It's Already Wednesday?

What is your best caption for this wonderful Bill Coleman photograph?

I've been running a regular Wednesday photo caption contest on Facebook and I don't want to leave any of my blog readers out of the fun! If you have a wise and witty caption to suggest, leave a comment and I'll include you in the contest. Winner gets a book of your choice! We pick the best caption on Friday night.

If you want to see other captions, pop over to my Facebook author page. 

Photo Source:  Bill Coleman photographs

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Laura Hilton

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.

Don't miss our guest this week, Laura Hilton. Laura's first book in her Amish of Seymour series, Patchwork Dreams, is releasing next month. Besides being a multi-published author, Laura is also a professional reviewer. She's has over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites. Wow - 1,000+! Be sure to tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm CST to find out more about Laura.

About Patchwork Dreams: Ever since returning from her rumspringa pregnant and unwed, Becky Troyer has been a pariah in her Amish community in Missouri. Even after the young mother confesses her sin and rejoins the church, her peers continue to shun her, and she despairs the unlikelihood of marrying for love. It seems that her only hope is to eventually marry a widower with a family of his own.

Becky’s world changes when Jacob Miller arrives at her family’s farm with the understanding that he will help with chores during the summer and then return to Pennsylvania. What Jacob does not know is that his father, who disapproves of Jacob’s sweetheart, Susie, sent him away as part of a plan to introduce new blood into the Amish community of Seymour. In addition to his work around the farm, Jacob undertakes the task of cheering up the lovely yet listless Becky, inviting her to various youth gatherings and offering her the only unconditional friendship she’s known.

As their friendship grows, the two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Will Becky and Jacob overcome their insecurities and self-doubts so that their love can grow, or will Jacob keep his pledge to Susie and turn his back on Becky, as so many others have done?

For chance to win a copy of Laura's book, leave a comment {HERE} (with email address) and we'll choose a winner at random next week to receive Patchwork Dreams.

More about Laura: Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools her children. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books; a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan; and the first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House will be released in April 2011, the second book, “A Harvest of Hearts” in September 2011, and the third in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

For more about Laura and her other books please visit her website.

Stillness

This beautiful poem, Stillness, was sent to me by a reader. He gave me permission to share it with you.

Suzanne:
I completed Amish Peace last night (I started it over and read it through with my wife).
Several times I was reminded of this poem I wrote a number of years ago, and thought I'd share it with you...
It was particularly brought to mind when reading about David Kline and his walk with God.
I hope you enjoy it.
Chuck Lennon

 

STILLNESS

In the depth of the woods where stillness abides

Where peaceful hearts wander and quiet resides

The anxious will gain

A calm that sustains

In the depth of the woods where stillness abides



On the breadth of the plains where stillness expands

Where peaceful hearts journey ‘cross wide open lands

The fretful will find

Great solace of mind

On the breadth of the plains where stillness expands



On the height of the mountains where stillness endures

Where peaceful hearts search for a hope that assures

The fearful will know

Peace not found below

On the height of the mountains where stillness endures



In the presence of God where stillness dwells best

Where peaceful hearts come to the end of their quest

The hopeless will see

The Lamb who sets free

In the presence of God where stillness dwells best

Don't Tweet from the Church! and other royal rules...

This was an article in our Sunday paper that seemed very relevant...to those of us who are waiting for an invitation to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. So glad to know some of these royals rules so I don't do anything embarrassing!

Assuming, of course, my invitation will be arriving soon.

On the other hand...after reading all of these rules, I think I'd be a nervous wreck up to, during, and after the event, convinced I will make a fatal faux pas.  

Don't Tweet from the Church! 

Don't give the queen a friendly hug and don't tweet from the church. 

That's just the start of the advice being offered to those attending Britain's April 29 royal wedding.
St. James' Palace says the guest list is an eclectic mix of European royalty, military personnel, charity workers, diplomats and friends of Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton. Some invitees will have been born into families that teach children to curtsy as soon as they can walk, but others may need a bit of help navigating the etiquette and protocol that such an important day demands.

Anyone who is invited to the royal wedding will be given detailed instructions on how and when to arrive at Westminster Abbey, where the wedding is being held.

The first rule: Don't be late.

"The queen should be the very last person to arrive at the church before the bride and her attendants," said wedding planner and etiquette adviser Sarah Hayward. "At most weddings, guests are asked to arrive around 20 minutes before the ceremony but the royal wedding will obviously have several important guests and very high levels of security, so give yourself plenty of time to get there."

Next, choose an outfit that blends in.

Women should wear a dress -- not too short, not too skimpy and certainly not white. Most British women will complete the look with a hat or a fascinator -- a small feathered or jeweled hairpiece attached to a clip or a comb.

"Never ever do anything to draw too much attention to yourself," says Hayward. "It's the day the bride shines." 

Men in the armed forces should wear a military uniform. Male civilians are asked to wear either lounge suits -- business suits by another name -- or a morning suit, formal attire that includes a long jacket and a vest. A top hat should be carried, not worn, inside the church.

Couples should remember they will be seen together.

"Often you see a husband and wife who look like they are going to two different events," says William Hanson, an expert on protocol who gives lessons around the world on proper behavior. "One person will be in something that looks like pajamas and the other is in black tie. You don't need to be color coordinated but do think about how your outfits look together."

Guests may be asked by security to leave their cell phones outside the Abbey, but if they aren't, they need to make sure a ringing phone is not heard by millions during a service broadcast live around the world.

"The ultimate faux pas would be to have your mobile phone go off in the Abbey, even if you had 'God Save the Queen' as your ringtone," Hayward said.

Tweeting or updating your Facebook status during the day is also bad manners.

