Last Day to Win a Signed copy of Amish Proverbs or The Waiting

As I look ahead to my next release, book 2 in the Lancaster County Secrets series, The Waiting, I’d like to take a little poll.

Since I know you’re a lover of Amish fiction/non-fiction (that’s why you’re here at my website) – tell me what appeals to you about the Amish, their life-style, their customs, and/or their traditions.

To enter simply head on over to my contest page and click on CLICK HERE TO ENTER (scroll to the very bottom of the page) and share your thoughts.

I'll choose three winners to receive their choice of Amish Proverbs or The Choice on October 5th.

This week on Amish Wisdom: Barbara Cameron

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.

I'm excited to have Barbara Cameron back on the show this week. She was one of the four authors of An Amish Christmas that I interviewed in August. You can listen to that show here. 

About Barbara Cameron: I'm a former newspaper reporter and currently teach English to college students on a part-time basis. I'm delighted with the wonderful response to A Time to Love, the first book in the Quilts of Lancaster County series. I'll be following up with another series after I finish the third Quilts book which I'm working on now. Two of my novellas, which appeared in An Amish Christmas and An Amish Gathering, were finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Carol Award recently and both were second and third place winners in the Inspirational Readers Choice awards of the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. I hope readers will pick up a copy of A Time for Love and enjoy my different Amish romance, as well as pick up a copy of the newly expanded edition of An Amish Christmas.  For more info about Barbara please visit her website at www.barbaracameron.com

Win a copy of Barbara's A Time to Love - leave a comment {HERE}and one winner will be chosen at random. Please be sure to include your email address.

About A Time To Love: War correspondent Jenny King thinks she's just a temporary guest in her grandmother's Amish community while she recuperates from the devastating injuries sustained in a car bomb attack that changed her world.  But when she meets Matthew Bontrager, the man she had a crush on as a teenager, she wonders if God has a new plan for her.

About An Amish Christmas: Spend the holidays in Lancaster County! Seth once broke Miriam's heart. Should she give him a second chance? As widow Lydia mourns, her old flame reappears---her husband's brother. Midwife Anna calls on Asa Lapp to help her as a blizzard rages. And a child changes everything for two couples on a snowy Christmas eve. 500 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
A bit more about each Barbara's story:

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron

The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples. 

The Amish..in their own Words

In their own words…

Polly Anna Yoder celebrated her 60th birthday this week. Her five-year-old granddaughter, Rachel Joy, wanted to make a card for her grandmother. She got out a big piece of paper and told her mother, “Grandma is big so I need a big sheet of paper,” and later on she asked her mother, “Should I have used old paper since Grandma is old?” Scribe from Bellefontaine, Ohio

In their own words…

Coming home after dark and finding the supposedly locked basement door ajar, then hearing noises upstairs caused goose bumps and chills up and down son Joseph and Erma’s spine. Upon investigating they found a cat blissfully enjoying their warm house, but with no intentions of leaving it soon. After leading Joseph on a merry chase several times through the rooms, over curtains, desk sink and in the closet it finally left, defeated, restoring peace and quiet in their home. Results were a big scratch on the desk, several curtains torn down and possibly minus several of her nine lives. Scribe from Millersburg, Ohio

In their own words…

Truly, Daniel Hostetler’s little piggies thought ‘corn is for the pigs.’ The family had husked and cleaned three big bowls full of sweet corn out under the shade tree. It was dinnertime so they left them there intending to cut if off the cob after dinner. Well, little piggies thought it dinnertime, too. They helped themselves to this sweet corn buffet. They ate some, got some dirty, and made a mess, but Daniels still canned around 50 quarts, so they didn’t ruin it all. Scribe from Milton, Iowa

In their own words…

And a final word of wisdom for the week. Never, ever let a 5-year-old talk you into giving the family dog its yearly bath on a busy Saturday, no matter how much it stinks. I think we traumatized the dog and ended up having to wash my girl’s clothes. She was sweet and dirty from head to tie…and the dog? Well, let’s just say that the dog gave us a wide margin the next hour or so. But when it came back, I have to admit, it smelled just a little like the Joy dish detergent that we used, so I guess it was worth it! Scribe from Mt. Eaton, Ohio

Author Spotlight: Sherry Gore

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest books. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Cheryl Ricker is WENDY! My assistant Amy will be in touch for your mailing address.

This week we welcome Sherry Gore. To win a copy of the Sherry's A Taste of Pinecraft, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in? 

 My three children and I, along with our wiener dog, Winston, and pet orphaned raccoon, Daniel Boone, live in Sarasota, Florida. I'm Beachy Amish Mennonite and our tiny village, Pinecraft, is the most unique plain community in the world.

I love being a full-time write-at-home mom. It not only provides a means to support my family, but also allows me to fulfill my most important calling; raising my children and being at home to care for my older daughter who's chronically-ill. Lately our home has been a beehive of activity as we prepare for my younger daughter's (Shannon) upcoming wedding in October.

And share something about your writing. What's your genre(s), your areas of interest? 

