For Historical Fiction Writers

Hi gang,

I'm the featured blogger this week at Favorite Past Times. It's a blog by historical fiction writers, for historical fiction writers.

This week I will be sharing some stories on how I started writing historical fiction and great tips for writers, covering things like research, setting, conducting interviews, etc.

Check it out at:
http://www.favoritepastimes.blogspot.com/
(If you comment any time this week, you'll be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Arms of Deliverance.)

Also, be sure to check out the archives. There's some GREAT information there!

YOUR Life Story

(Tricia and Robin Jones Gunn, at our joint booksigning.)

Last week, I was going through my bookshelf, looking for a new journal (I'd filled up my old one), when I found one dating back to 1998. The beginning of the notebook had notes from the Mount Hermon writing conference. I was amazing how the notes I took then still ring true to me today.

One set of workshop notes came from my dear friend and mentor, Robin Jones Gunn. I'd signed up to take her class hoping for some ideas on how to write better fiction. Robin helped do that by first pointing us to our own hearts.

"All great books come from the heart of the author and from the essence of the author's life experiences" said Robin. Though there are part of our lives in which there are spaces of silences, there is also "rough stuff" we must draw from in our writing.

Robin encouraged us to see writing as not just "all about us." But to instead see where God has been working in our lives. Two questions she encouraged us to ask were:

What purpose has He given me?

What is His desire?

The next thing Robin had us do, in class, was to write our personal story, starting from our birth to present day--hitting the high and low points. After that was done, she asked us to highlight certain areas with different colored markers. These points were:

Key people.
Key events.
Key lessons.
Lies.

This was a life-transforming activity, and these themes could clearly be seen:

Unwed pregnancy (both me and my mom)
Love of books and reading
Abortion
Intimacy and Heartache
Longings for love
Teen in the 80s (media influences)
Single parenting
God's liberation and transformation
Marriage
Raising a godly family
Heart-connections with people in my past
Seeking God

Above is my expanded list--it has grown since 1998--but major themes continue to resurface, especially themes of liberation and restoration.

Looking back on the time between now and 1998, it was amazing to realize I've had eight books published since then, and ALL OF THESE BOOKS deal with one of these themes. Even my fiction novels include children born out of wedlock, women abandoned by men they loved, and liberation--both internal and external. (External being WWII.)

I've written many other book proposals, of course, but none of those have been accepted. Maybe even the publishers were able to tell those book that came from my heart--because my heart was touched by the issue in some way?

So what about you? Where major events have touched your life? Where can you see God at work? As David Crowder sings, "Wherever you've been, He's been there."

I would highly recommend you try this activity. After all, the message God speaks in your life are often the same ones He desires to speak through your words.

Eating Humble Pie

Don't you hate it when God points out an area of your life in which you've been prideful? He does it, of course, by helping you understand "the other side."

I used to be that way about deadlines. Before this month, I had been queen-of-pleasing-my-editors-and-meeting-all-my-deadlines. My manuscript was in the email the day my project was due, whether it be articles or books. And, honestly, I didn't understand those writers who had to ask for extensions. I mean, the publishing house is counting on them getting their work in on time, right?

Then . . . this month happened. I've had to ask for an extension for my current novel work-in-progress TWICE. My editor was gracious and my new deadline is August 8th. (It helped that he is on vacation until then. :-)

I also had to ask for extensions on two articles I was writing, because--you know--when one project runs later than expected, then it throws everything off.

Through this month I've learned a few things:

1. Life happens. We can't anticipate things like unexpected trips or a family member's unexpected hospital stay, but these things do not catch God by surprise.

2. Everyone needs help and grace sometimes. As someone who strives to gain the approval of others--to a fault--it's good for me to realize that people still like me even if I'm not perfect :-)

3. I cannot schedule the Holy Spirit. There are times when I feel connected with God when I write, and other times when I feel as if I'm typing in a fog. There are times when this is due to personal struggles. But other times God doesn't move, as we'd like, for reasons we can't explain. God is God. And I can't force Him to fit my schedule.

So today, I'm setting to work on my book, hoping that the same "momentum" that hit me last night shows up again. But if it doesn't happen that way, it'll be okay.

God is a good God when things go my way writing-wise . . . and He's a good God even when they don't.

Story-Addicts-Anonoymous

I have a confession to make . . .

(Okay, to do this right we have to imagine ourselves sitting in a circle of chairs and sipping on too-strong coffee.)

