Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 38

Penn Dutch Proverbs: Forward & Backward

Proverb: Er kann net hinnerschich un net varschich.

Translation: He can’t go forward nor backward.

What it really means: He is helpless.

“He can’t go forward nor backward.” —Penn Dutch Proverb on @SuzanneWFisher’s blog
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Author Spotlight: Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Welcome Sarah Sundin, author of Anchor in the Storm , to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of her latest release.

Introduce us to you as an author: When did you get bit with the writing bug? How would you describe your writing style?

On January 6, 2000. That morning, I woke from a dream that wouldn’t leave me alone. I had to write the story—but I had no idea what to do. So I wrote and wrote, and then I learned what I’d done wrong, and I rewrote and rewrote. And I haven’t stopped since.

Tell us about your new release:

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new job but spurns the attention of society boy Ens. Archer Vandenberg. As Arch’s destroyer battles U-boats along the East Coast, Lillian uncovers a black market drug ring. Arch and Lillian work together on the investigation, but can he ever earn her trust and affection?

How can readers connect with you online?

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Anything new for you on the book horizon?

The third book in the Waves of Freedom series, When Tides Turn, is going through edits right now and is scheduled to be released in March 2017. I’m also beginning work on my new World War II series, which follows three estranged brothers who fight on D-Day on the sea, in the air, and on the ground.

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

Ten years almost to the day. My first novel, A Distant Melody, was published in March 2010.

Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

I have a lovely office which is my primary writing place. However, sometimes I like to mix it up and cuddle on the couch, especially if I’m doing more creative work like brainstorming. Since I started writing when my children were little, I’ve learned to write whenever and wherever I can, so I’ve gotten a lot of work done on the soccer sidelines, in the karate studio, and in the dentist’s waiting room. Now that my nest is rapidly emptying, I’m able to work full-time, well over forty hours a week. Only about half of that is actual writing though.

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

All of the above! But conferences helped me the most. I’ve attended Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference every year since 2003, plus I’ve attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference several times. I always learn so much at conferences, and now I can give back in a teaching role, which I love. At conferences you get to know editors and agents as real people, and you meet fellow writers. I’ve made some of my deepest friendships at writers conferences—we understand each other, support each other, push each other, and laugh and cry with each other.

If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?

What I originally planned to do with my life—be a pharmacist. I still work in the local hospital one day a week. I’d planned to gradually increase my hours to full-time by the time our children were in high school, but writing filled the cracks.

Right this moment, what does your office look like?

Not bad! My desk is clear except for the open binder for my next novel—I’m filling in my character chart for my heroine today! Believe me, it’s not always this neat.

How do you solve a grammar dilemma?

The Chicago Manual of Style is in a cubby above my desk. I use it often.

What are your biggest distractions?

Those I love most. My husband when he has a day off—we share an office. Our youngest son, the only hatchling left in our nest—and since he ships out to Navy boot camp this summer, I let him distract me as much as he wants. Also, our yellow lab, Daisy. She seems to be concerned about me spending so much time at my desk—the sweetheart—and she’s made it her life mission to get me up and moving. Let me out. Let me in. Look at me—I’m eating a sock/wooden spoon/kitty toy. Yes, she cares.

My great adventure has been…

Our family’s greatest adventure was the summer we spent in Europe, in 2007. My husband was doing medical research and spent a lot of time in Germany. So his company paid for all five of us to spend six weeks in Mannheim. We rented a house and a car. On his days off, we hit the big sites, and while he worked I took the kids to the “lesser” sites. My college German got quite a workout. Then we had two weeks in France in a house exchange with the twin brother of one of our friends. I think we got the better deal! Our children were all old enough to appreciate it, and we made wonderful family memories.

If I could go anywhere, it would be…

Right now I’d like to return to London and to Normandy to research my next series.

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Quotes from ‘The Quieting’

I love these pretty graphics my publisher put together for The Quieting and couldn’t help but share! If you missed last week’s batch, click here.

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my special giveaway of my book tour finds! Click here to enter.

Which quote is your favorite? Leave a comment below with your answer.

Great quotes from @SuzanneWFisher’s ‘The Quieting!’
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Penn Dutch Proverb: Enough!

Proverb: Es is genunk Hoi hunne.

Translation: There’s enough hay down.

What it really means: You’ve said enough.

P.S. Stop by my Facebook page to enter to my special giveaway to celebrate The Quieting.

“There’s enough hay down.” Penn Dutch Proverb @SuzanneWFisher
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‘The Quieting’ Excerpt

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?

Keep reading for an excerpt of The Quieting. Plus, stop by Amish Wisdom to enter to win a copy!

P.S. Congratulations to the winner of last week’s Author Spotlight giveaway and a copy of Every Bride Has Her Day, PAM KELLOGG. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.

“Men, I believe I have just met my future bride!”

David Stoltzfus hurried out of his storeroom office to see who had  just burst into the store to deliver such a bold announcement. Dane Glick stood at the open door with a delighted look on his face. The handful of graybeards, settled into rockers that circled the woodstove in the front of the Bent N’ Dent store, turned from an endless discussion of the weather to consider Dane.

