Just a quick recap of Tricia’s writing success:

Tricia Goyer is the author of five novels, two non-fiction books, and one children’s book. Tricia 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. Also in 2005, her novel Night Song won ACFW’s Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. In 2006, her novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights also won Book of the Year for Long Historical. She’s written over 250 articles for national publications and hundreds of Bible Study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia lives in Montana with her husband and three kids where she homeschools, leads children’s church, and mentors teenage mothers.

Q: Let’s say you were down in Antarctica for the summer, and had the bum luck of missing the last plane out, which two books would help you pass the time until spring? (A copy of the Gideon’s Bible has already been thoughtfully placed beside your bunk bed in the sleeping quarters.)

A: Thanks for the Bible! I’ll take My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers and The Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore. I’m currently rereading/reading both, and I love those books!

Q: Which writers have influenced you?

A: I learn something from every book I read. Various fiction writers shine at specific skills. And non-fiction writers amaze me in the way they share a message.

BUT the ones who truly impact me are those who are able to share truth in simple ways that knock my socks off: Beth Moore, Henry Blackaby, Oswald Chambers, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Robert Benson, Philip Yancy . . . I cherish their books, underlining them, and soak in their words . . . because the reflect God’s truths to my heart.

Q: Writers are faced with so much to do from a publicity standpoint. What promotional technique has been most effective for you? Least effective?

A: I think the best tool I’ve used is my email newsletter. I mail it out every other month to 2,000+ readers, bookstore owner, librarians, etc. It lets people know my newest news. I also interview one of my author-friends in each issue. (To subscribe, email a note to: fromdustandashes@hotmail.com)

I also love my blogs (www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com and www.genxparents.blogspot.com) It’s easy to post information, and I love the immediate feedback.

My least-effective would be my print newsletters. They are so costly to produce and mail . . . and the same type of information can be sent via email.

Q: Are you working on anything new?

A: Of course! I’m currently working on the second novel in my series. The Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War. The first novel A Valley of Betrayal will be out in February. I’m also working on Generation NeXt Marriage. Both books are stretching me, and it’s good.

Q: Any advice to first time writers on getting published?

A: 1. Don’t give up. It took me eight years to hold my first published novel in my hands, and the journey was worth it. Not only did I learn a lot about writing during those years, God used the time for healing and growth in my own life. Remember, His timetable is perfect.

2. Connect with other writers. I have a close group of writing friends who have been both encouraging and helpful. We were all wanna-bes when we started and most of us now have numerous books in print! We started an email prayer group on-line. It’s a safe place to bring our concerns for our family, our writing, and our souls.

3. Take advantage of all the wonderful books on writing. I trained myself by taking the advice of others. My goal is to read one writing book a month . . . even now! I highlight as I read, and then I go back to the books later for good reminders.

4. Fake it until you make it. You are a writer even if you’re the only person who reads your words. Call yourself a writer. Take your writing-time seriously and others will too. There are many things I’ve had to say no to in order to write, but writing has also brought many more yeses into my life then I ever imagined possible!

Q. Last question: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: The most important thing I do is seeking God, listening, and trying to be obedient to the areas He calls me to—writing or otherwise. The publishing world can be so crazy at times with worries of book sales, marketing ideas, contracts or lack of them, etc. I have peace when I focus on God, knowing He’s taking care of all those things for me. Turning it over to Him is something I do daily, no wait, hourly!

Thanks,Tricia, for taking time to answer my questions. ~Suzanne

Thanks for having me!!