NOVEL NEWS FROM NIKKI
FEATURED AUTHOR: Tricia Goyer
This month I had the pleasure to interview
bestselling author, Tricia Goyer. An incredibly busy author, I appreciate so much her taking
the time to chat. She’s written five novels, two non-fiction books, and one children's book. Tricia was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003.
In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion. Also in 2005, her novel Night Song
won ACFW's Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. In 2006, her novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights also won Book
of the Year for Long Historical. She's written over 250 articles for national publications and hundreds of Bible Study notes
for the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives in Montana with her husband and three kids where she homeschools, leads children's church, and mentors teenage mothers.
Nikki: Hi, Tricia. Welcome. When did you first feel
"called" to write, and how did that evolve into the writing life?
Tricia: I felt the call to write
as a 22-year-old wife and mom. My friend wanted to be a novelist and when she told me I felt my heart flutter. She leant me
a few books on writing and I was hooked. A year later, I attended Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference. It was there I
received my first training that led to the writing life. I started by writing articles, then curriculum, then Bible Study
Notes and later books. With each step I sought God, worked hard, and walked through the doors He's opened. It's been an amazing
journey.
Nikki: How has writing deepened your spiritual journey?
Before I was a published author, I wanted to do great things for
God. I'd plan and dream and work really hard. I'd also get frustrated with any obstacle. Hudson Taylor is quoted as saying,
"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me." That
sums up my spiritual journey. I no longer have big plans. Instead, I pray for God to work through me as He wills. That
may mean writing, or reaching out to the people in my community, or even loving my family in special ways.
Nikki: Tell us something most people don't know about
you and would be surprised to learn.
Tricia: Every week I join my
family in volunteering at children's church. It's a dramatic presentation and I dress up, use puppets, and sing silly songs.
We've been doing it for ten years. My husband and kids are part of it to, and we love it!
Nikki: What do you think will people enjoy most about
reading your books? What do you have in mind for your reader as you write?
Tricia: People love two main things about my novels. One is the historical accuracy. I spend more time
researching than even writing. I dive into history and strive to bring it alive for readers.
The second is the heart-tugging, yet gripping, story. Most
readers tell me that can't put my novels down once they start. I love hearing that!
Nikki: Tell us one of the high points of your career
and what it meant to you?
Tricia:
I've been amazed that my last three books have won awards. Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights
won ACFW's Best Historical Novel (two years in a row). And before that my book for teen moms, Life Interrupted, won
a Silver Medallion. It was enough for me to write these books, I never dreamed they'd receive these honors.
Nikki: If
people want to follow your writing journey, where are you on the Internet and what appearances do you have scheduled this
year?
Tricia: I'm all over the Internet! My website is: www.triciagoyer.com
I have a few blogs too:
www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com
www.genxparents.blogspot.com
This April 15th, I'll be signing books at the Texas Librarian
Convention. In September I'll be teaching a historical fiction continuing session at the ACFW conference. http://www.acfw.com/conference/
Tricia’s latest release: A Valley of Betrayal
Sneak Peek -
A Valley of Betrayal
is set in the Spanish Civil war of the 1930s—where Sophie finds herself hurled into escalating battles between fascist
soldiers and national patriots. When every road out is blocked, she manages to take refuge with international compatriots—but
how will she get her story out to the world?
*********
Nikki Arana is an award-winning author
living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She is the recipient of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for Women’s Fiction,
The Beacon Award, and the Jessie Cameron Alison Writer of the Year Award. You can follow her writing journey at www.nikkiarana.com.