I am addicted to story--the actual creation of worlds, and characters, and ideas in my mind.
I have three or four good ideas a day. Or at least I think they're good. Here are three that have been swirling around in my head for the last 24-hours. (There were three others the day before that. And then two days ago . . . well, you get the picture.)

1. A world-renowned faith healer is witnessing lives changed through his touch. One problem this causes is that he is "on-call" 24/7 and the stress is getting to him. One day, as he is again woken in the middle of the night, he throws himself across the bed and cries out, "Oh, Lord, not again . . ." And from that moment his gift is gone. What will he do now that an empire was built around his very public ministry? And what personal tragedy must take place before he embraces the man on whom the mantle has been passed?

2. A single woman is supposedly living out her career dreams, and she is perfectly content with her life until an email from a name she doesn't recognize pops up in her in-box. It's a note from a guy who lives in the same apartment building. She never looked twice at him before, until his simple email moves her to tears as he shares about his daily life. Instead of telling him of his mistake, she responds as if the email was meant for her. Soon a "long-distance" romance develops. The only problem is . . . what will happen when he discovers the truth of her deception?

3. A small town girl is cast in the roll of Anne Frank in her community theater. Unknown to her, a Hollywood producer is on vacation, sees her performance, and casts her in a role in his new movie. The movie is a smash hit and the teen is swept into the world of Hollywood chicks and cliques. It's just like high school back home, except for these star divas have millions to blow and heirs of Greek fortunes asking for dates. Can her simplicity and purity reach them before she's sucked in to the high stakes of Hollywood--where everyone loves you until you threaten their own fame status?

Yes, all on one day . . . what's a girl to do?

Fortunately, God was already speaking to my heart about this very thing.

Last night, as I was reading through Fresh Outlook, a new Christian magazine I picked up at Wal-mart. On the last page, there are passages reflecting on God's name, and this one really spoke to me:

You are Elohim. You are the Creator of heaven and earth, Who was in the beginning. It is you who made me and you have crowned me with glory and honor. You are the God of might and strength.

Taking it one step further, I googled Elohim and found this Scripture:

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Hebrews 11:3 KJV

Through this, God spoke two things to me:

1. God is the Creator. He made me this way for His purpose. And in this small way I can reflect His glory and honor.

2. God used WORDS to frame WORLDS, and in a small way He's granted me the privilege to do the same. Words swirl in my mind and story worlds are formed--not because of anything I've done. Instead, I accept it as a gift.

So, the stories keep coming, and I am humbled. And as I sit before Him, God shows me which to write . . . at what moment. Then, as I follow Him, He also gives me the strength and knowledge to follow. It's Elohim in me, creating and forming words into worlds in order to touch hearts.

Praise Him!
Tricia Goyer

P.S. If you had to choose to read any of those three book ideas, which would you choose?

Spanish Civil What?

I had to laugh as I talked on the phone with my dear friend yesterday. Before I tell you our conversation, I have to tell you about my friend Tara. We met seven years ago when our husband's worked together, and we have boys the same age. If her son isn't here, than mine is at her house. (Actually, my son has been at her house far more this summer due to the numerous trips I've been on lately!) Tara is a smart and caring woman . . . no wonder she's my friend!

Anyway, Tara just started reading my newest novel, Arms of Deliverance.

"Well, how do you like it?" I asked, eager for her praise.

"I don't understand," she said softly. "You're such a sweet and kind person. Why do you write about such horrible things?"

All I could do was to laugh . . . and to wonder if she's still going to allow her son to come to play!?

Of course, the "horrible things" Tara spoke about in the novel deals with racial purification in Nazi Germany. The book includes an "inside look" at Lebensborn homes where young German women were sent to bear children for the Reich. It also includes a POV from a Nazi racial purification officer--whose job is to "Germanize" any children stolen from places like Poland that fit the Aryan model.

I am a nice person, and I can't explain why I am drawn to these horrific times in history. Actually, I take that back. I do know.

My ALL TIME FAVORITE book, besides the Bible, is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. I was so excited recently to discover it was recently released as a dramatized cd by Focus on the Family. I purchased it and listened to it during my four-hour drive to my fiction retreat last weekend. (Although there were a few times I almost had to pull to the side of the road to wipe my tears!) And, I liked the story so much . . . I listened to the whole thing again on the drive home.

I think the reason I love the story is because it shows that God can meet us in even the darkest places. In fact, one of the things Betsy says in the book is, "There is no dark pit, Corrie, that God is not deeper still. You can tell people and they will believe us, because we have been there."

Amen!