"It's a private occasion, and it would certainly be an abuse of the invitation to take photos or tweet during the ceremony or any point in the day," said Hanson.

After the morning ceremony at the Abbey, some 600 guests are invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace, where the food and drinks are sure to be amazing. Hanson advises guests to accept the offerings politely -- but don't gobble, don't gulp -- and for goodness sakes don't get drunk.

"Sip your drink, don't gulp it, and always be aware how much alcohol you can tolerate," said Hanson.

"Don't embarrass yourself (otherwise) for you can guarantee you will never be invited to this kind of wedding again."

Guests should also watch their body language. Michelle Obama put a friendly hand on Queen Elizabeth II's back during a visit in 2009. The queen didn't seem to mind -- she even put her own arm around Mrs. Obama's waist -- but guests at the royal wedding should be more distant.

"Never touch the queen. Never initiate conversation with her or any member of the royal family. They will do all that," said Hayward.

British citizens or members of the Commonwealth countries would traditionally curtsy or bow to the queen and her family. The royal family no longer insists that people do so, but most people still do bow or curtsy when meeting the queen.

"Nothing too theatrical," said Hanson. "Men should just bow from the neck -- a nod really -- and women should do a slight dip with their right foot behind their left foot."

source: Contra Costa Times, March 27, 2011

An Afternoon at the Circus

Yesterday afternoon, I had the great fun of seeing Cirque de Soleil "Quidam." So weird and wonderful and amazing! This is an overview of Quidam...



I have to admit...I didn't get a lot of that symbolism while watching the show. But the gymnastic/acrobatic skill of these young athletes was incredible! Their bodies are so beautiful--strong and muscular. As I was watching the show, I couldn't help but wonder how they ended up doing what they do. For example, the guy with the wheel...



I mean...how does a person take up the wheel sport? Wouldn't he get teased a lot?

Check out these girls' hand-eye coordination...



Ah-MAZ-ing!

Author Spotlight: P.L. Gaus

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 book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Judy Christie is Shannon! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is Paul Gaus is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Paul's latest book, Harmless as Doves, 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?
I am married, with two grown daughters, Laura and Amy.  I live in Wooster, Ohio, with my wife Madonna.  For thirty-one years, I taught college chemistry, but now in retirement, I am a full-time writer.  My six Amish-Country Mysteries have now been republished in paperback editions by Plume, a division of Penguin Group USA.  The novels were first published by Ohio University Press, which will publish the seventh story in the series this summer as a new hardcover edition.

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

I write mystery novels about Amish and Mennonite people.  The stories are set in Holmes County, Ohio, where the largest Amish settlement in the world is located.  Each of my novels is an allegory for an important spiritual principal that guides Amish lifestyle and culture, and although they are murder mysteries, they are authentically Amish, with a recurring cast of English characters who work on solving the mysteries. 

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

At the age of fifty, I found that I had things that I wanted to say about life, and I found that writing fiction was the ideal outlet for me.  I had published numerous articles in professional research journals, and I am the co-author of a best-selling textbook on inorganic chemistry.  But, it is fiction that proved most interesting to me, and I began to write mysteries about Amish society.  Now there are six Amish-Country Mysteries in print, and a seventh will be published this summer.

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

This took three years.  Once the series was established, I wrote at a pace of six books total in ten years.

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 have usually thought about a new story, or a new chapter in a story, for several days (or even weeks) before I try to write it.  I find that it is not productive for me to try to write at the same time every day.  Instead, when I have thought about it long enough, I find that the writing happens very quickly.  Then of course, I revise constantly.  However, one of the things that I try to remind myself is that although I can never revise enough, I can revise too much.

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 wife Madonna has been my greatest help.  She reads everything, and I trust her instincts about the stories.  Otherwise, family and friends are not particularly useful, because they always tell me that my writing is wonderful, very good, that sort of thing.  I have not joined any writing groups, because I have always enjoyed a very singular and personal understanding of what I am trying to write, and mostly I find that I am not particularly adept at critiqing the work of other writers. 

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

I had published enough as a chemist to know what the publishing world is like.  But now, as a full time author of fiction, I find the life to be wonderful.  It is the best of everything I dreamed it could be.

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

Clearly the best event was when my stories were republished over the last six months by Plume, as trade paperbacks.  This has brought national attention to my work, and Madonna and I have traveled all over the country to promote the series for Plume. 

The worst moment was when I realized that the seventh story in the series would have to be entirely rewritten.  I had a good story, but I made a mistake in trying to write with a different style.  My editor convinced me to start again, and he was right.

Now Harmless as Doves is what it always should have been, and it will come out in a hardcover edition this summer.

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

Mostly, I find that I don’t like waiting for the royalties.  Best of all is the satisfaction of seeing the first printings of a new story arrive in the mail.  A close second is seeing the books on the shelves of a fine bookstore.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Put your novel in a drawer, and write another one with the same theme or characters.  This is the most instructive thing a writer can do.  If you are paying attention when you do it, you’ll be vastly better at revising the first story.

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.

If you would like to know and understand what it is like to live as an Amish person, then these books are for you.  If you also like a good mystery, then these books are especially for you.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I will attend two conventions of mystery writers this year.  The first is Malice Domestic, in Bethesda, Maryland, and the second is Bouchercon in St. Louis.

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

On my website (www.plgaus.com), I have listings and links to some of the better places to buy my books.  Barnes and Noble stores have been especially good at keeping my books in stock, but there are plenty of other places, too, for instance Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

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

Happy Dance!!!

I found out today that Amish Proverbs is a finalist for the ECPA 2011 Christian Book Awards in the inspirational category. WOO HOO!!!  

Doing the happy dance!

