Amy Lillard's Blog, page 10
April 4, 2014
Why do you read Christian romance?
Please take a minute and complete the following survey. I’m investigating (for my own use) why readers enjoy Christian romance. I’d love to know your thoughts on the matter. Feel free to add your own answer and leave comments. This is all about the readers. :) Thanks!
BTW–You can answer as many that apply to you. :)
March 10, 2014
March Newsletter
is now available!
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February 25, 2014
Verboten
Amish Teens Today
by Brenda Nixon
Often admired. Misunderstood. Mysterious. I’m learning volumes deep inside the Amish from the many formers I know. Most left the Swartzentruber Order – the strictest and most punitive. Predominantly guys but a few gals have come through our home.
One thing that isn’t too different from us is that the Amish creatively push the envelope on the rules. Many see what they can get away with before the line is crossed – a rule broken – and the Bishop or Preacher comes a calling.
Sometimes the stories are funny. Sometimes they are sad.
Our “son” from the Amish – Mosie – chuckled as he told me of homes where the no electricity rule didn’t apply to the barn. Out there some Amish enjoyed lights and power tools.
Our son-in-law Harvey – also from the Swartzentruber Order – explained that buggy windshields were verboten. He grinned in glee when related the time he invented a windshield by wrapping his black buggy with clear plastic wrap.
“It was winter and I was cold going to work and back,” Harvey reasoned. “So I made a windshield. I left early in the morning while it was still dark and came home at night, so my dad couldn’t see my buggy. Then a guy saw my windshield and told Dad.”
Harvey’s dad is a bishop. He made Harvey remove the invention.
Before he left the Amish, Harvey spotted an old, broken bicycle – verboten. In the Swartzentruber Order, bicycles or any item with 
rubber wheels are against the rules.
“I was walking home one day and found a bike in a farmer’s trash pile.” Harvey claimed the worldly prize, walked it over two miles home, and while his parents were away, hid the thing in his father’s workshop. He explained how he tinkered with it. Made repairs. Then he took his new “worldly” device over a hill and down in a deep culvert to keep in seclusion. “I told some of my friends,” he said. So they could all share in the community “sin.” Harvey added, “But, we rode at night so we wouldn’t get caught.”
Now, I think Harvey is clever to repair something he’s never owned. Like many Amish, he demonstrates a visual learning style. He looks at, watches, and pays attention to detail to educate himself.
I’ve met Swartzentruber Amish who’ve purchased homes from English – with indoor plumbing – but kept promising the Bishop they’d remove that “worldly” convenience. And those who promise to build a room addition without electric and plumbing. Somehow that room addition is never built.
Mosie likes to tease. I can imagine he was ornery growing up.
Others have boasted of their ingenuity in getting around the rigid rules. I recently saw a picture of . . . well, I can hardly describe it. Not a car. Truck. Motorcycle. Nor a four-wheeler. It was a mismatched combination of those parts. Therefore the Amish driver wasn’t breaking a rule or committing a “sin” by driving the combined contraction. He wasn’t driving a car, truck, motorcycle or a four-wheeler. I guess his settlement hadn’t made a rule against using a collective vehicle.
The teens hide radios and cell phones in the woods, inside the barn, or up in the attic. Some girls buy underwear at Victoria’s Secret because, after all, nobody will SEE their “worldly” undergarment. The Swartzentruber Ordnung – rule book – prohibits English underwear; rather, they are to make their own.
Not unlike teens of any culture, most Amish youth push the envelope. I know some who keep a “worldly” automobile tucked away in the woods. They ride their buggies into the protection of the trees where they tie up the horse, change into English clothes, hop in the car, and cruise around town. Without a driver’s license! In the wee early-morning hours, they sneak the vehicle back to the designated hide out, change into their strict, plain Amish clothing, climb into the buggy, and trot home before morning. Hoping to avoid detection.
Our second “son” from the Amish – Monroe – hid his cell phone in his loose Amish pants pocket. When he was at home, he would watch movies on his DVD player. Where’d he get that? He bought a DVD player at Walmart, and then hooked it up to a battery. Monroe and his sister, Sarah, would tiptoe up the steps of their home at night carrying the DVD player to their bedroom. There, they’d watch movies into the night. I can visualize a soft blue glow emanating from the upstairs of a darkened Amish home.
Monroe told me of his friends who’d take pictures with their cell phones – during prayer in church!
We read books and see TV programs about the Amish. But I’m learning of a very human dimension. Most have a God-given inquisitiveness. Apprentices in life. Unfortunately, it’s that freelancing curiosity and resourcefulness that can get their teens in trouble. And it’s often those with imagination, goals, and aspirations that don’t fit the conformity – the solidarity – of the Amish who leave for the “outside” life.
If you’d like to learn more about Swartzentruber Amish and Brenda’s “kids” from that culture, check out her blog:
Beyond Buggies and Bonnets
www.BrendaNixonOnAmish.blogspot.com
Follow Brenda on Twitter
Thank you for sharing your stories, Brenda! You’re welcome to comeback anytime.
