It's Real Life: October 2007

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

God is good.

He's faithful. And I know His plans are perfect! Thanks for ALL your encouragement through comments and private emails. I feel loved :-)! And God keeps sending me notes that He has a perfect plan.

I love this quote I got via email (one of those daily quote places):

If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to discipline you. If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to prune you. If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him.
~Bruce Wilkinson

I'm abiding more deeply in Him no matter what happens!

One cool thing is that I've started a blessings/prayer/adjustments journal. I've been carrying it with me, writing down blessings throughout the day. I am VERY blessed.

Also, I finished George Mueller's biography (the kid's version :-) and I started a prayer journal. George believed "God knows my needs and knows everyone and everything and will connect the needs with the answers at the right time." So I've been jotting those prayers down, too. Just my heart desires that I'm sharing with God. And I'm already seeing them answered in unexpected, and very cool, ways!!

Monday, October 29, 2007

It's amazing how things work.

Last week I was very discouraged to hear that I wouldn't be writing a new, three-book historical series. Still, I trust God. I knew I'd connect with the right publisher at the right time.

Well, it was pretty cool, because without me having to go out and look there is another publishing house is interested. I won't say more than that, but it was a wonderful encouragement.

So, I was sharing with my new writing-friend Janet Richardson. She told me to celebrate by buying a $4 cup of coffee.

My response: Venti, sugar-free, non-fat, vanilla latte $3.80.

Her response:

Sugar-free and non-fat?
If that's how you CELEBRATE,
I'd hate to see how you mourn!
:)

Now that's FUNNY!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe

This week the CFBA is touring Illuminted by Jars of Clay founder and ex-band member, Matt Bronleewe!

About the author: Matt Bronleewe is a recognized producer, songwriter and author. The former member of the band Jars of Clay, has earned numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. His songs have recently been recorded by Disney pop sensations Aly & AJ, American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke, and more. Bronleewe has worked with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Michael W. Smith, International pop singer Natalie Imbruglia and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere.

Born in Dallas, Texas, Bronleewe was raised on a farm in Kansas, where he lived until he left for college in 1992. At Greenville College in Illinois, Bronleewe formed the band Jars of Clay with his dorm roommate and two neighbors, and the group soon found success. Though Bronleewe opted to leave Jars of Clay early on to pursue an academic career, he soon found himself in Nashville, co-writing, producing, and playing music professionally.

To add to his list of accomplishments, Bronleewe has expanded his love of story telling beyond music into authorship. He is currently penning a 5 book series for Thomas Nelson Fiction. Illuminated, in stores now, begins the adventurous series about rare manuscripts and the mysteries within. "I believe we are entering a new Renaissance," shares Bronleewe. "We have the power to express our thoughts, ideas and knowledge in ways never before possible. There are new creative mediums cropping up everyday. It's easy to get caught up in the differences between these creative outlets, but in truth, they are synergetic, working together to foster a new age of artistic innovation. In the end, it all boils down to storytelling, and we all have a great story to tell."

Bronleewe currently resides in Brentwood, Tenn., with his wife and three children. He continues to write and produce music, and he also volunteers through his church to help disadvantaged youth in the community. Bronleewe enjoys reading, taste-testing good food and watching sports, as well as indulging his interests in art, architecture, design and science.

About the book: IT'S BEEN 500 YEARS IN THE MAKING...PREPARE TO BE ILLUMINATED...

August Adams has failed his family before. He's sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.

It's a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he'll destroy a national treasure.

The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.

You can find out more on his webpage...

Thursday, October 25, 2007

A Shadow of Treason blog tour

Calling Bloggers!

Stories Needed for new book proposal(s):

Book titles:
Bloggable: Fifty of the best MOMMY chronicles found on-line
Bloggable: Fifty of the best MARRIAGE chronicles found on-line
Bloggable: Fifty of the best FRIENDSHIP chronicles found on-line
Bloggable: Fifty of the best HUMOR chronicles found on-line

Concept: The best blogs now in a book!

This is a book that will compile the best of the best inspirational blogs on the world-wide-web. Submissions should be inspiring, faith-filled, and based on true experiences—no fiction, please. Think of comment-worthy blogs readers forward to their friends.

Blogs must be previously published on the Internet and submitted by the author. If you have a favorite blog you've read, pass on these guidelines and encourage the blogger to submit!

1. Send submissions to tricia@thegoyers.com as an attached WORD document in 12-point Times new Roman font. (Up to three submission per blogger.)

