Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 43
January 27, 2016
Penn Dutch Proverbs: Under a Bench
Proverb: Sell dutt mer mol unnich die Bank.
Translation: We’ll put that under the bench.
What it really means: There’s nothing to that. (Gossip or exaggeration.)
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January 25, 2016
Author Spotlight: ‘Merchant of Alyss’ by Thomas Locke
Congratulations to the winner of the Author Spotlight giveaway of Where She Belongs, RANDY TRAMP. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.
Welcome Davis Bunn (aka Thomas Locke), author of Merchant of Alyss , to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy of his 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 came to faith at age 28, and started writing two weeks later. Up to that point, I had never written anything longer than a business report. Within days, perhaps even at the moment I first sat down and wrote a story, I knew this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It was, without question, a gift.
How can readers connect with you online?
www.DavisBunn.com
www.TLocke.com
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
For quite some time now, I have been writing four novels and one screenplay under contract each year. This is how the Thomas Locke pen-name came into being. I’ll have more to say about that below, if your readers are interested.
After you started writing seriously, how long was it before you were published?
I wrote for nine years and finished seven books before my first was accepted for publication. During that time, I worked as a business consultant based in Germany. I travelled to three and sometimes four different cities each week.
In my twenty-plus years as a published writer, I have yet to meet a successful author who has not been faced with some such ‘impossible’. Meeting this challenge has had enormous benefits for me personally, both in terms of my writing life and my spiritual walk. Accepting the fact that I was going to have to make some major changes in my life in order to keep writing, and have the creative energy to actually develop this craft, resulted in my walking away from any number of bad habits – collected over the years of living outside of faith’s reach.
Nowadays I feel this current level of output is not especially hard or taxing. It simply is. I feel so intensely fortunate to continue growing and extending myself in so many different directions. And from where I now stand, all this started with facing the impossible challenge when I first started writing.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?
Again, many of the elements that help me enter the creative mode were developed while facing that impossible period of working full time, traveling full time, and wanting to do nothing but write. I call these elements my ‘triggers’. These are mostly things that I can do anywhere, carry with me wherever I go, and use them in any number of circumstances so that I can swiftly and completely turn away from the outside world and return to the arena of my current story.
What I do, and how they impact me, are very personal. I will give you one example. Music is an extremely important part of my life. When I begin a new story, I will often select a certain style, or artist, that I listen to while beginning the day’s output. The only time I listen to this music is while I am writing.
This is not unique to me. Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, has been listening to the same artist for his entire artistic career, before every recording session and every concert. That artist is James Brown.
The key here is to discover what it is that will fashion from your world the exclusive space where your creative focus is swiftly and completely realized.
Some examples of what other artists use are as follows: A computer that is never connected to the internet; a chair that is only sat in when they are creating; a specific time of day when they are always writing; a prayer book that is reviewed in advance of the creative hour; a book that is used instead of music in my case; and so forth. It is crucial that you identify what brings you to this state of creative readiness, and develop the habit of returning to this on a daily basis.
Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it?
I think the worst review I ever received was from Kirkus, who reviewed my first mainstream title (The Great Divide, Doubleday) by comparing it unfavorably to three of my previous books. The problem was, I had not written any of those three.
Critics come, they go. Many in the mainstream are opponents simply because we come from within the faith community. It is all part of the ride.
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January 22, 2016
Amish Wisdom Recap: A Husband for Mari, Amish Schoolhouses, & an Amish Cold Remedy
If you haven’t had a chance to take a stroll around Amish Wisdom lately, here is a recap of what went on this week:
On Monday’s Book Nook, we read an interview with Emma Miller, author of A Husband for Mari
How often do the Amish bathe? Find out from our Amish scribe on Ask the Amish.
Get a look at a typical day at an Amish schoolhouse with Lillian Stoltzfus on Beyond the Bonnets.
Stop by Cook’s Corner for an Amish remedy to fight off lingering colds from Suzanne Woods Fisher
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.
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
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.
January 20, 2016
Penn Dutch Proverbs: Weak in the Upper Story
Proverb: Er is in die Belzkapp gschosse.
