Read a good book lately?

Lesley reading her FIRST Tricia Goyer book . . .

Guest Blogger...Stacy Stallings

And the Greatest of These is Love

All writers know about faith. They know what an act of faith it is to put words on a paper the first time. They know the faith it takes to search for the right word, the right phrase, the right nugget of truth that will set off their work as top-notch. Ultimately, they know the gut-wrenching faith it takes to turn their written babies over to someone who * gasp* might not like it.

Hope? There’s always hope. Even after you’ve been kicked to the curb by an agent who probably didn’t even read the first sentence of your query, hope prevails. After a few days of chocolate and Kleenexes, hope surges again. Maybe the next editor will love it, buy it, publish it, send it to be included next to John Grisham’s on the front table of every bookstore in the country. Then it will hit the New York Times Bestsellers list for 97 weeks and make you a millionaire. Don’t deny it. You know that hope is real.

One element, however, sometimes gets lost when faith and hope begin to emerge in our writing journey. That element is love. Sure, we love it, or we wouldn’t be stressing ourselves out to learn how to do it better, to find someone to publish it, and to put ourselves on the chopping block of rejection time and again. It’s almost a given that we love it. The problem is that we forget that we love it.

As a character who loves music in one of my books says, “You know me, I’d play for the squirrels if they’d listen.” Too often the longer we write, the less we remember what we love about it. Why? Because our focus shifts from writing for love to writing so others will love what we’ve written. Let me explain.

When we write for the love of it, every frustratingly magnificent moment is a challenge like none other. Being able to shape the ephemerally picturesque stories in our mind into something coherent and fluid is like no other experience. The very act of putting that last piece into our word puzzle has no peer for a peak experience. You know what I’m talking about, or at least you used to.

Remember the journals you kept, the poems you wrote, the short stories that are still tucked away in some old notebook. You wrote those not to gain love but because they were burning a hole in your soul to be put on paper. What happened to that?

What happened is you began writing not for love but to gain love. Others—those you believe are much more knowledgeable—began to convince you to twist your writing to meet what they believe is marketable or publishable. And so you let your love for writing morph into wanting your writing to be loved… sometimes at all costs. You twisted yourself into a pretzel, learning perfect grammar, point of view, the “correct” way to write a marketable manuscript.

Learning and growing in your writing is one thing, but when that gets so tangled in the rules, that you forget why you started in the first place, that is something altogether different. Love is the key to everything in this life. As the Bible says so eloquently:

In the end three things shall last, faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

–1 Corinthians 13:13

It’s a lesson every writer should take to heart.

Copyright Staci Stallings, 2005

Want something great to read?

Check out the previews for Staci’s latest two novels “Cowboy” and “Lucky.”

You can read the first three chapters of each for free at: http://www.stacistallings.com/Previews.htm

You’ll feel better for the experience!

A glowing gift.

(Lesley with the pumpkin she made for me. Isn't she adorable?!)

I have a personalized pumpkin. My sister, Lesley, made it for me. Months ago I wouldn't have imagined such a thing--seeing photos of my family, being invited into their lives, knowing they thought about me during their Pumpkin Party. Sigh.

The cool thing about my family is their immediate, unconditional love. It doesn't matter to them if I write books or if I have my five-year-plan written out. They don't care if I wear designer clothes or if my house is spotless. (And, since it's not, that's a good thing.)

The only thing that matters is that we have the same dad, and because of that there will always be this amazing connection.

It reminds me of how all God's children should be. Loving unconditionally. Thinking of each other. Praying for each other. Even if we've never met face to face. We have the same Father, after all.

Together we can let our light shine. We can think of each other and give unexpected and special gifts. After all, sometimes a simple pumpkin, carved with love, can be the best gift ever.

Isn't its light beautiful?

Where in the web is Tricia Goyer?

Interview on Stories that Stick with Marilyn Hilton.

Truth Media: Devotionals for Women with Vonette Bright.

It's Not All About Me: Gospel Communications.

10 Questions for DeAnna Julie Dodson

10 Questions for DeAnna Julie Dodson


DeAnna made her start as a CPA, but boredom led her to begin writing. And once she got hooked, she knew she'd never stop. DeAnna has written a medieval trilogy and a new book, A Dinner of Herbs, a story of the American Civil War, that will be out in 2007. Let's see what makes her tick...

1. Tricia: You've written three medieval themed novels. Where did you get the ideas?

DeAnna: After mostly avoiding Shakespeare in high school, I truly discovered his work through a requirement in a college humanities class. My first real taste of Shakespeare was an open-air production of "As You Like It," and from then on I was hooked. I devoured the comedies and then the tragedies with the help of the BBC's television series of the complete works (borrowedfrom the public library) and lots of heavily annotated scripts. When I got through those, nothing was left but, as I thought at the time, "the boring old histories." I couldn't believe what great stories they were and that I had missed out on them for so long! Yes, they were based on the lives of medieval English royalty, but they were also intense family dramas, stories of love and loss and betrayal and atonement. These were real people with real emotions playing out their lives on the national stage, a stage filled with all the dazzling pageantry of the middle ages and Shakespeare's dramatic genius.

Once I had absorbed the plays, I wanted to know about the real people that had been the basis for them, the historical kings and queens and nobility. I found that the truth was better than, and often stranger than, fiction. I was particularly interested in young King Henry V, his troubled relationshipwith his usurping father, and his rule over a kingdom he may not have felt was rightly his. This became the jumping off point of my first novel, In Honor Bound. The other two books in the series, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, were continuations of the first story. Since I didn't want to be tied to English history, I created a fictional kingdom for my characters, but it is firmly grounded in the reality of medieval England.


2. Tricia: For your next novel you chose a different time in history. Why the switch?

DeAnna: As much as I love the chivalrous knights and fair ladies of medieval times and would love to write more about the kingdom of Lynaleigh, I enjoy many eras of history. The American Civil War was a time of great upheaval, tremendous loss of life and property, and sweeping social change. That makes it a perfect setting for a book. Of course, my latest novel, A Dinner of Herbs, isn't really about the war itself. I think it has only one battle scene. It is more about what change does to people and how adversity reveals one's true character. Of course, the chivalry of the southern gentleman is in itself legendary, so maybe this wasn't so much of a switch after all.