2. Please include the author’s name, your blog address, and contact information on the first page of every submission.

3. Blog submissions should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300-1200 words.

4. If your blog is published in this book, you will be paid $50 upon publication and two free copies of the book.

5. Please include a link to your story published on the Internet.

6. When you submit, you will be asked to sign a release form, giving me permission to use your blog. Submissions will not be considered until the release form is signed and returned.

Just think of all the new readers to YOUR blog!

Exciting, eh?

Tricia Goyer

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Changes ...

I just found out that I won't be writing any more historical fiction novels for Moody Publishing. The sales numbers just aren't there.

Don't worry .... my last novel is still coming out. You DON't want to miss #3 in The Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, A Whisper of Freedom.

Good thoughts:

I gave my very best. I held nothing back. I wrote will all my heart, and I marketed to the best of my ability. I felt God's pleasure as I wrote. I daily get notes from people whose hearts were changed because of those novels.

The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. If I have Him I'm in need of nothing else!

I also have to say that though this isn't what I expected, I know this is not the way Moody wanted things to go either. I have never felt so loved, cared for, and appreciated by any other group of people in my life--I suppose that's also what makes it so difficult. AND (yes) we still have A Whisper of Freedom coming out in February ... so they're not done with me yet!

Finally, I woke up with the words from this quote in my mind. I had read it aloud during a speaking engagement last week, and at the time I didn't know how much I WOULD need the words.

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you have to tread. It is short only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head . . . This thing is from ME.”

--Laura A. Barter Snow, Streams in the Desert, February 1.

I'm thankful for my loving Father who watches over me ... and the stories He's entrusted me with ... and know exactly what He plans for each!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The "Official" cover

of Generation NeXt Marriage: A couples guide to keeping it together!

Monday, October 22, 2007

What was I thinking?

My friend, Robin Jones Gunn and I were interviewed by Dianne by Christianbook.com. Robin listened as I was interviewed. And when Robin was interviewed ... I laid down on Dianne's bed and fell fast asleep. (I told Robin it's because her voice was sooooo soothing.)

Anyway, you can listen to Robin's interview at:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=19827&sp=67484&event=67484RNF102305367484

Oh my, I hope you can't hear my snores!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Happy Sisteranniversary!

Happy Sisteranniversary!

It was one year ago today that my sister, Lesley, emailed me, introducing me to the world of Sisters. What an amazing year it has been!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Guest Blogger...Judy Fedele

If it’s not one thing…

…it’s my mother, calling with the kvetch of the day. For those of you not familiar with a kvetch, it’s similar to a nag, which is like a constant annoying reminder, only more so. If by chance my mother neglects to fill her nag quota while on the phone, I can always count on an email with a more extensive list. My mom is big into lists. From the time I was old enough to make my own lists I had (as a joke) compiled an alphabetical list of all her ailments so I knew what I was in for as I got older.

I’ve reached the age myself, though, where I’ve started on an ailment list of my very own. Not a good thing to get sidetracked by serious health issues with young children and a busy household to run. For me, illness is like an obstacle course: I’m always running and dodging, trying to leap over the daily hurdles that challenge me in ways I never imagined.

The big one from my list is Fibromyalgia. This disease is like a combination of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue. Add to the mix sleep disturbances preventing any kind of restorative sleep – which produces another symptom, “brain fog” - memory problems equivalent to those often experienced during pregnancy. In trying to explain the illness to my older daughter, I described the effects as if they were the Seven Dwarves: Achy, Cranky, Forgetful, Gimpy, Sleepy, Weary … plus the occasional visit with Doc.

I’ve had quite a variety of responses from people when they learn that I have Fibromyalgia. Some have never heard of it; others know the name but few details about the symptoms. One fun thing about having an oddly-named disease are the unique pronunciations that people come up with. One friend (a nurse, by the way) called it Fibro Malaysia. Malaysia is a country in south-east Asia, sweetie. Also really liked the one from my pastor, who called it Fiber My Algae. While it’s important to get enough fiber in your diet, that’s not what the disease is about. As for myself, I just like to call it Fibro What Ails You. That pretty much sums it up for me. One day you feel like you got hit by a truck; the next day it might feel more like a bus or a train. Every day is different. Just a nice little bonus of the disease, all the variety.