Translation: He is shot through the fur cap.
What it really means: He is weak in the upper story. (As in…not too bright.)
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January 18, 2016
Author Spotlight: ‘Where She Belongs’ by Johnnie Alexander
Congratulations to the winner of the Author Spotlight giveaway of Hannah’s Choice, LAURIE BERGH. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.
Welcome Johnnie Alexander, author of Where She Belongs , 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?
Thanks for having me as your guest, Suzanne. It’s always fun to share my writing journey with new readers.
I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember, but I let life (and fear) swat away the writing bug for way too long. A couple turning points for me were participating in National Novel Writing Month for the first time in 2003 and attending the Florida Christian Writers Conference in 2007.
From NaNoWriMo, I learned how much I loved being surprised by what my characters did all on their own, and God blessed me with lifelong friendships at the FCWC. Attending a conference may be the most important investment writers can make in their careers.
I’ve been told I have a strong sense of place and a poetic style. Several reviewers have complimented the imagery. I hope and pray my stories linger in the readers’ hearts long after they close the last page.
Tell us about your new release:
Where She Belongs, the first novel in the Misty Willow Series, is a story of my heart. It’s not autobiographical, but it is inspired by my yearning to restore a large brick house, built in the mid-1800s, I lived in as a teen.
In the novel, Shelby Kincaid dreams of recreating her own golden childhood for her daughters, but years ago her grandparents’ home was lost to an unscrupulous businessman. AJ Sullivan inherited the deteriorating house from his grandfather as a punishment so he’s glad for Shelby to take it off his hands. But he also wants Shelby to let him into her heart.
The story explores how past events resonate into the present. Long ago decisions and heartaches, a few made before they were even born, affect Shelby and AJ’s relationship.
How can readers connect with you online?
Please feel free to connect with me on my websites: Johnnie Alexander and Misty Willow Series.
I also love to engage with friends and followers on Facebook and on Twitter.
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
When Love Arrives, the second book in the Misty Willow Series, releases in September. It features Brett Somers, AJ’s cousin, who is trying to turn his life around after learning . . . well, that would be a spoiler alert for Where She Belongs.
I’m currently writing the third novel in the series which releases in May 2017. The heroine is Amy Somers, Brett’s sister, who is recovering from an eating disorder.
I’m also excited about the July release of my first novella, tentatively titled The Healing Promise, which is part of the Courageous Brides Collection (Barbour). The story is set in 1870s Nebraska and is based on a true event involving the Ponca Trail of Tears.
Other good news: My debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, will soon be published in Norway. That’s such an unexpected and fun blessing.
After you started writing seriously, how long was it before you were published?
About six years. I count “getting serious” from that first Florida Christian Writers Conference I attended in 2007. My debut novel was published by Tyndale as an ebook in 2013 and the print edition released last summer.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?
I may be one of the only writers on the planet who does not drink coffee. Just never acquired a taste for it. Several months ago, I gave up my Coca-Cola addiction but now I’m drinking too much root beer.
Most mornings I pull on my farm boots, slip my phone, a pocketknife, and a pair of work gloves in my jeans pockets, and head up the hill behind the house to feed and water our alpaca herd.
Once that is done, I do pasture-laps—walking around and around and up and down until my Fitbit hits 10,000 steps. It’s a great time for praying, imagining, working out scenes, and, yes, more praying.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first-draft reader?
Three things—and these are also what I suggest to beginning writers: Attend writers conferences to network and grow in your craft; enter contests to receive objective feedback, and join a critique group to learn how to give and receive constructive criticism.
Do you prefer reading physical books or e-readers?
It really depends on the book. I love my Kindle, but most of my books on writing are print editions. I like tagging the pages and being able to flip through the chapters. I also prefer physical books for devotionals and spiritual growth books.
What book have you reread the most?
I love this question. Besides the Bible, three very different books came to mind: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.
Best author moment? Worst author moment?