My work in progress is more of a change. It's a 1930's murder mystery. Won't that be fun?

3. Tricia: All your novels include an element of spiritual growth. In what ways do these elements flow from your own experiences?

DeAnna: They always say to write what you know, and I feel that a scene is more convincing and more moving when I follow that advice. Of course, a lesson I learn in real life will be presented in a different context in my fiction, but the lesson itself is the same. My characters have learned things about the superabundant mercy of God, the value of faithfulness, and the need to extend forgiveness as well as receive it because I have learned them, whether by personal experience or by the experience of those close to me. And, as I am still learning, my characters are, too.

4. Tricia: Readers look for a story which immediately grips them and touches their hearts. What tips can you give to new writers on how to do this?

DeAnna: The most important thing is to know your characters. Did your main character raise his dog from puppyhood and, due to the dog's age and illness, recently have to have him put to sleep? Of course he's going to cry when he watches "Old Yeller." Is he a Gen-Xer who plays violent video games and never had a pet? He might snicker at the same movie and think it's hopelessly smarmy.

My writing really takes off when I set people I "know" in a situation that threatens what is most valuable to them and then let them go. If I allow them to be true to their personalities and past experiences, they will almost write themselves. I also read all of my dialogue aloud. It helps me make sure that it "sounds" natural, and that helps readers see the characters as real people.

5. Tricia: Do you have any writing rituals you perform before starting your writing day?

DeAnna: I usually check my e-mail and my Amazon blog to see if I have any new comments from readers or any business to attend to. Then I usually play the Merriam-Webster On-Line word game of the day ("Dictionary Devil" is my favorite) to get my brain going. Then I watch the latest "Simply Quilts" while I eat breakfast, so I can feast my eyes and my tummy. Then, if no crisis arises, I get to work.

6. Tricia: How do you write your books? Do you just start on page one and keep going?

DeAnna: I tend to start with a main conflict and vague road map to the resolution. I really need to have an idea where I'm going even if it changes before I'm through. And it usually does change. It tends to get simplified as I work through things. I generally like to write the exciting scenes first, the dramatic set pieces that I can build the story on. Those tend to come fairly easily. Then I have to tie it all together so it makes sense as a whole, and that part is hard, hard work for me. I know people who just start with an opening line and go from there, but I don't see how they do it.

7. Tricia: Who is your biggest cheerleader in life?

DeAnna: There have been lots of people who have been wonderfully supportive of me and my writing, but as far as life-long encouragement, support and unconditional love, no human being can beat my dad.


8. Tricia: If you had to just any other state to live in (except the constant state of confusion), which would you choose?

DeAnna: I'm a great fan of hockey and not a great fan of hot weather. So, if I had to leave my beloved Texas, I think I'd like to live in Oregon or Washington State. The politics up there might drive me crazy, but at least I'd be cooler and close enough to pop up to Canada once in a while to catch some NHL games.

9. Tricia: Clean desk or clean kitchen?

DeAnna: Both, though I must admit that my desk isn't usually as clean as my kitchen. Unless I'm actively cooking something, which isn't all that often, my kitchen is usually pretty clean. My desk goes through periods when it's more or less untidy, but if it gets too bad I have to stop everything and clean up. I can't stand too much clutter and not knowing where things are. Having lived and worked with pack rats, I am determined not to become one.

10. Tricia: What is one photograph you absolutely cherish? Can you describe it for us? Why does it mean so much to you?

DeAnna: For a family gathering several years ago, my sister took some pairs of cheap sunglasses and embellished them with all kinds of crazy decorations. Then she gave a pair to each of us, my parents and the four of us kids. My brother-in-law took a picture of us all posing like divas in our "designer" glasses, and I just love it. It just shows my funny, quirky family to
perfection.

Thanks, DeAnna
www.deannajuliedodson.com

Novel update 11

We have a title!

For every novel except From Dust and Ashes it has been a back-and-forth dialogue to come up with titles for my novels. Personally, I tend to have a working title, then the Moody staff puts their collective minds together to come up with something 100 xs better.

The Orchestra became ... Night Song.

Across a Distance Sea became ... Dawn of a Thousand Nights.

Flight of Darkness became ... Arms of Deliverance

A Valley in Spain became ... A Valley of Betrayal (Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, Book 1)

My working title for my current work-in-progress was: This Shattered Land.

Since that title not longer fit with the title for Book #1, they asked me for suggestions. My favorite, by far, was A Shadow of Treason. Guess what? Moody liked it!

So, here is the update for A Shadow of Treason ... I've thus reached WORD COUNT.

Word Count is the term I give to the part of the writing where I, uh, actually write. Not only that, I actually have to produce a certain number of words each day.

Currently, my goal is 2,000 - 3,000 words a day. Sometimes these words come quickly. Other times it is s-l-o-w. Either way, my butt stays in this chair (or keeps returning to it) until I'm done.

When I reach WORD COUNT I usually have some research done, but I never feel as if it's enough. So--the truth be told--I'm also pulling out research books and checking things out as I write.

Also, the more books I get under my belt, the less of a plot I use before I start. It used to be that I knew each chapter and scene, and I had a definite idea for what would happen each step of the way. It's not that way any more.

Perhaps it's because I already have a "feel" for what I want to accomplish. Or maybe I trust myself more as a writer. Either way, I have hardly have any of the plot figure out on this one (except for the historical points, of course), so we'll see how it turns out!

So please, if you think of it, remember me in prayer. In addition to writing I'm a wife and mom. And with my 12-year-old in basketball, and my other two starting next month, it's a busy time of year. (Not to mention the holidays and driving to Southern California for Thanksgiving!)

Thanks and God Bless!
Tricia Goyer

Theme Me!

