Just a mini-update!

I don't have time to write a long blog. So I'm gonna do highlights ... and then you'll understand why there are not extra minutes!


1. From Wed-Sun a.m. we were at the Montana Christian Athletics Association state tournament. After watching dozens of games and cheering (loudly) our girls WON. They got first place! The boys lost two and won one ... Cory didn't get to play due to his torn ACL, but he cheered loudly.

2. Cory got nominated for the Christian Character Award! This is the second year and we were thrilled.

3. I was the "team mom" and I purchased candy for the boy's team to give to the girls team. I also bought t-shirts that the boys team decorated in our hotel room. Some even painted their faces in support of the girls! (The photo is of Cory with his friend Isaac.)

4. While on the road I heard the my sister-in-law is on COMPLETE bed rest for her pregnancy, so I volunteered to take two of her four kids. Brianna (4) is now with my other sister-in-law, but I'll have Samantha 1 1/2) for ... up to four months while Sandy is down. The boys (7 and 3) are with friends. Please pray the baby stays in and develops like he/she should ... and that Sandy can handle the bed rest and missing her kiddos.

5. I had an article to write ... that I finished today. And I need to finish the outline and first two chapters of Blue Like Playdoh by Thursday. I'm trying to get used to working with a baby around. Thank goodness for naps! (Although Samantha is super cute and tons of fun.)

Okay, gotto go make dinner.



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Meet Mary Beth Whalen!

Thanks for joining me today, Mary Beth! I'm anxious to here how you do it all! You know ALL of it...balancing motherhood (and wifehood) and writing!

Interview with Mary Beth Whalen!

Marybeth, please tell me a little about yourself:

I have been married for 16 years and have six children ranging in age from teen to toddler. We have homeschooled up until this year and for the first time this year I am experiencing what it is like to have kids in school. It has been an interesting but good transition. I absolutely love to write-- and have written since I first learned to form the words. I majored in it in college and feel very blessed to be using writing to minister to others.

How do you balance being a mom, writer, AND speaker?

Hmmm, some days are better than others! I have something I call AIM-- which stands for Aware, Intentional, Methods.

1. You have to be aware of your limits, your commitments, and your situation as a whole. This means saying no to extras that don't match your priorities-- even when you feel guilty for saying it! With practice, it gets easier to say no.

2. You have to be intentional about making a plan and then working towards it. This is true of every aspect of your life-- from keeping your home to raising your kids, to making your marriage a priority above all else, to your "professional" pursuits. One of the mantras I adopted years ago was from Elizabeth Elliot-- Do the next thing. This simple phrase keeps me from feeling overwhelmed when there is a lot on my plate. I simply do the next thing, then the next, and so on. It is very freeing!

3. Determine some methods that will work for you. I have had to learn to be organized so that I don't drop too many balls. My systems/methods are very unique to me. They are solutions I have stumbled upon through trial and error. Mostly I took the suggestions of others and adapted them for my situation. Reading books on organization is helpful if this is something you struggle with. I have read my share, that is for sure! I am not naturally organized-- but my life requires it!

What insight can you offer to moms who think they have to "wait until the kids get older" to follow their dreams?

Wow-- that is a great question! I WAS that mom-- I always told myself I was being a good mom because I was waiting til "someday" to pursue my dreams. The trouble was, I realized, I got to a point where I was hiding behind "someday" because it was safe and I didn't have to step out and DO anything-- I could just wish and dream without taking any risks.

I think that moms can pursue their dreams-- more than that I think they should pursue their dreams. However, I am also very quick to say that they should not abdicate their God-given roles as wives and moms. That is where the balance comes in-- and where you have to find your sweet spot. That place will look different for everybody, as we all have such vastly different situations.

For me, my husband is a great accountability person in my life. He is not shy about telling me if he sees me going too far off the deeep end and reigning me back in! But he is also so encouraging and affirming of my dreams. So I trust him to tell me the truth and hold me accountable. We talk about everything I say yes to before I say yes-- looking at both our calendars and taking into account his work, our time limits, our church, and the kids' situations. He has been a great accountability person in that he supports me, but also tells me the truth. I would urge a mom to find that person in her life.

I also get advice from other women who have been doing this longer than me and seek to learn from their successes and mistakes. Their wisdom is valuable!

Finish this sentence, "I know it's been a good day when ...."

I spent time with the Lord, got a run in, made something yummy for dinner, the house is neat (notice I didn't say clean), the kids have been loved on and tended to, my husband and I have had a conversation where we finished at least one sentence, I got something written, and there is a great book waiting for me on my nightstand when I fall into bed exhausted! (And yes, these days do happen from time to time!)

What is the biggest challenge you face? How do you overcome it?

Right now, I would say discouragement-- letting my emotions determine my actions. When I get a rejection for something I wrote or another speaker gets chosen for an event, it is so easy to say, "I just wasn't meant to do this!" or "It's no use even trying!"

As far as overcoming it-- I have found that it's best to wait til the feelings pass without making any decisions. I have to lay down whatever situation is bothering me, and pray and ask God whether these feelings are just feelings or something He truly wants from me. Time usually helps my perspective, I have found. Usually after taking a break, I come back with fresh wind in my sails ready to charge forward again!
But it isn't easy when those times come.

In what ways does God strengthen you on your journey?

Through His word, His presence and His people. With my Abba Father, I am never alone on this journey-- and that strengthens me immensely!


Thanks so much Mary Beth...what great answers!

For more information check out Mary Beth's website!

For more information check out Mary Beth's website!

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

Historical Scavenger Hunt! ***new info***

It’s a Historical Scavenger Hunt!

Playing is easy. Get the list of clues at http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/. Then visit the links below to learn about the authors and their books—you’ll find the answers to the clues in the Q&A posted there! Once you have all 18 answers, send an email to review@ChristianReviewofBooks.com to be entered to win:

Six autographed books!

A Whisper of Freedom by Tricia Goyer
The Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
The Sovereign’s Daughter by Susan K. Downs & Susan May Warren
The Rogue’s Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang


What kind of research did you do to learn about this little-known war?

I read tons of books. I talked with historians who gave me amazing information. I even interviewed some of the veterans who are in their 90s! God gave me unexpected surprises, too. For example, out of the blue God brought an elderly man in my life who knows about the exact planes I wanted to write about. He gave me so many details and those details really brought those scenes to life. God is good!

How did you develop the idea for this series?

The idea kept growing and growing as I wrote it. The little seeds I planted in the first book blossomed into amazing things I never expected--adventure, intrigue, love. I felt as I was learning the story as I wrote it. It was exciting and fun.

At the end of your Spanish Civil War Trilogy, which of the characters had you most connected with?

Oh, do I have to pick? I'd say Sophie because she ended up in a strange land and discovering that God had more in store for her than she ever imagined. She allowed God to use her. She built friendships and discovered true friends in the process.

Visit these sites for the rest of the clues!

http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
www.novelinspirations.com/blog
http://www.julielessman.com/
http://sovereignsdaughter.blogspot.com/
http://ruthaxtellmorren.blogspot.com/
http://www.maureenlang.com/

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.

Eighth annual Retailers Choice Awards nominations open

A message from Christian Retailing!

Christian retailers will soon be selecting the best books, music and other resources of the year.

Suppliers have until Feb. 29 to nominate products for the eighth annual Retailers Choice Awards sponsored by Christian Retailing magazine.

Since its launch, the Retailers Choice Awards program has been increasingly acknowledged in the Christian products industry as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant new life-changing materials available.

The 2008 program sees the addition of three new categories, in recognition of the continuing changes in Christian retailing. Prizes for the best Catholic/Liturgical, Church Supplies and Vacation Bible School products introduced last year will be presented among a total of 31 categories.

Among the other categories in which the best new releases of 2007 will be chosen are audio, Bibles, general fiction, relationships, youth/teen, accessories/apparel, wall décor and Spanish.

Christian retail store owners and staff will vote for the products they most appreciated being able to make available to customers last year based on their ability to speak to people’s hearts and emotions, to open people’s minds to new ways of thinking and to encourage and affirm Christ-like thinking.

The winners will be announced at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Fla., in July.

Suppliers can nominate products for $50 each through Feb. 29. Further information is available at http://www.retailerschoiceawards.com/, or by contacting Christian Retailing Managing Editor Christine D. Johnson at 407-333-0600, ext. 2682 or at chris.johnson@strang.com

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 was Susan who left a comment on my CCM page! Congrat's Susan...send your mailing address to my assistant amy@triciagoyer.com!

Attention Writers!

Carolina Christian Writers just launched their new blog at http://carolinachristianwriters.blogspot.com/

If you have a release coming out in the next six months or so, and would like to schedule a review or an interview on our blog, please contact Jennifer Hudson at jt4novels@yahoo.com.

We also plan to host interviews of agents and editors. We're in the process of planning our schedule and would love to hear from you. Also, if you are planning to be in the Carolinas, and would like to schedule a workshop or speak to our group, please contact Jennifer Hudson Taylor



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

Writer's Conferences 2008

I can't tell writers enough how beneficial writer's conferences are. I can say without a doubt I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't attended them. I've gone to them for fifteen years now ... that's testimony enough!

If you're interested in attending a writer's conference, here is a wealth of information. You might just find one perfect for you!

CONFERENCES:
February 16, 2008. Oregon Christian Writer's One Day Winter Conference at Corban College in Salem, OR. Gail Sattler, Keynote Speaker. More info: http://oregonchristianwriters.org/members/

Feb 28-March 2, 2008. Florida Christian Writers Conference in Bradenton. Keynoters include Paul McCusker and T. Davis Bunn. Includes a special Teen Track taught by Bryan Davis. More information: http://www.flwriters.org/

March 14-15, 2008. Write His Answer Seminar. Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek OH. More info: http://www.writehisanswer.com/Writing_Seminars.htm

March 14-18, 2008. Spring Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon. Debbie Macomber and Jerry B Jenkins. More info: http://www.mounthermon.org/writers/(Secular)

April 3-5, 2008. 2008 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop in Dayton, Ohio. More info: http://www.humorwriters.org/2008SpeakerBios.html

April 12, 2008. Spring Writers Day. Orange County Christian Writers, CA. Featuring Beverly Lewis, Dan Benson, Brian Bird and Chip MacGregor. More info: http://www.occwf.org/

April 17-19, 2008. Festival of Faith & Writing at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. Francine Rivers, Davis Bunn and many more. More info: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/engl/festival/

April 17-19, 2008. Delaware Christian Writers Conference. Newark, Delaware. More here: http://www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/

April 19, 2008. Mini Conference, St David's Christian Writers at Emmanuel Christian Church in Stoneboro, PA. More info: http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html Click on "Mini-Conference".

May 2-3, 2008. Northwest Christian Writers Renewal (formerly SPU Writers Renewal). Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, Washington. Cec Murphey will keynote. Editorial reps include Mick Silva, Waterbrook; Don Pape, Cook; and Jesse Florea, Focus on the Family magazines. More info: http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=8785

May 2-3, 2008. Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference. Tim Riter, Keynote. More info: www.avwriters.comMay 3, 2008. Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop at the Best Western Inn/Country Cupboard Restaurant, Lewisburg, PA. More info: http://www.marshahubler.com/workshop.html

May 14-17, 2008. Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. More info coming soon to http://www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado/

May 18-22, 2008. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Ridgecrest, NC. More information: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D152237%252526M%25253D201125%2C00.html?

June 4-7, 1008. Write to Publish Conference. More info upcoming: http://www.writetopublish.com/

June 13-14, 2008. Dayton Christian Writer's Conference. Englewood, Ohio. More info: http://www.dougtoles.com/upcominggospelevents/

June 16-21, 2008. St David's Christian Writer's Conference. Grove City, PA. Featuring Sally Stuart, Jane Kirkpatrick, Robbie Hess and Lisa Crayton. More info: http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html

July 13-17, 2008. International Christian Retail Show. Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. More info: http://www.christianretailshow.com/

August 7-9, 2008 (NOTE: tentative date).Greater Philadelphia Writer's Conference. Philadelphia Biblical University. More info to come: http://www.writehisanswer.com/philadelphia/index.html

September 8-12, 2008. Maranatha Christian Writers Conference. Muskegon, Michigan. More info: http://www.writewithpurpose.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

September 29-October 2, 2008. Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference. More info: http://watkins.gospelcom.net/sandycove.htm


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

What are you passionate about?

Your husband? Hopefully.
Your kids? Yes.
God. YES!

What about the stuff you do in your daily life? Can you honestly say you're following your passions?

This is a quote from Debbie Macomber's book Knit Together. If you haven't read it I highly recommend it. It's about Debbie's journey to becoming a NY Times Best-selling author. The thing I loved the most was seeing Debbie's heart for God.

“Passion shouldn’t always be equated with fun. But if what you’re doing doesn’t spur you to experience joy or a sense of accomplishment, or provoke something inside you that makes you want to keep going, it’s time to take a step back and reexamine what you’re doing and whether the purpose you’re pursuing is really the purpose God has in mind.”

If you take a step back and examine your pursuits, what do you find?

Think about the things you do day-to-day. Are there things you're doing because you didn't want to say no? Are there things you could pass off to someone else in order to pursue your passion?

I can't tell you I LOVE 100% of my moments writing. Or LOVE 100% the business part of writing. But I'm passionate about spreading God's Word through words. I love it! How about you?


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