In the two newspapers I write for, The Budget and Florida's first Amish newspaper, the Pinecraft Pauper, I find myself relaying true-life stories about kids, dogs, and old people. Some writers travel to far away places and write about extraordinary things. I write about the folks in my own backyard, so to speak. Living in such a unique place gives me much to write about. I look for extraordinary qualities in everyday folks and circumstances; births, deaths, celebrations, accidents, ordinations, and weddings. I don't write fiction as of yet, just the story of the day, as I see it.

Oh, and then there's cooking and food; my second passion. I think the world has enough complainers, so rather than a "food critic" I prefer to be called a "food reviewer." I'm surrounded by some of the world's greatest cooks, so tasting and telling comes easy for me. My first book was intended to be a cookbook but evolved into something much more. The nearly seven-hundred recipes are what interests folks to buy it, but it's the stories inside, readers say, that makes it hard to put it down.

How did you get started writing?

Years ago, while living in Burkesville, Kentucky, I wrote and copied a monthly letter to friends back home, here in Sarasota. My bishop once wrote back asking "So, is life in Kentucky really as wild as you portray, or is this something we can attribute to your writing skills? I love your stories!" I actually felt a bit offended at the time. I didn't view my writing as "stories". I was just relaying how life was on the farm. I took it he was thinking my letters were embellished. One trip to Burkesville put that idea to rest. Later, my bishop's words, "writing skills" resounded in my head and I began to take my letter writing more seriously. Thus began my writing journey with contributing to "Letters from home" in the National Edition of The Budget newspaper.

Did you have a dream of being a published author? 

Probably not in the way most writers "dream" of being published. I once wrote in my journal "I was seen walking in Greece wearing a size 2, on my way to a book signing". And then I woke up. I do wear a size 2. Just not the 2 I'd choose. And of all places in the world, Santorini Island, Greece is my dream vacation spot.

Two years after having dreamed that, I've had four book signings and am booked for oodles more this spring and summer. Other than that, it never occurred to me I would be introduced as an author, anytime in my life. I was cleaning other people's houses for years before my book released. Each time I hear the word "author" it becomes more real. I have yet to introduce myself as such, but attending an eight-hour book signing in Holmes County, Ohio on my 45th birthday was the turning point in my life as a writer.

After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published? 

I started writing for The Budget newspaper in 2006 and for the Pinecraft Pauper just before my book was released earlier this year.

Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? 

Most of my first book was written from a hospital room or while waiting with my daughter during a doctor's office visit. Now that I'm at home more, and after writing on a fold-out table for three years, I purchased a desk. I actually felt my IQ rise as it came in the door. I keep a little alligator head here on my desk. It reminds me where I am, when writing as a Florida scribe for The Budget newspaper.

How many hours a day do you spend writing? 

I've noticed many writers work late into the night. I've always told my children, No brain questions after six. I do all my writing early in the day. Anything on paper after 6:00PM comes across as sounding slap-happy.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers' conferences? Writing groups?

Subscribing to Novel Journey has taught me to expect the unexpected. And as much as I love it, finding time to read while working on a writing project has been an enormous challenge. I've never attended a writer's conference or group, though I co-hosted The Pinecraft Writer's Presentation last February with Professor Richard Stevick, author of Growing up Amish; the Teenage Years. Our goal was to motivate folks in our community to not only put their thoughts on paper, but to move ahead with the next step - getting published.

Is the "writer's life" what you thought it would be? 

I had no idea what to expect before my book was released. The only previous contacts I had with authors were one who interviewed me for a character in one of her books, and another who responded to a "thank you" note I sent her. Clean books are hard to come by. I wanted to acknowledge how much I respected this author's godly writing. What has surprised me most, are the opportunities some seasoned authors give to new authors to help them find their way. That's priceless generosity in my eyes.

What are your biggest distractions? 

There would be two. My daughter's many doctor's appointments use to cause me to put my writing away till life calmed down. It never did. Now, I've learned to write regardless of my circumstances. It has become, for me, as necessary as breathing. Also, I love visiting friends, both online and in person. It's hard not to jump at an invitation to join friends on an outing, or converse online, mostly with Facebook.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The most exciting? The best moment as a writer, was opening an envelope from Pathway Publishers, the oldest and largest Old Order Amish publishers in the world. It was a letter telling me my book, Taste of Pinecraft: Glimpses of Sarasota, Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens was selected to be placed in the Amish Historical Library in Alymer, Ontario, Canada. I wept happy tears for three days. I received another such letter this month from Eastern Mennonite University. They placed my book in the Menno Simons Historical Library in Harrison, Virginia.

