Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 146

Author Spotlight: Jill Savage

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 Debora Coty is Barbara! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is Jill Savage is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Jill's latest book, Living With Less So Your Family Has More, leave a comment on this post!

[image error] 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 husband and I have been married 27 years and we have five children.  Out three older children are married and our two youngest (age 14 and 16) are still at home. Four of my children are biological and one is adopted (you can read our adoption story at www.jillsavage.org).  I'm the Founder and CEO of Hearts at Home, an organization that encourages moms in every season of motherhood.

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

I write non-fiction books about family and faith.  I primarily write for moms but I also write on the topics of leadership and marriage.  Here are my titles:
•    Professionalizing Motherhood
•    Is There Really Sex After Kids?
•    Creating the Moms Group You've Been Looking For
•    Got Teens?
•    My Heart's at Home
•    Real Moms…Real Jesus
•    Living With Less So Your Family Has More

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

I started writing as a columnist for my local newspaper in 1995. I wrote my first book as an extension of the Hearts at Home ministry in 2001. It was a way to get encouragement out to more moms than we were able to reach through our conferences.

[image error] After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published?

My story is a little unique because I was published right away because of the Hearts at Home ministry.

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? 

No coffee for me…I'm a tea drinker!  I enjoy writing on my laptop sitting in my big recliner.  I do a lot of my writing while my kids are school.  I write about an hour a day doing blog posts and articles when I'm not working on a book project. However, when I'm working on a book, I usually write about 6 to 8 hours a day…and we eat a lot of frozen pizzas during those months!

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

I do have a group of friends who read my manuscripts and aren't afraid to challenge me in my writing.

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

The writer's life is a bit of a solitary life.  When I'm working on a book, I have a relationship with my computer!  I'm an introvert, however, so I'm fine with being alone for long periods of time.

What are your biggest distractions?

Email is probably my biggest distraction.  I like to take care of things as soon as they land in my inbox and when I'm writing, I have to turn off the email notifications to decrease the distraction.

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

The best was probably when I opened the box of each of my books.  It's when there's a sense of accomplishment for all that hard work! 

One of the worst is probably the day I discovered that a national magazine had published an excerpt out of one of my books but they had used an unedited, advanced copy of the book.  The part they excerpted contained some personal information that I decided to take out during the editing process.  The magazine was supposed to check their excerpt against the final, published book before they ran the article…but they didn't.  So they printed the excerpt with the personal information for the whole world to see. 

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

Writing non-fiction has a sense of vulnerability to it.  I'm a storyteller and not all of my stories put me in a positive light.  I think that's important to connect with your audience…but it's still scary.

I most like having the opportunity to encourage others in their marriage and family life. 

What is the role and importance of an agent?

The agent takes care of the business side of a book contract.  They have the relationships with the publishers and they understand what needs to be spelled out in the contracts.  I have had an agent from the very beginning of publishing and I have never regretted it!

What advice would you give to new writers?

Write whenever you can.  Start a blog and build up a platform.  Perfect your craft.  Attend writer's conferences if you can.  Join a writing group.  All of these will help you strengthen your skills.

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.  

Our culture believes that bigger is better.  However, Mark and Jill Savage believe that you can actually live with less and give your family more. If you're looking to live with less stress, less activities, and even less money, join the Savage's on the adventure of finding out that less really can be more!

What's on the book horizon for you?

I'm starting to work on a book that I hope to have a publisher for very soon.  It's working title is "No More Perfect Moms."  I have about 3 other titles rolling around in my head.  I think a book to death and then do a major brain dump when I finally get down to writing!

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

You can find me online at www.jillsavage.org and www.hearts-at-home.org.  I'm also on Facebook (Jill Fleener Savage) and Twitter (jillsavage).

My books are available on both websites as well as amazon.com and your local bookstores!  I'm an avid blogger, so come join the wonderful conversations we have every weekday at www.jillsavage.org!

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

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Kathleen Fuller

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.
 
Whew! Welcome to the 2011 season of Amish Wisdom. So excited about this year's possibilities.

We're starting the year off right by having Kathleen back on the show this week. You might have caught her last interview in August when she was on with her co-author's of An Amish Christmas. This time we'll be hearing more about Kathleen, the woman behind the stories, and her new books, two compilations: An Amish Love and What the Heart Sees: A Collection of Amish Romances. Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm CENTRAL.

More about Kathy: I was born in New Orleans , Louisiana , grew up in Little Rock , Arkansas , and lived in Ohio  for sixteen years. Now I'm back home and live in Cabot, Arkansas. I've been married to James for 17 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!)  We have three terrific children and four dogs (really, can there ever be too many dogs? I don't think so). We have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate? For more about Kathleen, visit her website at www.kathleenfuller.com .

Win a copy of An Amish Love by leaving a comment [HERE]. One listener will be chosen at random and notified via email.
More about An Amish Love: Romance is in the air, old-fashioned courtship is alive and well, and love is an eternal promise.