Some days are fine; other times the flare-ups just wipe me out and make ordinary things extraordinarily difficult. Simple things exacerbate the pain, like lifting a child out of a car seat and into a grocery cart. When even the little things are a challenge, it takes an even greater effort to make the effort to do them. One of my favorite quotes is from an old article, “Obstacles are in the mind, inventing them.” Sometimes we set ourselves up for failure just by believing that we will fail. So we choose to not even try, which is failure in itself. If you let a little pain prevent you from living your life, it’s not really much of a life. But there are times you have to just push through the pain (much like during childbirth) and keep on plugging.

I say all this not to complain, or to illicit sympathy, but to make a point. There is not a person on this planet who doesn’t have some kind of difficulty in their life. Sometimes, as with me, it’s a health issue; sometimes it’s a problem with a relationship, or financial, or the like. But we have a greater source than ourselves to draw on when we are beyond our own abilities. The Bible is replete with images of illness turned to triumph, of disaster changed to blessing. We may not understand why we are allowed to suffer, but there is always a point to be made or a lesson to learn. God’s ways are not our ways. We may not see the blessing in the day-to-day difficulties, but it’s there. There are times where He uses the flip side of blessing to draw us closer to him. If we can learn to praise him when times are bad, the good times will be even sweeter. God can use the problems in our lives to prove that He is with us always, through good times and bad. To walk in true relationship with the Lord is the greatest gift ever. A daily dose of communion.

In the book of 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul mentioned suffering from a ‘thorn in his flesh.’ Though he repeatedly asked God to remove the ‘thorn’ (which some scholars believe was the onset of blindness) and restore his health, Paul did not get the answer he was looking for. He did, however, receive a greater answer: “But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New International Version)

So maybe I can’t do everything the same way or with the same energy that I used to. But I know that the Lord’s grace is with me, sustaining me through all my weakness. Fibromyalgia is a thorn that in all likelihood will never be removed from my side (or my knees, or my back, or my neck.) But that’s okay. Because His grace is sufficient for me, whatever my needs are. And that sure tops my list.

Judy Fedele
Publicity, Believers’ Chapel MOPS in Cicero, New York

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

What A Wife Says

Good morning, husband.

Can you believe we’re finally married?

What would you like for dinner?

You’re the best.

Don’t worry I’ll take care of it.

Sorry . . . I forgot.

But, I’ve always done it that way.

Yes, I, uh, think it’s a great gift.

I don’t believe that’s what you told me.

Let’s just try.

Guess what? You’re going to be a daddy!

You want what name?!

That’s not funny.

Don’t touch me.

Hold me.

You did this to me!

Oh, he looks like you . . .

It’s your turn tonight.

You found a babysitter? Are you sure? Can we trust her?

Wow, you found a babysitter! You’re the best.

Yes, I still love you.

I’ll be off in a minute.

Can we call for a pizza?

I’m too tired tonight.

Oh, baby!

I was hoping for a chance to talk.

I’m sleeping on the couch.

You’re working late again?

I’m going to my mothers.

I’m sorry.

But we didn’t have money for that.

You signed him up for what?

Yes, I really needed it, even if it was on clearance.

But you promised . . .

It’s exactly what I wanted! Thanks!

I love it when you do that.

Why did you do that?

You’re so insensitive.

You’re the greatest man who ever lived.

He got that from your side of the family.

You deal with it.

I can’t believe it’s just us again.

Yes, let’s go!

I’m tired.

You make me feel so alive.

Let me rub your shoulders.

You shouldn’t have.

No, you didn’t!

You won’t believe who called today . . .

Let’s sleep in.

A dog?

A new car?

Well, you’re no spring chicken, either.

I’m too young to be a grandma.

We always go there on vacation.

Let’s try something new.

I like things the way they were.

I like things they way they are now.

Isn’t that turned up a little loud?

I love being your wife.

Remember when . . .

Maybe we should have the doctor check that out.

You always make me smile.

You know me as well as I know myself.

Thank you.

You’re so thoughtful.

How can I live without you?

Yes, I’ll be brave.

I’m going to miss you.

You were forever my true love.

Goodbye.

Monday, October 15, 2007

The World War II Liberators Series

Cool. I just found out that my World War II series is being re-packaged and sold as "WWII The Liberators series at Christian Book Distributors! Just in time for Christmas!

They also are posting the discussion questions for each book!

Here's the description of the set: Global conflict split the world in two and ordinary men and women found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Inspired by true events, these four novels by Tricia Goyer highlight historical facts, human feelings, and the higher purpose behind history's call.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Nobody by Creston Mapes

Creston's book is touring this week with Christian Fiction Blog Alliance!