I also think the reason I write about "horrible things" . . . is because God is found in my novels--not in the triumphs and joys of life, but in the dark places and hard times. Very hard times.

So, I'm afraid I had to tell my friend, Tara that I'm writing about "horrible things" once again. I'm writing about The Spanish Civil War . . . which usually draws a "huh?" from those I talk to. So now I loving refer to it as "The Spanish Civil What?"

If you aren't aware of this time in history, you can read one man's experience here.

Also, be sure to read about my friend Alun who was helping me with my story. Alun recently passed away.

So, yes, I'm again writing about hard circumstances (pray I finish soon!), but I'm also able to share that God's hope can be found in even the darkest nights, wars, and places--even in the Spanish Civil What?

Faith

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I don't know about you, but this verse is easy to quote concerning things like heaven, and salvation, and God-with-us. Yet, I have a harder time with more pressing items such as deadlines, plot points, and thought like "with-this-book-my-editor-will-know-I'm-a-poser. "

Just as I sometimes wish I knew that triumph always prevails at the end of my trials, I also wish I could understand every plot point, character growth arch, and story resolution before I wrote the first word. Yes, as a girl who gets way too involved in historical research, I have a lot figured out before I start. I know which war battles my characters will be involved in, and I have a basic idea of how the book will end. It's the character growth and spiritual truth stuff that leaves me scratching my head.

But sometimes, as George Michael sang, "You just gotta have faith."

Like manna for the Israelites, God gives us what we need, when we need it. Yesterday, He dropped a plot twist on my lap. "Oh, God that's good," I said as my fingers began typing as fast as they could.

Then tears streamed down my face as I led my character through another heartbreaking trial! (Of course, this heartbreak will make the story even sweeter at the end!)

Yet, having that idea pop in my head reminded me of what Faith is all about--being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see . . . even in the case of fictional stories that bring us to our knees as we write them.

Especially in that case.

Brainstorming for Writers

Hi friends. I just got back from a four-day writer's get-together and brainstorming party with author friends. And believe me, when you have 11 authors in a room, brainstorming book ideas for romance, suspense, teen fiction, mystery, etc. . . . it IS a party!

For you writers out there . . . have you ever thought of brainstorming with friends? You don't need eleven. The same could be done with half that number. (Yes, 5 1/2 authors would work fine.) Here's what we do. Try it!

• The writer who is "up" gets 1 hour and 15 minutes. (We limit it to three a day, because our brains get fried.)
• Then she uses about fifteen minutes to talk about the idea--sharing as much as she knows about plot, characters, setting, etc.
• Then the writer explains her needs. Some people need help with minor plot points and others need ideas for the whole book. (Yes, I can claim in part the success of dozens of CBA authors :-)
• This is when things get crazy, and we play the "what if" game. One person has an idea. If it's a great idea we build on it. Not-so-great ideas are put aside. Ideas fly around the table and plot, conflict, motivation, characterization forms before our very eyes. Excitement builds as we all jump in with our brilliance. People come up with things I never would have thought out, and then others build on that. And who knew, I even came up with a few good ideas too.
• During the last twenty minutes, we stop all the ideas and ask everyone to write a "List of 10". This means on a sheet of paper we write down ten things the author can do with the book. It can be a list of scenes, or conflicts, or more ideas.
• Finally, we go around and read our lists. Someone's one or two more ideas are thrown in, but for the most part our work is done.

What do you think? Is this something that could work for you?

Also, in life, what other things could be brainstormed like this?

Guest Blogger: Lisa's Writer Tips

Need ideas on how to write better and produce more? Here are great tips from Lisa Tuttle. You can find out more about Lisa here: http://www.lisatuttle.com

Here’s a few tips that have helped me along the way:

Have a writing space. Doesn't matter if it's a a 20 x 30 fully furnished luxury office or a chair in the corner of the living room. Find a place where you are comfortable and can unleash your creativity. I have an office, but I prefer to write in a small recliner in the corner of our bedroom.

Know your creative time. Each person’s body works on a little different schedule. Some people are early birds (not me!) and some people are night owls. Pay attention to your personal body clock and find when you are at your best for writing. Try to arrange your schedule so that you can write during the best hour or two of your day. You’ll likely be more productive.

Set goals, make sacrifices, and earn rewards. Even if the goal is small, like 200 words a day, set some kind of goal. You can find time to work toward your goal by giving up time you currently spend doing something else, like watching tv, obsessive e-mailing , or cruising the net. To make the sacrifice a little more palatable, designate a reward for making the effort and reaching your goal. Meeting your word count six days in a row earns you an afternoon with the g-friends at a local coffee shop, or meeting your daily goal gets you a 1/2 hour in the bubble bath (brainstorming the next scene of course! :-) Make it fun to be productive.