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Wanda Brunstetter is back!

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.


Don't miss Amish Wisdom this week. Wanda Brustetter will be back on the show talking about her latest series, The Kentucky Brothers. The first book in that series releases in April, The Journey. Leave a comment in {HERE} for a chance to win a copy.

More about Wanda: Award-winning, bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunstetter and her husband live in Washington State, but take every opportunity to visit friends in Amish settlements throughout the country.

Visit Wanda’s website at www.wandabrunstetter.com for more information about her or her books.

More about The Journey: Titus Fisher has often made poor choices. When he lived in Pennsylvania he chose the wrong girl, who broke his heart. When he moves to Kentucky, he finally discovers that he possesses woodworking skills, will he stick with it or return to the old comforts of his life ion Lancaster?


Suzanne Yoder's talents don't lie in the traditional Amish kitchen, but she suppresses talents that are frowned on by those in her community who believe a woman's place is in the home. Will Titus be impressed or upset when he learns the secrets she hides?

Dancing with the Stars

 Did you happen to see "Dancing with the Stars" last night? I have to say...Kirstie Alley was a huge surprise! I didn't expect to enjoy her--yet she was funny, self-depracating...and a darn good dancer! She is SIXTY YEARS OLD! Woo hoo! I'm a new fan...

A Young Girl's Journey to become Amish (Part 4)

Kate is a 17-year-old young woman who is planning to become Amish.  She has graciously offered to write some Monday guests posts for my readers and has kindly answered many questions (left as comments), too. This is Kate's last blog entry for us. It's been interesting and educational to read about Kate's journey. I know she's appreciated the warm comments and encouraging words. Please keep Kate in your prayers as she finishes up high school and prepares to become baptized into the Amish church this summer. She's a very special young woman!   

I want to start out by thanking you for all the emails and comments you’ve given me. They’ve truly blessed me in ways you’ll never know. I do want to make sure I say that all the ‘credit’ or any type of glory goes to God. I don’t want any admiration or anything like that because without God none of this would happen. I am simply following Him where He is leading me and serving Him the only way I know how. Therefore…He gets all the glory :-) With that said…here’s my last post I think (not sure but I think I’m out of ideas!).

My spiritual journey to the Amish is, to me, the most important part of the journey. There is no point to living the Amish life without a Biblical foundation. The Amish life is all because of the Bible. They live the way they do because they have the conviction from God’s Word. I never understood people that said they’d like to join the Amish but weren’t Christians or close to God. How? Why? I desire an Amish life because I want to follow my own convictions and please Him. I’ll do this post as more of a spiritual timeline about how I came to the conclusion that the Amish faith was right for me, and the Old Order specifically.

I was raised in a somewhat Christian home. Up until the age of 6 or 7 we, as a family, had gone to church and been taught to love Jesus. In 5^th grade I accepted Jesus as my personal savior and became a daughter of the King. After I was saved I began to want to serve Jesus more. For some reason my love of the Amish was increasing. This is when I wrote a letter to the Amish family, which is something way out of my character so I look back and know it was a step led by God.

Once I started going to Amish church services I really began to want to serve my Lord. I saw the Amish doing things different and living differently than anyone I’d ever seen. It was then that I started asking questions about the many why’s bubbling in my head. This was the little start of my convictions that would later develop. So I knew a little bit of why the Amish did what they did but I hadn’t dug deeper into it to find out more.

Ninth grade found some major changes in my life. God had got a hold of my life after a year of not really growing in Him. I asked my Amish “Mom” why the ladies wore a head covering. She led me to 1 Corinthians 11 and I spent weeks studying those verses. After praying about it for a long time God convicted me to begin covering. Soon after that I asked about dresses and being simple. “Mom” directed me to another passage and I began to get convicted about dressing more modestly. This wasn’t totally new to me since I have Baptist cousins who dress in only skirts. God really worked in my heart and I began dressing in skirts and dresses. Can you imagine walking into *public* high school doors wearing a covering and jean skirt? I lost some “friends” and realized those who were truly my friends. I was known as the girl who wore skirts & had the funny bun (there were actually 2 other girls who only wore skirts which was a blessing!). It was *hard*.

I began to stray from those things because I was feeling different. By this time the Lord was really directing me towards the Amish and it was scaring me. I mean it was something I wanted but yet it was so different! I started telling God “no” and started wearing pants and going uncovered again. This is something I regret deeply now but there’s nothing I can do about it now.

What changed me? I can’t exactly say. But eventually I was tired of being unhappy and trying to fit in when I knew it wasn’t right. I re-surrendered my life and future to God. At this point, when I gave my future to Him, I felt utter peace that I hadn’t felt in a long time! It was an amazing feeling. I again began to feel God saying “Kate, I want you to join the Amish church. I am asking you to do this and I know the plans I have for you! Don’t be scared I will give you the strength” and this time I trusted Him.

Ever since that day I have felt unwavering peace about my future and life, when it’s in His hands. I’ve also been completely sure that He wants me among the Amish church. Whenever I begin to question that I immediately get unrest and quickly give the “pen” of my life story back to the Author of life.

This time of waiting has proven to be a blessing as well. While sometimes I find it so hard to wait to become Amish and follow that calling, I have grown so much in my faith during this trial. Even my Mom’s disapproval can be counted as a blessing because I know that if I am faithful to God good will come. I am striving to be content and it’s a battle I fight every day.

Being in the Will of God has made all the difference in my life! I am so excited to live out my convictions with others who also share them, Mom makes it hard to live those out right now but I do try.

