I was just a few minutes late to the TLN building where I was to tape an interview with Aspiring Women. I need to remind myself that Chicago is not Montana. I cannot go two miles in two minutes here like I can back home.

I got to the building and was met by the amazing producer Pam. After waiting a few minutes in the green room, I was ushered in for makeup. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to do my own makeup, so the makeup lady had to wipe mine off. Then she airbrushed my face, redid my eyes and put dramatic lipstick on my lips. I know that more makeup is needed for the bright lights, so I didn't mind. (It was THICK though.)

After that, I was ushered into a studio and was interviewed by Shirley Rose. I'd met Shirley before and she's wonderful. She immediately put me at ease. We mostly talked about my teen pregnancy, abortion, the beginning of Hope Pregnancy Center, etc. We talked a little about Generation Xers. And before I knew it the interview was over--which was a good thing since I was getting hot under those bright lights.

After that we taped some B-roll. I don't know what this stands for, but basically it's filler for when I'm talking during the TV spot. For the b-roll I walked along a wooded trail, looking contemplative. I sat on a log, fiddled with my wedding ring, stood by a pond, smiled as I stared into the sky, etc. Then, later when they produce the show, they will have those images while I'm telling my story. I felt like a star: "Look to the sky. Lift your face. Brush your hair behind your ear."

Also, I was taped in some guy's office as I worked on his desk. It was a huge, immaculate office and I had to laugh. That is NOT what my office looks like. Pam also went around the building and gathered up six women to be in my "post-abortion" Bible study group. I'd never met these women before, but they did a great job "acting" like we were bonded by what we shared.

The show will be produced sometime in the fall ... or maybe next spring. I'll let you know! Personally, I was amazed by what a complex shooting it was. But the people at TLN are wonderful!

After that I drove from Aurora to Chicago. I am sure that God helped me pick my hotel, because I only had to make three turns and I was there! I almost pulled out in front of someone once, and came close to clipping a guy who was crossing the street ... not bad for my first downtown Chicago driving experience!!!

After talking on my cell phone to a few Chicago friends, I met two other friends for dinner. Kendra and Ashley Smiley are amazing and we had fun talking books and ideas!!

Finally, around 9:00 p.m. I returned to my hotel and crashed. I couldn't believe how tired I was. It was a full, happy, busy day. I survived!



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For the last week my mom has been living with me. She's sweet and helpful ... but she's my mom. Seriously, she's told me not to smack my gum when I chew and what outfits of mine she likes. :-)

Anyway, I read this and thought it was great!

"We all know there's a certain behavior unique to mothers. It defiles logic, it's beyond explanation, it's a "Mom" thing.

Allow me to give you a little advice.

~~When you've been vegetarian for six years and she still doesn't think you're getting enough vegetables in your diet, don't let it chew on you. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When, after slamming on the car brakes, she stretched her hand our in front of you to block your thrust (even though you're safe in your seat-belt), relax. It's a "Mom" thing, and you'll never get her to break it.

~~When she still gives you a 10:00 p.m. curfew (which you don't mind, but your spouse is getting a little annoyed with it), don't fret. It's just a "Mom" thing.

~~When she insists on holding your hand while crossing the street, even though you're needing to hold your kids' hands while crossing the street, work it out somehow. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When she calls you at five o'clock a.m. to say that she doesn't think you're getting enough rest, don't lose any sleep over it. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When you're sick and she makes enough chicken soup to nurse the entire Mayo Clinic, don't let it get you down. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~When she still insists on walking you to the school bus (which wouldn't be so bad if you were not the driver now), go with it. It's a "Mom" thing.

~~And finally, when she shows your baby picture to everyone she meets, just smile. Sure, it's a 16" x 20" and you're afraid she'll throw out her back by hauling it around in that solid oak frame, but it's a "Mom" thing—and it's bigger than both of you."