Cultivate a sense of urgency. There’s nothing like the prospect of a vacation to Hawaii and being forced to get reacquainted with your swim suit to get you dieting and exercising in a hurry. LOL. Same theory transfers into your writing life. Give yourself a deadline if you don’t have a publisher or agent holding one over your head. And make it a priority. It’s okay for your writing to be important to you. Too often we feel guilty putting anything else ahead of an activity that most of us consider “fun”! :-)

Have an accountability partner. A crit partner and I used to exchange weekly goals lists, for writing and other aspects of our lives too. Then at the end of the week we had to answer to one another for how we spent our time. Not wanting to confess my failures was motivation to get my wheels in motion and get it done. We held each other to task and helped one another stay on track.

Bribe your kids to do the housework. :-) This is a personal favorite, and since they are the biggest distraction to my writing, I think it’s poetic justice. My house gets cleaned and the kids are occupied for an hour or two. I spend a little money on the deal, but the price is small compared to the satisfaction I get from writing (and not having to do the housework. Okay, so I’m not Martha Stewart. LOL)

Cook smart. I save time on cooking duty by making extra and freezing for a later day. If I make chili or beef stew or some pasta dishes, I know that the extra will freeze well and make a great microwave quick dinner on the day that I get carried away on the wings of a plot and completely space dinner. :-) Or I divvy the leftovers up into serving-size Ziploc containers and freeze. They make great, quick lunches for me when the kids are in school and I don’t want to take time to cook a gourmet meal for one. The crock pot is a life saver too. Just turn it on in the morning, dump in ingredients and dinner is served at 6.

Develop routines. I have learned a lot from the flylady. :-) http://www.flylady.net Getting my house organized, routines in place, and family trained has cut back on the amount of work that has to be done in a day. It’s worth the effort and she is really motivational.

Blog Tour--Summer 2006

Daring to go where no blog has gone before . . . it's a bird, it's a plane, no it's a BLOG tour!

Yes, I know, I just got back it town, but I'm leaving again tomorrow for a mini writer's retreat. (The time is short, not necessarily the people.) I'm so looking forward to helping plot books, talking writing, girl time, prayer, oh yes, and I have a novel I need to work on!

My blog is traveling too. Check out where we've visted lately! And be sure to bookmark these blogs. As Tony the Tiger would say . . . they're great!

Glimpses
http://staciwilder.typepad.com/glimpses/2006/07/meet_tricia_goy.html

I Was Just Thinking
http://robinlee.typepad.com/i_was_just_thinking_/2006/07/blog_tour_trici.html

The Christian Writer’s Notebook
http://frankcreed.com/blog/2006/06/29/franks-interview-with-author-tricia-goyer/

Light for the Writer’s Soul
http://victoriagaines.com/2006/07/07/blog-tour-meet-tricia-goyer/

It’s Always Something
http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/2006/07/guest-blogger-tricia-goyer.html

Edgy Inspirational Author
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/2006/06/im-huge-fan-of-tricia-goyer.html

Camy’s Loft
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2006/05/interview-with-tricia-goyer-and-book.html

Cara’s Musings
http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/

Sky-High View
http://sky-highview.blogspot.com/

Portrait of a Writer
http://portraitofawriter.blogspot.com/2006/07/blog-tour-tidbits-with-tricia-goyer.html
http://portraitofawriter.blogspot.com/2006/07/tricia-goyer-my-homeschool-life.html
http://portraitofawriter.blogspot.com/2006/07/tricia-goyer-my-writing-life.html

A Home with Christian Fiction
http://catswebdesigns.com/At_Home_with_Christian_Fiction/Blogs.html

Gen X Parents:
http://genxparents.blogspot.com
(Okay, this really isn't part of the tour, but since you're at it . . . be sure to check out my blog for parents who are Gen Xers!)

A Writer's Dialogue with God

Today's guest blogger is Cynthia Ruchti. I loved her "dialogue with God" so much I asked if I could post it. Cynthia's web address is www.heartbeatofthehome.org and my blog is http://splashinginthedeepend.blogspot.com

God said, "Child, I'd like to hire you to work for Me. Writing."

And I said, "Cool! That's what I always wanted to do."

"Like you have to tell Me."

"Oh, sorry. Right. That whole omniscience thing."