I know that this won’t be a perfect, cookie cutter, life but I know that with God I can withstand anything! I am not fooling myself into believing all will be well once I’m Amish because I know I will still have struggles. But I know that if I am following God and His will for my life that I will never be lost.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about my journey and that you will continue to follow it. My only prayer for the blog is that it will help someone, anyone, on their own personal walk with God. I don’t do it for my own glory but for His! Thanks for being such a wonderful encouragement and thank you, Suzanne, for allowing me this pleasure.

Through Jesus Christ our Savior,

Kate

Author Spotlight: Judy Christie

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 book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Mel Starr is G! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is Judy Christie is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Judy's latest book, The Glory of Green, 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?

I was the editor of my elementary-school newspaper and grew up to be a journalist, was the Louisiana champion typist in high school, have a porch with a swing behind my office, went to the White House for lunch with Nancy Reagan, saw John Glenn come back from space, and once got a black eye playing putt-putt golf.

Married to a fun middle-school teacher with a fantastic granddaughter who lives too far away but visits often.

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

At age 50, I committed to write “Gone to Green,” the novel I'd wanted to write for years, and this month the third in that series, “The Glory of Green,” was released!

I enjoy fish-out-of-water stories where an engaging character changes the world around her and, in the process, is changed. The Green Series (Abingdon Press) is about a big-city journalist who winds up running a small-town newspaper in the fictional town of Green, La.

This fall, "Wreath," my first Young Adult novel (with Barbour) will be out. Wreath is a 16-year-old girl determined to finish high school despite the death of her mother, and she winds up living in a junkyard. I guess all authors say this, but I love this story!

My nonfiction “Hurry Less, Worry Less” series is aimed at helping busy people slow down and enjoy each day more. In addition to writing, I lead workshops and retreats on this topic.

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

I can’t ever recall not loving books, paper, pencils, and words. I started keeping a journal when I was nine -- and still have all of them. As a journalist, I wrote and edited for many years. I thought about writing a novel for decades. I carry a notebook everywhere and love jotting down ideas.

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

My first novel sold in less than a year as part of a three-book deal, which was definitely a great day! In one of those divine ways that life works out, my first novel coincided with the launch of the insprational fiction line by Abingdon Press.

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?

Camp Slower Pace, a shabby fishing camp on Lake Bistineau in Webster Parish, La., is my best get-away spot to write. It has indoor plumbing, a great view and no Internet.

I'm still trying to find a good writing rhythm, but have figured out that my best writing comes when I set aside blocks of time on my calendar instead of dashing in and out.

A good, long walk helps my creativity. Louisiana in spring is a sight to behold!


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

Step One was to quit talking about writing a novel and write it. The guidance of my retired agent, Etta Wilson, was invaluable in helping prioritize my book ideas and helping me focus.

Another tremendous blessing was attending an American Christian Fiction Writers conference, where I realized how much I needed to learn and met so many wonderful writers who are generous with their advice and wisdom. I’ve also been encouraged immensely by author and entrepreneur Kathy Patrick, who started the Pulpwood Queens Book Club and is a champion for books.

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

I still fantasize about sitting at my computer, trim and fit in some cute casual outfit, sipping hot tea and contemplating the mysteries of life. I’m more likely in sweats with a cold cup of coffee, staring out the window and thinking that someone needs to rake the leaves.

As a writer, my joy erodes when I endlessly think I should be writing but do all sorts of other things instead, so I’m trying to be more consistent about writing and not feeling guilty when I don’t write.

Being given the gift of words is way more than I could ever have hoped for, and even today I nearly hugged the UPS guy when he delivered early copies of "The Glory of Green."

What are your biggest distractions?

I like to visit! I love my family, friends, readers, church congregation, waitresses, grocery store clerks. I get together regularly with my elementary school friends (the Barret Girls) and have an annual retreat with my buddies from Baylor University (FunFest Friends) and talk to my first cousin on the phone and send cards to our granddaughter and text my brothers and …

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

A highlight was when my first novel, "Gone to Green," received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly.

A very sad time: My dear friend Alisa, my first reader on every book I’d ever written and a great editor and cheerleader, died suddenly a month before I submitted “The Glory of Green.” I still miss her, and her elderly mom is coming to town for my book launch party.

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

I get very attached to the characters I create, and I have to love ‘em (or hate ‘em, if they’re the villain), or they gotta go! I love Lois Barker, the heroine in the Green Series, and Wreath, the main character in my new YA novel.

I’m an optimist, and I try not to whine about being a writer (OK, except to my husband and my friend Lenora Worth, a NYT bestselling romance novelist). Lots of people have tough jobs -- like our plumber, roofer, and the waitress at my favorite café. With that disclaimer, I’d say one of the challenges for me is juggling the solitary part of writing with the public part.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

Get an agent! I can’t imagine navigating the world of book-publishing without an agent to advise, coach and sell. My first agent was Etta Wilson, who just retired, and my new agent is Janet Grant, both of Books & Such Literary Agency, and each is wonderful and committed to helping me take my writing to the next level.
.
What advice would you give to new writers?

Sit down and write. Prioritize your projects, and get started. Make a timeline and stick to it. Remember that every day is a new day.

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.

If you like small-town inspirational stories, I think you’ll love the characters in the Green Series, who are always up to something!

(By the way, I've actually recommended my books to shoppers before -- and to a woman waiting with me to have a root canal.)

What’s on the book horizon for you?

"Rally Round Green," book 4 in the Green series, will be out this summer, and "Wreath," my first YA, is out in the fall.

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

As mentioned, I love visiting! My website: www.judychristie.com. And I’m on Facebook.

My books are available just about anywhere you buy books, and if you can't find one, e-mail me and I'll help track one down for you.

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

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Gayle Roper

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.