The worst thing to happen was something I wrote in The Budget. With mostly Old Order Amish readers and writers, I don't know where my head was when I starting writing a recent account with "How many people can say they slapped a police officer and got away with it?" I hadn't realized what I wrote till I read the printed copy a week later. I was so horrified at myself, I had nightmares. My daughter, Shannon, sixteen at the time and a hostess at Yoder's Restaurant, was approached by a towering, burly Sheriff's Deputy at work. Holding up an open palm toward her he said "Five." Not being one to normally do this, she took him to mean high five. She slapped his open palm. The wide-eyed look of shock on his face told her something was amiss. Really what he was trying to tell her was "Five. A party of five, please." We both hid our red faces. A couple weeks later I had mostly forgotten that episode when Shannon took a call from a friend in Pennsylvania. She wanted us to know the owner of the Amish restaurant she worked in tacked that column up on the wall so the customers could have a good laugh before being seated.

What do you least like about being a writer? If there's a downside, I haven't found it.

What's on the book horizon for you?

I have five upcoming books in the works - all scheduled to be released by Christmas, 2012.

Taste of Pinecraft: Glimpses of Sarasota, Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens came out on April 23, 2010. An Amish Bride's Kitchen, a cookbook of stories, must-have recipes, and how-to's for brides and beginners, will be released spring 2011. A souvenir-size counter-top cookbook with reader-favorites from Taste of Pinecraft: Glimpses of Sarasota, Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens is in the works, too. I have an illustrated children's book based on the mishaps and adventures of my ever-getting-into-trouble pet orphaned raccoon, Daniel Boon; a book un-named as of yet. Me, Myself & Pie is an Amish cookbook devoted entirely to that ever-popular affinity. You can find this on the shelves in time for Christmas 2011.
Last on the agenda (till another light bulb goes on in my head) is Taste of Pinecraft: Glimpses of Sarasota, Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens II. These are a collection of more traditional and new recipes collected by Amish women in our village, and stories focused on the folks at Pinecraft Park along with adventures & interviews chronicled in the Pinecraft Pauper.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

www.sherrygorebooks.com and stores in both small and large Amish communities across the country.



Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

This week on Amish Wisdom: Beth Wiseman

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.

I'm so excited to have beloved author Beth Wiseman back on the show. You might remember that I had Beth and the other co-authors of An Amish Christmas on the show in August. You can listen to that interview here. This time we'll learn more about Beth and her latest release. She said something during the last interview that has intrigued me ever since: she was adopted! We'll hear more about that story on Thursday and so much more! Don't miss it.

Beth Wiseman: Beth is the best-selling author of the 'Daughters of the Promise' series -- Plain Perfect, Plain Pursuit, and Plain Promise.  She is contracted with Thomas Nelson Publishing for ten Amish novels and three novellas - releasing into 2013.  
    
As she puts it, her writing has been "all over the place."  As a former newspaper reporter, she was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association.
    
She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications.  Those articles included a wide array of topics - an article on premature birth, an article about performance boating, and an article about her mother--a whitewater canoeing enthusiast who still paddles the rivers at the age of 75.  However, writing novels is where her heart is.  She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels fulltime. For more about Beth, visit her website at www.bethwiseman.net.

About Seek Me With All Your Heart: Book 1 in Beth's new series, 'A Land of Canaan.'


A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they've never gone before . . . Colorado.

Emily Detweiler's family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can't get far enough to escape what happened there.

David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Never mind that they haven't told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.

Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?

Win a copy of Beth's Seek Me With All Your Heart - leave a comment {HERE} and one winner will be chosen at random. Please be sure to include your email address.

The Amish..in their own Words

In their own words…

This past week a young couple was on their way home from a friend’s house. As they were driving the wife noticed that the curve ahead did not get the attention of her husband. He was looking the other way. She wisely checked, and seeing that there was not much of a ditch with no fence posts close, she held her tongue. A bit later Mr. Byler found himself driving in a field. Scribe from Lexington, Indiana

In their own words…

Blond jokes abound in my family for obvious reasons. I got a note last week from one of my so called ‘relatives.’ It had a picture of a bare corn field with one stalk still standing. Beside that stood a sign declaring “Corn maze for blondes.” Scribe from Charm, Ohio

In their own words...

Tuesday evening Rhoda and I were sitting on the front lawn watching the world go by and listening to the musical chatter of the martins. (I had my hearing aid on.) Suddenly, the beauty of the evening was shattered by Rhoda’s, “Look, look! Over there by the wash line!” I looked just in time to see an owl disappear into the woods with a martin in its claws. Usually, I subscribe to the idea of being a law-abiding citizen. (I mean, are owls a protected species?)

Author Spotlight: Cheryl Ricker

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest books. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Julie Lessman is Tammy A. My assistant Amy will be in touch for your mailing address.

This week we welcome Cheryl Ricker. To win a copy of the Cheryl's A Friend in the Storm, leave a comment on this post! 

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Yay… I love talking about my family.  I’ve been married for fifteen years.  My husband and I have two boys, Billy and Justin, ages fourteen and ten.  I don’t work outside the home, but I still find it challenging to squeeze in quality writing time.  You know how it goes.  It just goes.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

Poetry, fiction, screenwriting, and now, I’m starting to get into blogging.  Yay blogging!