"Pay's not swell."

"Oh. Well, alright. I guess that's okay."

"Hours are lousy, too. You'll probably have to work frequently at three in the morning if I send you an idea then. It's kind of an on-call situation."

"Sure. No prob. Can I . . . I mean, may I ask a question?"

God said, "Haven't you always?"

I take comfort in the fact that He's smiling when He says that.

"Lord, I'll need a laptop."

"Uh huh. Here's a notepad and pen. There's your lap."

"And I don't work well in unpleasant conditions."

"Funny, I do My BEST work when conditions are lousy. Did I ever tell you the story of Gideon?"

This interview is not going exactly as I'd hoped.

"Oh, and child of mine?"

"Yes, Lord?"

"I expect your best effort. All the time. Got it?"

"Best effort. Most days. Got it."

"Excuse Me?"

"Well, you know, sometimes I just need a break."

"Ever heard of the Sabbath?"

"And sometimes I can't settle into the 'flow,' if You know what I mean."

"'He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.'"

"What?"

"John 7:38. Look it up. I like that Amplified version. More words. Good words."

"So, the way I figure it, Lord, between all my other commitments plus my Scripture-Aerobics class plus my leisure reading plus that whole cooking/cleaning/laundry/ironing routine, I can give you seven and a half minutes every other week for the writing thing."

"Child? Didn't you read the sign? Slackers Need Not Apply."

"I'm no slacker, Lord! Good grief, I'm busy all the time! A lot of it, for Your causes, You might note."

"Look Me in the eye."

"'Okay."

"I ... want ... you ... to ... write ... for ... Me. Do you want the job or not? Look at the other applicants standing in line waiting to see if you'll accept the position. Any one of them would jump at the chance to have an offer like this. Are you the kind of person whom I can entrust with this responsibility?"

"You know I love You, Lord."

"I know. Feed my lambs."


Pressing on toward the goal of the high calling of Jesus,
Cynthia

On the Inside

Tricia, Boston 2006

Recently, I was asked on an on-line interview how my life has changed since having these books published. That really got me thinking.

I do spend a lot of time writing . . . but I did that as I was seeking publication. I also have publishers contacting me with book projects, which is nice. But when it comes to my personal, day-to-day life, not much has changed.

I thought about this last night when I went out for a birthday dinner with John and four close friends. Our Birthday-dinner tradition is something we've been doing for the last ten years. We all talked about life, kids, work . . . they oohed and ahhed over my new book, but we probably spent two minutes on the topic. They are my friends and that wouldn't change if I drove a dump truck instead of penning prose.

Life with my kids is pretty much the same too. I'm mom and that's that. Sometimes they tease me when we go out and someone recognizes my name--such as the checkout clerk at the grocery store. And every once in a while they appreciate my "connections," such as the time we got backstage passes to see The Newsboys.

Another cool thing is my life-at-church isn't very different either. My family still volunteers in our children's church ministry as we have for the past eleven years. In fact, I guarantee not one of those 100+ kids realizes I write books. They're more interested in my handywork with puppets. And for the most part, their parents don't realize I write books too. In fact, I get more comments about my Family column in a local magazine than anything else.

"I saw your article published in that Flathead Living Magazine, you must be so excited." Uh, yeah, okay. That works for me.

For the most part, I feel the same inside as I did before "writing all these books." I think the #1 reason is my daily quiet time with God. As I sit in my window bench with my Bible, notebook, devotional/Bible Study book and coffee I'm reminded of who I am to God--just one part of the body of Christ.

In fact, here are two verses I wrote in my journal yesterday after reading 1 Corinthians 12 & 13:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Cor. 12:7 NASB

But now God had placed the members each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 1 Cor. 13:18 NASB

What I'm doing home-wise, church-wise, writing-wise has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with God . . . for the common good of His body. In fact, that's why I love connect with and promoting other authors. It's not about me, it's about US.

How cool is that?!


Behind the scenes:
Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16 (NASB)--personal, Psalm 119 (NLT)--with John
Bible Study Book: Live a Praying Life, Jennifer Kennedy Dean

Remember When

Me at ICRS standing in front of an advertisement of my next book due out in January . . . yes, the one I'm finishing up!



Alan Jackson sings Remember When . . . and it's appropriate for today. After all, it's not everyday one turns 35!

Birthdays have a way of making you remember. Such as when I was seven and got a new bike. Or when I turned twelve and spent the day at the lake with friends. Or when I turned fourteen and felt like the happiest girl in the world to be so "mature."