This week on Amish Wisdom we'll be chatting with author Gayol Roper about her latest book in The Amish Farm trilogy, A Rose Revealed. Gayle will also be giving away two copies of the book. Details below.

About Gayle: “I have been in love with story all my life,” says Gayle Roper, the award winning author of more than forty-five books. “Give me a story with strong characters and a captivating plot, and I’m one happy reader. Or writer.”

Gayle’s novel Autumn Dreams won the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance.  Both Caught Redhanded and Summer Shadows were Carol Award winners and Summer Shadows won the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest. Gayle has been a Christy finalist three times for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows and Winter Winds and has won the Holt Medallion three times for The Decision, Caught in a Bind, and Autumn Dreams.  The Decision won the Reviewers Choice Award, and she has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Book Report.

Of her title Fatal Deduction (Multnomah), Publishers Weekly states, “Roper’s dialogue and character development are spot-on, which is no small feat, considering that Libby’s world is peopled by everyone from elderly patricians to two-bit gangsters…This novel is a pleasure from start to finish.”

For her work in training Christian writers Gayle has won special recognition from Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC.  She directed the St. Davids conference for five years and Sandy Cove conference for six.  She served as writer in residence with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS) for several years. She currently serves as captain of the Mount Hermon CWC Mentoring Clinic  and Critique programs.

She lives in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys reading, spending time at the family’s Canadian cottage, gardening, and eating out every time she can manage it.

For more about Gayle and her books, visit www.gayleroper.com.

About A Rose Revealed: Book 3 in The Amish Farm Trilogy - Rose Martin became a nurse because she wanted to help people in pain. And she has come to realize that part of being a nurse means encountering death. But death by natural causes….not by murder.

So when cancer-stricken Sophie Hostetter is murdered, Rose begins asking questions. Soon she’s drawn into a maze of family secrets that endanger her own life.

Her growing attraction to Amish-raised Jake Zook further complicates her life. His resentment toward her is puzzling—after all, she helped save his life. Why will he not allow her to share that life now?

For a chance to win a copy of the book, leave a comment {HERE} along with your address. Two winners will be selected at random next week and notified via email.

A Young Girl's Journey to become Amish (Part 3)

Kate is a 17-year-old young woman who is planning to become Amish this summer.  She has graciously offered to write some Monday guests posts for my readers for a few weeks. And she's happy to answer your questions (left as comments), too. 

After the many questions from last post I decided to take time to answer them. You can learn more about my journey this way and I can answer questions in one location. Works for both of us! :-) Before I do though I want to thank you. When I read all your comments on Suzanne’s blog, her facebook page and my own email, I just felt so blessed and encouraged. All the wonderful notes of appreciation and plain ol’ encouraging words did wonders for me. God has blessed me beyond belief and I am very grateful for each of you and your prayers, they mean so much.

All right…back to business, haha! If you have any questions after this you can feel free to email me or comment and again, I’ll try to answer.

Q: I was wondering where you would be living, and whether or not you had spoken with the bishop in the church district you will be living in?

A: Yes I have. A few weeks ago I had a meeting with the bishop, his wife, my Amish “parents” and me. We discussed all sorts of things and answered both of our questions. Our bishop is actually bishop over two congregations and in his other church there are people who were ‘English’ and are now Amish.

Q: What made you decide to convert to Old Order Amish and not one of the other orders?

A: When I first began searching and attending I began to develop convictions based on what I read in the Bible and things I’ve seen growing up. I found that these convictions (dress, electricity, buggies etc.) followed most closely with the Old Order Amish in the church district I had previously been attending.

Q: Kate, Will you have to give up the computer, or will you be able to use a battery-operated laptop?

A: No, I will not be using the computer once I am Amish. I have convictions about the use of computers for things other than communication. Right now I use the computer only to email friends I couldn’t otherwise talk to and blogging (which I consider my ministry). The Amish church I am in has a standard against computers and I agree with this. I will happily give it up once I am able to join the church and follow the standards they have. I know to some this may sound hypocritical that I say I don’t want to use it but I do but this is what I feel I am comfortable with and it works for me. I have considered writing to a friend and having her post them on my blog. That way you can know how I’m doing and continue praying for me if you feel led. This will probably happen but I wouldn’t be posting as often.

Q: What’s an Amish church Sunday schedule like?

A: Sunday’s would start early in the morning with everyone doing chores and getting ready for church. Church would last 3 hours (1^st hour is singing and the next 2 are preaching). When church is over the non-members would leave and the members stay to have a meeting. After their meeting is finished the church area is transformed into tables and benches and youth girls get food ready. The main meal is served and the youth girls normally do dishes (silverware, cups and bowls from the food). During this time, and after, everyone will visit and children will play games. Normally around 2:30pm or 3:00pm people begin to leave for home. The youth will stay together for the afternoon normally. Come 5:00pm those invited to the singing, and the youth who’re always invited, will leave to return to the church place and they will hold supper and singing. Youth normally visit for a half hour or so after a singing and then return home. Dating couples will spend Sunday afternoon’s together at one another’s home and the boy will take the girl to and from the singing.

Q: What is normally served at an Amish church service for the meal?

A: At least in our district the food served is always the same. Piles of bread are stacked around the tables and every few people will have bowls in front of them. In the bowls will be cheese sauce, pickles, peanut butter and butter. Occasionally we’ll have a special treat like sloppy Joe stuff, lettuce or cheeses. No plates are used but silverware is set out for each person along with a glass of water. Coffee and Hot tea is passed around too, though I normally stick with water :-)

Q: Can you speak Pennsylvania Dutch yet?

A: I don’t think I can speak it very well yet but I can understand a lot. I still use a translator for church services but pick up a lot on my own. Everyone thinks I’ll pick it up pretty fast once I’m around it all the time. I hope so!