August 14, 2013
Raspberries and Vinegar by Valerie Comer
Hey ! I know it’s been a while, but I’m crying deadlines and summer vacation to be at fault. While I’ve been hard at work on my series (more deets to come later) my friend Valerie Comer has been hard at work getting her new release, well…released. Valerie graciously allowed me to drill her with merciless questions but before we get to the interview, I want you to read about her new book. I know I’m doing things out of order, but this is a unique release and I think you’ll appreciate the interview that much more by hearing about the book first.
Raspberries and Vinegar
Josephine Shaw: complex, yet singleminded. A tiny woman with big ideas and, some would say, a mouth to match. But what does she really know about sustainable living as it relates to the real world? After all, she and her two friends are new to farming.
Zachary Nemesek is back only until his dad recovers enough to work his own land again. When Zach discovers three helpless females have taken up residence at the old farm next door, he expects trouble. But a mouse invasion proves Jo has everything under control. Is there anything she can’t handle? And surely there’s something sweet beneath all that tart.
Interesting concept. Some might even call it…*fresh*!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Valerie Comer’s life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their creation-care-centric church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.
What compelled you to write Raspberries and Vinegar?
They say to write what you know. After writing a few speculative novels, I decided to try my hand at something contemporary. I knew I couldn’t pull off the whole designer handbag/ stiletto/ city girl kind of story. I know nothing of it, and (frankly) I’m not interested. Farming, though…that’s where I live. I hoped readers would enjoy the change of pace. Who knew that http://farmlit.com would be the next big thing?
How did you become interested in writing?
I enjoyed writing in school and started a bunch of stories as a child that I never finished. I definitely wasn’t writing what I knew back then! And of course, I loved to escape into stories. It took a long time for me to realize that normal, every day people could write them. Once I began to grapple with the process of doing so, I was hooked and have written about a dozen over as many years (most of which you’ll never hear about again, which is a Good Thing.)
Now, of course, I know that novelists are NOT normal every day people but are simply able to impersonate them fairly well.
How has your environment/ upbringing colored your writing?
Totally. I grew up a Mennonite farm girl in Manitoba, Canada and, while the Mennonite part didn’t particularly stick, my rural roots provided a strong foundation for my writing life. I want readers to respect farmers, realizing that those who provide the food we eat should be an important part of society.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?
Friends talk about quilting or knitting projects. I’m quick to say, “Oh, I don’t have the patience for that sort of thing.” They look at me rather strangely, because they know it can take me the better part of a year to write, revise, edit, and polish a novel. I guess I pick my battles! But yes, the challenge is how long all the steps take to get it right. I’d like to be one of those writers who plot out a story, write it, then only require a bit of tweaking to make it shine. Amy, don’t tell me if you are one of them—I don’t want to know!
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
I’m always up for giving advice! I love to teach writing workshops and have done so both online and in person. Something I have found is that many new writers don’t have a clear grasp of the big picture. Just what does this new hobby or career really entail? How do you go about preparing to write? What do you really DO?
A few months ago I started a new website at http://towriteastory.com and incorporated a free writing course via email. Students can sign up on the sidebar at any time and get a new lesson in their inbox weekly. It’s not meant to be a definitive course but to guide and provide an overview of the process.
I blog weekly on a topic related to the course, which covers planning, plotting, writing, editing, publishing, and marketing.
Do you have a favorite part of Raspberries and Vinegar?
I don’t want to give away my very favorite scene, but there are several I love to read over and over. One shows Zach and his best friend Gabe, who owns a health food store. Gabe has been struggling to assemble a new display rack when Zach arrives. He asks Zach if he has a degree in engineering. Their camaraderie as they try to figure out where all the parts go just amuses me every time I read it. Of course, the majority of the dialogue in that scene has deeper meaning.
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
I have three young granddaughters, and they’re my inspiration for nearly everything I do. I care deeply about the world we’re leaving to their generation, about the food they eat and the health they will (or won’t) enjoy as a result of our current choices. There’s so much more to life than getting through today.
W hat’s next for you?
The other two books in the Farm Fresh Romance series will release in 2014. Wild Mint Tea releases in March and Sweetened with Honey in December.
Where can we find you on the web?
Website: http://valeriecomer.com
Blog: http://valeriecomer.com/blog
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ValerieComer
Facebook: http://facebook.com/valeriecomer.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/valeriecomer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/valeriecomer/
Other (my website for writers): http://towriteastory.com
N ow for the fun questions– 20 fun facts about you:
Birthday? May 22.
Favorite color? Green, of course!
Favorite animal? To pet, or to eat? ;)
Siblings? Four older sisters. I got bossed around a lot. Now I take it out on my characters.
Favorite drink? Raspberry Vinegar!
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Is this a trick question? I don’t eat jellybeans. They’re not chocolate. (Maybe I should say raspberry flavored?)
Favorite Author? So many! But let me give a shout out to Krista Phillips.
