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CBP:  Tell us about your Christian testimony...

Tricia: Oh, this is a good story, and one I love to share. I was raised in church (my mom took me). But during my teen years I had strayed far from all I knew was right. At age 17, I found myself pregnant. I dropped out of regular high school and instead attended a community school for troubled kids. When I became pregnant, my boyfriend had dumped me, and my friends were involved in their own lives. They were attending games and going to the prom, and I had a stomach that was getting bigger and bigger—and many worries about being a mom!

But there were people who cared, mainly my mother and grandmother, who were both Christians, and their Bible Study group who invited me to attend even though I usually fell asleep while they studied! Well, their prayers for me worked, and when I was six months pregnant I dedicated by life to Jesus. I told Him, “I’ve messed up, I know you can do better.” And He has! Today, I’m married to a wonderful Christian man and we have three, great kids. In additional to writing, I also work with teen moms in our area. I want them to realize what God can do when we give our troubled lives to Him. He can make beauty out of ashes!

CBP: What inspired you to write a WWII historical account of life in Austria's Gusen concentration camp?

I first heard about Gusen when I was vacationing with two friends in Austria. The story I heard about the American GIs liberating the camp, and about the brave Nazi wife intrigued me. Mainly, I couldn’t get that woman out of my thoughts. What would it have been like for her to live so close to a concentration camp and to be married to one of the guards when she hated all that was happening inside? How did she deal with that? What would it be like for her to finally be able to help? Also, what would happen if those who she was helping discovered who she really was? These were the questions that kept playing in my head. And this was the basis for the story.

Also, I’d learned so much about what happened after liberation. So many books and movies deal with the events during the war. Then the Americans show up and the credits roll or the book ends. But things were not “happily-ever-after.” New governments vied for control. Families were scattered. There was no such thing as “normal” life to return to. I was inspired to share all these things too.

CBP:  How did you go about researching for From Dust to Ashes?

First, I had contact with a historian who lives in St. Georgen, where the Gusen camp was located. She’s interviewed hundreds of survivors and dozens of liberators, and has become an expert on what happened at Gusen. She even organizes a memorial celebration in which survivors come from all over the world to celebrate their liberation. (I was able to attend this ceremony myself in 2002 in Austria.)

The next thing I did was contacted some of the American GIs who liberated the camp. I found that many were still alive. They were excited to talk to me. Excited that someone was writing their story, and they even invited me to attend the 59th Reunion of the 11th Armored Division, which I did.

It was from these men that the true story unfolded. That’s why the novel seems so real. It’s based on experiences from many people, experiences that made me cry and laugh with those I interviewed.

CBP: What do you want your readers to walk away with after reading it?

First of all, a sense that no matter what we’ve done, we can be redeemed. Helene turned her back on the cries of the prisoners for years, but when she overcame fear and stood for what was right, lives were saved … including her own.

Also, one person can make a difference. From Dust and Ashes is told in three points-of-view, and in each one of these cases, their lives, their choices, were more far-reaching than they realized.

Finally, that our veterans deserve honor. What they experienced during WWII (or in other wars) has forever changed their lives. They are true heroes and each has a story worthy of a novel.

CBP: What are you planning to write next?

Currently I am under contract to write two different books. First, is another WWII novel, titled The Orchestra (Moody Publishing). These men I interviewed told me so many amazing stories, I had to write another book! I’m also writing a book for teen moms titled, What Every Teen Mom Needs (Zondervan/MOPS). As a former teen mom, I know the need for material written just for this unique group of mothers. They face challenges that most people can’t comprehend: raising a child while still trying to change and grow themselves. They’re both challenging projects! But like all things, I tackle them with much prayer and with a complete dependence on God’s ability to work through my weaknesses.

Thank you Tricia! What a great reminder that the past teaches many valuable lessons, and that God's will is that all would be saved by His mercy.