Friday, October 02, 2009

SUNFLOWER SERENADE - Tricia Goyer - Free Book

Welcome back, Tricia. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think there’s a piece of me in most of my point-of-view characters. To truly consider my characters’ fears I think of my own. Also, many of the same issues that these characters deal with are things I’ve walked through, such as a desire to find true love, questions about parenting, a desire to do something greater with my life, etc. The characters can be men, women, (even children), but to some extend their internal stuff is mine.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Recently I was at an English camp and I had WAY too much fun with our nightly “Dance Club.” I perform a mean Chicken Dance and Hokey-Pokey!

We were just at a wedding, and my granddaughters did Chicken Dance and the Macarena. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In 1994 when I was pregnant with my 3rd child I attended my first writer’s conference. I was hooked. I *loved* the idea of writing. I wanted to spend all my spare moments at the keyboard. The more I learned, the more I wanted to write. It was at my second conference, perhaps, that I called myself a “writer.” I’m thankful that God led me to this place where I can do what I love.

Yes, it's really fun to do what He created us to do. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Oh, I love many different types. History, classic devotionals, non-fiction, novels. I’m currently reading a novel The Help, a biography of a tank driver in World War II, and a book on evangelism … quite a mix!

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I have a few children’s books that are written but not published yet. Other than that I’ve sold all the novels and non-fiction books that I’ve written. Maybe because I don’t start writing them until I have a publishing contract. :-)

I know what you're talking about. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

By centering in Christ. My #1 priority of the day is to get away with my Bible and journal for at least 30 minutes. I need God to give me peace. During this time I ask God to help me figure out my priorities. I praise Him for who He is. I read my Bible and write down Scriptures that stand out to me. His Word feeds my soul. Of course, I don’t need quiet to call on God. I often say quick prayers throughout the day. “God, help!”

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have favorite names and I find myself turning to those first. If I had more girls I would have used some of the names I’ve used for my characters: Michaela, Libby, Julia, Evie, Sophie. The novel I’m writing now has a character named Ava. I like them. Sometimes … I think of a name that was common during the time in history of when I’m writing. Mary and Bette are examples of this. Last names are harder. Sometimes I just scan my bookshelf (or even my mail) to see what name pops out to me.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My family. I love them and our home. I love our joy, our laughter, our joined love of God. I’m so proud of my husband and my kids. They bring the most smiles.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat. Give me a warm place to nap and I’m happy. Purrrr …

What is your favorite food?

My grandma’s homemade enchiladas. Yum! She made them for me just a few nights ago.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My greatest road block was that I was more eager to be published than to learn the craft. Once I spent time learning about good writing my work improved … and the publishing contracts came in their proper time.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Join an on-line writing group for accountability. Check out as many writing books as you can find and read them. Write, write, write. Make the time.

Tell us about the featured book?

Sunflower Serenade was a novel that my kids helped me to plot. It is my third book in the Home to Heather Creek series. One day I was writing in the car when I asked my kids. What would be interesting … if you lived on a farm what would you want to happen? They love country music so a visit from a country singer would be the best. The story grew from there!

Here is what it’s about:

A small-town summer …

The days are long and lazy, the corn is high, the sunflowers are in bloom, and everyone in Bedford is gearing up for the biggest event of the summer: the annual county fair. But when a Nashville music producer approaches Bob about using Heather Creek Farm to film a country star's new music video, he and Charlotte are faced with a dilemma. Will they allow the glamour and enticements of big-city life to encroach upon their peaceful home? Will the excitement of celebrity drown out the simple joys of summer?

Thank you, Tricia, for spending this time with us.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Winners must live in North America.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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34 comments:

Katherine said...

This book looks very good. Please enter me for the drawing.

kefarley89(@)gmail(.)com

Anonymous said...

Love the title of this book...please count me in...thanks.


karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mark said...

enter me please
marcus802001@yahoo.com

Julie said...

Sounds good. An interesting plot.

Julie
sweetpea.hull@gmail.com

Cíntia Mara said...

Hi! It seems to be a very good history. I love series and I wanna know others books too.

Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks!

Virginia C said...

Hi, Tricia! Sunflowers are my favorite flowers, and "Sunflower" is one of my nicknames. The book cover is beautiful! The story sounds very interesting in how the family would deal with the temptation of celebrity versus the peacefulness of their everyday life. Please enter my name in the drawing. gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Megan said...

Fun interview! I've done the chicken dance my share of times too! Thanks Lena!

Meg

Sheila Deeth said...

Lovely that your kids could help you plot. I'd love to read the book.

sdeeth at msn dot com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me in the drawing!

dancealert at aol dot com

Linda said...

Tricia has such a way with words. I would love his novel. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose513 at gmail dot com

JJ said...

Hi, I have seen Tricia's books on many bloggers sites but I have yet to read one. Thanks,

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Cherie J said...

Wonderful interview! Please enter me in the drawing for this book. Thank you!

apple blossom said...

I'd love to win this book Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Judyg54 said...

I like the story line in this book. I look forward to reading it and seeing how this family deals with "stardom". Thanks for the chance to win.
judyg54(at)juno(dot)com

Edna said...

I like the look of this book, please enter me


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Anonymous said...

my daughter likes country music and we'd both enjoy reading this book!

I remember doing the Hokey Pokey on the skating rink many Friday nights in 7th grade :)

Laney4 said...

Great interview. Cool that kids helped determine plot of book. I like what was written about the book so far, so would love to win the book. Thanks so much.

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I sure hope I win your book!

dancealert at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the possibility.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this book! Beautiful cover! Please enter me.
Thanks.
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Tricia Goyer said...

Virginia, I love sunflowers, too!!! Also, everyone ... thank you for the comments!!!

Tricia Goyer said...

Yeah for all the people who like to dance!

Wendy said...

I love Tricia's books.c

Rose McCauley said...

I love books, so sign me up!

Anonymous said...

This book looks great! I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

The book sounds interesting and the interview was fun to read. Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby


abster(dot)rose(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kristen said...

Love Tricia Goyer!! Sounds Great.
Thanks

Kelly said...

i would love to win this book!
kjm8704(@)juno(.)com

Marla said...

This books sounds like something different. Would love to read. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Patty Wysong said...

Loved the interview with Tricia! :]

Amber Holcomb said...

I would love a chance to win this book! I am in a musical called "State Fair," which my school is performing November, so I'm sure I'd be in just the right mood for a summer read involving a county fair. Thanks for the chance to win!

adge said...

This book looked good. And interesting interview.

Nancye said...

This looks like a great book!


nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net