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident--and then her boyfriend shortly after that--she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

More about What the Heart Sees: Coming in March, 2011

Together for the first time, three Amish romances from Kathleen Fuller.

"A Miracle for Miriam" from An Amish Christmas

Miriam fell for Seth, but he broke her heart. Years later, after he's nearly killed in an accident, Miriam sees him at a Christmas party and notices something is different about him-not just how he looks, but how he acts. When Seth pursues her, she must decide whether to guard her heart or accept his love.

"A Place of His Own" from An Amish Gathering

When Josiah left Paradise the first time, he didn't even say good-bye. Now he's back, ten years later, and he's changed. Why is he so distant and bitter? Where is the boy who used to be Amanda's best friend? Amanda is learning that there are things even a capable Amish girl can't fix. But can she stand there and watch him walk away...again?

"What the Heart Sees" from An Amish Love

A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.

Thursday on Amish Wisdom:

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.
 
Whew! Welcome to the 2011 season of Amish Wisdom. So excited about this year's possibilities.

We're starting the year off right by having Kathleen back on the show this week. You might have caught her last interview in August when she was on with her co-author's of An Amish Christmas. This time we'll be hearing more about Kathleen, the woman behind the stories, and her new books, two compilations: An Amish Love and What the Heart Sees: A Collection of Amish Romances. Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm CENTRAL.

More about Kathy: I was born in New Orleans , Louisiana , grew up in Little Rock , Arkansas , and lived in Ohio  for sixteen years. Now I'm back home and live in Cabot, Arkansas. I've been married to James for 17 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!)  We have three terrific children and four dogs (really, can there ever be too many dogs? I don't think so). We have also raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate? For more about Kathleen, visit her website at www.kathleenfuller.com .

Win a copy of An Amish Love by leaving a comment [HERE]. One listener will be chosen at random and notified via email.
More about An Amish Love: Romance is in the air, old-fashioned courtship is alive and well, and love is an eternal promise.

Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman He left to find himself. She found her way without him. Now Levina and Naaman Lapp are together again, feeling miles apart. Although coming home was the right thing to do, Naaman must regain the trust and respect of his wife who, in his absence, has learned to trust God like never before. Could it be that their prior years together have simply been a preface to a greater love than they have ever known?

A Marriage of the Heart by Kelly Long Abigail Kauffman is looking for a way out; Joseph Lambert is seeking a way in. Since her mother's death, Abby has lived alone with her father and longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after they find themselves suddenly married to each other do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller When Ellie Chupp loses her sight in an accident--and then her boyfriend shortly after that--she believes love will never be in her future. But Christopher Miller has returned home, five years after fleeing from the tragedy that broke his heart. When Ellie and Chris meet again, sparks fly. Could true love be a matter of seeing with new eyes?

More about What the Heart Sees: Coming in March, 2011

Together for the first time, three Amish romances from Kathleen Fuller.

"A Miracle for Miriam" from An Amish Christmas

Miriam fell for Seth, but he broke her heart. Years later, after he's nearly killed in an accident, Miriam sees him at a Christmas party and notices something is different about him-not just how he looks, but how he acts. When Seth pursues her, she must decide whether to guard her heart or accept his love.

"A Place of His Own" from An Amish Gathering

When Josiah left Paradise the first time, he didn't even say good-bye. Now he's back, ten years later, and he's changed. Why is he so distant and bitter? Where is the boy who used to be Amanda's best friend? Amanda is learning that there are things even a capable Amish girl can't fix. But can she stand there and watch him walk away...again?

"What the Heart Sees" from An Amish Love

A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.

A busy week can be manic...no need for panic!

As I come to mid-week, my to-do list is growing! So much to do! It's a little bit challenging to take off for a book tour on Sunday, right after the Christmas season and just as a book is launching.

Today's list: Pre-recording a radio show (which requires a lot of research and reading), getting travel details organized, planning for dogs to be where they need to be for the week, thinking (just thinking) about what clothes to bring, worrying about the weather, zoom to the library to drop off/pick up books, a quick game of tennis (yea!), my sister and her family are swooping in for dinner and overnight before heading to Tahoe at 4am Thursday, Tad has a basketball game tonight that we'll all watch via live streaming internet.

And somewhere in this day, I need to write 1500 words.

Tomorrow is even busier! Haircut at 8:30, actual radio show with Kathleen Fuller (can't wait!), more writing, Lindsey and Josh and baby Blake return for one quick evening together before returning back to Rhode Island on Friday. So sad to see that baby leave. He changes, daily! Adds a new squeal or a funny face, every day.

Still, you know the day is going to be a good one when you get your cup of coffee, flip on the radio station  and hear this:

Spot The Search and WIN!

The Search is in stores NOW nationwide!



Have you seen it in a store? Target, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Family Christian, Lifeway, Walmart?

Leave a comment here letting me know when and where you saw it and I'll put your name into a hat for a signed copy of the Suzanne Woods Fisher book of your choice and a $25 gift certificate to that store! Snap a picture of the book on the shelf (and email it to amy@litfusegroup.com) and I'll give you 10 entrees into the contest!  I'll post the photos here as we receive them.