As I've mentioned before when it comes to writing a novel, there is much to think about: characters, plot, research . . . There is also this underlying theme I try to get across.

Of course, theme should be a natural outcome of the story. It's there, but shouldn't be noticable. As one writing teacher put it: Theme is the invisible string on a pearl necklace.

I always LOVVVVVVVE it when one of my readers truly gets it. Recently, I found this review on Pieces of Me and I just had to share!

A review like this makes a writer's day.

Can't you tell by the smile?

(Tricia Goyer goofing off with her camera!)

10 Questions for Brandt Dodson

10 Questions for Brandt Dodson

1. Tricia: I clicked on your website and nearly jumped from my seat. Everything about it says “intense and riveting”, are your books the same?

Brandt: I hope so. That was certainly my intent. The books in the Colton Parker Mystery series (“Original Sin”, “Seventy Times Seven” and “The Root of All Evil” - Harvest House Publishers) were written in a style that is very consistent with the noirish feel that was established by Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. In that sense, the subtle yet very real sense of impending danger was a necessary element. I’ve tried very hard to put the reader in Colton ’s shoes and let them feel what he feels. Wondering - as he does - where the next shot will come from. Or if the next face will be a friendly one.

2. Tricia: You come from a long line of police officers and you were employed by the FBI. What is one mistake writers often make in books concerning law enforcement?

Brandt: I think Joseph Wambaugh said it best when he was talking about his own writing. He said that he wanted to write books that were less about how “cops work on the job” and more about how “the job works on cops”.

I think the greatest problem with most detective/police procedural fiction today, is the trap of writing a two-dimensional character. What I call the “Dick Tracy” syndrome. Now Dick Tracy (of comic-strip fame) was very entertaining. And, in fact, Chester Gould did give Tracy a life outside the job. But only minimally. Unfortunately, this has carried been carried forward and the police are often portrayed as “men on the job” with no realistic sense of how that job affects their daily lives. After all, what other type of fiction is followed by “procedural” as part of the name of its genre?

The good news, however, is that writers like the late Ed McBain/Evan Hunter, Joseph Wambaugh, the late William Caunitz, and others, have made great strides in breaking this
“stereo-typical” type of writing.

3. Tricia: When do you write?

Brandt: To be perfectly honest - all the time.
I “write” in the shower, in the car on the way to my “real” job, and on the way back home.
I’m constantly trying to solve a tricky plot problem, character issue or structural matter. But like most writers, I do have another occupation, so my actual time at the keyboard is usually limited to evenings after work. I’ll start at nine and write until about eleven. On weekends, I usually have more time. I’m a fast writer, though, so that has been a blessing.

4. Tricia: If your books became a mini-series, who would you pick to play Colton Parker?

Brandt: I tend to see faces when I develop a character, but oddly enough, I haven’t with Colton . I think if I had to pick someone, it would probably be Stephen Baldwin. He’s about the same age as Colton, and projects the edginess that is central to Colton ’s character. At the same time, there is an underlying feeling that this guy has a good heart.

5. Tricia: If you had to give a talk titled, “The Three Keys to Great Writing,” what would those keys be?

Brandt: I think that any good writing is going to require that the author invest him or herself in their work. So I would begin with “passion”. Dean Koontz once said, “you’ve got to write for yourself. Write the kind of book you’d like to find in a bookstore. Write what your passionate about.” I agree.

I also believe the old axiom that “Character is story”. Without a believable character, who’s going to care about what happens to him/her? People read for character.

And finally, suspense. Now mind you, it doesn’t have to be the nail-biting, on the edge-of-your-seat type of stuff. But there should be suspense in every story. Enough to keep the reader motivated to turn those pages.

The three keys to “Great Writing”? Passion, Character, Suspense.

6. Tricia: Speed boat or row boat?

Brandt: Row boat.
Speed boats run out of gas and begin to drift. Or wreck and die young.
But the row boat ... just keeps on keeping on.

7. Tricia: All writers want to believe that they’ve changed their readers in some way. What would you hope that change would be?

Brandt: This is the area where Christian fiction can shine. All writers write to impart a view point, whether it’s Jack London, Mark Twain or Tom Clancy. But what viewpoint could be better to impart, than the one that has the very thing that all the others are looking for?

I don’t preach in my writing. Now some characters might, and that serves a purpose. But I, as the writer, can never afford to “preach”.

But I do want to impart my viewpoint. The Christian world-view. In that sense, I want to raise questions in the readers mind. Then I want them to seek the answers in God’s book.

8. Tricia: Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now as a writer?

Brandt: Doing this full-time. Doing it better. Still learning. And writing with a loyal and growing readership.

9. Tricia: Tell me about when you first heard you were getting a three book contract.

Brandt: I had written “Original Sin” and decided that it made a lot of sense to attend a writer’s conference where I could make contacts, build a network, and maybe - just maybe - meet an editor face to face.

I attended the Write To Publish conference in Wheaton , Illinois and made contact with
Nick Harrison, Senior Editor at Harvest House. Nick was leading a critique session late one evening, and I had a chance to read the first chapter of “Original Sin”. He liked it and took it back to the committee. Almost a year to the day later, I was attending the conference again, and my wife called saying that Nick had sent an email. She read it to me and I learned that I had a three-book contract offer.

It was very late in the evening and everyone had gone home. I had no one to tell and I wasn’t about to sit in my room alone, so I drove around and around and finally ended up at a McDonald’s where I bought a Happy Meal and ate in my car.

10. Tricia: What is one Scripture verse that’s spoken to you lately? Why?

Brandt: Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (NIV)

I truly am writing for God. But it is hard, sometimes, to filter out the other voices. I have a great editor. The best in the business. And I don’t want to let him down. I don’t want to let my publisher down. And I don’t want to let my family down. But ultimately, it is God I serve.

When times get dark, I rely on this scripture to know that He will guide me in each step. I don’t need to know where I’m going. I simply need to trust Him.