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

Yep, I’ve always wanted to be an author.  There are no writers or even readers in my immediate family so most of them didn’t get it, but I somehow knew that’s what God wanted me to be: a missionary of words. 

After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published?

One year to get a poem published.  Twenty years to get a book of poetry published.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing? 

I’m still trying to figure out what gets my brain cylinders firing.  The best I can come up with is when my kids and husband are out of the house ~ which doesn’t happen to often.  Does that mean my brain cylinders are never firing?  Hmmm…  Favorite place to write.  Well, it’s not that I like it...  I just do it….  but I often write on my treadmill.  I like to prop my laptop in a magazine holder and type as I go.  The quirkiest part is I when I get tired and put my feet on the sides when the thing keeps running! 

Don’t worry, I’m not one of those people that writes for so many hours (yet).  I might start thinking like that when I get more serious about my novel; but for now I can only give you this week’s average.  I write for about two hours a day (except when I’m answering blog interviews, and then it’s four.)

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

Definitely writer’s conferences.  I attend Mount Hermon and ACFW every year.
They’re the best!  My husband is the first draft reader (ahem… he just added himself!)

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be? 

No.  When I was a child I pictured authors as people living in big mansions on a private beach while their servants took care of the all the cooking and cleaning.  Not.

What are your biggest distractions?

Friends.  I’m always trying to keep up with my relationships.  Their necessary distractions though.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The best moment was winning the Poetry Award at last year’s Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s conference.  The annual award is sponsored by Wine Press Publishing, and for some reason, I thought you had to be published with Wine Press to win.  Because of this misconception, I was shocked breathless when they called my name.  I thought I was going to burst with happiness.  Talk about a hug from heaven!

The worst?  Hmmm…  The time it looked like my contract was going to fall through.  There were a lot of changes at my publishing house, and it could have gone either way.  Thankfully to God, it went the right way!

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

I love the creative process.  I write fiction too, so I love fleshing out characters and problems.  The thing I like least about writing is the solitary part of it.  Most folks don’t understand us writers either; and I like to be understood.  Oh well.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

An agent does a lot more than pitch your book and sign your contract.  She also dreams with you, and guides you in your career.  To me, it’s also important that your agent is your friend.  I’m glad to say that’s the case with my agent and I.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Pray as much as you write, remember your audience, make God your number one audience, and keep persevering.  If you’re meant to be published, you’ll be published.  In the meantime, work hard to enjoy the journey.

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

A Friend in the Storm is the perfect gift to give a hurting friend when you don’t know what to say.  It’s a collection of quotes, Scripture and poetry that leads to lasting hope.  It assures the readers that God is with them, loving them, and leading them.  It sheds light on the difficult question, “Why would a good and loving God allow this difficult thing to happen?” There’s no assurance like the comfort that comes from Christ’s healing point of view.  Greeting cards only take comfort so far.  A Friend in the Storm builds one idea upon the next so readers want to keep reading the exciting word-pictures all the way through, right until the books crescendos with the splendor of heaven.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I want to write a novel.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

You can find them on my website www.AFriendInTheStorm.com.  I have both an Amazon affiliate store and PayPal to order bulk autographed copies.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers =
bleaders) I also wanted to let you all know that Cheryl hosting a fun Share Your Storm KINDLE giveaway contest on her blog during the blog tour for her book. She'll be announcing the winner at a Facebook Party on October 4th! Don't miss the fun - it all begins Monday (9/20).

LOL!  My pleasure.  Thanks so much for featuring me!  Blessings to you and your bleaders!

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Erik Wesner and Kevin Williams, editor of The Amish Cook

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.
 

If you haven't already heard the happy news...my daughter had her baby (a week overdue!) and I am back east helping to welcome Blake into the world (and convince him that sleep is a good thing!). Oh, he is so adorable...and I'm not just saying that! (More here.) The fabulous Erik Wesner of Amish America has (once again) agreed to guest host for me while I'm away.

Erik's guest this week is Kevin Williams, The Amish Cook column editor at Winona Public Library. Kevin has a very interesting life. He has spent 20 years studying and working with Old Order Amish and Mennonites, has co-authored several books about Amish culture and cooking, and given frequent talks about the Amish.

I'll be listening! Today's show will be fascinating! And I'll be back in the host chair next week with bestselling author Beth Wiseman. 

More about Kevin: 

Kevin Williams is a nationally noted expert on Amish culture and editor of the syndicated column, The Amish Cook, written by Lovina Eicher. The Amish Cook appears weekly in over 120 newspapers from coast to coast, including the Times-Reporter.

Williams has appeared on programs and has been profiled as an Amish expert in the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Williams will talk about his experiences with Amish culture and answer questions about Amish cooking and culture from the audience. 

In 1991, Williams cooked up an idea for an Amish recipe column and convinced Old Order Amish grandmother Elizabeth Coblentz to write it. Today, The Amish Cook tradition lives on as Elizabeth's daughter, Lovina Eicher, continues to pen the column each week.

Catching up...

I am currently in Rhode Island, serving as lady-in-waiting to my brand new (and first!) grandson, Blake.