“BOY,” Hank Lapp called out. “Matrimony is nothing you should rush into. Trust me on that. You know what my wife Edith has to say on the topic.”

“What does Edith have to say?” one of the men asked.

“Wer heiert dutt gut; wer leddich bleibt, dutt so viel besser.” He who marrieth doth well, but he who marrieth not, better.

“Hank,” David said in the warning tone usually reserved for his children.

“It’s high time I marry,” Dane said. “I can’t stand my own cooking and my own company for one more day. I’m starting to talk to my buggy horse.”

Dane had left the door open behind him, and cold air came into the store on a gust of wind. David walked around him to shut the door. “Lots of folks talk to their horses.”

Dane turned to him with frustration. “Today she answered back.”

“THEN, SON, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE,”

Hank Lapp boomed. “Sit down and let’s hear all about your future missus. Es is ken Heffel so grumm as net en Deckel druffbast.” No pot is so crooked that you can’t find a lid for it.

The graybeards all shu€ed over to make room for Dane as he plunked down in the rocker next to Hank.

Community, David realized. He was all about building and strengthening community—and that was happening, right here, right now, in the Bent N’ Dent store. A woodstove community, and it pleased him to his core.

Until this moment, watching the men surround Dane, David hadn’t been convinced that his son Jesse’s improvements to the store were all that beneficial—at least to the bottom line. Even more concerning was that Hank Lapp was a part of the improvement project. Hank Lapp and Jesse had started to sell premade sandwiches, made by his daughter Molly, who was just learning to cook. Happily, the graybeards weren’t particularly fussy about the quality of the sandwiches, especially with the frequent-sandwich punch cards that Jesse had implemented.

Jesse and Hank also added rocking chairs by the woodstove in the store, and had plans for picnic benches out front, come springtime. The outcome was such that quite a few retired men gathered around the stove during the afternoons. In a good way, the store was filled with customers, and that was a change from a few months back. In a bad way, these particular customers rarely bought much other than Molly’s dry sandwiches.

Hank Lapp was there every day. Newly married, his wife Edith shooed him out the door each morning, with orders not to return until sunset.

David shook his head. Never would he have thought he’d see the day when anyone would go to Hank Lapp for matchmaking advice. It was like asking an elephant to tie your shoe, but if Dane Glick wanted to put his fate in the hands of Hank Lapp and his cronies, then who was he to interfere? Besides, David had enough troubles on his plate. The church of Stoney Ridge, for one.

Maybe helping Dane find a wife would be a good thing. David did worry about the young man, fairly new to Stoney Ridge and all alone on that neglected hillside property. But who could handle a fellow like Dane Glick?

Click here to finish reading chapter one.

Read an excerpt from ‘The Quieting’ on @SuzanneWFisher’s blog
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A Penny for Your Thoughts… Quotes from ‘The Quieting’

I love these pretty graphics my publisher put together for The Quieting and couldn’t help but share! Come back next Friday for a new batch of quotes.

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my special giveaway of my book tour finds! Click here to enter.

Which quote sticks out to you? Leave a comment below with your answer.

Great quotes from @SuzanneWFisher’s ‘The Quieting!’
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Penn Dutch Proverbs: Clever Hens

Proverb: En gscheit Hinkel legt aa alsemol newich’s Nescht.

Translation: Even a clever hen will lay outside the nest.

What it really means: Mistakes are made even by the best of families.

 

Good news! The Imposter (e-book only) is on sale for $2.99!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | CBD.com

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

Happy Release Day! {+ givaway!}

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things–fast. But David doesn’t work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David’s mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters–and especially for David’s niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem–but will it create another?

Celebrate the release of my new book, The Quieting , with a special giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

—A copy of The Quieting

—A surprise pack of my favorites finds during her book tour

Five runner-up winners will receive:

—A copy of The Quieting

Click here to enter, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 17th. The winner will be announced May 18th on my blog

I will be giving sneak peeks of what I pick up for the grand prize on my Instagram.

Author Spotlight: Every Bride Has Her Day by Janice Thompson

Congratulations to the winner of the Author Spotlight giveaway of Together at the Table, REGINA ELLIOTT. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.

Welcome Janice Thompson, author of Every Bride Has Her Day , to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of her latest release.

Introduce us to you as an author: When did you get bit with the writing bug? How would you describe your writing style?

I started writing in the 6th grade after reading all of The Bobbsey Twins books. I’d run out of books to read and decided to write one, myself! Most would describe my writing style as light-hearted, chatty, inspirational and, well, funny. I strive to tickle the funny bones of my readers.

Tell us about your new release:

Every Bride Has Her Day is the third and final book in the Brides with Style series from Revell.

How can readers connect with you online?

I love connecting with my readers. I’m a Facebook fanatic, so the best way to reach me is through my author page: Janice Hanna Thompson’s Readers Page. My newly designed website is up and running. I would be tickled if readers would add their names to my newsletter list. I don’t send out a lot of newsletters, but do like to keep my readers entertained with tidbits about books and life.