You’re still more than welcome to ask me any questions you may have but I hope I cleared some of the main ones up for you! Blessings and have a wonderful week, can’t wait to read more of your wonderful comments and emails.

Kate

(You can learn more about Kate by reading her Journey to Amish blog.)

Beautiful New Cover!!!

Available for pre-orders on CBD and Amazon

This is Revell's beautiful cover for my Christmas novella, to release August/September. It's a hardcover--a wonderful story, too.

Here's a peek at the plot...

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

National Oxymoron Day

This was one of those "Huh?" things in our paper today...

If your colleagues seemed a tad breathless this week, it was probably was because March 9 was National Panic Day. It also was, for some reason, National Get Over It Day.

One would think whoever came up with these official designations would check the calendar first. It's enough to make our hearts palpitate and our palms sweat and oh dear, oh dear, oh dear--wait! Whew. We're OK. All calm now. We're over i--...oh no, oh no, oh no!

Author Spotlight: Mel Starr

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 book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with CJ Darlington is Judy! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is Mel Starr is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Mel's latest book, A Trail of Ink, 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?

My wife Susan and I have been married 46 years in June! We have two daughters and seven grandchildren. I have several hobbies—too many. My wife and I like to travel with our travel trailer. I enjoy golf and fishing, and making things with my hands. I built a Pennsylvania flintlock rifle in 1976 to commemorate the bicentennial, and a few years ago I made a hammer dulcimer for my wife for Christmas. I enjoy model railroading, also, and any machine which moves has always held my interest—trains, planes, boats, cars. I am a volunteer docent at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum; the Air Zoo. But amid all that, I still make time for writing.

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

I taught history for 39 years before becoming a published author, so historical fiction and non-fiction are my primary interests. As a teacher, I taught US and World History. My MA is in recent US and European History (1914 to 1950), but the longer I taught medieval history the more interested in that period I became.

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

I think all avid readers dream of one day becoming a writer, seeing their name in print. I planned to write after I retired from teaching, as there was not enough time to be a full-time father, husband, teacher, and write as well. Now that I am retired, I have more time to focus on—and enjoy—writing and publishing.

It’s difficult to say what inspired me to begin in the first place. I have seven grandchildren—they are always a source of inspiration. I like writing stories for them—and I like to think that my writing will help provide funds so that they may (if they wish) attend Christian colleges one day.

Like most writers, I suspect, there are days when I do not feel particularly inspired. I do not write every day, but when I do I will spend three to five hours at a time.

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

It took me about three years after the completion of THE UNQUIET BONES (The First Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton) to find a publisher.  I was turned down about 60 times!

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

The greatest help to me has been having someone “in my corner.” For me, that someone is a professor of English and creative writing at Spring Arbor University who asked me to speak to a class about the trials of a rookie writer. The professor then sent three chapters of my first book to a friend in the UK who was an editor with Monarch. I wouldn’t have gotten published without his referral. Having someone who wants to fight for you is important.

What are your biggest distractions?

My biggest distraction is reading other books! I read historical fiction, mysteries, and histories. I recently read a Tom Clancy novel that somehow escaped me when it was first released. I read a biography of Herod the Great a few weeks ago, and am currently re-reading Shelby Foote’s three-volume history of the Civil War.

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

I enjoy research into medieval life and devising plots. I detest typing the final manuscript.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I recently submitted the manuscript for my fourth book, UNHALLOWED GROUND, and have begun #5, tentatively titled THE CHAPMAN'S COIN. I’m eager to see where Master Hugh is going next. For more info, please visit www.melstarr.net.

The Perspective of a Mother Crow

"Every mother crow thinks her own crow is the blackest." Amish proverb

This cartoon was created by Brenda Jacobsen, very talented artist. Check out her website and blog! 

Thursday on Amish Wisdom Eli Hochstetler and The Budget's Keith Rathburn!

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.

You won't want to miss Thursday's show! During the first half hour we'll be chatting with a Berlin, Ohio bookstore owner, Eli Hochstetler. I met Eli while on my January book tour at his The Gospel Book Store - a great place! (And be sure to check out their online store.)

Then for the second half hour, we'll hear from the publisher of The Budget, Keith Rathbun. Keith has generously offered a year's subscription to The Budget to one of my listeners! Leave a comment {HERE} for your chance to win! I read The Budget every week.

More about The Gospel Book Store: The Gospel Book Store was started in the late 50s. Eli Hochstetler bought the store in October of 1975 and has enjoyed meeting and helping many wonderful people through the years.

A few thoughts from Eli: "Our store is a real brick-and-mortar business. We provide friendly face-to-face service when you stop by and fast shipping from national warehouses when you choose to shop on-line. Our desire is to help all people fulfill their walk in Christ." Visit their website.

More about Keith: Keith Rathbun is publisher of The Budget, a community weekly newspaper for Sugarcreek and eastern Holmes County. In addition, The Budget publishes a weekly newspaper that is distributed nationally and internationally to Amish and Mennonite communities across the United States, in Canada, Central and South Americas and overseas. 

Rathbun has worked with weekly newspapers his entire professional career. He was sports editor of the West Life upon graduating from Ohio University (BSJ-74), and edited and published SCENE in Cleveland until 2000 when he moved to Sugarcreek to publish The Budget.
   
Rathbun practices what he publishes, by getting involved in the community. He serves as secretary of both the Sugarcreek Business Association and Rotary Club, and chairs Sugarcreek’s Community Christmas Celebration. He sits on the Board of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce. He also helped to found the Garaway Education Foundation.
   