Brandt Dodson
http://www.brandtdodson.com/

Weird.

I've been tagged by my friend Jessica. She's an amazing photographer and she just took our family photos this weekend.

She took this one of us, and you can even see a sneak peek of more by clicking on her name! (It will take you to her blog.)

Anyway, the tag asks me to share five things about me that are weird. Hmmm . . .

1) I love DDR. Dance, Dance Revolution. My son, Cory, and I will have contests to see who can dance better. And, yes, this old woman can give him a run for his money. I even dare to say that once we got the dance pad I haven't been on my treadmill once!

2) I'm a speed shopper. I can be in and out of the mall in 30 minutes. I have a system for scanning clearance racks, scooping, and buying. Walking around the mall "to window shop" drives me crazy. My motto is, "If you see something that works, get it and get done."

3) I tend to be quiet in person. Maybe it's because I use all my words writing and blogging? If we went out to coffee, I'd spend most of the time asking about you and listening.

4) I love reality TV shows, mainly because I love to see how people think and react to each other. It's the best place to people watch :-) Of course, since I'm the only one in my house who things they are fun, I NEVER get to watch them. You can say they've been "voted off" our TV.

5) I rarely wear makeup. Most days I don't. In fact, if I do put it on both my husband and kids ask, "Where are you going???" Nice.

I'm not sure if that's weird enough. Maybe I'm just a boring person!

Now, I tag: Lesley, Julie, Cara, Amy and Michelle.

Flag of Our Fathers

(Tricia with Tom, one of the veterans she interviewed in 2001.)

Last night, after taking family photos for our Christmas cards we went to see Flag of Our Fathers, directed by Clint Eastwood. Nathan was at a friend's house, but the rest of us went. (Yeah, I wouldn't recommend that movie for anyone younger than Leslie who is fourteen.)

It was SO good! (Of course, my novels are about about WW2.)

There were some graphic war scenes, but the story was amazing. It told the story of the men who raised the flag on Iwo Jima--unlikely heroes for sure.

One of my other favorites is the Band of Brothers mini-series. I'd read the book, Band of Brothers, before I even know they were doing the series. John and I watched it together, then as soon as the episode started I'd start cry . . .

"What's wrong?" John would ask.

"I know what's going to happppen," I'd blubber.

In researching for my novels, I've been to Europe twice. I've also attending two WWII reunions, and I've interviewed hundreds of veterans. Below is a write up of how I came up the story. Or rather how it came to me. I guess one could call my journey to writing about WWII also unexpected.

That was six years ago this month. And just look what God has done . . . the other men, other stories.

When these young me left for the war, they never knew their experiences would be novel-worthy. When I left for my vacation, I never knew my experiences would call me to write them.

***

From Dust to Ashes:
The Story Behind the Novel
by Tricia Goyer

I can clearly remember when my interest was first sparked by the liberation events that took place in St. Georgen, Austria during World War II. An Austrian historian had invited me and my friends into her home, serving up tea and bread, meat and cheeses. It was the end of a long day of travel, and I secretly desired a hot shower and a soft bed. But it wasn't long before our host had me intrigued with her true tales of villains, prisoners, and GI heroes.

I sat—eyes wide—as Marta described the twenty-three, American GIs who had stumbled upon the Gusen camps May 5, 1945. I imagined their horror as they witnessed prisoners reduced to skin and bones. Or worse, piles of corpses. But Marta also spoke of other things, such as the first help to enter the camp—a young Nazi wife with her children on tow. Who was she? I wondered. Obviously she had not believed in the Nazi persecution. What would it have been like to helplessly witness such horror? How was her life forever changed?

I also imagined those prisoners who were mere days from death. How did they go on after facing such hatred, such loss? Just the night before, on a dinner cruise in Prague, I had sat elbow to elbow with a young Jewish girl and her brother. “Fifty years ago, they would have been killed,” my friend whispered in my ear as we talked and laughed with our new friends. It was then that the horrors of WWII became real, and I knew I would never be the same.

After we left Marta’s house that night, I turned to me traveling companions—also fiction writers. “Are you going to write about this?” At that moment their “no’s” became my “yes.”

I went home with much excitement and began researching the events concerning the liberation of Gusen and Mauthausen death camps. But I soon realized no articles or fuzzy, black and white photos could ever take the place of speaking with those who were actually there. So in August 2001, I was invited to attend the 59th reunion of the 11th Armored Division. In Kalamazoo, Michigan, I spoke to the brave men, now in their 70’s and 80’s who had liberated the death camps. Their bodies have aged, but in their hearts they are still the same brave, young soldiers who witnessed so much.

As the research progressed, I was also able to visit Austria a second time to participate in the memorial services celebrating liberation so many years prior. And while there, I spoke with others, including a man who was just twelve-years-old in 1945. I was awed as he led me through the streets where former SS houses still stand. And tears formed in my eyes as I stood before the guesthouse of the brave, Nazi wife, now gone.

So fueled by memoirs, oral histories and personal interviews, I began to write. And in my mind, the streets of St. Georgen and the events of 1945 soon became as real as life around me.

On that sunny day in October, my greatest concern had been resting after a long day of travel. It was only later, after months of writing, that I realized God’s intentions were far greater. His plan was to have me share a story of liberation. A story inspired by true events . . . and true heroes.

Want to know about Tricia's upcoming speaking events, booksignings, and radio interviews? Click here.

Poster Contest!

In my last newsletter, I offered a poster contest. I offered to send out a FREE poster of From Dust and Ashes, and if the subscriber posted it in a public place and sent me a photo, he or she would receive two free books.

Also, the two most creative entrys would be BIG WINNERS.

Here is the first entry.



Here are Sherry's comments:

Ok... Here goes...

The picture included is my daughter (aka...cohort on this mission). When I got the poster, I already knew where to hang it. The area performing arts theater.

Then the challenge was to find a high traffic area: the lobby, since all visitors enter through the lobby. Next there was the dilemma of finding the one place that it would be most noticed ... the concessions stand (no, too cluttered to be noticed), the side exit door (no, too dark), the front door (no, it would have to be placed too low to be noticed), the auditorium (no, the lights are off when the shows are on).