Let’s get the worst author moment over with first. Ugh! That would be the sick feeling I got when I read my first two-star review. I was embarrassed and humiliated that it was out there for everyone to see. Even worse, it was one of the first reviews I received so I felt like a failure. I just held in the hurt and didn’t talk to anyone about it for months. The good news is that’s it’s still the only two-star review I’ve received, and the sting is gone.
Choosing one best author moment is hard but I think it was holding that precious book in my hands for the first time, breathing in that new book fragrance, and leafing through the pages at the words I’d labored over for so long. Whatever came before and whatever comes after, this is the moment. The fulfillment of the dream.
If you weren’t able to write, what would you do?
I cannot even fathom not being able to write.
If you could write any book–on any topic–and be guaranteed a publishing contract, what topic would it be? (Or genre?)
I’d like to write a story about Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s first wife. To me, her story is one of the most tragic in the Old Testament. It’d take a lot of research and time, and I don’t know that I could do it better than the books already on the market about her. But I’d like to try.
What was your biggest break?
I won the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest (Historical) in 2011. Jan Stob, an acquisitions editor with Tyndale, was one of the final round judges. A few months later, she contacted my agent about offering me a contract.
Who’s your favorite character you’ve written so far? Explain:
This is another fun question because we love so many of our characters. How can we choose just one? So is it okay if I cheat just a little?
I love Ian Devlin, the hero from Where Treasure Hides, because he has mischievous eyes and a heart-flipping grin.
I love Peter Schuyler, the heroine’s father—also from Where Treasure Hides—because he was nothing at all like I expected him to be. No character has surprised me so much, and kept so much from me, as Peter.
I love AJ Sullivan, the hero from Where She Belongs, because of how deeply he loves despite his past heartaches—and because he’s almost always wearing a ball cap with The Ohio State University logo on it.
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
My papillon Rugby and my Maine Coon kitten Addie. And my May angel, a little porcelain figurine my mom gave me for my ninth birthday.
If I could go anywhere, it would be…
This one is easy—I want to take an extended road trip around the 48 continental states. And if time and money aren’t an issue (and since this is my dream trip, they aren’t!), I’ll also drive through all the Canada provinces and up to Alaska.
.@johnnie_alexndr shares the 3 biggest helps on her journey to publication #amwriting
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January 15, 2016
Amish Wisdom Recap: Hannah’s Choice, Lighting in Amish Homes & Brunswick Stew
If you haven’t had a chance to take a stroll around Amish Wisdom lately, here is a recap of what went on this week:
On Monday’s Book Nook, we met the characters of Hannah’s Choice by Jan Drexler.
How did Amish quilting begin? Find out on this week’s Ask the Amish.
Erik Wesner shared three main sources of lighting used in Amish homes in Beyond the Bonnets.
Fight off the winter blues with Melodie Davis’ recipe for Brunswick Stew. Get the recipe on Cook’s Corner!
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.
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
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.
January 13, 2016
Penn Dutch Proverbs: Like Father, Like Son
January 11, 2016
Author Spotlight: Hannah’s Choice by Jan Drexler
Congratulations to the winner of the Author Spotlight giveaway of Thin Ice, Aerykah Harwell. Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.
Welcome Jan Drexler, author of Hannah’s Choice , to Author Spotlight! Keep reading to find out how you can enter to win a copy.
Introduce us to you as an author: When did you get bit with the writing bug? How would you describe your writing style?
I’ve always had the story-telling bug, but it took a long time for it to transform into the writing bug. While I was raising and homeschooling our four children, I often tried to write down the stories swirling in my head, but the answer was always, “Not yet.” Finally, when my youngest sons were nearing graduation, it was like God said, “Now.” I haven’t looked back.
I would describe my writing style as story-telling. When I sit down at my computer, I imagine my readers listening as I spin a tale about these characters in my head.
Tell us about your new release:
Hannah’s Choice is about the Yoder family, who live along the banks of the Conestoga Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In 1842, this corner of the Amish settlement is peaceful and serene, yet problems lurk beneath the placid façade. Hannah strives to be the one person who can bind the threads of her family together in spite of her father’s worries, her mother’s depression, and her sister’s rebellious ways. But her world threatens to unravel.
