An
interview with Tricia Goyer,
author
of Moms’ Night Out
An endearing
true-to-life family comedy that celebrates the beautiful mess called parenting,
award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s Moms’ Night Out (B&H Publishing Group/April 22, 2014/ISBN:
978-1433684821/$15.99) novelization of the popular
film by the same name chronicles how three harried moms, their husbands, a
sister-in-law with a misplaced baby, a tattoo parlor owner, a motorcycle gang
and a bewildered cabbie become intrinsically intertwined in one another’s lives
after one momentous moms’ night out.
Q: This
book is a novelization of the new movie Moms’
Night Out, starring Patricia Heaton, Sean Astin and others. We’re used to
novels being turned into movies, but not so much movies being turned into
novels. How does the novelization of a movie work?
A novelization means a novel inspired by the movie. I was
contacted in December asking if I’d be interested in this project. I’d seen the
trailer, and (as a mom of six with a hectic household) I immediately said, “Yes!”
They sent me the movie, and I watched it a few times just to get an idea of the
story. I loved it! It made me laugh and really spoke to my heart. Then with the
screenplay in hand, I watched the movie a scene at a time. I’d catch the dialogue,
and then I’d go back and bring the characters’ actions to life on the page. So,
yes, I can pretty much quote the movie as it plays!
Q: How many
times did you have to watch the movie in order to write the book?
I didn’t count, but I’d say I watched each scene 20-50 times,
depending on how much action or dialogue there was!
Q: How
involved do you get to be with the movie premiere and all the excitement of a
theatrical release?
I was so honored to be able to go to Hollywood
Q: You’re the mother of six and a best-selling author and
speaker. What advice do you have for moms who are trying to juggle their work
schedule and their family responsibilities?
Know how much you can say yes to. This year the only
extra-curricular activity my children were a part of was Awanas. I only have
one weekly commitment other than church and our small group, and that is our
Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers Support Group). We spend a lot of time
playing with the neighbors and hanging out as a family. I’ve been at the spot
where I’ve been running place to place with kids’ activities, and that’s not
fun! After raising three kids, I’ve learned having dinners together and family
time is a priority. I also balance my work commitments. As a writer my work is
steady, and I have to make sure not to take on too many projects. It’s hard for
me! Just last week I had to cut out some projects I really like just for the
fact that I can’t do it all.
Q: Moms
really do sacrifice so much for their families; why is it important for moms to
make sure they’re finding rest and encouragement?
I love the well-known phrase, “When Mama ain’t happy, ain’t
nobody happy.” When I am exhausted and overwhelmed, my whole family suffers.
When I have time for friends and I fuel up on God, then I’m such a better mom.
When I’m encouraged, then I pour encouragement out. When I’m rested, I give of
myself with patience and love. It’s hard to step away, but so important too!
Q: How
often do you get to have a Moms’ Night Out? Do you have a group of
mommy-friends you’re able to connect with regularly?
I’m part of a small group of women at our church. They meet
monthly, and I’m able to make it about every other month. I also have some
girlfriends I’ll meet for lunch. Sometimes it’s hard to justify paying a
babysitter to go to lunch, but I always come back refreshed. I also lead a Teen
MOPS support group. The attendees and leaders range from age 17–55. We care for
one another, love one another and draw support from one another. I get just as
much back as I give!
Q: What’s
the most comical experience you’ve had on a Moms’ Night Out?
Once a group of writer friends and I had gathered to go to a
writers’ conference. We all came to town early to eat dinner at a very expensive
restaurant. We dressed up and enjoyed the exquisite gardens as we walked to the
front doors, only to discover it was . . . closed! We drove around for a while
and finally ended up eating at a hole in the wall barbecue pit with picnic
tables (inside), red-checkered, plastic table clothes and plastic forks. Not
what we had in mind!
Q: Raising
kids can be difficult, but there are some funny moments along the way — share
one of your funniest memories involving your kids.
I have one from yesterday. We laughed so hard! Our daughter
(six) was riding in the back of the car.
Her: “Mom, Dad!” she called out. “Grandma was sweeping the
front porch and a black, wet cat leaped out of nowhere and jumped on her!”
Me: “Sweetie, remember we’ve been working about not lying or
not telling stories.”
Her: “I saw a cat.”
It’s just a balance to be creative and to be truthful . . .
we try to guide our children in both!
Q: How does
your husband help out in those moments when you just have to get a break, like
the moms in the film Moms’ Night Out? Are
there other people in your life you can turn to?
I have the best husband ever! John and I adopted two children
from the foster care system, and they came with a variety of issues. On most
evenings, he’d take over the kid duty as soon as he got home from work because
he knew I’d had a long day. Then on Saturdays he’d load up the three little
ones into his car for an “adventure.” I’d enjoy the peace and write during this
time. I also have two wonderful babysitters and some great neighbors who I can
reach out to for help. Yes, I am blessed! Having a support system is SO
important!
Q: This
movie and the novel are both very funny and lighthearted, but the day-to-day
tasks of being a mother can become overwhelming. What advice do you have for
the mom who is feeling completely overcome by her responsibilities?
Remember that God is there for you. You don’t have to do it
alone. One of my favorite Scripture verses is Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flock
like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his
heart; he gently leads those that have young.” God wants to be there for you to
guide you and assist you. Turn to Him. Even quick prayers, blubbered by an
exhausted mom, make a difference.
Q: What
advice would you give to dads about ways they can help alleviate some of the
pressures moms feel?
I’d say that when it comes to helping, every little thing makes
a difference. When my husband loads the dishwasher I’m so grateful! Also remind
them often of their importance. Moms need to hear this most of all.
Q: Where
can our audience find out more about the movie and book editions of Moms’ Night Out?
For more information about
Tricia Goyer, visit her online home at www.triciagoyer.com, become a fan on Facebook (authortriciagoyer) or follow her on Twitter (@triciagoyer).
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