Get ready, Diamond Miners. We've uncovered a true, multi-faceted diamond in our midst. As authors go, she's the equivalent of at least a two-carat gemstone; authentic and brilliant with such an incredible, bright shine. An absolute Rock Star.
Please welcome my friend, Tricia Goyer. With over 90 books to her credit, she's launched many successful publishing endeavors in multiple genres, from fiction to non-fiction to children's books. By following the persistent leading of her God as well as her heart, she serves her readers with excellence and determination, regardless of which shelf a book may land with her name on the cover.
I'm always intrigued to spend time with such a brilliant, talented, and experienced author. I secretly hope that whatever you call that trait that makes success look easy will rub off on me, but we all recognize there are no shortcuts.
Success comes with diligence, perfecting your craft, and the obedience to sit in your chair and write until the job is finished.
Tricia Goyer is one of the best I've ever seen at this, and her stellar career continues to build accolades as a result. Not only is she a writer, conference speaker, and podcast host, but she's also a health coach, homeschooling mom and mother of ten children.
This brings up many questions about her astounding time management skills, which is another interview for another day, I hope.
Frankly, Tricia is the writer we all hope to be. What I admire most is her own hero's journey of coming from humble beginnings with only a year or so of college. She's a former teen mom who invests her time, attention and effort into taking the grace she's been given and looking for ways to pay it forward.
They say that diamonds reflect light in two ways. Reflection and Refraction. Refraction is described as the way 'light bounces around on the inside to create a sparkle."
I like that. I think that's exactly what we find in Tricia Goyer. Her light bounces around so much on the inside, it can't help but spill out onto all the pages she can find.
Thank you, Tricia, for stopping by the Diamond Mine to share some of what you've learned along the way.
Tricia: I grew up in a home where no one in my family read. The only thing I saw being read was my grandpa reading his Bible. Then, when I was in about the 5th grade, we moved near a library. I soon spent every summer day there, taking home piles of books. I never thought about becoming a writer, but I did love to read. I also won an essay contest in high school. Still, I didn’t think of becoming a writer. Only years later, as I sat in a church nursery, the idea sparked that maybe I could write novels. When my friend Cindy told me she was working on a novel, as we sat there watching our kids play, I just knew it was something I wanted to do.
Your debut novel was historical fiction - published in 2003. How did this become your debut, and what led you to this genre?
Tricia: My first novel was From Dust and Ashes, which was set in World War Two. I remember vividly when my interest in the liberation of the Mauthausen camp in St. Georgen, Austria, was sparked. An Austrian historian, Marta, invited me and my friends to her home, sharing stories about the Gusen camps and their liberation by American GIs. I was particularly intrigued by a young Nazi wife who was among the first to help the prisoners. This encounter made me wonder about her beliefs and the experiences of those who suffered in the camps.
Later, during a dinner cruise in Prague, sitting next to a young Jewish girl and her brother, I realized the profound impact of WWII's horrors. This moment solidified my determination to write about these events. When my fellow fiction writers traveling with me showed no interest in this topic, I knew I had to tell this story.
I embarked on extensive research, attending the 59th reunion of the 11th Armored Division and returning to Austria for memorial services. Speaking with veterans and locals, including a man who was just a child during the war, deepened my understanding. Personal stories, memoirs, and oral histories were the foundation of my writing. As I wrote, the events of 1945 and the streets of St. Georgen came to life in my mind, driven by a desire to share this story of liberation. This was the first of my novels inspired by actual events and heroes.
What happened next? Did this become a series, or did you go into non-fiction or children's books?
Tricia: Around the same time I got this idea for From Dust and Ashes, I also helped start Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana. I was mentoring young women in the Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) support group, and as I worked with them, I realized there needed to be books written specifically for them. I approached MOPS leadership, and I showed them the need. Since I had been a teen mom, I mentored teen moms and was an author, and they agreed I needed to write that book for them. Amazingly, I went from having no book contracts to having two book contracts, one in fiction and one in nonfiction. This started me down two paths that have continued to this day. I write an equal amount of fiction and nonfiction if you count the numerous magazine articles, blog posts, devotions, and other pieces I write in addition to books. The novels are just much longer! And, yes, From Dust and Ashes was part of a four-book series.
What makes you say 'yes' to a project?
Tricia: I have a lot of ideas, but I work on the ones that stick around like gum on the bottom of my shoe and won't leave me alone. I have novel ideas that have been tucked away in my brain for 20 years that I still want to write, but it's the idea that fills my mind over and over again that makes me sit down and put words to paper.