He was born last Wednesday night, 8# 4oz., a week overdue, but healthy and beautiful. Oh so beautiful!

Day 1 and Day 2 with Blake were a blur in the hospital.

Day 3... settling into home. I arrived, parents looked like they were shell-shocked.

Day 4...hard day with baby Blake. For my daughter (who amazes me with her patience and steadfast calm even though she is exhausted and seriously sleep deprived), every part of her body hurts. For my son-in-law (who is a fantastic, doting, thoroughly devoted dad)...he's trying everything to help.

Day 5...magical day with baby Blake! Long naps, happy feedings, reasonable crying!    

Day 6...just got started but it's looking good! My husband flies in tonight to meet his grandson. Fresh troops arrive!

It's amazing how much work and wonder an 8 pound newborn creates! Such a miracle of God's goodness...

Stay tuned! Will try to upload more pix as I get them. It's surprisingly difficult to get pictures of a baby with his eyes open. Either he's crying, eating, getting a diaper changed, or sleeping.

The Amish...In Their Own Words

Amish graveyard in Lancaster County, PA

In their own words…

Found on a tombstone in Rhode Island: “Under the sod and under the trees lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there’s only the pod. Pease shelled out and went to God.” Scribe from Applecreek, Ohio

In their own words…

On the east edge of town is a very large cemetery and a casket business next to the road. In front of the store is a large tombstone facing oncoming traffic which reads, “Drive with care, we can wait.” Scribe from Bloomfield, Iowa














Source: The Budget, PO Box 249, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681

Author Spotlight: Julie Lessman

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest books. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Rachel Hauck is Kristie D. My assistant Amy will be in touch for your mailing address.

This week we welcome Julie Lessman. To win a copy of the Julie Lessman book of your choice, leave a comment on this post!

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Well, I’m a baby boomer (how’s that for side-stepping the age issue?) married to a man who makes me feel like I’m living my own personal romance novel. I have a 27-year-old son and a doctor daughter-in-law (for whom I prayed since my son was a baby). I also have a 22-year-old daughter currently in law school who hates to read, and, yes, it’s true—I paid her $20 just to read the first chapter of my debut novel A Passion Most Pure. I’m happy to say it hooked her, and the rest of the book and the other three didn’t cost me a dime! I quit my day job a few years back to write fulltime and now work back-to-back with my artist husband in a really tiny computer room. Uh, can you say “cozy”?

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?

Four life-altering words: Gone With the Wind. When I read that novel at the age of twelve, I was swept away into the world of romance for the very first time. It captured me like no other book had done, and I immediately set out to write (along with thousands of other love-struck young girls, I’m sure), what I hoped would be “the great American novel.” Obviously my dreams of grandeur didn’t go anywhere (grin), but I did write 150 pages of a story that became the basis (some forty years later!) for my debut novel, A Passion Most Pure.

Dreams of being published? Oh, yes, I mean really—is the sky blue?? As mentioned above, I started writing at the age of twelve, but never really got serious until July 2001—that’s when I was sitting in a beauty shop reading a Newsweek magazine cover article about Christian entertainment. It said Christian books, movies and music were on the threshold of exploding. My heart jumped, and something in my spirit said, “Now is the time to finish your book.” I started A Passion Most Pure the next month, finally selling it to Revell 4-1/2 years and 45 rejections later.

Tell us about your books.

Well, my first series is entitled “The Daughters of Boston,” and each of the three books focus on one of four daughters in the O’Connor clan, a very close-knit and passionate Irish family during the pre-World War I era. With titles like A Passion Most Pure (American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year), A Passion Redeemed (Inspirational Reader’s Choice Finalist) and A Passion Denied (Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction), I don’t have to tell you that “passion” is a key component in my writing—both in passion for God and for romance.

My brand-new series, “Winds of Change” just released this week with A Hope Undaunted, which is the fourth daughter’s story that takes place during the Roaring 20s and Great Depression. Here is the jacket blurb:

What happens when the boy she loved to hate ... becomes the man she hates to love?

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Oh, that’s easy—the treadmill! I put my worship music on and go crazy, singing my off-key heart out much to the angst of my family. But there’s just something about those physical and spiritual endorphins that shakes my creativity loose, so I keep a pen and pad of paper handy when those scenes roll through my head. As far as routines, a cup of hazelnut decaf, lip gloss and Kleenex (for the soggy scenes I write) are a must, with peach or black cherry candles for winter writing inside and a giant fan for writing outdoors on the deck in the summer. I don’t write everyday, but when I am in the heat of production, I will write from about 10:30 AM till midnight or even 5:00 AM as I near the end of the book, stopping only for meals.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?

Uh, no. I wish I’d known what an emotional roller-coaster it was going to be AFTER I got published. Like a lot of unpublished writers, I thought all the anxiety and self-doubt would dissipate after I signed on the dotted line. I mean that would validate me, right? Give me confidence as a writer? But I discovered (AGAIN!) that true confidence is not in accolades from your editor or a really good review, but instead in where your heart is with God. HE is my confidence when my sales rankings on Amazon.com are high or low, which is why I CLING to the following Scripture from 2 Corinthians ll:3, praying it almost every day: Do not let my mind “be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

What are your biggest distractions?