Recently someone asked me how it felt to turn 35. The truth is, I feel better about it today than two weeks ago. After all, if 60 is the new 40, as the Baby Boomers claim, does that mean 35 is the new 21?

Looking back, I'm amazed with what God has done with my life. I was born to an unmarried mom, raised by my mom and grandparents, grew up on the "poor side of the tracks", and becoming a teen mom myself at seventeen. I'm thankful for God's hand in my life.

Looking ahead, I'm awed by how God continues to work, in my family, my church, with my friends, and with my writing.

Okay, enough with the mushy stuff. Back to work for me. No rest for the weary . . . I have a book to finish writing.

But also know, that throughout the day I'll be thinking about YOU--my friends I know well and those who've I've yet to meet. And counting you as one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Rest for the Weary

I'm under deadline. Enough said.

I've written about 2,000 words today AND edited my first Thirteen Chapters. (Thankfully, the story is better than I thought. I'm sure you know that stage where you QUESTION everything!)

One of my favorite groups is Third Day. And my favorite line in this song???

There is rest for the weary.

I'm heading to bed for the night after writing for 10+ hours today. But here is my gift to you:

CRY OUT TO JESUS (Third Day)

Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

"Well-Connected" or a Good Friend?

A few of Tricia's fiction writing friends. Check me out, bottom row, second from left.

Okay, I have to admit, I'm getting behind on my updates about ICRS. So much happened in so few Denver-days, I don't know where to start! Of course, even more than that, I'm under deadline and I have to turn in my next manuscript in ten days. Yikes!

This year, my husband John went with me to the International Christian Retail Show. After seeing me in action with my booksignings, attending banquets and meetings, and touring the floor with THOUSANDS of Christian products, I asked John what impressed him most . . . He said it was how well-connected I was, and he pointed out that we couldn't walk ten feet without me coming across someone I knew or had worked with. (Or someone who reads my blog!)

I had to laugh, well-connected? I love my husband, but that's such a foreign word to me. A "corporate America" word. Instead, I like to think of myself as a good friend. I care about people. I strive to encourage them. I find people interesting and fun to get to know.

Personally, I think my love for people is a Gen X thing. As I learned while writing my soon-to-be-released book GENERATION NEXT PARENTING, the most important thing for Gen Xers is relationships . . . and believe it or not, corporate America is taking notice.

In fact, here's a great article titled, GENERATION GAP SHAPES WORKPLACE CHOICES. You can read it here.

Of course, conventions like ICRS are simply a small aspect of my "workplace." It's with much joy I'm back in quiet Montana and at my desk that has fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains.

It's hard being smart, pretty, and friendly in the midst of so many people!

My friend, Brandilyn

Here is something really different. But really cool.

Author (and blogger) Brandilyn Collins has written a novel that comes out in August called Violet Dawn. It is part of a new series she has started called the Kanner Lake Series.

She sent out Advance Reader Copies to those who requested them and asked them to choose a character that they liked. Then she asked the readers to send her a make believe post from the character for a make believe blog by the 'Kanner Lake' make believe residents.

This is going to be an actual blog, called...Scenes and Beans, full of ficticious bloggers written by real bloggers who liked Violet Dawn. Confusing? Well, it began July 5th! Go check it out by pressing the button for Scenes and Beans!

Losing a Friend

As you know, I'm currently writing a novel about The Spanish Civil War. What you may not know is that this war took place in Spain from 1936-1939.

One cool thing I hadn't expected when embarking on this project is to meet and interview veterans who were there. One of them, Alun, was especially helpful.

Sadly, I recently found out that Alun had passed away. You can find out more about him here: here

I'm thankful God has given me the opportunity to meet Alun and share his story in A Valley of Betrayal. I'm honored to have called him a friend.

The Christy Awards

Well, last Saturday night the 8th annual Christy Awards were announced. I was too cheap to pay $120 for John and I to attend, but I cheer for the winners all the same.

And if you're not aware of the Christy Awards, these are how they work:
Every year publishers are invited to submit novels written from a Christian worldview and copyrighted in the year preceding the awards. Each novel is entered in one of several genre categories and/or the first novel category. Each category of novels is then read and evaluated against a ten-point criteria by a panel of seven judges composed of librarians, reviewers, academicians, literary critics, and other qualified readers.

Here are the winners:
Contemporary Stand Alone -- Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer
Contemporary Series -- The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro
Historical -- Whence Came a Prince by Liz Higgs
Romance -- A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist
Suspense/Mystery -- River Rising by Athol Dickson
Visionary -- Shadow Over Kiriath by Karen Hancock
First Novel -- This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella

To read more, go to:
http://www.christyawards.com/

Congrats to all the winners!