Meet Creston: Creston Mapes is a talented storyteller whose first two novels, Dark Star and Full Tilt, made him a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year awards and the Inspirational Readers Choice awards. Creston has written for major corporations, colleges, and ministries, including Coca-Cola, TNT Sports, Oracle, Focus on the Family, and In Touch Ministries. Committed to his craft and his family, Creston makes his home in Georgia with his wife, Patty, and their four children.

He's been married for twenty-one years to the girl he first loved way back in fourth grade. They have three lovely girls and a boy in a very close-knit family, spending a lot of time together - watching old classic movies, going on outings, and taking in various school and community events and activities. Creston loves to go for morning walks with his dog, read, paint watercolors, meet friends for coffee and Bible study, watch hockey, take his wife on dates, and spend time in God's Word.

About the Book: Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas!

They said, “He’s a nobody.”

They were dead wrong.

When reporter Hudson Ambrose hears an early morning call on his police scanner about an injured person at a bus stop on Las Vegas Boulevard, he rushes to the scene to get the scoop.His world is blown off its axis when he discovers a murdered homeless man with a bankbook in his pocket showing a balance of almost one million dollars. Should he wait for the police, knowing the case will get lost in reams of red tape, or swipe the bankbook and take the investigation–and perhaps a chunk of the money–into his own hands?

With sirens bearing down on the scene, Hudson makes an impulse decision that whisks him on a frantic search for answers, not only about the mysterious dead man, but about the lost soul lurking within himself.

Uncovering bizarre links between a plane crash, a Las Vegas pit boss, a dirty cop, and a widowed Atlanta business mogul, Hudson is forced to find out: who was Chester Holte, what was he doing on the streets, and why are his homeless friends convinced he was an angel in disguise?

Endorsements:

“Nobody was absolutely riveting from the opening scene to the final page. With compelling characters, a plot that surprised me at every turn, and a subtle, yet profound message that moved me to tears, this book goes straight to the top of my highly recommended list.”- Deborah Raney, author of Remember to Forget and Within This Circle

“A taut, entertaining novel of mystery, intrigue, and spiritual truth. Creston Mapes delivers a winner in Nobody.”- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of No Legal Grounds and Try Dying“

Nobody had me fascinated from the first paragraph and kept the surprises coming to the very end. Somehow, as the pages flew by, it also managed to convey a beautiful picture of faith the size of a mustard seed. From now on I’ll read anything by Creston Mapes the instant it hits the shelves.”- Athol Dickson, Christy Award—winning author of River Rising and The Cure

Buy the book here.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Guest Blogger...Judy Fedele

"Counter Productive"

I admit it. I’m a Food TV junkie. We had the channel when I first got married, and I learned a lot from the Food Network about cooking. (Plus amassed a binder full of recipes to boot!) When we moved from our apartment into our current house a few years ago, we scaled down and just got basic, basic cable. No more Food TV. Then with the arrival of our two children, the mere idea of fancy sauces and unpronounceable French techniques cook a back burner to the more practical seaweed & octopus (top ramen noodles and a hot dog cut lengthwise into eight slices.) My husband has simple tastes, too. A nice plate of pasta will fit the bill any night. So there’s not much room for creative cooking, at least not at this time in my life.

Recently a deal came along for a combined internet, tv and phone service at a good price, so we upgraded. Which meant a return to my long-lost love… Food TV Network. They have all kinds of new shows, plus a few oldies whose faces and shows I remembered. Like a kid with an endless pile of candy (no, honey, that’s my Halloween stash…) I switch it on whenever I get the chance. Folding laundry on the floor in front of a cooking show can sometimes be the highlight of my day.

As a rule, I tend to be go-go-go all the time. My household is super busy, and I do my best to keep on top of everything. So when I can multi-task and do more than one thing at a time (like laundry & tv) I go for it.

It amazes me to watch professional chefs churn out fancy-schmancy meals with such ease. But of course, these folks have the benefit of all the needed ingredients right at their fingertips, plus all the cooking school skills to help maximize their time. So in the sterile world of television cooking, it really is possible to create fabulous feasts in 30 minutes or less. And though I also love to cook, I’m not the fastest knife in the West. Could use some culinary arts training myself to pick up a little speed.

I do try my hardest to be organized and efficient in the kitchen, but it seems like all I do is run in circles from one task to another, never quite finishing any one thing before I start up with the next. Counter productive behavior. With a busy family it takes a ton of effort to do all the menu planning, fridge and freezer purging, shopping, unpacking and stocking, prep work, cooking, getting everyone washed and sitting down, feeding the family, and keeping them seated during the feeding. Not to mention all the cleanup when everything else is done. Kitchen work consumes me; I want it to be the other way around. I’d like to be ‘Counter Productive’ – productive at my kitchen counter, where, like a commando mission, I get in, get out, and get on with my life.

