Love Inspired Historicals discussion
Monthly Author Q&A
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Q & A with August 2017 Authors
Good morning, everyone!It's dawn here in the Black Hills, and time to get a new day started!
Let me tell you a little bit about "An Amish Courtship":
Samuel started out as an antagonist in my first book, "The Prodigal Son Returns." He is Bram's brother, and I've always thought of him as the Prodigal Son's brother in the biblical parable - he sees himself as the good brother. The one who stayed home, supported their father and the rest of the family, and did his duty. But others see him as a carbon copy of his father, and it isn't a pretty picture...until Mary moves in next door.
Mary Hochstetter moves to Shipshewana from Ohio with her sister to live with their elderly aunt. Everyone knows the tragedy that happened in Ida Mae's life - her intended was killed in a farm accident - but no one knows that Mary carries her own tragic secret. She hopes that distance will help her forget the past, but it's only when it comes into the open that healing can begin.
When she meets Samuel, the last thing she's thinking about is romance and marriage, but can these two wounded people find love and healing together?
I hope you enjoy their story!
This is a Q & A, so we'll start out the morning with questions from you!Ask me anything (within reason!) and I'll try to answer. Later on, I'll have some discussion questions for us. :)
I think the allure of the mail-order bride is taking two very different people--strangers--and putting them together without any idea how a relationship will develop. Marriage by necessity isn't really romantic, but love developing from a pairing that under other circumstances could be ordinary is romantic.Sherri Shackelford, Karen Kirst and I are working on new books for the Cowboy Creek series, all stories about bride trains coming to Kansas. My April book will be The Rancher Inherits a Family. So far in this series we've explored a lot of mail-order bride developments!
Jan,How did you decide to write Amish stories? Where do your ideas for stories come from? Looking forward to reading "An Amish Courtship". I have always been able to see both brothers sides in the Prodigal Son story.
Melinda wrote: "Jan,How did you decide to write Amish stories? Where do your ideas for stories come from? Looking forward to reading "An Amish Courtship". I have always been able to see both brothers sides in the..."
I started out writing stories inspired by my family stories, and since my ancestors are Amish, Mennonite, and German Baptist Brethren, putting the stories in an Amish setting has worked well.
The idea for Samuel and Mary's story came from a tragedy my best friends experienced many years ago. Watching her life grow and change from that experience until now was the inspiration for Mary's character and her story of redemption.
Thanks for the question!
Cheryl wrote: "I think the allure of the mail-order bride is taking two very different people--strangers--and putting them together without any idea how a relationship will develop. Marriage by necessity isn't re..."Your series sounds fascinating! I'll be looking for the books!
Good morning to all! I thought I would drop in and say hello again today. Don't you love Jan's cover? I feel a sense of peace just looking at it.
We've been talking about the Amish and what makes the books about them so popular. I think it's because of they still live life the way we did back in the 1800s. The Amish stories are a combination of contemporary/historical...if that's possible. : ) But I think most of you will understand what I mean.
It's very interesting to see what is permitted, and what isn't permitted in their lives. I LOVE to ride through the Amish areas around here and see the children working and playing.
I'll be dropping in again later today. And, of course, I'll be with you all day tomorrow!
Jan wrote: "Melinda wrote: "Jan,How did you decide to write Amish stories? Where do your ideas for stories come from? Looking forward to reading "An Amish Courtship". I have always been able to see both broth..."
This story sounds so interesting! I love that your stories are inspired by family stories that have been passed down! I can't wait to read Samuel & Mary's story!
Cheryl wrote: "I think the allure of the mail-order bride is taking two very different people--strangers--and putting them together without any idea how a relationship will develop. Marriage by necessity isn't re..."I'm excited to read all of the Cowboy Creek series! And I agree that the romance comes when 2 people who are wedded end up falling in love with each other. I love this group of authors!
It's time for another question!Conflict! Love it, or hate it?
First, my two-cents-worth - I hate conflict in my own life, but love it in a good story! The twists and turns along the road of romance will keep me turning the pages!
What do you think?
