Interview & Giveaway! Tricia Goyer ~ Author of By the Light of the Silvery Moon!!

 Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Tricia!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a wife, mom of four, author, radio host and speaker. I'm the author of 32 books and I've written hundreds of articles. I also have a weekly radio show, Living Inspired, where I interview Christian authors, artists, and ministry leaders. I started writing as a young mom in 1994, and my first book got published in 2003. I've been writing books continually since then, and I love it. Growing up I never planned on being a writer, but I did love to read. Looking back I can seen that God created me to share stories with others. I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.

What inspired  By the Light of the Silvery Moon?


I first got the idea for doing a more contemporary prodigal son story in 1997. Then—just last year—I was approached by an editor about coming up with an idea for the Titanic. April 15, 2012 was the 100th Anniversary—would I like to submit a novel idea for consideration? Yes, of course!

One morning I was laying in bed praying about an "Titanic idea" when the prodigal son story popped into my mind. Was it possible that the seed of the idea I had so many years prior fit on the Titanic? I dug back through my old computer files and found the original prologue. Then, in my mind's eye, the story of a younger son, an older son, a woman who cared for them both--and the loving father--played out in my mind on the decks of the grand ship.


How is By the Light of the Silvery Moon different from other novels you've written?

This is the first novel that I've followed a Biblical story so closely. It was powerful and emotional for me to bring the story to life.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?

I only paint my fingernails a few times a year...for Christmas and my birthday. LOL.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was just 22-years-old and pregnant with my third baby when another young mom at church was talking about writing a novel. It intrigued me! We went to a few writing workshops together, and then the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference. I was hooked after that. I continued to attend Mt. Hermon for fourteen years, learning and growing in my craft.


What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I'm not sure which is quirkier...I chew gum as I write, and I tilt my head to the left. I end up with a sore neck and sore jaw. Ouch!


How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?

I've written 32 books. I think the favorite one I've written is the one I've just finished. LOL. Actually I'm sort of partial to my first novel, "From Dust and Ashes" just because it was the first time I saw my dream realized. 
 
What would you say is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?

The best part is sitting down to write. I love being at the computer, considering the themes, running away with the story and seeing what God puts on my heart. The hardest part is not being able to help everyone who asks. I wish I could!

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love spending time with my family, playing board games, hanging out. I also love to travel! It's always fun to explore a new place with my family.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

100 places. 1000 places...I could drive any direction and find wonderful places to explore. But to pick one, I'd love to visit New York city sometime.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?

My favorite song currently is Beautiful Things by Gungor. I listen to it about 20 times a day.

Are you a night-owl or early-bird?


Both! My family loves to stay up. I love to wake up early. I usually nap :)

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Zephaniah 3:17
 
The LORD your God is with you,
  the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
  in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
  but will rejoice over you with singing.

What do you hope readers take away from By the Light of the Silvery Moon?

I hope they will be swept away by the story and through it discover the love of the Father in new ways.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?

Yes, I'm currently writing my fifth Amish novel The Promise Box. It's the second book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. It's also set in West Kootenai, Montana about a small Amish community up there.  

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?

Thank you!

Book giveaway!!

Enter to win By the Light of the Silvery Moon!! Open to the US and Canada!

Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter below (here is a tutorial, if you aren't familiar with Rafflecopter). The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post - after you do that, the other entries will become available. :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway