Blog Book Tour: Blue Like Play Dough

"By physically going to God every morning, "I'm placing myself in His hands. His love smoothes out the rough edges and reminds me I don't need to do everything for everyone. I just need to accept love and give it. He'll Take care of the rest."—Tricia Goyer

Blue Like Play Dough:

The Shape of Motherhood

in the Grip of God

What mom hasn't felt exhausted, guilty and like a failure, especially single mothers? Born to a single mom, Trisha's honest take on parenting will especially encourage single mothers who buy into the lie that our children are unable to establish healthy marriages and homes.

Trisha shares her insight on mothering from the perspective of a rebellious pregnant teen to busy wife and mom. She offers hope to all moms that God shapes and molds us into the mom's he created us to be.

From stepping over dog throw up to tucking God's Word into our children's lives, she reveals that motherhood is not about perfection, but about enjoying your precious time God has given you to parent. It goes far too fast.

Read an excerpt from Trisha's book.

Buy One, Give One: Help for Teen Moms

Her "Blue Like Play Dough Go-Go Campaign" encourages teen mom's, too.

For every copy of Blue Like Play Dough purchased, Trisha will donate a copy of My Life Unscripted or Generation NeXt Parenting to a pregnancy, teen or family support ministry (while supplies last).

All you need to do is buy a copy of Blue Like Play Dough on Christianbook, on Amazon, or at your local bookstore, and then click here to fill out a form.

About the Book

In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.

Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.

In Tricia's transparent account, you'll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you'll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Product Details

Price: $13.99

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: Multnomah Books

ISBN-10: 1601421524

ISBN-13: 978-1601421524

About Trisha

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana.

Other Author's Weigh in on Blue Like Play Dough

"I couldn't put Blue Like Play Dough down. Tricia's love of God comes through on every page as she shows what motherhood is like when God wields his rolling pin and smoothes the rough edges of her life. Before you know it, your heart will be putty in God's hands, too."— Ginger Kolbaba, editor, Today's Christian Woman

"With fresh, disarming honesty, Tricia Goyer gives us a glimpse into the challenges of motherhood and womanhood as we know it oh-so-well. She then gently nudges us to remain pliable in the hands of the One who is deliberate in His plans for us. A surrendered life is a beautiful life. Thanks, Tricia, for giving us an authentic picture of what that sort of life looks like."— Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the Christy Miller Series and the Sisterchicks series

"A hopeful book that moms will relish, Blue Like Playdough is an honest, peel-back-the-covers look at the creative way God shapes us through childhood and parenthood. Tricia Goyer explores her own weaknesses along the journey, revealing her desire to serve the God who forms strength and joy and perseverance within her. A compelling, fresh read."— Mary E. DeMuth, author of Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture

"I didn't even know I needed to read this book until I found myself weeping as Tricia's story reached right into my mothering heart. Part memoir and part self-help, Blue Like Play Dough is a must read for every mother who has ever doubted her purpose. An honest, hopeful read that will hearten moms no matter what stage of motherhood they are in."— Tina Ann Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us and Rose House

"The best hostesses make you feel welcome in their home, a part of the family. Likewise, the best authors make you feel welcome as you visit them in the pages of their books. Tricia Goyer does that in Blue Like Play Dough as she invites you to come into her life and hang out with her family, and she doesn't apologize for the messiness of family life. Instead, with refreshing vulnerability and transparency, she shows us all that it's okay to be imperfect in the hands of a God whose love for his own is perfect."— Nancy Kennedy, author of Girl on a Swing and Lipstick Grace

"Tricia's book is a masterpiece on motherhood—sculpted by her hands—shaped by her love for God."— Margaret McSweeney, Pearl Girls ™: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace

"Blue Like Play Dough had me nodding, laughing, crying, dog-earing favorite pages, and saying, 'Wow, I'm not the only mom who feels that way? I'm not weird?' Honest, gut-wrenching, and funny—this is the kind of book every mom needs to read and keep on her shelf—like a long-time friend—there to walk beside you, drink coffee with you, encourage you. Loved this book!"— Kimberley Woodhouse, author of Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy

Follow the Blog Tour: See what other's are saying about Blue Like Play Dough

Join the Facebook Launch Party: Monday, July 27, 2009, 5–7 pm.

How Do I Get Writing Credits?

"Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch and heal people's souls."—Melody Beattie

How Do I Get Writing Credits When I Don't Have Any?

This question is one of the most asked questions that I've heard at Springs Writers over the last three years. Beginning writers often feel frustrated because they don't have any clips or writing credits to include in a query letter or book proposal.

Whether you're published or unpublished, it's a great goal to write and submit articles regularly to anthologies. According to Harris Polls, 88.7 percent of the public not only recognizes the Chicken Soup for the Soul® brand, but knows what it is. So why not target your writing towards anthologies?

Listed below you will find the call for submissions from A Cup of Comfort® and Chicken Soup for the Soul®. However, there are other fiction, nonfiction and poetry anthologies requesting submissions. To find your writing genre, log on to Google.com. Type in key words: anthologies, anthology, submission, and your writing genre.

Top 10 Benefits of Submitting to Book Anthologies

It's true that publication in an anthology does not pay the big bucks. Sometimes they request all rights. If your goal is publication and building writing credits, grab a cup of tea, a pen or computer, and start writing. Here are some benefits.

1. It's easy. No query letter. Just submit your story online.
   
2. Anthologies do not require prior writing credits.
   
3. Writing for submission provides a writing goal and a firm deadline.
   
4. Your story receives acceptance based upon quality of writing and the story's impact, not a famous media platform or prior publication credits.
   
5. Their writing guidelines help you narrow the focus of your story by clearly spelling out what they want and do not want.
   
6. Regularly submitting to anthologies encourages you to write and hone your writing skills.
   
7. If published in an anthology, the instantly recognizable name looks great on your list of writing credits.
   
8. If published, you have a book to offer on your website or at speaking engagements.
   
9. If you're not published, you have an article or story to submit elsewhere.
   
10. Provides numerous opportunities for you to share inspiring, personal experiences.
    

A Cup of Comfort® Anthology Book Series

A Cup of Comfort®,a bestselling anthology (book) series, features uplifting true stories about the experiences and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives. These slice-of-life stories are written by people from all walks of life and provide unique personal insights into powerful universal truths. Cup of Comfort® is currently accepting submissions for the following books.

Please note that all four of these anthologies are for the secular (non-religious) inspirational nonfiction book category. Before you submit a story, review A Cup of Comfort® writing guidelines.

A Cup of Comfort® for Mothers: Stories celebrating the women who gave us everything

While it's true that each of us has "only one mother the wide world over," there are many different ways to be a mother and many different forms and flavors of mother-child relationships. And in this Cup of Comfort® anthology we want to capture it all—with personal stories about a wide range of mothering and mother-child experiences, including those that test your mettle as well as those that enrich your life. The book will include stories written both by mothers and about mothers (by their adult children, spouse, own mother). Any topic and tone goes, as long as it's meaningful to mothers and suitable for Cup of Comfort®. Whether a story is endearing or entertaining, inspiring or insightful, humorous or heartwarming, poignant or empowering, or all of the above, it must be uplifting and authentic. And most should be about living mothers/children. Although a story may be about a deceased mother (or a deceased child, if written by the mother), it should focus on her life, not on her death. Narrative essays preferred. Story length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: June 1, 2009

Finalist Notification:June 10, 2009

A Cup of Comfort® for a Better World: Stories that celebrate generosity, compassion, and volunteerism

To coin a phrase of President Barack Obama, Yes, we can! make a positive difference in the world. And this Cup of Comfort® anthology will feature living examples of good Samaritans whose good deeds inspire others to do their part to make the world a better place or to just make life a little bit easier—for loved ones, neighbors, strangers, future generations, or any of God's creatures, great and small. Potential themes include (but are not limited to) charitable work, random acts of kindness, paying it forward, or lending a helping hand, a port in a storm, or a shoulder to lean on. Stories must be uplifting and personal, preferably narrative essays; we are not interested in journalistic articles or thinly disguised PR pieces for charitable organizations. Story length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2009

Finalist Notification: July 1, 2009

A Cup of Comfort® for Couples: Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love

It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true love. Of course, being a "happy couple" involves more than being in love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones—romantic, poignant, humorous—and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2009

Finalist Notification:October 15, 2009

A Cup of Comfort® for Golfers: Stories that celebrate the follies, the triumphs, and the joy of the game

This anthology will feature upbeat, insightful, inspiring, and humorous true stories about learning, playing, and enjoying the uniquely challenging and satisfying game of golf. The book will include stories about golfers of every age and of every persuasion—amateur, pro, casual, recreational, hard-core, newbie. Most of the stories will be written by golfers, but the book will likely include stories written by golf "widows" (or widowers) or other loved ones of "golf nuts." Stories must be about personal experiences. We are not interested in articles on how to play the game, profiles/bios of professional golfers, etc. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2009

Finalist Notification:December 31, 2009

Chicken Soup for the Soul®

Chicken Soup for the Soul® adds new titles all the time. They provide a publishing outlet to help real people share real stories reflecting hope, courage, inspiration, and love. Before submitting, read Chicken Soup for the Soul®'s writing guidelines to discover the winning recipe for their stories.

A Book of Miracles

Everyone has experienced extraordinary events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment. Perhaps the only explanation is divine intervention. The true stories in this multi-faith book will awe you with examples of amazing coincidences and prove to you that miracles do happen every day.

Submission Deadline: May 30, 2009

All in the Family

These serious or hilarious, oh so true stories will touch your heart and make you see that even in the most difficult situations, other families are not all that different from your own. Share your stories with others who may realize we all have the same in-laws, siblings, parents, etc. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!).

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

Christmas and Holidays

We love holidays! We know you do too. We are collecting stories for our next holiday book.

Submission Deadline: There is no deadline date.

Dieting and Fitness

Eat less - exercise more! We have all heard these simple words but, in reality, dieting and staying fit require a lot of work. Tell us about your commitment to health and fitness. What changes did you make in your eating habits? What kind of an exercise program did you follow that made the difference? Were you still able to treat yourself to that occasional delicious piece of chocolate cake and stay in shape? The true stories in this book will inspire you, make you laugh, touch your heart, and let you know that you can do it!

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

Endurance Sports (Running, Cycling, Swimming)

Whether you are a triathlete, a duathlete, or you just love to swim, run, or cycle, we want to hear about your sports, your races, and how endurance sports fit into your life, whether you are an amateur, a student athlete, or a pro.

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

NASCAR

Everyone loves great stories about families working and playing together, grit and perseverance, and fast cars! We are collecting stories for the ultimate NASCAR book, coming out in February 2010, in time for the new season. We are excited to have well-known NASCAR columnist Cathy Elliott editing the book.

Submission Deadline: June 15, 2009

Not Really Retired

This book will share humorous and fun stories from those who are actively enjoying their "senior years!" Tell us about your new careers, your volunteer work, your sports, your travels, and those things you always wanted to do that you are finally doing.

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

Teacher Tales

We have all had that one teacher who has made a difference in our lives. And teachers, remember that one student who made you know why you decided to be a teacher and who you will never forget? We are looking for stories from both teachers and students that will tell that unforgettable story.

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

Thanks Dad

We are looking for stories of thanks from "children" of all ages about their dads. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn't matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends.

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

Thanks Mom

We are looking for stories of thanks from "children" of all ages about their moms. These stories of innumerable joys and challenges will touch your heart, make you laugh, inspire you and remind you that it doesn't matter how old you are, the job of a parent never ends.

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2009

True Love

We all love stories about how love started and blossomed; stories about dating, romance, love, and marriage. We are looking for true stories and poems about your soulmate, your true love, the one that got away, and all the ups and downs of your love life. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both. Please do not submit teen stories for this book—teen relationships will be covered in a future book.

Submission Deadline: May 31, 2009

June Workshop: It's All About Story: Using Fiction Techniques in Non-Fiction

"His theory was that non-fiction could be as artful as fiction."—Gerald Clarke

June FREE Workshop: It's All About Story: Using Fiction Techniques in Non-Fiction

When: Monday, June 8, 2009, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Workshop Description: Whether you're writing an article or book, you can create more effective nonfiction by using techniques regularly employed by fiction writers: Award winning novelist and feature writer Ken Kuhlken will guide you through a process that can focus and enliven your work. Learn to build a simple yet powerful outline and to discover the action-idea, the essence of your story.

Write Smart Seminar

When: Tuesday, June 9, 6:00 pm–9:00 p.m.

Where: Poor Richard's Bookstore, 320 N. Tejon Street, Colorado, Springs, CO 80903.

Early Bird Registration: $20 per person. To pre-register, email Steven Saint for registration form at ssaint at pcisys.net.

Registration at the Door: $25 per person

San Diego-based novelist Ken Kuhlken will lead a three-hour seminar on how to conceive, create, revise, sell and market your novel, memoir or other book-length narrative. Plug into the local writing community and pick up lots of practical tools of the trade, including:

• Focusing and outlining an action idea
  
• Creating an effective book proposal
  
• Finding time to write with spirits up
  
• Approaching revision
  
• Finding an agent
  
  

Speaker: Ken Kuhlken earned BA and MA degrees in English at San Diego State University and an MFA degree in Fiction Writing at the University of Iowa. Kuhlken is the author of novels, short stories, feature stories, and book reviews. His stories have appeared in Esquire and dozens of other magazines and anthologies. Ken has been a frequent contributor and a columnist for the San Diego Reader. With Alan Russell, in Road Kill and No Cats, No Chocolate, he chronicled the madness of book promotion tours. Ken's novels are Midheaven, chosen as finalist for the PENs Ernest Hemingway Award for best first novel, The Loud Adios
(Private Eye Writers of America/St. Martin's Press Best First PI Novel, 1989), The Venus Deal and The Angel Gang, all Tom Hickey mysteries, The Do-Re-Mi, a Tom and Clifford Hickey mystery honored as January
Magazine best book of 2006 and as a finalist for the 2006 Shamus Award, and The Vagabond Virgins featuring Alvaro Hickey. His stories have been honored with Pushcart Prize nominations and a National Endowment for the Arts Literature fellowship. He has taught in the MFA program at the University of Arizona and in graduate and undergraduate programs at San Diego State University, California State University, Chico, University of San Diego, Christian Heritage College, and Azusa Pacific University. Ken teaches writing and literature at Perelandra College. Visit Ken's website: www.kenkuhlken.net.

Paul McCusker Book Signing

Out of Time (Time Thriller Trilogy, Book 2)

Paul will be autographing his latest Time Thrillers Trilogy novel, Out of Time—as well as the Odyssey and Passages novels.

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009

Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Location: Focus On The Family Bookstore

Address: 8685 Explorer Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Phone: 719-531-3400

Book Description

A long history of strange disappearances and unexplainable occurrences leave clues that the town of Fawlt Line may actually sit on a time fault—a portal to alternate times and unexpected time travels—a twist of fate that puts all of Fawlt Line's citizens in serious danger. Will they find the faith to hold on to the town and time where they belong?

On a foggy night, Jeff and Elizabeth see a car heading through the mist. A man on horseback is in the middle of the road, and a collision was barely avoidable. Now the victim—a giant of a man—lies on a hospital bed, surrounded by hospital staff and a host of questions. This mysterious stranger wears ancient-looking clothes and speaks perfect Latin. The "lunatic" claims he's King Arthur. Is he for real? A victim of another crack in time?

Has King Arthur really slipped through a time crack into Fawlt Line?

Impossible? Perhaps. But lately in the town of Fawlt Line, the impossible has had a way of proving true. And the most incredible events are yet to come. As Jeff and his cousin Malcolm help the old man return to Britain, they discover again that God can do anything.

Purchase Out of Time.

Book Blog Tour and Contest: Making Work at Home Work

"With every project I take on, I aim to make it transformational."—Mary Byers

Making Work at Home Work

Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof

Author: Mary M. Byers

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3275-2

Price: $12.99

Format: Paperback

How Do You Successfully Grow a Business and a Family Under One Roof?

Making Work at Home Work is a guidebook for entrepreneurial women designed to help them think about their business in a whole new way. It covers important topics such as developing a successful business philosophy, balancing time between work and family, setting realistic goals, and handling the challenges of being a home-based CEO. In addition to including her own experiences, Byers profiles a dozen other women with home-based businesses who offer their hard-won advice.

Making Work at Home Work shows moms how to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set without sacrificing their families. It covers important topics such as developing a successful business philosophy, balancing time between work and family, setting realistic goals, and handling the challenges of being both "Mommy" and "CEO" while running a profitable home-based business. In addition to including her own experiences, author Mary Byers profiles real moms with home-based businesses who offer their hard-won advice.

Meet the Author!

Mary M. Byers is a home-based entrepreneur and author of Making Work at Home Work. She's successfully juggles both a freelance corporate writing and speaking business along with her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two school-aged children. She's the author of The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family and How to Say No…And Live to Tell About It. Mary is also a member of the National Speakers Association and a professional speaker skilled at encouraging individuals to think big when it comes to their businesses. As an at-home entrepreneur herself, Mary walks the talk. She's energizing, motivating, and she'll challenge you and your team to:

• Increase revenue without increasing effort
  
• Grow a bigger vision for your business
  
• Develop specialized entrepreneurial skills
  
• Engage the power of "Focus Pocus"
  
• Turn setbacks into milestones
  

Visit her website at www.marybyers.com or her blog at www.makingworkathomework.com. Or check out Mary's blog book tour.

Contest: Three Ways to Win!

Win a copy of Making Work at Home Work (or another one of Mary's books--your choice) AND a $25 Amazon gift certificate (for some WAHM essentials—Day Planner, bubble bath, funky file-folders, toddler DVDs)!

• Leave a comment on this post.
  
• Sign up for Mary's quarterly newsletter where she offer tips and advice about all facets of a women's life: WAHM, mothering, women's issues.)
  
• Join the Work at Home Blog Ring.

How to Stand Out in a Crowd

"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more." —A. Lou Vickery

May Workshop: How to Stand Out in a Crowd

When: Monday, May 11, 2009, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Where: Stone Chapel, 280 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Workshop Description: As a determined writer who would like to be published, you know you face a lot of competition. Publishers of all kinds—books, magazines, Web sites, and so on—get inundated with proposals. Many won't even accept unsolicited material anymore. So how do you stand out in the crowd? How do you convince editors to take a closer look at your query or proposal and give it serious consideration?

This workshop focuses on three key, highly practical elements vital to any query or proposal.

First, how many people, besides you, are interested in your topic? And how unique or fresh is it really?

Second, is your query or proposal prepared with professional excellence? (We'll explore just what that means.) "A good message" is not enough.

Third, do you demonstrate awareness of how to connect with your audience? You don't have to have your own national TV show, but you do need to show familiarity with, and be willing to work at, effective ways of reaching readers in your intended audience.

These ideas are basic and commonsensical, yet they're often ignored, to the writer's detriment. Learn how to do these things right and you'll stand out in the crowd!

Speaker: Larry Weeden serves as Director of Book Development, Curriculum, and Acquisitions for Focus on the Family. A veteran of more than 30 years in Christian publishing, he has worked with authors such as Gary Smalley, Chuck Colson, John Maxwell, Norm Wright, Patsy Clairmont, and many others. He's also an active freelance writer, with more than 15 books to his credit, including Feeling Guilty, Finding Grace, Wired by God (with Joe White), and Breaking the Cycle of Divorce (with John Trent). He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Southern Evangelical Seminary.

Snow Policy: If road conditions are dangerous due to snow, please log on to this blog to see if a meeting is cancelled. If District 20 closes, the meeting is cancelled.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts Grand Opening

"Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen."—Leonardo da Vinci

Cottonwood Center for the Arts (CCA) grand opening heralds a new era for the local fine arts scene. The two-day event is free and open to the public. Artists will open their studios for tours and field questions about CCA and their work. Featured events include live musical entertainment, a scavenger hunt with chances to win fine art from CCA artists, complimentary appetizers and beverages.Stephanie Johnson, one of our Springs Writers, has spent hours working on remodeling the Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Read Stephanie's article "Arts Alive and Well at New Cottonwood." And while you're at it, please check out Stephanie's website.

Grand Opening Schedule

Date/Time: April 24, 2009: 5:30 pm–9:00 pm; April 25, 2009: 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Address: 427 E. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: 719-520-1899

Website: http://www.cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com