-- From Honey, the Carpet Needs Wedding Again! By Martha Bolton



MeMe

1. What is one thing you said you've never do as a mom ... and now find yourself doing?

2. How would you describe your mom in five words?

3. How would you describe yourself as a mom in five words?

4. Does your mom still carry a baby photo of you in her wallet?


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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This is from 1.20.97. It was written the day after I gave my testimony about my abortion for the very first time in my church. I was terrified, but afterward God showed me how my story touched the people in the congregation. Now through articles, interviews, Life Interrupted, and My Life, Unscripted I continue to tell my story. Who knew?

God did!!!

"But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11

"Who am I Lord to do your work?" It is a universal question that brings us at odds with ourselves. We recognize we must be humble knowing we are nothing without God, yet we must also recognize we should be courageous knowing it is by God's strength that we succeed. D.L. Moody put it this way:
"Moses spent:
Forty years thinking he was somebody.
Forty years learning he was nobody.
Forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody."

Let me save you the time. You in yourself ARE nobody. In Christ you are somebody . . . somebody God can use.

God may not call you to be a great leader, but you may see your calling as just as intimidating. "Who am I?" may escape from you lips too. Listen to God's answer, "I will be with you . . . ."

No matter who you are. No matter what God is asking you to do, or to say, or to write--God is with you and that is enough.

"Who am I?" you ask. You are God's chosen vessel.



Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. Congratulations! Cheri stopped lurking last week on My Writing Mentor!

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Time Management 101: Marketing and Speaking

Just a smidge of what I do in regards to marketing and my speaking schedule.

Marketing:

1. I’ve hired a nearly-fulltime assistant to help with marketing. She posts to my blogs, formats my newsletters, sends out packages, etc.

2. I fit my radio interviews, etc. into my calendar. I also schedule in things like email interviews, mailing signed books, etc. I don’t have specific days, but rather specific slots to meet the need.

Speaking:

1. I used to speak two times a month. Now I limit that to four times a year. It takes me days to prepare, days to travel, days to “get back into life.” At this season in my life I need to give time to my family first. This is out-of-town stuff. This doesn’t count in local engagements, which I will take if they fit.

Tricia Goyer was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion and her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction and non-fiction books. Visit her at Triciagoyer.com or http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

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I don't have time to write a long blog. So I'm gonna do highlights ... and then you'll understand why there are not extra minutes! 1. From Wed-Sun a.m. we were at the Montana Christian Athletics Association state tournament. After watching dozens of games and cheering (loudly) our girls WON. They got first place! The boys lost two and won one ... Cory didn't get to play due to his torn ACL, but he cheered loudly. 2. Cory got nominated for the Christian Character Award! This is the second year and we were thrilled. 3. I was the "team mom" and I purchased candy for the boy's team to give to the girls team. I also bought t-shirts that the boys team decorated in our hotel room. Some even painted their faces in support of the girls! (The photo is of Cory with his friend Isaac.) 4. While on the road I heard the my sister-in-law is on COMPLETE bed rest for her pregnancy, so I volunteered to take two of her four kids. Brianna (4) is now with my other sister-in-law, but I'll have Samantha 1 1/2) for ... up to four months while Sandy is down. The boys (7 and 3) are with friends. Please pray the baby stays in and develops like he/she should ... and that Sandy can handle the bed rest and missing her kiddos. 5. I had an article to write ... that I finished today. And I need to finish the outline and first two chapters of Blue Like Playdoh by Thursday. I'm trying to get used to working with a baby around. Thank goodness for naps! (Although Samantha is super cute and tons of fun.) Okay, gotto go make dinner. Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. Congrats to Rowena who STOPPED LURKING last week...she left comments on my shoutlife page! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

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It's the Christmas season ... there's no better time to talk about teen pregnancy! I'm being totally serious here. (And if you keep reading this WILL tie into Christmas!)

I first started thinking about this topic when I heard a recent report that the number of teen births have risen ...


>
Washington, DC -- Today, the National Center for Health Statistics released preliminary 2006 birth data, and highlighted the fact that for the first time in 14 years, the teen birth rate has increased. The rate rose from 40.5 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2005 to 41.9 births per 1,000 in 2006--a 3 percent increase.

>



I read some newspaper reports that are stating that abstinence education is the cause ... that we're not giving teens enough information on contraception. Hmmm ... instead maybe we should consider:

*** All the movie stars having babies ... MANY outside of marriage. On every magazine what do you see babies, babies, babies. It's the new fashion accessory.


