Name:
Tricia Croyle 
Book Title:
From Heartache to Joy: One Woman’s Journey Home
What is your book about?
From Heartache to Joy: One Woman’s Journey Home is a spiritual journey, one part experiential wisdom, one part spiritual adventure filled with visions, journeys, and dreams, and one small part exercises for those who choose to try my techniques. I identify 15 aspects of God Source, all of which, like spokes on a wheel, afford a path inward to the center of our being. I recount my experience as I journey down each of those paths.
If I had to summarize this book into a singular idea, it would be: God’s love is all there is. I came to this realization through the experience of joy. Without the grief and loss that I experienced, I never would have found Joy. The incidents in our lives are really in divine perfection, and if we were only willing to let go of struggle, we would know it. Health, wealth, and wisdom are mere dances within that divine perfection. If you already know this, you probably won’t learn anything from this book—but you just might enjoy my recounting of it.
What inspired you to write your book?
It began with a fortune cookie.
It was Saturday date night: Chinese buffet and a movie. I grabbed a fortune cookie on the way out, and stopped to read it. Then I handed it to John, my husband. The cookie was obviously meant for him. Sometimes I get his cookie instead of mine.
Then I saw another fortune cookie on the ground. It was still in its plastic bag and in crumbs from being stepped on. I picked it up, opened it, and read the fortune. It was the same fortune that I had selected in the restaurant and given to my husband.
Or did it select me?
It said, “You have a charming way with words. You should write a book.”
The fortune cookie gnawed away at me long after I had gnawed away at it.
Can you describe your writing process?
I get up every morning and greet the sun with a morning prayer. I thank God for being alive. If it’s winter, I sit in front of the fireplace with my feet up and my computer on a TV tray. I write for 1-4 hours depending on how much I have to say. I don’t edit. I just write. When it’s done, then I go back and edit. And re-edit and re-edit and re-edit.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I show gratitude. I write. I play with my horse. I garden. I go about the business of the day, which might be architecture or traveling. Then I tend to the business of living: laundry, cleaning, and cooking. My husband says that I cook with love.
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I enjoy everything or I don’t do it. I enjoy having a conversation with my husband in the morning over a cup of coffee.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
Deepak Chopra’s books, Wayne Dwyer’s books, Carlos Castenada’s books. The horsemanship of Pat Parelli and Silke Vallentin from her wheelchair. La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi. The gratitude that my mother showed each day toward the end of her life. My husband for his perseverance in fighting the good fight for clean water and a healthy environment. Rikka Zimmerman for opening the door to me being me.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
I am a licensed architect and Life Transformed Coach. My life has centered on teaching, architecture, introspection, travel, storytelling, and horses. I have lived and worked in many exotic places including Micronesia, Polynesia, Spain, and China.
What’s next for you?
A sequel to this book is already in process and a break into the genre of mystery.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a first book. It is currently being edited. I hope to have it out before Christmas.
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