Tricia Goyer is a multi-published author—twenty-five books to date. She is also the homeschooling mother of four and a dedicated church worker and speaker.


How does she find the time?



Tricia, you are a prolific writer of magazine articles, non-fiction books, and contemporary and historical novels. When did you first realize you wanted to write?


I first thought about writing in 1993. A friend from church, Cindy Martinusen, told me about her aspirations to become a novelist. My first thought was…Real people do that? She invited me to attend Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference with her. I was new as new can be. I was also 22-years-old and pregnant with my third child, but I learned enough at that conference to start off on the right track. And I’ve been actively working at my writing ever since.



Writers often refer to their first manuscript as “the book of their heart.” What was your “heart” book? Has it sold, or is it still waiting in the wings?


The book that is the most “me” is Blue Like Play Dough. It’s a mommy memoir that shares how God shaped me in my role as a mom. So much of me and my family is in that book—my transformation is within those pages. I’m also currently working on a book that will share even more about my life—mostly about how to follow God’s call and do big things for Him.



How does your faith play into your writing?


I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without my faith. When I was seventeen years old I was a pregnant teenage girl who dropped out of school. I dedicated my life to God and asked Him to make something out of it. He has! My writing comes out of my life. Faith—and experiencing God—is a part of my everyday life.


My main goal is to provide entertainment in my novels, help and hope in my non-fiction, to inspire people to discover God in new ways.



Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?


Yes, in 1999 I felt God leading me to help start a crisis pregnancy center in our town. I wasn’t interested, but I felt that internal nudging that it was what I was supposed to do. This detour led me to being a volunteer director for many years. I also led Bible Studies, and I started mentoring teen moms. I was blessed by all the people that we were able to help, what I didn’t expect was for my own heart to be changed. Working with all those “needy” people was like sandpaper to the heart. I started caring more. It took me out of my comfort zone. I saw God work in amazing ways, and I wrote about that, too.



Even when God calls us to write, He requires us to put in a lot of time in front of the computer. How do you discipline yourself to write? Do you write every day? Where do you write?


I don’t write every day. I do write three-four days a week. I love to-do lists and I have them scheduled out weeks at a time. I write down what I need to do for writing deadlines, for errands, for meetings…you name it!


I write in my office or sometimes I write on the living room couch. I’m not one of those writers who goes to a coffee house or external office. I just need a place where I can semi-focus.



Let’s talk about your latest book, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, co-written with Ocieanna Fleiss, and published July 1 by Summerside Press. Please tell us about the story.


Here’s a summary of the story:


The Second World War has stolen Rosalie’s fiance from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle’s Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie’s strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent—but will it claim victory over love?


Ocieanna and I had a great time writing this book. We researched in Seattle and even interviewed five women who had worked on the Home Front. We were amazed by how everyone was so involved in the war effort. It was inspiring!



How did you and Ocieanna share the work on this book?


We both researched and worked on the plot together. I’d get an idea then she’d get one and then we’d build on that. We’d just go back and forth. We started out writing the first few chapters together, then Ocieanna wrote the first draft. I’d go over the second draft and edit and fill in. I’d also look up research and make sure everything was historically correct. She’d leave notes for me and I made sure everything worked.



You have a new book releasing in 2011, Beside Still Waters (B&H). Please tell us a little about it.


Beside Still Waters is the first in an Amish series. The series is set in Montana where there is a small, Amish community. It’s a series about community and faith, and it’s inspired by some of the true stories of some of the Amish I met.



Will there be more WWII stories coming from you anytime soon?


Yes! I’m working on another novel with Mike Yorkey, my co-writer for The Swiss Courier. It has to do with the Mona Lisa and WWII. We’re having fun working on it!



Is there one central theme that is usually or always present in your work?


Trusting God. No matter what is happening, wherever we are we can turn to Him, trust Him, and we’ll find hope.



A few fun questions…


When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?


I love ice cream. I usually eat it every day.



This website features writers as well as musicians, so I like to mix it up a bit. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?


No. LOL. Not at all. I play the radio!



What kind of music do you listen to when you’re relaxing with the radio or an mp3 player?


I love Christian Contemporary. Some favorites are Sanctus Real, Addison Road, Joy Williams, and Third Day.



If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?


Hopeful, upbeat, and inspirational!



Are you a major or a minor chord?


I have no idea what that means!



In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?


A female lead, for sure. I like to run the show. LOL.



I’m a dog lover and I know you are too. Please tell us about your dog.


We have a Scottie-Pom, which is a nice way to say he’s a mutt. He’s sweet, very loyal and thinks he owns the house!



Tricia, thanks for taking time to visit DivineDetour. Please come back again soon!

 

~ ~ ~


For more information about Tricia and her books, visit her website at www.triciagoyer.com.



To purchase Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington:


Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Love-Finds-Victory-Heights-Washington/dp/1609360001/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280193825&sr=1-2


Barnes & Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Love-Finds-You-in-Victory-Heights-Washington/Tricia-Goyer/e/9781609360009/?itm=1&USRI=tricia+goyer


Christianbooks, http://www.christianbook.com/love-finds-you-victory-heights-washington/tricia-goyer/9781609360009/pd/360009/1096678419?event=1001AUT|1703132|67484#curr