*** How sex is portrayed on TV and movies. If you are in love, jump in bed.


*** How sex is written about in books. Or in soap operas. It's now if you're chosing to have sex ... it's who's sleeping with who THIS WEEK.


*** How we dress. Skin is in (unless you are in Montana and it's December). We train young women to dress as sex goddesses and then shame them when they act like one?!

Also, should it be any surprise that Hollywood is on board with this trend?

There is a new movie called Juno opening December 14. It's the third comedy of the year, after “Knocked Up” and “Waitress,” about an unexpected pregnancy. I plan on watching it ... because my HOPE is that it has a good message of second chances and making right choices.
(link for article)
(link for trailer)

Actually, there's a movie I want to watch even more than that ... and it's called Bella.

(link for trailer)



If that doesn't make you want to run to the theater, I don't know what does! You can find more information about it here: http://www.bellamoviesite.com/

Which leads me to Christmas! A few nights ago my family watched The Nativity Story

(link for trailer)

I TOTALLY recommend it. All members of my family greatly enjoyed it. In fact, I might watch it again soon. I loved how it brought the Roman persecuation of the Jews to life. But mostly I loved how it portrayed Mary as a teen facing an unexpected pregnancy. The shame. The whispers. The strength it took to believe that God had a plan.

It makes me think of my own story too. Nineteen years ago I was a pregnant teen--unsure of my future. Now look what God has done! He can bring GOOD out of any situation. He has for me! And he can for all those new moms who are young, yet enjoying their baby's first Christmas this year.

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Last weekend we put out a new nativity set that my Grandma purchased for us for our Christmas gift this year. It's a beautiful set, and I love that it's the centerpiece of my dining room. Of course, I had to pause as I was setting up beautiful Mary. In fact, it made me think, "What if she'd said no?"

This morning this thought came to me again as I was reading Called and Accountable by Henry and Norman Blackaby. Here is what they had to say:

"One of the most significant illustrations of hearing and responding to God is found in the life of Mary, Jesus' mother. God's eternal purpose was to bring a Savior into the world, and through that Savior to bring his His great salvation to every person. He found the one through whom He would choose to work--Mary, a quiet servant girl. An angel from God announced God's purpose through her. Then came her amazing and wonderful response: "'Behold a maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her" (Luke 1:38). And God did what He said He would do! Impossible to man, but possible with God (Luke 1:37)." p. 19

It made me stop to think about how willing I am to follow what God has asked me to do. Do I always respond like Mary. No. Are there things He's asked me to do that I haven't followed through with yet? Yes.

Often, I ask God to lead me to new places so I can reach new people, and sometimes I wonder if He's waiting. Waiting for me to finish the assignments He's giving me. Waiting for me to say yes to all He's already asked.

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On Tuesday I spent a fun and TOTALLY exhausting day speaking to six public high school classrooms about writing. The teacher called and invited me a couple of weeks ago after he noticed my niece, Heather, reading one of my books.

"What you reading?" the teacher had asked.

"One of my aunt's books."

"Really?"

"Yeah, she's an author."

"Does she live around here?"

"Yeah, in town."

"Do you think she'd be willing to come in a speak to our classes?"

"Sure, I'll ask."

So, there I was talking to teens all day long about how I write, why I write, when I write ... and their favorite question ... answering about how much money I make. (They were highly disappointed to find out I wasn't a millionaire, living in a big house, with fancy cars!)

This was just another object lesson I've had lately about a topic I've been thinking about ... influence. About the people who take time to listen to my thoughts--through books, through blogs, through speaking and even in my everyday life. I have a voice, opinions and beliefs. I have something to say and--by gosh--there are people who really want to listen.

Before arriving in the high school classes the teacher had warned me. Many of the teens had respect issues. Many of them talked out of turn. Many had a lot of problems in their lives. Be prepared. I have to say that though standing in front of teens for all that time was tiring, they were great. They listened, they asked appropriate questions, and they truly seemed interested in what I had to say. Maybe it was because they knew I volunteered to take time out of my day to be there and share with them?