Then it hit me! What part of the theater (besides the stage/auditorium) do I visit most: the ladies' bathroom!!

Yes, the ladies' room: It's in the lobby and right beside the auditorium entrance ... That should be the most noticeable spot in the place. Besides, with the light door, the bright poster helped liven up the place...lol!***

Is that awesome, or what?!

If you're interested in recieving my email newsletter and hearing about cool contests like these, please email fromdustandashes@hotmail.com

Like Dandelion Dust

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Karen Kingsbury's latest book, Like Dandelion Dust.

About the Author:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's #1 inspirational novelist. There are nearly 5 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including more than two million copies sold in the past year. Karen has written more than 30 novels, nine of which have hit #1 on national lists, including award-winning Oceans Apart, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, the Redemption Series and Firstborn Series, and several other bestsellers, one of which was the basis for a CBS Movie-of-the-Week and Gideon's Gift, which is currently in production as a major theatrical release for Christmas 2007.Karen lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Don, and their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.

About the Book:

A PEACEFUL TOWN...

AN IDYLLIC FAMILY...

A PHONE CALL THAT THREATENS THEM ALL.

Jack and Molly Campbell enjoyed an idyllic life (great house in a fancy neighborhood, high-paying job, and a beautiful little boy) in their small hometown outside Atlanta with their adopted 4-year-old, Joey. Then they receive the phone call that shatters their world: a social worker delivers the news that Joey's biological father has been released from prison and is ready to start lifeover with his son. (It's discovered that Joey's birth mother forged the signature of Joey's birth father, making it a fraudulent adoption.)

When a judge rules that Joey must be returned to his father (a man who cannot separatee love and violence), the Campbells, in a silent haze of grief and utter disbelief, watch their son pick a dandelion and blow the feathery seeds into the wind.Struggling with the dilemma of following the law, their hearts, and what they know to be morally right, the Campbells find that desperation leads to dangerous thoughts. What if they can devise a plan? Take Joey and simply disappear....

LIKE DANDELION DUST.

Review by Mimi Pearson

Editing Novels

I do read my blogger comments. Actually, I LOOK FORWARD to them.

I'm a Gen Xer remember??? I need the gold star, the pat on the back.

Last week, Leticia asked (in the comment section) about the editing process. I asked my editor Andy if he'd be interested in explaining it. His answer was short and sweet.

Andy said:
Basically, the acquiring editor (me) proposes some big-picture revision suggestions to the author. Then, the copy editor (LB) helps the author incorporate some of those suggestions, as well as focusing on some of the smaller-picture issues, such as phrasing, grammar, inconsistencies, etc.

Once the copy editor turns the manuscript over it goes into page proofing. This is usually done in two rounds. In this process, all the little mistakes are found (hopefully) and corrected.


So . . . that is how it works. Andy is the meanie and LB is the one who helps me to play with the scenes and words. (Just kidding, because Andy is as helping and gracious as can be!)

Both of their work makes the manuscript 100% better. They make me look good!

After page proofing is complete, the manuscript comes back to me. THEN I go through it again. (The book at this stage is called a galley.)

This is the fun part--reading the story as it will be printed. It's also an awesome feeling to see it all come together. It's then I sit back and whisper a prayer, "Wow, God--together we did good."

Generation NeXt Parenting--Chapter One

Where in the e-world is Tricia Goyer?
Check out these links . . .

Read Chapter One to Generation NeXt Parenting!

Tricia's interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher Part II.

Girls, God, and the Good Life blog.

CAN Marketing blog.

Connect with Tricia Goyer . . .

Sally Felton Life Coach
Wednesday, October 25th.
The show airs live over the Internet at 12 noon pacific time on http://www.contacttalkradio.com/.
Topic: Support for Teen Mothers
If you would like to call in, the number is: 1-877-230-3062.
(Remember to adjust for time zones.)

WCTS Radio (Connection button in left sidebar.)
Friday, October 27th
8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Central Time
30 minute interview discussing Arms of Deliverance.

Speaking @ Women's Awareness Day
Christian Center Kalispell, MT
Saturday, October 28th
Starting at 8:30 a.m.
For more information call 752-6426.
Speaking on: Loving the Skin You're in--Body Image

FamilyNet Radio Mornings with Scott and Lori
Monday, October 30th
7:30 a.m. Central Time
20 minute interview LIVE disucssing Generation NeXt Parenting
(It will be archived. Link to be posted.)

Booksigning
Borders, Bozeman MT
Saturday, November 4th
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Joined by fellow novelist, Sharon Dunn

Other:
KTIS Radio
Northwestern College, St. Paul, MT
Talking about Generation NeXt Parenting
Air date to be announced.
(Button to listen online is in top right corner.)

KBJS Radio
Jacksonville, Tyler, Longview Texas
Talking about Generation NeXt Parenting
Air date to be announced.
(Button to listen online is in left sidebar.)

If you have any ideas for media events for Tricia Goyer, email me at: fromdustandashes@hotmail.com

Sisters

I've always wanted a sister. I have one brother who is four years younger. He's a great guy, but no one understands like a sister . . . or so I've heard.

I never knew my biological dad. My mom got pregnant in college. He moved away before I was born. Then, when I was 27, I asked my mom about him. (I was always afraid to ask because I didn't want to bring up a difficult subject.) She gave me his name. I googled it. Within five minutes I had his home phone number. My mom called and told him about me. Then he called me.

Let me backtrack a little. You see, growing up my FAVORITE movie was The Parent Trap. Since I didn't know my dad I used to imagine I had a sister out there, somewhere, with him.

I soon discovered I had four.

Wow.

Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me to meet them. I won't go into details, but I was disappointed. I prayed some day we'd make a connection.

Then last night, I received an email from one of my sisters. It was the most amazing thing. She'd heard about me and finally asked more questions. Brave and caring, she emailed me. Then today, a second sister did too. They both have tender hearts.