Jan wrote: "It's time for another question!Conflict! Love it, or hate it?
First, my two-cents-worth - I hate conflict in my own life, but love it in a good story! The twists and turns along the road of roma..."
I agree! I hate conflict in my own life, but enjoy it in a good story!
I don't mind conflict in a story but I agree in my personal life I'd rather not. I totally get that reading Amish novels are like a combine of Historical and Contemporary novels. I think part of the draw is the simpler lifestyle of the Amish.
I just got back from taking my youngest son out for lunch. Once they move out, I make it a point to see them regularly. It's too easy for the weeks to fly by without even talking to them!Of course, when I dropped him off at work, he told me he'll be over for supper tonight. That kid. <3
Anyway, here's the after lunch question for discussion -
We've touched on this a little bit, but what do you think is the biggest factor in the popularity of Amish fiction? As an author, I've thought about this quite a bit, and I'll give you my thoughts in a couple hours - around 5:00 Eastern Time. :)
Jan wrote: "Conflict! Love it, or hate it?First, my two-cents-worth - I hate conflict in my own life, but love it in a good story!"
I agree! I enjoy some conflict and tension in a story!
I'm glad you made it back, Melinda. And I'm glad you like mail-order-bride stories. We'll be talking about them tomorrow as that's what my latest LIH series is about. I hope you will be able to make it back for our discussion. And all the rest of you, too. I'm looking forward to a lively mail-order-bride discussion tomorrow! I hope you'll all be here. And bring a friend!
The afternoon is wearing on, and it's time for our last question of the day - - but first, my thoughts on why Amish fiction is so popular...We like to say it's the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle that we like, but I think it's the center of that simplicity that draws us. The center is the focus the Amish have on their faith, and the practice of their faith.
From the outside, the lifestyle looks very legalistic and stilted, but there is a freedom in fences. I learned this principle when my children were growing - by giving them firm boundaries, they were able to focus on what was important in their lives. The Amish Ordnung is similar - it provides a firm outline of how to live, so the members are free to focus on their relationship with God.
Of course, as in any society, there are those who focus on the fence. You've seen cows and horses who ignore the green grass behind them in order to reach across the fence for a tuft of weeds, haven't you?
In every church, there are those who kick at the goads, wanting "freedom," when true freedom lies in obedience to Christ.
In the Amish church, the fence is visible, unlike most other churches. I think the main draw of Amish fiction is that we long for firm boundaries, the fences that keep us secure.
And in Christ, we have that. We just need to open our Bibles, and we'll see God's loving guidelines for our lives.
The last question of the day!Believe it or not, authors for Love Inspired Historicals talk to each other. :) We have an e-loop where we compare notes, pray for each other, help each other over a sticky plot problem, or with research.
One of the subjects we discussed lately is what kinds of books the readers want to read. So now is your opportunity to talk to the authors!
What is your favorite kind of story? Amish? Cowboys? Small town sheriffs? School teachers? Nannies? Mail-Order Brides? I know I haven't named them all! Let us know!
I love the sound of this book. I often felt like the prodigal son's sister! not that my brother was bad but every time he came home from Uni or for a weekend Mum would treat him like he was so special. Then would complain about all the work but she didn't do some of those things for me. I know it was cos I was there all the time but it hurt. I can see how your hero would have issues also. Mary's story sounds like it would be interesting to hear.
Ausjenny wrote: "I love the sound of this book. I often felt like the prodigal son's sister! not that my brother was bad but every time he came home from Uni or for a weekend Mum would treat him like he was so spec..."I can imagine how that would hurt, but I think you're right. If you were there all the time, your mom wouldn't feel like she needed to welcome you home. I would imagine she really depended on you. <3
I hope you get a chance to read Samuel and Mary's story, Jenny!
Thanks Jan. I think it was made worse when after he left she would complain about how much extra work it had been and how exhausted she was. There were also times in winter he would sit all day watching football while I would be out playing hockey and I would get home to no wood being brought up. so would have to go get some from the wood heap including often chopping some. By that stage mum wasn't up to bringing up to much. I normally had it brought up the day before or earlier but when he came home thought he would at least do something.