A New Beginning

Amazing to think we are three days into 2011! A new year feels like an empty book to me. A year from today, what stories will the pages tell?  

Did everyone have a merry Christmas? I know lots of you had a white Christmas. We had a very, very wet Christmas. Still raining today! It's been raining so much that the grass feels like a sponge. The dogs love it. I feel as if I've been wiping paws and washing towels for two straight weeks.

Dogs + rain = MUDDY PAWS


We had a fabulous Christmas! Our first with baby Blake. He's almost 4 months old and is getting so responsive. He has a wonderful squeal that he discovered and likes to try out as often as he can. And when he makes eye contact with a person, his face breaks into a huge gum grin--as bright as the explosion from a flash on an old time camera!  And I love watching my other kids become aunts and uncles. They were wonderful with the baby--even the hard stuff, like exploding diapers and staying up late into the wee hours to walk the baby to sleep.



















 Christmas day was with the extended family.We had 22 Woods gathered together! The only ones who were missing were my niece, Hilary, and her husband, Dom, who are missionaries in Aix-en-Provence, France. So we skyped with them! So for about fifteen minutes, we had all 24.



  Best moment was when my dad met little Blake, his first great grandchild:



Actually, the very best moment came when Dad saw my son, Tad, who is a freshman in an out-of-state college and rarely home. Dad doesn't really recognize us any more--but when he saw Tad, he said, "Hello, Tad." We all looked at each, as if to ask, "Did you just hear what I heard?" And we did! Alzheimer's is a strange disease...but we're so glad Dad is still with us, and treasure those moments when he's "really" with us, like recognizing Tad.

So...I bought an iPad. I LOVE IT! Have only had it a few days (bought it fifteen minutes before the Apple Store closed!) and am already hooked. Looking forward to traveling with it next week. The contest will start soon for "The Search" (which just released, officially, on January 1st). Hope you'll join in for a chance to win an iPad! And roses, delivered to your door! 

Hope your week is a good one! I feel as if the holidays are over and it's time to get back in the saddle. Great stuff to look forward to--radio program begins up this week with a wonderful guest--Marta Perry--who writes Amish mysteries.

I sent a manuscript in on Saturday that I've been working on for months--squeezing it in between newborn baby visits to Rhode Island, a trip to my publisher in Michigan, family obligations. I think it's my best book ever. Actually, I'm hoping each book is better than the one before.

And I'm getting ready for my Ohio trip! I leave on Sunday...hope I might get a chance to meet you, if you're anywhere in the area! I'm praying for a week of good weather! I have a feeling that I have NO idea what Ohio-cold feels like. But... I am going to find out!
 

And the winners are ...

Just a quick note to announce the winners of Amy Clipston's A Plain & Simple Christmas from the photo caption contest. Winners were chosen at random.
Anonymous (Simply Silent Grace)Paula OsborneJust Little Ole MeJersey Girl in Louisiana Congratulations!

Email amy@litfusegroup.com with your mailing address and we'll get your book out to you ASAP.

Merry Christmas!

St. Patrick's Prayer--5th century

Sent to me on a Christmas card by my good friend, Diane:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,Christ behind me, Christ before me,Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me,Christ beneath me, Christ above me,Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,Christ in hearts of all that love me,Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
May the Blessings of Christ be with you this Christmas season!

Skimping on the Blog

I've had a number of people lately ask me, very politely, if I'm not really blogging any more. I owe you all an apology--I really haven't posted regularly since September. A couple of reasons:

1) A lot of personal newsy news has shifted to Facebook. It's amazing--FB is so easy and interactive--I love it!

2) I just completed a whirlwind of writing. A manuscript due August 1st, another due September 1st, another one due January 1st. PHEW. My creativity has been swallowed up by those manuscripts! Plus, three books have released, too--and promotion is a HUGE part of this author gig. Hopefully, it'll be a little more manageable now...at least until summer when it all ramps up again. (Don't get me wrong! I'm not complaining! So grateful for every opportunity to write!)

Una at 7 weeks of age


3) Lots happening family wise--youngest son left for college, youngest daughter started her first "big girl job" and moved into her new apartment. A new Guide Dog for the Blind puppy, Una, has joined our household.  My dad continues to decline--thank you, those of you who have asked about him.

4) My daughter had a baby! Little Blake--born in Rhode Island on September 8th. I've been back there twice, and now baby Blake is visiting us for a month. SO MUCH FUN!  

Anyway...that's the news from my home. Thanks for your patience with my hit-and-miss blog posting! Hoping to do a little better in 2011.

Blessings and joy! Suzanne

What's your best caption for this photo?

Erik Wesner  of Amish America pointed me to this beautiful photo. (He says it should be credited to golancasterpa.)  Leave a comment with a caption for this photo and I'll choose four winners to receive Amy Clipston's "A Plain and Simple Christmas ." If you missed Amy's "Amish Wisdom" interview last week, it's available here as a podcast and here on iTunes .