What makes you say 'no'?
Tricia: Time and family. I need to sleep, and I need to care for the family God’s given me.
Are your characters based on real people?
Tricia: Yes, some are based on real people. My biblical novels of Esther and Miriam are examples. Others are inspired by real people, such as my World War II novels. They are often composite characters from the dozens of veterans I’ve interviewed. My real-life friend, Miss Jan, recently appeared in one of my novels. She was my co-leader in our Teen Mom Support group for over a decade, and I put her in a book!
Tell us about your non-fiction journey. What pulls you in that direction?
Tricia: I also speak at conferences, and I pay attention to the questions I am asked. If multiple people ask me the same question, I know they believe I'm someone they can trust with the answer. Many of my books have come out of the need to answer these questions. If ten people ask the same question, 10,000 probably want to know the answer, too.
What is your preference between the two?
Tricia: I love all types of writing. It all makes me happy! But if I had to choose, it would be a historical fiction novel that I must research. I love going on research binges!
When you're not writing, what do you do for fun?
Tricia: Board games, road trips, and watercolor painting!
Tell us about your agent and how she's directed your journey over the past 20 years.
Tricia: I met my agent, Janet Grant, through my friend Robin Gunn. The funny thing is that she rejected me the first time I submitted anything to Janet. I was working on a teen series that needed a lot of help. Later, when I submitted something else to Janet, she signed it. Janet has been my agent since 1997. She probably knows me better than almost anyone except my family. We have talked through ideas; she has been there for my highest highs and swept with me during my lowest lows. She is my always cheerleader, a trusted advisor, and a dedicated companion to walk this publishing Journey with. I'm so thankful!
What advice would you give beginning authors in today's publishing culture?
Tricia: Oh, so much! Here’s the first tips that come to mind.
- Join Writing Communities: Join groups like the American
Christian Fiction Writers or other online groups. These communities offer
invaluable support and networking opportunities.
- Educate Yourself: Reading various books on
writing. There are books on everything from plot development to how to market
your books. I also sign up for online courses and listen to podcasts. I’m
always learning.
- Find Your Unique Path: My journey involved aligning my writing with what God wanted me to write, including the things that matter most to my heart–in fiction and non-fiction. It's important to find what truly inspires you and follow that path.
- Embrace New Opportunities: My experience starting a support group for young moms led to my book "Life Interrupted." I am a huge fan of The Voice, which led me to reach out to Todd Tilghman when he won. Be open to writing about topics that resonate with you, especially if they involve helping others.
- Persistence and Adaptability: I faced challenges getting book proposals accepted early in my career. It's crucial to stay persistent and adapt to the changing publishing landscape. Attend writers' conferences and pay attention to the advice given.
- Follow God’s Plan: I believe aligning your writing with a higher purpose can lead to greater success and fulfillment. I spiritually nourish myself through reading God’s Word and prayer so I can sense that God is calling me to something.
Remember, writing is not just about crafting words. It's also about sharing your unique perspective and connecting with others through your stories.
What is the most satisfying part of writing/publishing?
Tricia: Writing The End and realizing that God allowed me to be
creative while sharing truth and hope with readers.
Tell us about your most recent release - Trust the Stars.
Tricia: Trust the Stars intertwines the lives
of two women from different eras. Olivia Garza, living a service-oriented life
in Little Rock, becomes an unexpected viral sensation through a documentary
series she creates to understand her mother's past decisions. Her journey leads
her to Kenya, where she encounters Prince Louis, the heir to a European
kingdom, who recognizes her from her series. Despite a connection, their
potential romance is hindered by Olivia's aversion to what Louis represents.
Meanwhile, the story also delves into the life of Princess
Alessandra Appiani in World War II Rome. Alessandra makes a life-altering
decision to risk her safety within the Vatican to save Jewish children,
showcasing immense courage and compassion.
Olivia, tasked with creating a documentary about Alessandra's
sacrifices, is forced to confront challenging questions about her own path and
whether to trust God for a future she never envisioned. This novel explores
themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of making difficult choices.
What happens next in your career?
Tricia: I had to stop and count, but I currently have about two dozen books in the publishing process. These are either being edited, written, waiting to be edited, or contracted but waiting to be written. Also included are a few proposals I’m preparing before publishing committees. These include everything from children’s books to novels and parenting books. I’m also hosting the Daily Bible Podcast for the second year, and five of my novels are being written into screenplays. There’s never a quiet moment, and I love it!
And that, fellow Diamond Miners, is how you sparkle.
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