I had a friend who was having similar issues and her mother couldn't understand why she felt the way she did. I gently asked do you do extra things when your son comes home, she said yes, do you do those for your daughter, it was oh she knows she could ask. I then explained how her daughter felt that her brother was being spoilt and she was there all the time helping out but didn't get the extra surprises etc. Her mum had a light bulb moment and understood. She told me she thought her daughter would just know she was appreciated without her having to tell her or do something special for her.
I think that was how it was with mum and I, I would have like her just to say thankyou or something. The first time she said it when she was in the nursing home I almost fell of the chair! She only said it once or twice in the whole 4 years she was there. I know in her own way but its hard to hear how good your brother is and never get the same said about yourself.
ok enough of me I am sure Samuel has some of these issues and finds a way to conquer them.
Jan wrote: "Melinda wrote: "Jan,How did you decide to write Amish stories? Where do your ideas for stories come from? Looking forward to reading "An Amish Courtship". I have always been able to see both broth..."
Thank you for the answer.
Ausjenny,I understand what you are saying so I try with my students to tell them that they did a good job or improved and not just tell them what is wrong. It is important to tell people that you see what they do to help out.
I think Amish stories are liked because they have a faith that they question but once they decide to join the church that is it. It is not a simple or easy life but in some ways it is simple and straightforward when compare to the messy modern technology life.
I love historical with happy endings some adventure and/ or mystery. I like cowboys, school teachers( wonder why),nannies and anything else that is part of history that you can write a story about.
I'm sorry to have missed the entire day. It looks like there was a good discussion.Technology is not my friend lately. I might not be able to get online tomorrow either.
I would like to say Thank you to the authors for spending time with us.
Andrea wrote: "I'm sorry to have missed the entire day. It looks like there was a good discussion.Technology is not my friend lately. I might not be able to get online tomorrow either.
I would like to say Than..."
I can especially relate this week. Internet went out with no warning Sunday evening. Then it has been on since Tuesday evening but not acting right.
Hope you can get on .
Good morning, everyone! I want to let you know about our summer picnic event starting next Monday. The year is 1885 and the setting is the East Tennessee Smoky Mountains. If you've been to the Cades Cove area in the national park, you can easily envision the rolling, verdant fields surrounded by majestic, forested mountains. We're going to meet in a meadow dotted with wildflowers of every hue. There's a bubbling brook nearby. So start planning now who you're bringing to the picnic and what yummy treats you'll have to share. We'll also want to engage in fun games. I'm sure there will be folks willing to play music. Let's hope the black bears don't decide to join us!
I like all kind of historical books but my favorite time period is regency. I like all kinds of characters as well I don't think I could choose a favorite.
Mod
Is it going to include a box social? '-) And I excel at 3 legged races--NOT! :-)
Thanks to everyone who was able to chime in the discussion yesterday, and I'm looking forward to next week's picnic! Woo hoo!I hope we'll be able to do some berry-picking. And since this is a virtual picnic, there will be no bears, mosquitoes or bees, right? :)
Looking forward to the summer picnic but I hope no one invites the ants or the black bears.
Lyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "Good morning, everyone! I want to let you know about our summer picnic event starting next Monday. The year is 1885 and the setting is the East Tennessee Smoky Mountains. If you've be..."Lyn,
I do not do well at any type of race so whoever gets me in a three legged race is in trouble.
Mod
I agree, Cheryl. After all, how many thousands of years did women have no say in who they were married off to? I think as a gender we're still grappling with the idea of how to change a stranger into a kind father and loving husband.
Good morning! I hope you all can make it online and visit with me today. We were talking about mail-order-brides earlier in the week and I'd like to return to that subject as my books in this new series (the first book, His Substitute Wife came out this past January) is roughly based on that premise. But there are two major twists to the books. And it's those twists that made the books so much fun to write.
I love to put my characters in difficult positions, and the heroes in these books are proof.
I'd like to know...if you really put yourself (without all the knowledge of modern conditions, etc.) into the position of a mail-order-bride in the 1800s, would you have had the courage to pack up and go west to marry a man you'd never met?