“It’s important to be a vital part of the fabric of the community in which you are privileged to publish,” Rathbun states. This commitment was recognized in 2007 when The Budget was honored as Tuscarawas County’s “Small Business of the Year.”
   
A proud graduate of Ohio University (BSJ ’74), Keith and his wife, Maxine, reside in Sugarcreek. They have two married children and two grandchildren, all living in Ohio.

A Young Girl's Journey to become Amish (Part 2)

Recently, I received an e-mail from a young woman, Kate, who is planning to convert to the Amish. Kate has offered to write a few guest posts for my blog to share her experience and answer your questions. For the next few Mondays and Tuesdays, you can read about Kate's journey to the Amish. This is part two:

Normally when someone finds out I’m joining the Amish, they wonder how? At least those are the emails I get from my blog readers or family members. Honestly there aren't many official “steps” that I have to do. I’m sure it would be different coming from someone that hasn’t basically grown up in the this church (remember I’ve been part of this church for five years) but for me it has worked out perfectly. Another hint that this is God’s will? I think so! 

When I officially decided that I indeed wanted to become Amish I spoke with the Amish parents where I had visited and stayed so often. We talked it over and I told them my reasons for wanting it and my belief that it was here the Lord had led me. 

After that I waited a while and just recently took the next step. I had a meeting with the bishop of the church, who’s very nice and not like all those bishops in some stories. He talked to me and basically asked the same questions that the parents did before. He wanted to make sure I was joining for the faith and not just the lifestyle. He reminded me of a need for salvation in Jesus Christ and that they live that way because they have that salvation and that works are nothing without it. 

We decided that the next step would be to move in with a church family willing to take me in. This has to wait for another month or so until my date comes closer. I’m always wondering just who it’ll be, though! 

More to come so continue reading Suzanne’s blog! I have a few more ideas for more posts including the language, my spiritual journey and how my parents and family feel.

Thanks for reading; it means so much to me to be able to share my testimony with others and to be able to clear a lot of misconceptions of the Amish. I’m always willing to (try) to answer any questions about the Amish you may have or joining them either at my blog www.journeytoamish.blogspot or through email at wardekai000@yahoo.com and I am sure Suzanne is happy to do the same. God bless you and have a wonderful day! ♥

A Young Girl's Journey to become Amish

Recently, I received an e-mail from a young woman, Kate, who is planning to convert to the Amish. Kate has offered to write a few guest posts for my blog to share her experience and answer your questions. For the next few Mondays and Tuesdays, you can read about Kate's journey to the Amish.

Hello everyone!

I want to thank Suzanne for having me as a guest blogger on her blog it is such a privilege for me. I’ll start by describing me and why I’m guest blogging and go from there. I find that a lot of people find my “story” interesting and something a lot of people have thought about doing themselves but, to me, it is just simply my following God’s Will.

What am I doing? Lord willing, I am joining an Old Order Amish church in Michigan this coming summer after I graduate high school (my parents requested I do this and I want to obey them since I am 17). I’m sure, depending on the individual person, your thoughts are going everywhere right now! From agreeing with me, to disagreeing, to thinking I have no idea what I’m doing. These are the type of responses I get from friends and family members when I tell them of my plans.

My wanting to be Amish started back when I was in 2nd grade. My grandparents lived in the same town and on the same road as a lot of Amish families amidst a medium sized community. I just loved the dresses, horses and cute white houses. That’s where my interest began and I believe God was leading me to them even when I was that young but giving me those silly reasons for wanting to join them.

 I was saved by the grace of God in 5th grade and once again began thinking of the Amish. I was new in my walk with Christ and was learning about Him every day. When I was ten years old I got a crazy idea while sitting at my grandmother’s house. I was going to write those Amish a letter! I wrote a letter, (I wish I remembered what I wrote), and cut a sunflower from Grandma’s garden and walked the half mile down to the Miller farm. I simply left the note and flower by their mailbox and walked home. A few weeks later I received a letter in the mailbox from the mother at that Amish home! I began getting close to this family through monthly letters to her daughters and Saturday afternoon visits.

After two years of these visits they had an idea…I should come to church with them. I had already told the mother I wrote to that I wanted to be Amish but, of course, coming from a ten-year-old that didn't mean much. We dug through clothes and found me a suitable dress, kapp and black shoes to wear. I had an amazing day, though I was so nervous I made myself sick, even though I couldn’t understand a word of the three hour preaching.

At twelve years of age, I knew there was something special about the Amish. Sitting in church I could feel unity and something that I had never felt before in an “English” church. Afterwards everyone visited and I made some wonderful new friends. (One of the girls I was closest to would later be called to Heaven after a buggy crash.)

Now, five years from that special Sunday, I sit here and reminisce over those fond memories of my first few churches services among the Amish. God has done remarkable and life-changing work in my life and has led me to the Amish faith without a doubt in my mind. Everything that has happened in my life seems to be pointing this direction, from that first letter I wrote to the childish dreams of dressings and buggies.

I’ll go into more detail on my spiritual journey to the Amish and how I’ve grown in God because of this in a later blog post.

I’m always willing to (try) to answer any questions about the Amish you may have or joining them either at my blog www.journeytoamish.blogspot or through email at wardekai000@yahoo.com and I am sure Suzanne is happy to do the same. God bless you and have a wonderful day! ♥

Author Spotlight: CJ Darlington

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 book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Joanna Weaver is Jennifer Pederson! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is CJ Darlington is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of CJ's latest book, Bound by Guilt, leave a comment on this post!

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

I am happily single with a full time job as a used and rare bookseller. It’s been my family’s business now for over twelve years, and it keeps me busy. I’m also the co-founder of the Christian entertainment website TitleTrakk.com and a contributing editor at Family Fiction magazine. But even though I have many obligations, fiction writing is my first love. It’s my goal to write five days a week, usually in the evenings.