Fifty emails must have flown between us today--photos, small details of our lives, excited chatter.

It's weird to look at a photo and see my smile. Or look at another and seeing my daughter's hair, or my son's ears. Odd and wonderful too.

So tonight I think I'm going to have a hard time sleeping.

Because it seems that a whole new world has opened to me.

THEIRS.

Book Launch!

It's not every day two good friends get to celebrate the launch of their new books. But just last Friday my friend, Joanna Weaver and I did just that.

First, let me tell you a little about Joanna. We met about ten years ago. Out of the blue I got a phone call from someone who wanted to be a writer. She sounded nice enough and so I invited her over. I talked to her about writing, about proposals, about articles, about writers' conferences and she soaked it in.

But she didn't just soak. She did it! And her enthusiam, matched with her natural gifts, launched her to the top. Not long after we met, Joanna attended Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference with me and was voted Best New Writer. How exciting is that??

Now, years later, Joanna and I decided we needed to celebrate our friendship and our newest books. This fall Joanna has a much anticipated book out, Having a Mary Spirit.



I also had two books Arms of Deliverance and Generation NeXt Parenting.

We had a terrific night and about 200 people showed up. Joanna and I read from our books and we had snacks both savory and sweet. Mostly we rejoiced with friends at what God has done in our lives and writing!

Here are a few glimpses of our fun. I'll be posting more later this week.

(My daughter Leslie at the book launch.)

(Book table.)



















(Joanna and Tricia.)

10 Questions for Dena Dyer

10 Questions for Dena Dyer

As a busy mom, wife, author, and speaker, Dena Dyer adores her life—but there are days when she wants her own mommy! Thankfully, she has God, her mom, and a Christian counselor on speed dial.

Dena is married to Carey and they have two boys, Jordan and Jackson. When she’s not desperately trying to find her cell phone, she enjoys writing articles, essays and books. Her credits include Grace for the Race: Meditations for Busy Moms (Barbour), The Groovy Chicks Road Trip to Peace (Cook, co-authored with Laurie Copeland and a lot of groovy girlfriends), and magazines such as Family Circle and Parenting. Her hobbies B.K.--before kids--included scrapbooking, watching old movies, and decorating. Now, her interests (obsessions?) are napping, eating, and helping with MOPS at her church.

1. Tricia: You've been doing this publishing thing for a little while now. If a new author approached you what would be your advice for working with editors?

Dena: I think the most important things I’ve noticed are being flexible, professional, and respectful. The business is very volatile and editors change jobs a lot. They are also under tremendous pressure to acquire books and shepherd those books through the publishing process. Then they’re supposed to go to writing conferences, where they look for new writers, teach classes, and nurture professional writers. I honestly don’t see how they do it all. I have always tried to respect the time constraints my editors have and thank them for their efforts. And I try to meet my deadlines and not be too protective of my writing (taking criticism like a big girl). At the same time, I am persistent if there’s a question I need answered or a concern I have. And it’s nice to have an agent at that point to be a mediator. The main piece of advice I have is: if you want to write for a living, don’t burn your bridges!

2. Tricia: If you were asked to write a travel article about your hometown, what would the opening paragraph be?

Dena: I grew up in Dumas, Texas . So I’ll do a couple of sentences about it, because those years were formative for me: Perched on the high plains of the Lone Star State, this windy city—where the women have to use industrial strength hairspray to keep their Texas-sized hairdos in place-- is a friendly, old-fashioned gateway to just about anywhere.

And I’ve lived in my current town, Granbury , Texas , for about ten years. It’s home now…
Nestled around a lake, Granbury is full of quaint bed and breakfasts, friendly people and great shopping. Sure, it has growing pains—but it’s a wonderful place to raise your kids…or just visit.

3. Tricia: You have two kids at home. How do you balance writing and motherhood?

Dena: Not very well, sometimes. I usually try to limit my writing to two days a week, although I do a few small things daily (check emails and respond, blog, etc). My oldest is in school M-F, and our toddler goes to a little church preschool up the road on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9-2:30. So those are my sacred writing times. If I have a deadline or an assignment that leaks over into other times, my hubby will watch the kids (his schedule is somewhat flexible) or I’ll get a sitter to come to the house. And I’ve been known to stay up late and do writing while my hubby watches television. No getting up early for me, though—my brain doesn’t work until about 9:30 or 10 a.m. Mostly, I rein myself in because I love to write and I could fill up every waking minute with work. But that wouldn’t be good for my relationship to God or my marriage, friendships or kids! And I know that my youngest will only be little for so long—so I’ll wait until he starts school fulltime to devote hours every day to the craft.

4. Tricia: You have a drama background. How had this benefited your writing?

Dena: I’m sensitive to what makes people pay attention—and to details. I also have an ear for dialogue and I know that there’s no drama when there’s no conflict. Even in non-fiction, it’s important to tell stories and not just relate the principle you’re trying to get across.

5. Tricia: You offer a free e-book for journaling on your website. How do you think journaling benefits writers?

Dena: It’s a place to write freely and not worry about being criticized, rejected, or laughed at. My journals (and I have a lot—I’ve been journaling since I was eleven) are a picture of what my life is like, warts and all. And sometimes, when I need to recall what I felt or said at a particular moment, they’re invaluable.



6. Tricia: I love your Groovy Chicks’ Roadtrip (TM) books. What was the grooviest part about writing them?

Dena: Getting to read stories from all different kinds of women. The books are compilations, and my co-author (Laurie Barker Copeland) and I had the joy of discovering the talents of several amazing writers who had never been published before. And the stories were so varied---it was neat to see how God works in so many wonderful ways to navigate our individual journeys (when we let Him!).