Maybe if I wasn’t interrupted so much by the kids, the dog, my husband, (my kids), phone calls, other demands on my time (and my kids again), I might find it easier to focus and get it done. Seems I’m in a season of distraction. I once heard that the more interruptions you get in your day, the more valuable you are as a person. Well, I guess all the “Mama! Mama! Mama!’s” I get every day definitely qualify me for super valuable status.

So, maybe my family won’t be dining on escargot in a pastry dome, chateaubriand with bernaise sauce, or sea bass poached in a court bouillon with sauteed batonnet of carrots and zucchini anytime soon, (though that actually sounds pretty good…) but I don’t think they’ll miss it. They’ve got me around, and the time I invest in my family is, well, the icing on the cake. And it’s pretty good cake, if I say so myself. Even if I’m the one who has to clean up the crumbs.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Today...

Today ... I choose to give God all my burdens.

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Today ... I choose to focus on what really matters.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions ... I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am you may be also." John 14:1-3

Today ... I will seek God for my education and ask for His help.

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

Today ... I will read God Word and discover His way because I know His way will lead me to life, hope, peace, joy.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

Today ... I will remember that happily-ever-after is NOT a thing of fairy tales.

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also early wait for the Savior,the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20

Today ... I choose to praise!

"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1

Today ... I invite you to do the same!

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Sweet deal

Don't you love when you find a "sweet deal" ... something exciting to you ... but something that other people might not think twice about. I love when I find just the right book or outfit or see just the right movie or hear just the right song. It's they I whisper, "Score." Followed by "Thank you, Lord."

SCORE. Saturday night I attended a banquet fundraiser for a local Christian academy. I wore an adorable polka-dotted dress with Italian-made red shoes. I found the shoes on Clearance for $5.99. And the dress? $2.99 on clearance. Score!

Friday I took my daughter on a lunch date and then to the mall for new jeans. At the mall was a used book sale I forgot about. Among the books I picked up was a thick volume called THE WALL (for post-WWII series), a book called ALL THE THINGS WE WERE, written in the 1960s about the 1930s. A book titled INSIDE ASIA written during WWII. As you know, if I want to be true to the thoughts and feelings of people during that time in history the information inside these books are priceless. I got those and three other Christian books for ... $10. Score!

Then last night I rented a movie that turned out to be one of my all time favorites--SAINTS AND SOLDIERS. Well-written, well-acted, gospel message. SCORE!

So, what have been your SCORES lately? What do you have to thank the Lord for?

Monday, October 08, 2007

Ahhhh....He helped me with Arms of Deliverance

Jack painted the noses of B-17s.

GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE DOING WELL. WE BOTH ARE AGING, JAN IS NOW 82 AND I WILL BE 89 IN OCTOBER. NOVEMBER WILL SEE OUR 62 ANNIVERSARY. DO NOT KNOW WHERE THE TIME WENT.

WE BOTH USE CANES AND WALKERS WHERE NEEDED, MUCH BETTER THAN FALLING AND HAVING WORSE PROBLEMS. THE MIND S ARE STILL YOUNG AND WE STILL ENJOY ATTENDING PLAYS AT THE RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY PLAYERS AND THE REDLANDS FOOTLIGHTERS. WE GO OUT TO DINNER MORE OFTEN ALSO.

I AM STILL ABLE TO DO SOME ARTWORK SO ALL IS NOT LOST.

GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY

RESPECTFULLY,

JACK & JAN GAFFNEY

Friday, October 05, 2007

Hey did you hear about this AWESOME Contest/s?

I must be bored (not) and rich (totally not)...because I'm having another contest!

Yep, that's right...a C-O-N-T-E-S-T!

(Details on the OTHER contest -- for teens! here!)

This contest runs from September 16 through October 26 !

Here's the SCOOP!

Did you live your teen years unscripted? Or did you think it through and make wise choices?
Write a sample script from your teen years (I know--scary!) and post it along with information about my book on your blog! Your script could be where you make a good choice ... or a not so good one. Also share how God's Word helps you as you script your life today!

The person with most creative blog post during the tour will win a gift basket which includes starbucks coffee, amazon gift card, an itunes gift card, and more. There will also be 5 runner up small gift baskets.

Oh...wait! There's one more contest! Ha!

