GIVEAWAY (5) BESIDE STILL WATERS - TRICIA GOYER INTERVIEWED

TRICIA GOYER SHORT BIO:Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

With all the Amish books out there what made you want to write a story about the Amish community? What was the draw for you?

A few years ago I was asked if I'd ever consider writing an Amish novel. The truth is, I hadn't. But the first seed of an idea was planted and my mind started to feed and water it. That's how novels usually start. Later that day, I remembered that my daughter had a friend, Saretta, whose parents were raised Amish. They moved from an Amish community in Indiana to Montana, and that is how we met. I also remember my daughter telling me Ora Jay and Irene lost two daughters in a buggy accident.

Hmmm, I thought. I'd love to hear their story. Maybe someday, if I see them again, I'll ask. The next day, my daughter Leslie and I went out for some mom and daughter time. We went to a bookstore to browse and get coffee. As we looked over the bargain rack guessed who walked in Saretta. We hadn't seen her for six months at least and there she was.

“Saretta,” I told her, “I think I'm supposed to talk to your parents—hear their story.” Less than a week later Ora Jay and Irene sat in my living room. They told me about being Amish, about losing their daughters, about their move. They also talked about their faith. They shared what the meant to be Amish. They shared how their faith had grown after moving to Montana. They shared many ways God had changed their lives and their hearts. I listened amazed.

Their story added more water—the Living Water—and sunshine to the seed of a novel planted in my hearts. After talking to Ora Jay and Irene, I met many other Amish women from the West Kootenai Community. I was honored as they shared their lives with me.

What intrigues you most about the Amish community?

I'm intrigued by their simple life. Even though I'm addicted to the Internet, social media, writing books on my computer there's a part of me who would love to spend the day gardening, baking, quilting, etc. I grew up loving the Little House of the Prairie books and I think the "idea" of being Amish sees similar to that time. Their community connection is something pretty special, too. Of course after interviewing Amish families life isn't usually as simple and it's not easy. The women work hard caring for large families. Because they can't provide for their families farming alone many men work their farms and work a job--such as a mill worker--too.

How did you come up with the idea for your Amish book?

Even though my novel was inspired by my friends' stories I pulled the plot element from many different areas. Living in Montana for 15 years I understand the people there. They are independent yet they will do anything to help a neighbor. They don't gossip but exciting stories will be retold 100 times. Placing this Amish family around the people I had lived around made their world come alive for me ... it also ushered in some interesting twists!

Did you have any say so in the cover of your book? I was just wondering how the process worked for you in coming up with a cover and the title for your book?

I came up with the title Beside Still Waters. The title was inspired by Psalms 23, of course. Still, peaceful, content are words that I think of when I think of Amish ... and in the book it's a destination. My character wants peace in the middle of very challenging circumstances. I do have input of covers. Right away I LOVED the concept of Marianna in the rocking chair quilting. There were a few things that needed to be changed with her dress, her kapp and such. Also, I needed her in a log house, so they changed the walls. B&H did a great job with the concept and honored me being a stickler for details.

CHECK OUT BOOK TRAILER

Can you give us a sneak peak as what you are working on now? When do you expected it to be released?

I am writing my Amish novel #3, which completes Marianna's story. Novel #2--Along Wooded Paths--will be out this fall, and Novel #3--Beyond Hope's Valley (working title)--will be out Spring 2012. I'm also working on a Titanic novel for Barbour ... which is different but very fun!

When you start a book how do you determine what time period you’ll write about? What do you try to include in your historical fiction books?

I have a few favorite historical time periods. WWII is by far the winner. I love everything about that era. I have 300+ books about WWII. I also really enjoy the old west and settlers. You'll see more about this time in history from me. I tend to pick a few time periods and really dig into them. Because of read so much and written so much, sometimes I feel as if I've lived then!

Out of all the interviews you’ve done is there a question that you wished someone would have asked you but didn’t? If so, what was the question? What is your answer?

Where can we send chocolate? LOL.

Okay, this is the real question: Do you every have times when you don't feel like writing.

Answer: yes, numerous times a week. But I force myself to get down and get started. Then after 10 or 15 minutes I start having fun!

Can you share some of your testimony with us?

I grew up going to church, but as a teen I went my own way. A wake up call came when I found myself pregnant as a high school senior. I dropped out of school and felt very depressed and alone. It was then that women from my Mom and Grandma's Bible Study group reached out to me. Their love pointed me to the love of Christ, and I rededicated my life to Him. I was a mess, and although everything didn't change overnight God has transformed my life in amazing ways.

What part of the story comes first for you? Plot, characters, setting, subject matter? Is this how it usually works for you in your writing?

I usually start with the plot/setting. I know the main gist of the story and where/when I want it to take place. As I research, a character starts forming in my mind. I try to get as much information about the real people who lived there, and then I create characters who are as similar to real people as possible. I find the place/problem is always my launching point.

QUESTIONS I JUST HAD TO ASK!

What movie impacted you most as a child? Why?

The most impacting movie was The Parent Trap. I LOVE that movie. I love the music and the story line but it was especially meaningful because I didn't know my biological dad growing up. After watching that movie I'd dream about having a sister out there somewhere. Then, when I was 28, I met my dad and discovered I had FOUR sisters! It was amazing!! (And they look like me!) One of my sisters Lesley (who I found out has the same name as my daughter!) bought me The Parent Trap our first Christmas of knowing each other.

What are your THREE Favorite books of all time?

The Bible :) Okay, that's a given. 1. The Hiding Place. 2. Band of Brothers.3. Love Comes Softly.

What THREE things would you not want to live without? Not including my family, right?!

(Nora: Right!! )

1)My computer/Internet. 2) My cozy bed.  3)A library of books.

What THREE movies could you watch over and over again?

1)13 Going on 30  2)The Sound of Music 3)The Saint (and I do!)

(Nora: These are some of my favorite movies too!!)

If you had the opportunity to hang out with any two people in the history of the world—alive or dead; who would you pick?(someone other than Jesus)

Corrie ten Boom and Catherine Marshall

A friend of yours has a time machine that they are letting you use. But you can only witness two events in this history of the world. What to events would you experience? Why?

The liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, May 5, 1945

V-E Day in New York City May 8, 1945. I've written so much about these days I'd love to be there.

What T.V. shows were you most passionate as a kid? (You know the ones you couldn’t miss each week)

The Brady Bunch reruns. The Cosby Show.

What three books were your favorite as a kid?

1. Little House on the Prairie 2. Helen Keller 3. Every Nancy Drew book :)

ANY FINAL COMMENTS--THOUGHTS FOR MY READERS?

Thank you so much for having me! I love connecting with new friends. Also, be sure to check out my website: http://www.triciagoyer.com/

Tricia

Thanks so much Tricia for stopping by and letting us get to know you and your books. I have enjoyed and learned so much from your books. Thanks for this exciting giveaway opportunity. I'm also excited about the contest that The Book Club Network will be having promoting your new book. More details will be posted at TBCN website http://www.bookfun.org/ Be sure to check back here or TBCN for more details!

Blessings to You
Nora :D

MANDATORY - LEAVE A COMMENT ABOUT THE INTERVIEW in order for your name be entered in the drawing of Beside Still Waters!

ONE Person will win 5 Copies of her book. Great opportunity for a book club member to win this and pass it on to their book club members!!

DRAWING WILL BE - APRIL 25th

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ALL THE BEST TO YOU

Blessings

Nora :D

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