7. Tricia: Everywhere I look on your website, blog, book titles, I find the word "Grace." What's up with that?

Dena: Well, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior at a young age, but I grew up with a faulty view of God. For several reasons, I really thought He was hard and judgmental, and I never felt like I measured up. Then, in my twenties, I got sooo tired of trying to be perfect. My life fell apart, and God—with the help of a godly Christian counselor—built me back up. And He revealed His true nature—love. Of course, He is perfect and so He has to reject sin, but I finally understood that when Jesus died on the cross and when I accepted His sacrifice, He became my righteousness. I didn’t have to try and be enough or do enough for God. That was freeing….that was grace. And I can’t get enough of it. I think so many women, even (or especially) in the Church, have believed Satan’s lies and feel that they’ll never be enough. My message is that you don’t have to be enough. He is enough.

8. Tricia: Cookies or potato chips?

Dena: Cookies. Preferably chocolate chip.

9. Tricia: If I were to show up on your doorstep and whisk you off to dinner, where would you suggest we go? What would you order?

Dena: I think I’d say “On the Border,” if you were up for a drive (25 minutes). And I would order empanadas. They’re wonderful little meat pockets…mmmmmm…..I’m getting hungry!

10. Tricia: I know you're mind (like mine) is always coming up with new ideas. How do you organize and focus your writing ideas?

Dena: For book ideas, I mull things over and talk them through with my agent or my husband, and see what rings their bell(s). I also write about things on my blog and the feedback I get tells me whether or not I’ve hit on something that resonates with my audience. With article ideas, I put them in a folder and start clipping things that relate, either from magazines or the Internet. Eventually, I’ll have enough material to either write a query or write the story. If I don’t have an assignment, I’ll create my own deadlines. I work better when I know when I have to finish.

Dena Dyer http://www.denadyer.com/
Amazing Grace-land, my blog:http://www.denadyer.typepad.com/

Where in the e-World is Tricia Goyer?

Where in the e-World is Tricia Goyer?

Suzanne Woods Fisher's Interview with with me.

Fiction Friday on Writer Mom Interrupted.

Also, if you want to check out some photos from my book launch with my writer friend Joanna Weaver, go here. I'll be posting all the details of the launch soon!

Where is Juanita?

My friends Stephen and Janet Bly have come up with a fun way to promote Stephen's new book. Check this out . . .

AUTHOR TAKES ON CHARACTER’S QUEST

Stephen Bly of Winchester, Idaho, award winning author of 100 books, has so gotten into his newest character’s life, that he’s caught up in the search to find Juanita, the girl of rodeo cowboy Hap Bowman’s dreams. “An idiot obsession,” Hap’s roping partner, Laramie, chides. But Hap and Steve keep looking anyway. And so does Bly’s family, friends and fans. He’s listed her description on the home page of http://www.onestepovertheborder.com/: raven dark hair, dark eyes, has a petite birthmark the shape of a horse’s head under her right ear. She lived in sight of the Rio Grande and spent time with 12-year-old Hap Bowman in Central Wyoming, summer of 1988 and is 31 years old now.

Bly’s hoping to see “Have you seen my Juanita?” signs pop up everywhere—on websites and message boards, in waiting rooms and bulletin boards, on car bumpers and t-shirts, at rest stops and stuck to magnetic surfaces. “Maybe we really will find her,” Bly says, “If so, she’ll be featured on our website for sure.”

One Step Over the Border is a romp, a road adventure. It's CowboyLit that has inspired a blog by Hap Bowman, a Juanita Sightings page, and an audio poetry reading. Bly’s three sons are working on a video for the site and they’ve gotten the whole family involved in the production. There’s even a free “Have You Seen My Juanita?” Search Kit ready to send to those who e-mail cowboy Hap at HapBowman@yahoo.com with their snail mail address.

Bly’s no stranger to getting heavily involved into his characters. In Paperback Writer a distracted detective rides along with his author, serving as alter ego and companion in troubles on the road. “Life imitates art, they say,” Bly muses. “I care so much for my characters I find it hard to let them go. But also my desire is for the reader to find their own real life discoveries, to be encouraged in their own struggles, by the vicarious ‘entering into’ the quests of my fictional characters.”

The story of Hap’s search to find his Juanita, in the book One Step Over the Border, releases June 2007, by Center Street/Hachette Book Group, USA. Pre-orders are now available through http://www.blybooks.com/ and soon will be via
http://www.amazon.com/ or your favorite online bookstore.














So . . . have you seen Juanita????

10 Questions for Stephanie Whitson

10 Questions for Stephanie Whitson



1. Tricia: You've written numerous novels, but I have to say when I saw your title, "A Garden in Paris" I got so jealous. That is the most perfect title ever! Can you tell me a little about the story and the sequel? (A sequal which has the second best title ever!)

Stephanie: The theme of both books is "it's never too late to be what you might have been." The main characters are mother and daughter and both of them are having an identity crisis. Circumstances in their lives just aren't cooperating with their image of themselves. The mother, Mary, has suppressed much of her true self in order to please the older man she married. When he dies, she finds herself estranged from her grown daughter (who thinks of her mother as a boring homebody) and depressed to the point that she is contemplating suicide when the book opens. Finding mention of her first love in a magazine for sale in a rummage store sends Mary on a quest to reconcile some of her past mistakes as she tries to move forward in life. In the process of finding herself, Mary is enabled to show parts of herself to Liz that her daughter never knew existed.

Everything doesn't get all ironed out easily, but there is a reconciliation that carries both characters into the next book where new challenges arise that make them both really think about the question "just exactly what and who do I want to be when I grow up?". The titles you love indicate places where pivotal scenes in Mary and Liz's lives occur.

