years-old and pregnant with my third child. No joke! I have many wonderful memories--my hands shaking with nervousness as I sat at an editor's table, meeting other wanna-be-writers who are now heart-friends, presenting my proposals to wonderful editors such as Steve Laube and Karen Ball (they were helpful despite the fact I had no idea what I was doing!).

I also remember joining with the others to sing and pray in the auditorium during the main sessions. That is still one of my favorite things.

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE is coming in July. Tell us about the novel.

Mary Kelley and Lee O'Donnelly are female war correspondents sent to Europe in search of headline news, but they soon realize that news-breaking stories pale in comparison to war-torn people. Eddie Anderson is a navigator for a ten-man bomber crew. Eddie faces extreme danger on a daily basis, but nothing prepares him for the special and beautiful charge put in his care on a bombing raid over Berlin. In a fight for their lives, a man hoping to overcome the odds and make it home, and a women who always felt unwanted by her father, are asked to rescue a child considered "chosen" by two groups of people. And on their run to the American frontlines, a romance blooms between these two whose strengthens must work together to help them both survive.

You also have another parenting book coming out this year. What prompted you to write it? Who would find it useful?

I got the idea for Generation NeXt Parenting after realizing how different I am as a parent than those in older generations. In writing this book, I looked back at how Gen Xers (born between 1961-1981) were raised in an effort to help us understand our strengths and weaknesses as parents. The goal of the book is to help young parents understand that God has planned for them to be raise these children, in this time in history, for a purpose. Through the pages I also look at topics such as media influcences, extra-curricular activities, and education in light of Scripture.

How exciting that you're in the process of adopting a baby girl from China! What sparked the desire to adopt? And why overseas?

I read an article about baby girls from China about seven years ago. It's been on my heart ever since, but instead of trying to convince my husband that we needed to do this, I put it in the Lord's hands. This past year as I was writing Generation NeXt Parenting, John and I started discussing the gift of children and our joy as parents. The subject of adopting was brought up again, but this time John was all for it. (Our older three are ages 16, 13, and 11.) We prayed about it and felt God confirming it in our hearts. We chose China because 100,000 baby girls are abandoned there every year. We can't help them all, but we can give our love to one.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Sharon Dunn, Rene Gutteridge, Ann Tatlock and many more!

Which of your novels are you especially proud of and why?

That's a hard question! Since it's most recent in my heart, I'm eager for Arms of Deliverance to hit the stands. I feel it's my most captivating story yet. And, amazingly, it tells the story of rescuing a child . . . which, looking back, I see God was preparing my heart for. In addition to that, this story has intigue, romance, a bad Nazi, bomber crews, and a baby . . . what more could you ask for?

If you were a safari animal, what would you be and why?

You're making me think! I'd say giraffe. My head always seems to be in the clouds. I have tons of ideas all the time.

What is your favorite ethnic food?

I LOVE all types of ethnic food, but hands down my favorite is my grandma's homemade tamales. She is hispanic, and I love her cooking. Thankfully my
grandma lives with me . . . unfortunately, she doesn't cook much anymore.

MEGA-YUMMOS! Can I come over to your house?
Finish this line: Writing a novel is...

. . . exploring the numerous dimenions of my own heart within the lives and experiences of characters.

Do you have a favorite scripture verse for your writing?

Yes:
For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts.
~1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

It's such an amazing thing to be entrusted with the Good News. May my motives be worthy and may God be please by these stories!

Thanks for the interview! Any parting words?

Thank you, Camy. I can't wait to read the stories God has placed on YOUR heart.

Camy here: Aw, thanks, Tricia! (Camy's getting all warm and fuzzy)

Tricia also gave me the opportunity to do a weekly column on her WriterQuotes blog, called Health and the Writer. A new blog post goes up every Monday.

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