If you sign up for my newsletter here between now and Oct. 12, you'll be entered to win all of my fiction books (6 books!)

Okay...I think that's it...for now! :)

Thursday, October 04, 2007

The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

This week Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is touring Kristin Billerbeck's The Trophy Wives Club!

Haley Cutler is the consummate trophy wife. Perhaps "was" is the more accurate term. Haley married Prince Charming when she was only twenty years old – back in the day when highlights came from an afternoon at the beach, not three hours in the salon.

When Jay first turned his eye to Haley, she was putty in his slender, graceful hands. No one ever treated her like she was important, and on the arm of Jay Cutler, she became someone people listened to and admired. Unfortunately, after seven years of marriage, her Prince Charming seems to belong to the Henry the XIII line of royalty. When Haley loses Jay, she not only loses her husband, she loses her identity.

With her first independent decision, Haley leaves LA and moves home to Northern California. Feeling freedom just within her grasp, Haley learns that her settlement payments must go through one of Jay's financial advisors, Hamilton Lowe. Haley believes he's nothing more than a spy. And the feelings of distrust are mutual. Yet somehow, Hamilton finds himself handing over the monthly checks in person, and Haley can't deny that there's a kind of tenderness and protectiveness in Hamilton that she's never experienced in a man before.

But before Haley can even consider another relationship, she must learn to accept her inherent worth, and what it is to be loved for who she is, not what's on the outside.

Meet Kristin: Kristin Billerbeck was born in Redwood City, California. She went to San Jose State University and majored in Advertising, then worked at the Fairmont Hotel in PR, a small ad agency as an account exec, and then,she was thrust into the exciting world of shopping mall marketing. She got married, had four kids, and started writing romance novels until she found her passion: Chick Lit. She is a CBA bestselling author and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year. Featured in the New York Times and USA Today, Kristin has appeared on the Today Show for her pioneering role in Christian chick lit.

Buy the book here!

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

What's on the horizon?

Wondering what's in the works?

Well...here's a sneak peak...I'll be writing a novel for Guideposts for their Home at Heather Creek series. The other authors in that series are: Carolyne Aarsen, Leslie Gould, Robert Elmer and Kristin Eckhardt. The series will be released through the Guideposts bookclub. Heather Creek Farm, a small family operation in beautiful Bedford, Nebraska, is a peaceful place to live. Charlotte Stevens raised her children on Heather Creek Farm, but when her daughter Denise is killed in a car accident, she gets to try parenthood all over again.

And...I've also received a new three book contract from Moody -- the Chains of Yesterday Series. It's a three Book Series on Post-War Germany. In a divided Germany, some men and women were reunited with missing family members. Others found love for a second time. Some families returned to their former homes, and even more made new homes together. And for those who traveled to Palestine ... a new country was created by survivors who had nothing to lose.

That's all for now.
But, I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Born Artists

I was raised in a home with no art appreciation, no music, no reading. My parents were TV people--soap operas, HBO, sports. I can never remember music playing in our house. I can't remember ever having a storybook read to me. They weren't very spiritual people either. In fact there was no spiritual heritage until my mom and grandma got saved when I was in 2nd grade.

When I was in the 6th grade, we moved about a mile from the library. I loved it! I read TONS. I drew. I dreamed. I listened to the radio. (Okay, it was 80s music, but I listened.)

It wasn't until I was 27 years that I met my biological dad. And guess what? His mother was an artist. His sister makes quilts. His brother and numerous cousins write. My sister sings. My other sister is very crafy. My other sister is a photographer and webdesigner. My grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great (you get the picture) were missionaries ... from all the way back to Luther, or so I'm told.

It was amazing to discover a spiritual and artistic heritage I never knew. It was "there" but it wasn't until later I discovered why. It was in my genes. Another thing ... my dad is a huge history buff, and guess what I write?

Sometimes things like these are hard to understand, but very cool.

Monday, October 01, 2007

I'm Famous...?

Yesterday I was cooking dinner when my son came in and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I think it's soon cool I have a famous mom."

"What brought that on?" I asked.

"Uh, mom, your name is on the cover of CCM Magazine!" He waved the magazine in my face.

Sure enough, it was! (it's at the top -- click on the image and you can see it better!)

I blog over at: www.myccm.org/triciagoyer

I LOVE Christian Music, I'm a CCM reader, so I thought ... why not???
It's a great community, and they pulled on of my blogs, published it, and put my name on the cover.

How cool is that?

I know the wonderful web editor, Chris Wells, has something to do with it. Chris, you ROCK!