Hello Friends!

I found out last week that the contact page on my website does not work. Has never worked.

Yep. That's right. If you've ever left a comment on my website, it is now floating around cyberspace La La land, unread and unretrievable.

The good news is that it works NOW! So comment away...I'll be waiting. :)

Also, the blog tour for Generation NeXt Marriage began yesterday! Here are the first few stops:

Julie at The Surrendered Scribe
http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/
http://christianwritersforum.com/Blog

Martha at Our Family’s Adventures http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha

Katrina at Callapidder Days http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/

Rebecca at Ripples and Reflections http://www.rebeccabarlow.blogspot.com/

Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/

Gina at Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/

FUN!

 

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. Last week's winner is Grateful Gramma! She left a comment on the It's Real Life blog! Congrats! Send your book choice and mailing address to my trusty assistant Amy (amy@triciagoyer.com)!

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Finish your holiday shopping in minutes!

I'm offering any of my books signed, gift wrapped, and shipped for $15 each (parcel post) or $18 each (priority)! You can pay via paypal (amy@triciagoyer.com) or check!

The books will be mailed the day after your order. (Disclaimer: I will not guarantee holiday delivery on parcel post orders placed after December 18th. Or priority orders placed after December 20st.)

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

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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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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! :)

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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.

Many will enter

only Three will Win

Contest Begins NOW!

***contest ends 11/30/2007***

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People think I'm crazy ... seriously they do. I can't tell them about all the book ideas I have or possible projects coming down the pipeline ... otherwise they'll start hyperventaling.

People may wonder why I write. Is it to get famous? No way. Because I enjoy living by one crazy deadline to another? Uh, no. Is it because I really enjoy asking my husband to pick up pizza on the way home ... or perhaps just as a way to make sure I never get a coffee date with friends? Not even close.

I write so much--so many different things--because I am compelled by the love of Christ. In fact when I was doing my Bible Study today one verse especially resonated with me:

"For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels me ..." 2 Corinthians 5:14 (Amplified)

That's not to say I love God more and so I write more. (Not even close!!!) BUT when I get a new idea--and when an opportunity comes up to write something that will glorify God, share His love, and encourage others in their relationship with Christ--I HAVE TO say Yes. I HAVE TO follow. My whole soul burns within me until I do. I know when God is asking me to join Him ... and it would be disobedient not to do so.

This is my path and mine alone. It's a path of obedience to the messages He places on my heart. A path of desperation, because I can't write ONE WORD without Him. It's a path of connecting with the family of God, as God brings others alongside me to help me. (And, boy, do I need help!)

It's also on this path on which I've experienced God in amazing ways, mostly become I'm expecting and anticipating Him to show up ... and He does! He always does.

I was studying my Experiencing God workbook this morning when I came upon this phrase, which is talking about quiet time with God: "I keep that time alone with God, not in order to have a relationship but because I have a relationship."

And even though writing is TOUGH, I truly feel it's an extension of my alone time with God. I don't write to make God happy, to get published, to drive everyone around me crazy, but rather because I have a relationship and the messages burn within me. As I just recently started telling my agent ... "I have been overcome with words!" They're words of hope, of healing ... words that are an outpouring of my quiet time with God.

So if I'm crazy, I'm in good company. In fact, I totally understand Paul when he said, "For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit, for the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us ..." 2 Corinthians 5:13-14 (Amplified).

So go ahead ... call me a crazy [mad] woman. I'll completely agree! Just please remember to pray for me, please :-)

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I have to say that I'm having way too much fun for this to be work ... as the photos show. Today I taught two hours on Historical Fiction. It went great ... the class was AMAZING. I wish we could meet weekly or something. What a great group of people. I've also connected with many, many friends. It's like a reunion. I only get to walk five steps before I find someone else to hug. Last night the keynote by James Scott Bell was great. If you write fiction be sure to check out his book Plot & Structure. The only hard part ... is telling myself to sleep. I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. chatting with my roommate Robin Jones Gunn and waiting for my sister Melissa to have a baby. I have a new niece!!! Danielle Susan Renner. Welcome Danielle! Okay, I think I'm going to try to take a nap before the partying begins again ... I mean before I have to get back to work. Meredith Efkin and me Michelle Sutton and me

James Scott Bell, Sarah Sumpolec, Robin Jones Gunn, and ME!

Sarah, Robin and ME (just in case you couldn't tell!)

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A Shadow of Treason

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Just a few days left to enter the contest to win a $25.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

Here are a few more pictures of the book on the shelf!

(If you have no idea what I'm talking about go here!)



Submitted by Miss Bookworm

Submitted by Cindy Lafuze


The blog tour will be starting mid-September and I'll be posting links to all the stops along the way! I've got some great blogs signed up!

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I have a friend named Mary who is like me in many ways. We both write fiction and non-fiction. We both still have kids at home. We are Gen Xers and proud of it!Mary as a new book. You can read a sample chapter here. (Go ahead, try it!)