International Christian Retailers Show Update #2

Greetings from Denver!

Today was a fun day. First, I attended a brunch put on by my agent, Janet Grant. Many of Janet's clients were there, including my good friends Janet McHenry, Robin Gunn, Sandra Byrd, Cindy Martinusen, and Joanna Weaver. (Of course, there were MANY more friends I didn't name.)

I have to admit that it's weird seeing the crowd of FANTASTIC writers. You see, I love my agent, and so often I feel as if she only represents me. I'm sure I'm her favorite (wink, wink)

International Christian Retailers Show Update #1

Greetings from Day 3 in Denver. First, let me start by reporting about yesterday. I got another call from the radio show (see below), and they had a change of plans and asked if they could bring me on another time. I'll let you know when that is.

Now, for the good stuff.

I arrived Thursday prepared to attend a fiction writer's retreat. I can't describe how wonderful it is to be in the midst of like-minded people. We can talk about books, insecurities, editing, etc. and UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.

The retreat content was amazing, but seeing my friends was my favorite part. We've laughed, talked, laughed . . . You see, I know a lot of writers on-line. We email often, praying, encouraging, and supporting each other. Now we get to do the same face to face. Of course, for some of these people I had no idea what their faces looked like! Oh, so you're the person I've emailed every week for the last year!

Today was my last day with these fiction writers. Tonight John and I (he flew in today to be with me) are going to dinner with friends. Tomorrow I'm attending a brunch and a banquet. (Let us see if I can not gain any weight this trip!)

But mostly, I'm smiling because my heart is full and my mind is content. Here are three things I've "caught" over the past few days.

1. We're in this together. Writers shouldn't see each other as competition, but as a team. God is using "us" to offer hope and truth to the world.

2. Writers love helping each other. They share their favorite tips. They don't hold back. They give the writing help to others that they enjoy recieving back.

3. God uses falliable people. All of us wish we were perfect, but none of us are. Yet in our weakness, God's strength is complete. He uses us. He uses our editors. He uses this crazy bookselling world to change OUR hearts.

Okay, more reports to come!

Albert Mohler Show

Hello from Denver!

I had a lunch meeting today, and after attend the Chi Libras retreat this morning I had a few minutes to run back to my room. Out of the blue I decided to check my email . . . and I've been asked to be on a nationally syndicated radio program.

As you can see from the comment on my blog (below), the Albert Mohler Radio Show contacted me, and I'll be one of today's guests. You can listen LIVE @ 5:15 p.m. EST.

Or if you miss that time slot, you can listen to the recorded show on-line.

It's a great program!

Here's the link.

http://www.albertmohler.com/radio_list.php

Listen up!

Greetings from Denver!

Greetings from Denver!

I'm here for a week attending the International Christian Retail Show.

It's been a long day. First, I had to be at the airport at 6:00 a.m. Then, I had two flights to get here. After that, I treated myself to a mini-makeover, followed by the opening dinner for a Chi Libras Fiction Writer's Retreat.

Right now, I'm waiting for my roommate, author Cindy Martinusen to show up.

Over the rest of the week, I'll be posting from "The Floor" of the convention. Come back and here what's up and coming in the world of Christian books!

Writers Connect

There's one thing I'm not sure the average reader knows, and that is the amount of support, care, and encouragement between Christian writers. I can number my writing friends in the hundreds. On any given day I can request help and know I'll have it. I can plead for prayer and know these amazing men and women are on their knees, lifting me up in prayer.

Personally, I'm involved in a number of writer's organizations. Here are a few:

American Christian Fiction Writers

Fellowship of Christian Writers

The Writer's View

Christian Authors Network

In addition, I've joined with some of these amazing people in reaching out to encourage and support others too. (The cool thing is BLOGGING makes it easy to connect and reach out.)

Favorite Past Times
Insights on writing, reading, and researching historical fiction.

Girls, God, and the Good Life
A daily blog exploring faith, life, and what it means to be a daughter of God.

Check it out!

Behind the Scenes--Meet My Editor, Andrew McGuire

This is the beginning of my "Behind the Scenes" interview series. My first victim, err, interview is with my editor at Moody Publishing, Andrew McGuire. Andy is a fun-loving guy who is great to work with. (Okay, and kinda smart too.)