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

I write contemporary novels. A theme that seems to pervade all of them is that no one has ever fallen too far for the grace of God to touch them. I love writing about hurting and broken people---those who aren’t perfect by any means, make mistakes and need redemption.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream to be a published author?

I remember being eight years old typing at my dad’s old word processor. As a kid I always enjoyed writing little stories, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I entertained the idea of being a published writer. But the bug hit hard then. I started my first novel Thicker than Blood when I was fifteen. My apprenticeship in writing began at that point, and I devoured every writing how-to book I could find.

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

I started seriously considering writing as a teen, but didn’t really commit to it until I was eighteen or so. My first short story was published when I was twenty, my first novel when I was thirty. I’m thankful I wasn’t published in book length right away because there was so much to learn during that time.

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?

Coffee or tea certainly help! There isn’t any one thing that makes writing easier. Often it’s just a matter of sitting my butt in the chair and going for it whether I feel like it or not. Sometimes I’ll feel in the zone, other days it’s like pulling teeth to get out a paragraph. What usually helps me is just diving in and going for it. When I overthink things is when I often get in trouble.

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 as my first draft reader is a HUGE help to me. She has a wonderfully keen editorial eye and helps me in every draft to pinpoint what’s working and what isn’t. I’ve also been blessed to have some kind mentors in other authors who’ve taken the time to answer my questions and offer advice.

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

I think one of the biggest misconceptions I had as a beginning writer was that getting published would change my life. It didn’t. I’m still the same person I was when I was submitting manuscripts to editors as I am today. Nothing magically changed. So I guess I did think it would be more glamorous than it is. That said, I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have my work read by others. It’s such a joy to hear from someone who’s taken the time to read a story I’ve written. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but it helps to understand that unless your name is J.K. Rowling, the writing life really doesn’t change your life all that much.

What are your biggest distractions?

Hands down, the internet. What’s hard is that things like Facebook and Twitter and blogs are all useful tools as a writer. But used excessively they become a drain on creativity. I really don’t need to be checking my FB page ever five minutes. And checking Amazon rankings of my books? A complete waste of time. But do I do it? More often than I should.

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

There was nothing like sitting in the audience at the Writing for the Soul conference and hearing Jerry B. Jenkins announce my novel as the winner of Operation First Novel. That was amazing. But now that I’m further down the road of this journey, what impacts me the most is when I hear from a reader who was somehow touched by something in my stories. It’s so important to remember being a Christian writer is more than a career. For me it’s a ministry, and I never want to lose sight of that.

A low point in my career was when I almost gave up on my first novel. I had been submitting it to publishers for four years, and I was feeling discouraged. I was beginning to wonder if it was time to put it in a drawer and move on to something new. Thankfully, the Lord intervened and prompted me to enter Operation First Novel two weeks before their cut off deadline for entries.

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

There are some days when the marketing aspects of the job are overwhelming, but really there’s not much I don’t like about it. I most enjoy hearing from readers.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

This will vary from writer to writer, I think. Some authors despise anything to do with the business and negotiating side of things. For those, I think an agent is important. They need someone to be their advocate and help them through the process. Some writers don’t have a family support system, and an agent can be a huge encouragement on the days when they feel like throwing in the towel.

Then there are other authors who don’t mind tackling the business end of things. I fall into that camp. I don’t have an agent. Maybe someday I will have one, but for now I’m happy with how things are coming along.

What advice would you give to new writer?

As I get further along in my career, I’m realizing something that is enormously important for new writers, and that is this: Write the book of your heart. Don’t worry about publishers, marketing, editors or readers AT ALL in the beginning. You’ll paralyze yourself. Instead, search inside and listen to that still small voice leading you to the story only you can tell. If you aren’t passionate about your story, it will show on the page. Then, once you finish your first book, get moving onto the next! Then whenever you do receive interest from a publisher you’ll have more than one thing to show them.

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

Bound by Guilt is about a teen girl desperate to fit in and a female cop searching for justice. One fateful night both their lives are changed forever.

What’s on the book horizon for you?

I’m just now finishing the rough draft of my next novel. Revision time!

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

My website is full of info: www.cjdarlington.com 

Amish Wisdom Anniversary Show!

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.
 
Please join me on Thursday  at 4:00 pm CST for an encore presentation of our debut show with guest Erik Wesner. It has been one of our top rated shows! For good reason--Erik is a fascinating, insightful, and downright funny guy.

Erik is the author of the popular blog "Amish America." During the interview we chat about Erik's book, Success Made Simple, and about Amish businesses.

A bit about Erik:  Since 2004, he has visited 20 Amish communities in five states, and met roughly 5,000 Amish families in total.

As the 2008 Snowden Fellow at the Young Center at Elizabethtown College, Erik delivered a lecture entitled “Is Success a Four-Letter Word? The Amish Approach to Business Achievement”.

Erik has contributed to Amish-themed articles featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and other print media. He's have also served as a consultant for numerous authors of Amish fiction and non-fiction.

His book Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive was published by John Wiley and Sons under the Jossey-Bass imprint in 2010.

Success Made Simple is based on his 60 interviews with Amish business owners as well as experiences living and working in Amish communities from Pennsylvania to Iowa. Read more here.

In his previous nine-year career with a Nashville publisher and bookseller, he worked in management and set an international record as a salesperson.

If not in Amish America, you can likely find Erik in Krakow, Poland, where he teaches, translates, and trains for marathons.

For a chance to win a copy of Erik's book leave a comment{HERE}!  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.