2. Tricia: What do you remember most about YOUR first summer in France?

Stephanie: A sailor named Pascal. Crying when I opened my eyes (having fallen asleep on the bus into town) and saw the Eiffel Tower. A sweet Swiss woman who talked to me on the bus on my way up to L'Abri and complimented my French, thereby giving me the courage to open my mouth and actually learn to speak the language. Climbing the biggest sand dune in Europe and spending the day on the beach. Exploring bunkers on that dune and reading German graffiti left by the soldiers who once guarded the shore during the occupation. The old soldier running the Eiffel Tower elevator who showed us his service pin and told us how much he loved Americans (thereby making me cry). Modeling a designer gown for a Concours d'Elegance and being assigned to ride in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. Cooking corn-on-the cob for my French friends and having them wonder aloud if they would start moo-ing or oink-ing after they ate it. Coming back to the school where I lived late one night and looking up at the big dipper shining in the sky above the pine trees and pausing to memorize the scene so I'd never forget it. Eating lots of soup at school because we were having the kind of meat we called "michelin" for the main course that night. Giggling about the brand name of the orange drink at our table. (Pschitt). Being disappointed by the Mona Lisa. Being awed by Notre Dame. Hearing Gregorian chants in a small church at Roc-amadour. Having a bullfight afficianado narrate the experience in Bayonne. And knowing that I had a new love named France.

3. Tricia: You've also written a non-fiction book. Why did you pick that topic? Stephanie: After my husband died, a newly widowed friend and I were talking on the phone one day. His wife had died suddenly about 6 months before this conversation and someone at church had stopped him that Sunday and said, "So. I guess things are back to normal at your house by now, huh?" My friend had called me and we were commiserating about how inept people can be when they try to converse with the grieving. I joked on the phone, "you and I should write a book and call it 'Lifestyles of the Well-Meaning but Clueless'." We laughed that day, but the more I thought about it the more I realized that people need HELP knowing how to relate to their grieving friends. So. I contacted four close friends who had endured profound personal loss and we got together and came up with a compiled list of things people had done that truly did give MEANINGFUL help. I didn't want to do a "don't say this/don't do that" book.

I wanted it to be positive. Eventually the format became "How it Feels", which are short excerpts from things I wrote after my husband died (meant to help people understand what is REALLY going on underneath that smile you see at church on Sunday), coupled with "How to Help." The "helps" pages are designed to be a 20 minute read on the way to the funeral -- the kind of thing that offers very practical help that anyone can relate to. I wrote it because everywhere I look I see people who are well meaning but clueless. Before my husband died, I was one of them!

4. Tricia: Please describe your office for us as if you were setting the stage for one of your novels.

Stephanie: Descend to the catacombs -- a step down from the hallway that brought you down here. If you are tall, you will have to duck beneath the rounded brick archway that makes you feel like you're headed for someone's wine cellar. To your right there is a wall of books. The oak shelves look old, but they're from Sam's Club. Honest. The quilts crammed between the top of the book shelves and the ceiling ARE old, some of them dating back to the 1860's. Barely visible behind the farm ladder to your right (which is also piled with quilts and quilt tops) you can see a couple of boxes of antique photos -- the kind you get at flea markets and auctions because no one knows who they are anymore.

Straight ahead is an oak library table topped with a table-length organizer that was once a family's camp kitchen. As you walk around it, you see that it's stuffed with all manner of papers, mail, printer paper, and office gadgets. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason, but the owner of the desk insists that there is. She has created a "U" shape work area by opening a half-size card table on her left and positioning a two-drawer lateral file on her right. She's also added a few personal things to the area definitely not purchased at the local office supply. Her pencil holder is 2 tin cans nailed to a board -- the work of the son who was once eight and could barely wield a hammer, and who just finished building his own home. There's a photograph of her four kids when they were little. They must have lived in the country at some point because the background is definitely rural Nebraska. There's a smiling high school-aged kid, too. Her step son. Another photograph is of three smiling beauties posing just outside the Louvre -- her daughter and her two best friends in Paris -- a trip where she served as chaperone and tour director. There's also a small shadow box that features weird things like an old razor, a safe driving award, and a $2 bill. Two black and white photos are part of the collage The author at 2 with her mother. . . and the author at 2 with her dad.

Old iron floor lamps provide the lighting for the work area and illuminates piles of notes and partially finished manuscripts and stuff waiting to be filed. She insists it's better than it is on some days. We hope she's lying.

5. Tricia: Like me, you spent many years homeschooling. What is one thing you treasure about that time?

Stephanie: Exactly what you just said. The time. The time to get to know each child individually and to teach them in a way that worked for them. The time to see their eyes light up with understanding. The time for them to play together and to learn to be good friends. The time to savor parenting -- to delight in my children.

6. Tricia: I've heard a rumor somewhere that since 2001 you have been Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, and Bride . . . what do you appreciate most about your groom?

Stephanie: "He loves with his heart -- not with his eyes." I am actually quoting his first wife -- who was my best friend. Before Celest died of breast cancer in 1996 she was interviewed for a public television program on women fighting that disease. When the interviewer asked her about the challenges her mastectomies had introduced into her marriage her answer was, "Not many. But you have to realize that I am blessed to be loved by a man who loves with his heart, not with his eyes." That's my Daniel.

7. Tricia: If you were to encourage me to join you for a motorcycle tour (which would be quite interesting in itself!) where would we go?

Stephanie: St. Remy in Provence (southern France) or Tuscany (after a stop at the Ducati factory in Bologna, Italy).

8. Tricia: What are three of your favorite movies . . . NOT including those released in the last ten years?

Stephanie: French Kiss, Charade, Sabrina (the new one)

9. Tricia: If you could time travel to any time period, which would you pick? Why?

Stephanie: Can I take my prescription glasses with me? If not. . there's no point because I won't be able to see where I be :-).

Assuming certain modern conveniences would be stashed in a "go-bag" to be transported with me, I'd probably want to go somewhere to witness first hand a couple of things I've been curious about as inspiration for novels. So I'd go back to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1879 or to Paris in 1725 . I'd have to be at least minor royalty for that second one. Could you arrange that?

10. Tricia: If the Oprah show called you up and allowed you to talk about ANY subject, what would you pick?

Stephanie: Surviving the worst thing you can imagine ever happening and then taking that event and turning it into something life-changing in a positive way. "When Life Gives you Scraps. . . Make a Quilt."

Thanks Stephanie!

For more information about Stephanie Whitson, go