Favorite Book? Krista Phillips’ debut Sandwich with a Side of Romance is hilarious and yet thought-provoking. A perfect combination.
Favorite dish? Grilled lamb chops (which answers half of the above animal question!)
Ice Cream flavor? Chocolate with brownie bits and fudge ripples. Why no, it is NOT possible to get too much chocolate.
Favorite Season? Spring.
Dream Vacation? A Mediterranean cruise.
Favorite TV show? I watch almost no TV, but when hubby has Duck Dynasty on, I find it hard to resist watching.
Pet peeve? Excel. They call those teensy boxes cells for a reason. **shudder**
Favorite Place to Write? In my home office, looking out over our garden and farm to the mountains beyond.
Favorite Superhero? Mr. Incredible’s wife, Elastigirl.
Cat or Dog? Meow.
Favorite Candy Bar? I’ll take my chocolate organic and fairtrade. Camino Dark is my usual, but when I can get Dark Chocolate Cinnamon from Galerie au Chocolat, I’m in chocoholic heaven.
Favorite guilty pleasure? See above!
Favorite vacation spot or place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet? My favorite spot is near Tofino on Vancouver Island, off Canada’s west coast. We don’t get there often, but I love the majesty of God’s creation along the ocean beaches. It brings life and the universe back into perspective.
~*~*~*~ About Valerie ~*~*~*~
Valerie Comer’s life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their creation-care-centric church. She only hopes her characters enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.
Valerie writes Farm Lit with the voice of experience laced with humor. Raspberries and Vinegar, first in her series A Farm Fresh Romance, released August 1, 2013. Visit her at http://valeriecomer.com.
A Farm Fresh Romance Series:
A Farm Fresh Romance. This unique farm lit series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of three college graduates who move onto a reclaimed farm where they plan to take the rural area by storm with their sustainable lifestyle and focus on local foods.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to invite Valerie back and find out more about growing up Mennonite. Until then, don’t forget to check out Raspberries and Vinegar–available now!
June 25, 2013
Carol Award Finalists Announced
Yesterday an exciting day! Why, you ask? Because the finalist for the 2013 Carol Awards were announced, and Saving Gideon is a finalist in the romance category! I am grinning from ear to ear! So very excited to be among such great names as my dear friend, Margaret Daley as well as Carolyn Zane, Bradilyn Collins, and Beth Wiseman, who are also finalist this year.
Whew! Now we have to wait until September when the winners are announced. Truly it’s an honor to be a finalist…I can wait…for a while. :) Until then, here’s the cover and blurb for Saving Gideon:
Gideon Fisher wants only one thing out of life— to be left alone. This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife. He has lost his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does he have but to let her in?
Dallas socialite, Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere life style. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through—–yet another—–bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers that the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.
But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. But it has even more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.
Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. But as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles or will their sheer differences pull them apart?
Saving Gideon is the first novel in the Clover Ridge Series
June 14, 2013
Cover Reveal–Gabriel’s Bride
Katie’s Choice has launched and it’s time now to view the incredibly awesome cover for the third installment in the Clover Ridge Series. Here it is…Gabriel’s Bride
Personally, I LOVE it! (But green is one of my favorite colors). Weigh in…what do you think?
June 1, 2013
And the Winners Are…
Whew! Guess what? I finally got all the winners together to announce for the launch party contest. I apologize for the delay, between summer break, tornadoes, and national holidays, I’m running a little late. But here are the winners per site.
Between You, Me, & the Gatepost (Loree Huebner’s site): “Library Lady”
Amy Clipston Books: Cheryl Baranski
Pens and Peonies: Britt 98
Margaret Daley’s blog: Kay Gervais
Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wanna Be (Jen Sulpizio’s site): Leslie Thomas
Destination Amish: Barbara Prisinzano
Once Upon a Time (Sonya Weiss’ site): Brenda Maxfield
PT Bradley’s site: Mary Ellen Ashenfelder
And the Grand Prize Winner is (drumroll, please)…
Michelle Lim
(confetti, confetti, confetti)
Thank you everyone for entering. Be watching for the next contest coming in July. And thanks again for all the wonderful friendship and support!
Amy
May 20, 2013
May 12, 2013
May 2, 2013
Amy’s Blog Tour
In celebration of the release of Katie’s Choice, I’m going on tour! I hope you can join me one of the dates. I’m giving away an envelope at each stop. What’s inside? That’s a secret. But there’s some good stuff–gift cards and free books. And at the end…One lucky visitor will win a reader’s survival pack with a book bag, a copy of Katie’s Choice and chocolate, of course!
Here are the dates:
4/29 Between You, Me and the Gatepost – Loree Huebner
5/1 Amy Clipston Books
5/2 Pens and Peonies
5/9 Margaret Daley’s Blog
5/9 Confessions of a Wonder-Woman Wannabe!
5/10 Destination Amish
5/14 Once Upon a Time
5/15 P.T. Bradley
5/16 Jennifer Beckstrand
5/20 Kathi Macias
Hope to see you there!