Oh, without question e-mails and blog interviews. Whenever I have a new book out, I seem to spend more time on e-mails and responding to blog-interview comments, which is time-consuming but something I really love to do because it allows me to connect with reader friends. But when I am on deadline, I have taken to turning Outlook off throughout the day and only checking here and there AND trying to stay brief … which … ahem, for an author who writes 500-page novels, is not easy.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The best? When I got “the call from my agent. I was in the middle of praying with my prayer partners when my cell phone rang. My heart dropped when I heard Natasha’s voice, but when she told me the pub board had a rare unanimous vote with several editors reading my book into the wee hours, I started crying. I repeated everything she said so my prayer partners could hear, and they were screaming and jumping up and down in the background. Believe me, after 45 rejections and another publisher giving me a slice-n-dice rejection the week before, this phone call was balm to my battered soul.

The worst? That would be on book 4, A Hope Undaunted, when I thought I was looking at a total rewrite due to a main plot twist that my editor felt defied the tenets of romance. But after a lot of prayer, it turned out to be a really simple fix, so God bailed me out … again!

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Like the most? Writing dramatic, breathless and compelling love scenes. Sigh.
Like the least? Trying to get published. Yuck!

What advice would you give to new writers?

Since I get asked that a lot, here is a list I compiled of the things I personally did to get published:

1.) Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers at http://www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/), FHL (Faith, Hope & Love at http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/) and RWA (Romance Writers of America at http://www.rwanational.org/), both to get connected with other like-minded writers and to learn a lot about your craft.
2.) Take a fiction-writing class or attend a writing seminar or conference.
3.) Join a critique group (you can do that through ACFW).
4.) Purchase and study writing books such as Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King or Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas, AND invest in a great thesaurus such as The Synonym Finder by Rodale Press (my writer’s bible!!).
5.) Enter contests for invaluable feedback, growth, confidence, networking opportunities and to get your name out there.
6.) Frequent websites/blogs that deal with writing, such as The Seekers (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/), a group blog that I belong to whose theme is “On the road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between.”
7.) Go for an agent first, publisher second.
8.) Then pray your heart out and put it in God’s hands.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

Thank you, Suzanne, for hosting me on your blog. It’s been fun! And I LOVE to hear from readers, so they can contact me through my Web site at www.julielessman.com, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter. My newsletter is chock-full of fun info on my books and there’s always a contest featuring signed book giveaways. Also, I have a cool feature on my website called “Journal Jots”, which is a very laid-back, almost-daily journal to my reader friends that would give your “bleaders” (love that word!!) an idea as to my relaxed style of writing. Then finally, I can be found daily at The Seekers blog, a group blog devoted to encouraging and helping aspiring writers on the road to publication.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Thanks again, Suzanne, and God bless!

Thursday on Amish Wisdom Erik Wesner and Lorilee Craker!

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.
 

I'm so excited! My daughter is about to have her baby! (Are you sick of hearing that yet?)  The fabulous Erik Wesner has (once again) agreed to guest host for me while I'm away.

Be sure to tune in on Thursday as he interviews author, Lorilee Craker. She is the author of an upcoming book on Amish finance and money tips. I'll definitely be downloading that podcast!

About Lorilee: Lorilee Craker is the author of 11 books, including the New York Times Bestseller "Through the Storm" with Lynne Spears. Her latest book, "Money Secrets of Amish: Sharing, Saving and Shoofly Pie," releases in July 2011. Lorilee is also a mother of three, and an entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids, MI. Her website is LorileeCraker.com.

Lorilee is also the proud wife of sweet, country, guitar-slinging Doyle and the proud mom of three rabble-rousing kids. Lorilee has written eleven books now, which seems nutty but is a true story. Two baby name books (A is for Adam and A is for Atticus), four parenting books (When the Belly Button Pops, the Baby's Done, O For a Thousand Miles to Sleep, See How They Run, and Loving Life with Your Preschooler (used to be Wide Eyed Wonder Years), one mom's devo, Just Give Me a Little Piece of Quiet, two marriage books (We Should Do This More Often, and Date Night in a Minivan), and one collaboration, Through the Storm: A Real Story of fame and Family in a Tabloid World with the lovely and amazing Lynne Spears.

She speaks quite a bit at MOPS groups and other mom-type events, which she loves, and she moonlights as an entertainment reporter for The Grand Rapids Press, where she gets to go hear the rock bands of her youth for "work." Her favorite recent interviews: Wynonna Judd, Deborah Norville, Vivian Campbell from Def Leppard, Henry Winkler (who kissed her twice and made her almost fall over....the Fonz!), and always, JY from Styx.