This morning a verse came to mind during my morning devotions, "Whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done to me," Matthew 25:45. In our society teens could be considered the least of these. They look weird. They dress weird. They think differently. They have no respect for authority. Or so we believe. But hasn't the same thing been said of every generation ... including mine and yours?

Tuesday, between classes, I had a chance to sit down and chat with a multi-pierced girl. She was formerly from California, too. We talked about Montana, the weather, and about going to a new school. She was interesting and kind. If I had more time I would have enjoyed taking her out for coffee just to hear her heart.

That night, after all the classes were over, after I shuttled my daughter to guitar lessons/basketball practice, after I had touched base with my friend Kristen on the phone, and after I'd taken my 13-year-old Christmas shopping at the only place he could afford (The $1 Store), I was pushing my cart mindlessly through Target on my way to get milk (and something that I could throw into the oven for dinner) when a voice broke through my fog.

"Hi!" It was a teenage boy with a big wave. "Remember me? I met you at school today."

I did remember him ... a face in a classroom out of six classrooms, yet also a cool kid I'm sure I would also enjoy getting to know if I had a chance.

So, what did all of this have to do with anything? INFLUENCE ... and taking the time to be one and give some.

You never know what difference you'll make to a friendly boy, a multi-pierced girl, and everyone in between.

1 Corinthians 16:8 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” ... Or make it known at your local high school.

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I always get TONS of requests on info on how I do everything, so ... in November on Tuesday and Thursdays I'm going to have Time Management 101 with tips for balancing family, hubby, life, job, friends, house, etc.


Deadlines:

1. My family used to MOAN during deadline month. They basically never saw Mom. For the last few books I’ve been trying spread out the deadlines. I schedule in daily writing times for every project through the months, and I do my best to meet those goals. If I can accomplish this it’s not as stressful in the last month before deadline.

2. I also work in magazine deadlines. (Again looking at my schedule, I figure about eight hours per article on average, and make space.) If I’m asked to write an article, I realistically look at my schedule. If I can’t do it, I decline.

3. I occasionally will go away with a friend to write for a few days. Next week I’ll be going for four days. I get a TON of writing done if that’s all I have to focus on.

4. I work on a weekly schedule, but daily I ask myself, “What is the most important thing I need to accomplish today?” And I do that first. I then rearrange my daily schedule according to my “most important stuff,” because there are ALWAYS things that come up. I like my electronic calendar because I just click and drag to move stuff around.

5. I also “schedule in” ideas … book ideas, article ideas, marketing ideas. I create a “slot” on my calendar and plug those in. It gets them off my mind until I’m ready for them.

6. If I feel the Holy Spirit laying something heavy on my heart … I will ignore my schedule and follow that leading. In fact, most of my book proposals come from this. If I feel something strong on my heart I ask myself, “Will I be disobedient if I don’t follow this leading, at this time?” If I feel “yes,” then I’ll work on it … even if I had the day scheduled for something else. If I feel “no,” then I’ll jot a note to myself and keep going with what I had planned.

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I've been homeschooling for thirteen years. Kids are now 18, 15, and 13 and my oldest is graduating this year. (Although we are in the process of an International adoption, so I'll be starting all over in a few years!) Anyway, during this time my husband and I have felt God's leading in towards ministry. My husband works full-time, out of the home, yet God led us to start a dynamic, weekly children's ministry at our church. John writes the curriculum, and the rest of us help as actors or with sound/lighting. We've done this every week for the last ten years.

Also, when I was pregnant with my youngest, I felt God's leading to start writing. Since that time I've written fourteen books that have been published by houses such as Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. I write both historical fiction and non-fiction books concerning parenting, marriage, books for teens, etc. I also write regularly for Focus on the Family and other national magazines. I also helped to start a crisis pregnancy center in our town in 1999, and volunteered there for many years. My children helped through remodel, babysitting for teen moms, etc.