Anything new for you on the book horizon?

Yes! I’m currently writing several “Bella Novellas” (spin-off novellas from the original Weddings by Bella series). Bella, D.J. and the gang are back. . .in force! I’ve had a lot of fun reviving the characters in the Rossi and Neeley families and have enjoyed traveling back to Galveston Island and Splendora Texas. Look for more of these novellas over the coming year.

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

I started writing seriously in the mid 90s and my first book was picked up in ’99 (and published in 2000). It felt like a lifetime, but looking back I see that it was just a tiny blip of time.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?

I start every day with a fruit smoothie that contains Spark (a vitamin drink). On the occasional day when I forget, I struggle! I need a morning boost, for sure. I’ve never been a morning person!

Why do you write?

It’s a nasty habit. I’ve tried to give it up at least a hundred times, but there aren’t any 12-step groups that will take me. Seriously, I write because I can’t not write. (Pardon the double negative.) I’ll probably be writing until the day I die (if my arthritic fingers cooperate.)

What book have you reread the most?

The Heavenly Man by Paul Hattaway. I try to read it at least once a year. It’s my most recommended book. Ironic, because it’s non-fiction. My readers would be surprised to hear that I prefer non-fiction to fiction when it comes to reading (not writing).

Best author moment? Worst author moment?

My very best author moment came a few years back when I received a letter from a brand new reader, letting me know that she had rededicated her heart to the Lord after reading my Weddings by Bella series. Though my books are loaded with humor (and wacky characters/situations) they’re also filled with nuggets of truth. I’m so glad she latched onto that truth and made it her own. As for my worst author moment, it happened about two years ago when a publisher accidentally had a big mix-up on an ebook of mine (That’s Amore). They put my cover on another author’s book. Readers pre-order the book and when it arrived, they discovered a dystopian novel inside the cover of my light-hearted comedy. It took ages to get this straightened out with the various ebook vendors, so I had some very unhappy readers to deal with. ☹

If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?

Bake. I have, in years past, run a bakery out of my home. I specialize in cakes and cookies. Hand-painted cookies are my favorite. I find the process therapeutic.

If you could write any book–on any topic–and be guaranteed a publishing contract, what topic would it be? (Or genre?)

That’s easy! I love the topic of animal rescue. I have a dog rescue series that I’m aching to sell. Can’t wait to see which publisher picks it up!

Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it?

Back in 2011, the fine folks at Revell asked if they could put my first Weddings by Bella book (Fools Rush In) permanently free on Amazon. I reluctantly agreed. I had over 200 terrible reviews, most of them because people didn’t realize they were downloading a Christian book. Boy, did I take some hard hits!

Can a person make a living as a writer?

I’m a full-time freelance writer. That means I write a l-o-t more than novels. I do a lot of write-for-hire work (mostly devotionals) for a larger publisher. I also write magazine articles. There’s money to be made in article-writing, for sure. I’ve also added to my income by putting my backlist on kindle. That way, I have a regular, steady income from my older titles. I’ve managed to make a living from 2005 until now. I’ve had to get very creative at times (editing/compiling books for others) but it’s been worth it.

What are your biggest distractions?

Can I help it if I have the most adorable grandkids on the planet? I mean, c’mon. . .who wouldn’t be distracted by eight amazing kiddos? They want to play with Nina and she wants to play with them! I’m “that” grandmother, the one who sings and dances and skips and plays with the kids—at home or in public. So, I guess you could say that Maddy, Ethan, Peyton, Brooke, Jenna, Avery, Boston and Harper are a distraction. . .but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Who’s your favorite character you’ve written so far? Explain:

My favorite character is Bella, from the Weddings by Bella series. She was so easy to fall in love with. She’s from a large/loud Italian family and is learning how to balance a heavy workload as a wedding planner with her family activities. In that regard, I’m very much like Bella. Balancing work and family is a challenge, but (like my character) I managed to work and play.

Describe yourself in one word:

Busy

If I could go anywhere, it would be…

Italy. I’m dying to go. Not sure when/how I’ll get there, but in my heart and mind I’m already on my way. I’d pack my bags today if someone told me I was leaving in the morning. I’m dying to see Tuscany and to drink in the ambience of Rome. Ah! I want to go!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

 

 

Amish Wisdom Recap: The Home Game, Shunning, Clotheslines, & Mennonites

Here is a recap of what went on this week Amish Wisdom:

On Monday’s Book Nook, Martha Bolton gave a sneak peak at her book, The Home Game, and information about the musical adaptation.

Where do the Amish find premise for shunning in the Bible? Find out from our Amish Scribe on Ask the Amish.

Suzanne Woods Fisher shared some of her favorite Amish clothesline pictures on this week’s Travel Tips post.

What are the differences and similarities between Amish and Mennonites? Amy Lillard shared her finds on Beyond the Bonnets

Make sure to stop by Amish Wisdom today and answer the trivia question for the chance to win a copy of Amish Values for Your Family.

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