When two young men seek her hand in marriage – one offering the home she craves and the other promising the adventure of following God’s call west – Hannah must make a choice. Will she stay true to the faith of her family or defy her father and abandon her community?
How can readers connect with you online?
Readers can find me on my website, www.JanDrexler.com, and on Facebook.
I’m also on a fun blog with five other authors, www.YankeeBelleCafe.blogspot.com, where we share our favorite recipes and lives away from the computer.
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
Hannah’s Choice is the first book in a trilogy from Revell. Mattie’s Pledge will be coming out in September 2016, followed by Naomi’s Hope in June 2017.
After you started writing seriously, how long was it before you were published?
I started writing seriously in January 2011. My first book was published by Love Inspired Historical in May 2013. In the writing world, that’s lightning speed!
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well?
Actually, I’ve never learned to like coffee, so for me it’s a strong cup of tea. But I do wake up the “little grey cells” by spending some time doing “brain games” on sites like Lumosity.com. Then I read what I wrote the day before to get back into my story and I start writing.
Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
I usually spend the first part of my writing day (an hour or so) on social media, chatting with people on Facebook or blogs, but by mid-morning, I settle in to work. I spend about three hours a day actually writing. The rest of my day is spent researching and reading.
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 biggest help in my journey to publication has been the wonderful group of ladies at www.Seekerville.net. Their blog is a great place for beginning writers to hang out and learn the craft.
Do you prefer reading physical books or e-readers?
Even though I own a Kindle, I prefer reading physical books. The Kindle is convenient for traveling, but I rarely read books on it at home.
Why do you write?
I write because I have to. Even with a writing contract waiting to be fulfilled, I’m constantly brain-storming new story ideas. I only wish writing was a faster process for me!
What book have you reread the most?
The Bible. I read through it every year. The next runner-up is the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein.
Best author moment? Worst author moment?
My best author moment was when I was able to tell my mom I had my first contract. She suffered from Alzheimer’s for ten years before she passed away in 2014. By 2012 she was mostly non-verbal and communication with her was difficult, but when I told her I had sold my story, she looked me in the eyes and squeezed my hand. For anyone who has experienced that tragic disease with a family member, you know that was the same as shouting from the rooftops.
Right this moment, what does your office look like?
Oh, don’t ask! When I’m working on a book, the corner of the family room where my desk is located becomes a disaster area!
What’s your favorite writing snack?
Chocolate. What else is there?
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
I think I might be a bit unusual in this – my least favorite part of being a writer is writing that first draft of a book. I find all sorts of ways to procrastinate! But on the other hand, my favorite part is revising a story, and that can’t happen until I get that first draft done. So I plow through the work of the first draft to get to the fun part of writing.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Read. Read as much as you can, as widely as you can, and as deeply as you can. Read inside your genre and outside your genre. Read popular fiction, classical literature, and non-fiction. You can only write well when you’ve read well, so set aside time in your work day for reading.
You can only write well when you’ve read well. @JanDrexler #amwriting
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January 8, 2016
Amish Wisdom Recap: Amish Homecoming, Reader Bag, and Old Christmas
If you haven’t had a chance to take a stroll around Amish Wisdom lately, here is a recap of what went on this week:
On Monday’s Book Nook, we read an excerpt from Amish Homecoming by Jo Ann Brown.
We kicked off a new Reader Bag feature on Tuesday. Can you help a reader track down a book excerpt she once read?
Who leads if the bishop is sick? Find out on this week’s Ask the Amish.
Happy Old Christmas! Learn about this Amish tradition from Countryside Amish Furniture in Beyond the Bonnets.
What did you learn this week? Share in the comment section below!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
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.
January 6, 2016
Penn Dutch Proverbs
Proverb: Es macht nix aus wie sauer as der Appel is, mer muss doch alsemol neibeisse.
Translation: No matter how sour the apple, you’ve got to bite into it now and then.
What it really means: Make a virtue of necessity. Swallow the bitter pill.
(I’ll be thinking about that proverb as I start my new January exercise plan!)
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