The loves of her life, besides God and her family, include the country of Canada, the cities of Winnipeg and Chicago (okay, and Grand Rapids, too!), her Grandma's farm in McTavish, Manitoba, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, chocolate, girlfriends, and the late, great Winnipeg Jets (Save our Jets!).

The Amish...In Their Own Words

My husband discovered a clothes washer makes an excellent mouse trap. Leave the lid open. Once a mouse is inside, pt it on spin cycle for only a short time. Upon opening the lid, the mouse will be so dizzy it won’t even think of biting you when you pull it out! Scribe from Rutledge, Missouri

In their own words…

Cool, wet and cloudy, day after day. Thunderstorms and lightning have kept some awake at night. At a recent gathering it was discovered that all the men present had slept through the thunderings. But all the women verified that there had been thundering. One man reported that if things get too rough, then he finds it out, because his wife wakes him. Scribe from Clayton, Illinois

Source: The Budget, PO Box 249, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681

Today's Author Spotlight: Rachel Hauck, "Dining with Joy"

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest books. FUN!

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Ann Shorey is Brandi. My assistant will be in touch for your mailing address.

This week we welcome Rachel Hauck. To win a copy of Rachel's latest release, Dining with Joy, leave a comment on this post!

Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

It’s so great to be here! Thank you, Suzanne. I’m married but we don’t have children. Wasn’t in God’s plan. We are at peace with our lives and destiny. We spent 20 years in youth ministry and adopted a few other-people’s-kids.

I used to work full time in the corporate world as a project manager, but I’ve been writing full time since the summer of ’04.

And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I love romance. I started out writing romance but found my voice in chick lit. But the genre faded fast and I moved back to romance with my chick accent. I love a good romantic comedy or straight up romance. I’ve also written Women’s Fiction with country music artist Sara Evans.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?  

I started writing diaries as a young girl, wrote few stories in elementary and junior high. I studied journalism at Ohio State knowing I wanted to write books one day. I was very influenced by the life of writers, especially Laura Ingalls Wilder. I thought I’d write the Little House books of the 20th Century.

But I ended up in the corporate world after college, traveling a lot and didn’t settle down to write until after I married at thirty-one. I left my job on our first anniversary and one afternoon while sitting in my quiet house, a story idea came.

The dream was always publishing. I’m grateful to the people the Lord put in my path who helped me along the way.

After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published?

Well the first book was an epic WW2 and well rejected. I set it aside after a few years of writing and rewriting. I got an offer to return to my old job and knew it was the door the Lord opened for me, so I returned part-time, then went full-time, kept getting promoted and didn’t have much time for writing.
But I picked writing back up in ’99 and signed my first contract in December of ’02. The book Lambert’s Pride was released in February ’04. I also had an e-book released the same month! I was ahead of the e-publishing curve. :)

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Can I exchange that coffee for a nice cold Diet Coke? My routine is to get up, exercise, pray, do a few house hold chores and drive to McDonald’s with my dog for a Diet Coke. If I don’t show up, the crew wonders where I’ve been. Or I may run into Publix, the grocery store. I love that place.

I come home and do email and social media, then get to work. I discipline myself to do it. Writing requires a lot of discipline. I spend anywhere from four to ten hours a day writing, maybe more, depending on where I am in the process. The closer to deadline, the longer the days.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

My mom is a great cheerleader. My husband used to read for me but he’s gotten busy lately. My biggest help along the publishing journey has been the grace of God. He’s opened so many doors. Author Lynn Coleman helped me with my first book, then Colleen Coble put her arm around me and introduced me to people, sang my praises and became my mentor.

Joining ACFW opened all of my publishing doors. The friends and connections I made through that organization and the national conference are jewels in my heart.

When I was in college, I had a few professors who encouraged me. Two in particular told me I could make a living writing.

My father, who’s dead now, would tell me, “Rachel, you’re a writer,” from the time I was in fourth grade on. There’s really something about fathers and mothers pronouncing destiny over their children.

Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?

Yes. I mean, no. Yes. No. Can I plead the Fifth? Writing novels is a hard life. There’s no back up if you stumble. No one to cover for you when you’re on vacation, sick or tired.

The daily word count has to be met or the deadline won’t be. Writing requires all of my heart, emotions, time and thought. I can’t just put words on a page. I have to dig into the characters and figure out who they are and what they feel. And it requires digging into my own heart and mind.

I’ve sat in a chair for fifteen hours straight to finish a novel.
I’ve rewritten and edited 400 pages in 48 hours.
I’ve said no to vacations, parties and other invitations to stay focused.
I am my worst critic and best cheerleader.

But wow, what a journey. I love this job! I once told my husband it satisfies a very deep place in my soul that was restless before. I’m honored people think my work is worth reading. Humbled, really. I cannot imagine doing anything else.

The business side of publishing was a bit more detailed and tedious than expected. And yes, authors do have to do some marketing of their books. I’ve had some disappointments, but I’ve had some great encouragement and opportunity. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

What are your biggest distractions?

The internet! And Susie May Warren when she calls for help with her novel. Don’t worry, I return the favor.