1. Hi Andy. I know your most important role at Moody is helping me to look brilliant. In addition to that, what do you spend the rest of the time doing at Moody Publishers?

I am the acquiring editor of fiction, and my responsibilities include everything from adult novels down to pre-teen books. As acquiring editor I sift through piles of manuscripts to find the gold among the grains of sand. After I've convinced our committee that I've once again discovered a masterpiece (or not), I work through contract negotiations with the author and agent and then help the author develop the manuscript into a book.

This involves everything from big-picture changes to plot and characterization all the way down to giving input into the title decisions and cover design. Once I've signed a book to a contract, I'm involved in almost every step along the way until the book is on the bookstore shelves.

2. On what level are you involved with the books of one of your amazing authors Tricia Goyer?

Since I already know Tricia very well, her work doesn't just go into the large stack of proposals I need to read. Usually Tricia, her agent, and I discuss several book ideas until we come up with a novel or a series that pleases all three of us. Then, after we take care of all the contract details, Tricia bounces questions and ideas off me for the several months it takes her to write the manuscript. Once she completes it, she sends it to me and I give some big-picture feedback. We discuss possible changes on the phone or via email, and then eventually send it along to a copy editor, who works out the smaller details. Tricia has been a pleasure to work with in the editing process.

3. Blush. Do you have any stories to share about one of Tricia's novels?

When I first arrived at Moody a little over two years ago, one of my first tasks was to get endorsements for Tricia's novel "Night Song" (if you don't have a copy, you should run to the store immediately!).

Anyway, on my list of possible endorsers was a woman with a very familiar last name: Von Trapp. You may recognize it from a certain well-known Austrian singing family. Annie Von Trapp is indeed a member of the famous family, and she graciously agreed to endorse Tricia's book.

She wrote: "Night Song makes you wish that every historic story from WWII could be told ... I cannot wait for the next one." What a delight it was to correspond with Annie Von Trapp my first month on the job!

What to read more? (Andy doesn't know I was going to do this!)

“Making something beautiful reflects well on the Lord,” says Andrew McGuire, the acquisitions editor of fiction at Moody Publishers. McGuire believes that Scripture shows God’s high interest in the work of gifted artists. When God told the Israelites to build His temple, “He was specific. He called specific artists by name for certain tasks. He had given them artistic gifts to make beautiful works,” says McGuire. “To the end of time we will know them for that purpose.” (From: New Direction for Christian Publishing)

And if you want to hear another Moody author's input on working with Moody, read Brandilyn Collin's article with Travis Thrasher.

Thanks for the "Behind the Scenes" peek, Andy!

A Samson Story

On a recent e-writers group that I'm a part of I was shocked to hear that other writers have the same uncertainities that I have. The truth is that award-winning, best-selling authors (who I tag behind with applause) often peer at their words on the page and think, "I should just go apply at Wal-mart now, cause I don't think this story is working at all." I can relate.

For me, doubts come as I piece the story together. A heart-warming scene here, a description there, another layer of conflict--like the pieces of puzzle I set them into place, hoping they fit. Sure, I have an idea of the picture/story I'm trying to create in my mind, but there's no box lid to look at as I work. It's more like a fuzzy, sort-of complicated, and ever-morphing idea in my mind on which all my words are built upon.

Yes, after having four other novels under my belt, I do have a system to my madness. I don't question how to write dialogue. I don't find myself halfway through the novel and wonder what my character's movtivation is. (A quarter of the way, maybe, but not half-way.) Yet, even with an intermediate knowledge of novel writing, there is one elemet that cannot be overlooked, and that is the power of the Holy Spirit within me as I write.

My husband John reminded me of this yesterday as we walked down a country road and I lamented about so much that I still had to do on my novel (due in twenty-four days). John used the example of Samson to cheer me up, telling me, "He may have been a muscle man, and he maybe even lifted weights now and then, but that can no way explain the man's strength. He could have killed five men with his own strength--maybe ten. But one thousand? Only the Spirit of God upon him could have achieved that."

This simple illustration gave me peace as I strolled along. In my own strength I may be able to write a few good paragraphs--maybe even a few good chapters--but it is God's Spirit within that enables the impossible. I can build up my writer's muscles. I can flex my typing fingers with diligence, but a story that touches lives and impacts heart is the work of the Spirit within.

God knows the story. He has a clear view of the picture on the top of the puzzle box, and He clues me in as I tune in to Him. And, boy, am I glad about that!

I don't know, what do you think . . . should I post a magazine cutout of a hunky guy near my computer screen to remind me of this Samonite truth?