There were times when it was hard balancing it all ... but I also feel that we, as homeschooling parents (or all parents!), do our kids no favors when we neglect to follow our God-given dreams. In fact, I feel it has benefited my kids to see me seeking God, setting goals, and accomplishing my dreams through God's strength. They see lived-out examples of how one person can reach many, and they've witnessed and people blessed as a result. They shared dinner with teen parents, have visited with WWII vets, and have "proofed" my books before they go to print. Their lives are enriched, and they've seen God at work.

So what about you? Have you bought in to the lie that you'll do something for God "once the kids are older"? If so ... what a shame. Just think of what an example you can be TODAY. Just think of how seeing God at work in your can mold YOUR children's future!

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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!

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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

www.triciagoyer.com

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“God reveals his will by setting a torch to your soul.  He gave Jeremiah a fire for hard hearts.  He gave Nehemiah a fire for a forgotten city.  He set Abraham on fire for a land he’d never seen.  He set Isaiah on fire with a vision he couldn’t resist.  Forty years of fruitless preaching didn’t extinguish the fire of Noah.  Forty years of wilderness wandering didn’t douse the passion of Moses.  Jericho couldn’t slow Joshua, and Goliath didn’t deter David.  There was a fire within them.”

--The Great House of God, Max Lucado, pg. 78

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“Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way.
Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it?I did it just for you.”
--The Great House of God, Max Lucado

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This years conference was wonderful because it seem like a mix of "returning" and "taking the next step."

The returning happened because I was able to room with my dear friend and mentor, Robin Gunn. ( Pictured left with Sarah Sumpolec (left) and myself--very serious here!) I met Robin at Mt. Hermon in 1993. I was 22-years-old. I'm not sure why but Robin chose to care for and mentor me. We became part of an intimate prayer group. She encouraged me and gave me wise advice many times over the years.

During the first worship service, the tears came. My heart filled with thankfulness to God as I thought about where I was then and where I was now. I thought about my role teaching the Historical Track ... and being in the position of helping others as I was helped. In fact, I introduced Robin to one person I've mentored as "this is your literary granddaughter." Is that cool or what?!

But Robin's smiling face wasn't the only one I was excited to see. There is a group of Gen Xers who have helped me extensively on my books--giving me input and editing either my non-fiction, fiction, (or in Cara's case) both! It was awesome to hug my cyber friends Cara Putman, Allison Wilson, Michelle Sutton, Amy Wallace, and Gina Conroy for the FIRST TIME face-to-face. And ... there were many, many others who I met whose DAUGHTERS gave me input for My Life, Unscripted and the teen version of Max Lucado's 3:16.



Then there is the joy of seeing my amazing agent Janet Grant and my other fun writing friends like Sarah Sumpolec, Susie Warren, Meredith Efken, Jim Rubart, Julie Carobini, Camy Tang, and Ocieanna Fleiss ... and dozens more I can't even begin to list!

So, of course, more tears came during the next worship service as I looked around at the faces of my friends. I literally had to close my eyes, because every time I noticed another face in the crowd the tears of joy would come again. (And I'm not usually a crying person!)

The advice I always give to new people attending conferences is NOT to focus only on the editors and agents. While they are WONDERFUL ... I've developed some of the deepest friendships of my life with those who I've met through God's divine appointments.

Of course, "the next step" part of it was the teaching. It's the most I've done at one conference and I had a FANTASTIC time. I had the best class ... seriously. They were so warm and receptive. Historical Fiction writers ROCK!





Camy Tang!











Julie Carobini














Cara Putnam, Michelle Hutchinson, Amy Wallace, Gina Conroy, Me!










Mary DeMuth, ME, Robin Gunn!












Robin Gunn and Janet Grant!










Susan May Warren

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CONTEST!

YOU CAN WIN A $25 iPod GIFT CERTIFICATE

Here's what you have to do. Read My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer, and then write a review on her book and post it on your blog, myspace, shoutlife, or amazon.com. Sounds easy right? It really is. (Please forward this contest to any teens you think might be interested!) To obtain a copy of My Life, Unscripted you can visit amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or check into your local Christian book store.

My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl's life--with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God. Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships. They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise and are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama. In addition to the review, you may also include how you, too, have overcome temptation.