My eighteen-year-old cat is distracting. He walks into my office every night, sits at the base of my chair and trills endlessly. I pet him, feed him, but he still sits there like he wants to have a conversation.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

I’ve had a lot of good moments. Winning ACFW Book of the Year last year. Being a RITA finalist. Accepting the RITA for Susie Warren, calling her in tears, so thrilled she won instead of me! Working with my editor, Ami McConnell and the entire team at Thomas Nelson. They were my dream publisher, by the way. Working with Sara Evans. Building a friendship with Debbie Macomber. Seeing God continue to open doors and answer prayers. I could go on and on…

Worst moment? I guess that first rejection letter when I thought I’d written a masterpiece!

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

Least? Having to draw everything about the story out of myself. It’s hard but necessary. Most? Having written! I love everything about a finished book. Rewriting and editing, seeing the cover for the first time, holding the printed version and reading it for the first time as a reader! I love the writing community.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

An agent should help you develop your career, be a sounding board and help navigate good and bad times. Some agents are really good with marketing. Others are good with story and editorial input. A few are good at both. But most lean one way or the other. An agent may be good for one season of your career. Another agent may take you to the next level. Authors should remember writing is a business. Agents help with that aspect.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Talk is cheap. Carve out time to write, put your backside in a chair and do it. Stink up the pages with your bad story and rotten prose, but write! Read widely. Study the craft. Decide if this is really what you want to do and do it. Join ACFW. Be teachable.

Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

“How are you? Do you like to read? Yeah? Me too. How about cooking? You don’t like to cook? Me neither. Here’s a really good book about a cooking show host who can’t cook. I know, isn’t that funny? Dining with Joy… here it is. I’m the author. Yep, in the flesh. Well, the story has drama, humor and romance. I think you’ll like it.”

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I’m writing the third Songbird Novel with Sara Evans, Love Lifted Me. Then I’m on to my own book, The Wedding Dress, about a gown that touches the lives of four woman over a hundred years.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

You can find my books on line and your favorite box store and Christian retailer. Amazon, B&N, CBD, Thomas Nelson’s web site. If you go to rachelhauck.com and click on books, I have links for online stores.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Bleaders! I love it, Suzanne. Thanks for having me! Great interview!

Want to win a book?

As I look ahead to my next release, The Waiting, book 2 in the "Lancaster County Secrets" series, I'd like to take a little poll.

Since I know you're a lover of Amish fiction/non-fiction (that's why you get this newsletter) - tell me what appeals to you about the Amish, their life-style, their customs, and/or their traditions. To enter simply click on CLICK HERE TO ENTER on my Contest Page and share your thoughts. I'll choose three winners to receive their choice of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World or The Choice.

Winners from last night's Facebook Party!

Thanks so much for joining me last night! I hope everyone had a great time! Congrats to the winners…and for those of you who didn’t win, don’t lose heart! We have another book launch planned for The Waiting on October 28th. My fabulous publisher, Revell, is planning to offer lots of prizes planned for that, too! Including…drum...roll please…another Kindle!

The winner from last night's 2nd Trivia contest is Lenis Torres! (Congrats!)
And the party - goer with the most "Likes" on the proverb they posted was Linda Rivers Attaway!

Amy will be in touch with you both with instructions and details.

And in case you're curious, here are the correct answers to both Trivia contests:

Contest #1 - all the answer were true!

Contest #2 -

1)    Her daughter is having a baby!!! First grandbaby! Woohoo!!!
2)    Amish Wisdom.
3)    On Toginet! Listen live on Thursdays, 4pm CST, or to podcasts, whenever you have time!
4)    Dogs! Big ones! She raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
5)    Four! Two and two. Girl, boy, girl, boy. The youngest just left for college.
6)    “Copper Star”—a World War II love story based on true events.
7)    Suzanne’s agent knew that her grandfather was raised Plain.
8)    “Author Spotlight.” Every week, a new author is featured. Plus a book giveaway!
9)    “The Waiting.”  Due out by October 1st.
10)   “The Search.”  Due out by January 1st.  Last of the “Lancaster County Secret” series.

And the winner is ... Did you win the KINDLE?

And the winner is ...

A huge thank you to everyone who participated on the blog tour and contest for "Amish Proverbs!" Reviewing it, sharing it with your friends, helping to spread the word...you've created such a buzz! I'm grateful to each and everyone of you. Blog by blog, Twitter by Twitter, book by book.

So without further delay, the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway is

Janet Thompson

My assistant Amy will be in touch with your prize details.

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!

Warmly, Suzanne

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Kelly Long

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.
 

Join me in learning more about the Amish and their simple ways from author Kelly Long. Her latest book, Sarah's Garden, released in July.

If you'd like to win a copy, leave a comment {HERE} and we'll select one winner at random to receive Kelly's book. (Don't forget to leave your email address!)

About Kelly: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.

About Sarah's Garden:  When Sarah realizes that she has fallen in love with an Englisch doctor, she must choose between loving a man and losing her family.

Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch.

Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community’s new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds.

The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?