Jan wrote: "Thanks to everyone who was able to chime in the discussion yesterday, and I'm looking forward to next week's picnic! Woo hoo!I hope we'll be able to do some berry-picking. And since this is a vir..."
A definite no to the mosquitoes and bees!
I believe the bears will prefer to stay away from our merry-making.
Dorothy wrote: "Good morning! I hope you all can make it online and visit with me today. We were talking about mail-order-brides earlier in the week and I'd like to return to that subject as my books in this new..."
That's a tough question, Dorothy! I think I'd be too scared to marry a stranger unless my circumstances were desperate enough to force me into it.
Lyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "Good morning, everyone! I want to let you know about our summer picnic event starting next Monday. The year is 1885 and the setting is the East Tennessee Smoky Mountains. If you've be..."If you all would like it to be box social, I'm all for it. Or we can bring our picnic baskets with tasty treats to share. Whatever you'd like!
I agree, Karen. Unless I had no other choice I would be too afraid to travel west and marry a man I'd never met. But then I'm a coward through and through. : ) However, I think I would chance it (pushed by circumstances) if it were a marriage-in-name only until the man and I decided to make it a real marriage. That way, if I changed my mind I could go back home.
I don't think I could be a mail order bride. I would be too scared! That's a big commitment to someone you have never met before! But again, I think it is a circumstances thing and a lot of these women had no other respectable option.
Jan wrote: "The last question of the day!Believe it or not, authors for Love Inspired Historicals talk to each other. :) We have an e-loop where we compare notes, pray for each other, help each other over a ..."
I really don't have a favorite, because I like a variety -
Amish, Cowboys, Small town sheriffs, School teachers, Nannies, Mail-Order Brides, children, babies - you name it. I like historical, contemporary, mystery, suspense, etc...
Dorothy wrote: "Good morning! I hope you all can make it online and visit with me today. We were talking about mail-order-brides earlier in the week and I'd like to return to that subject as my books in this new..."
I love all the difficulties, conflicts, twists, and turns! I actually think I could be a mail-order bride, depending on the circumstances, and only if I prayed & felt a peace about it, and knew he was a Christian. Life is an adventure! But I do think it would be easier to do in an earlier decade, when most of America seemed to have greater morals than they seem to have today.
Good for you, Becky!!!! You have a lot of courage and a strong sense of adventure. That's probably why you read books from so many different genres.I hope you'll be around tomorrow in case we have an unexpected event that calls for courage...or fleet feet. That last would be me. LOL.
Oops, I was referring to the picnic and meant to say next week, not tomorrow in my message to Becky. I'm going to go shopping for a dress for the picnic on Saturday. And I'm going to fill up a basket with dishes to share! I'll plan a dress and good food for the box social, too.
Dorothy wrote: "Good for you, Becky!!!! You have a lot of courage and a strong sense of adventure. That's probably why you read books from so many different genres.I hope you'll be around tomorrow in case we hav..."
Oooohhhh! I can't wait for tomorrow! And the picnic sounds wonderful! We have a little overnight trip yesterday, so I was delayed responding until we got back home. I am ready for a picnic!
I'm sorry, Becky, I made a mistake. The picnic is next week, not tomorrow. That gives us time to shop for our gowns, arrange our escorts and plan what dishes we will be taking to share. I understand there is to be a box social one day. That will give you brave ladies an opportunity to meet a stranger...
I think, depending on the circumstances, I could be a mail-order bride too! I've often thought I could NEVER do it but then I read so many mail-order bride books and I see so many different circumstances of the women of those times and I think, if I were in THAT circumstance, I'd want to get out of it desperately so I'd do it! Like Becky said, if he were a Christian man, I would probably take the risk! If he had small children, I might too! They could be a "buffer" between me and the man! :)
Valri wrote: "I think, depending on the circumstances, I could be a mail-order bride too! I've often thought I could NEVER do it but then I read so many mail-order bride books and I see so many different circums..."That's a good point about the small children, Valri. I think I would brave a situation like that if there were children who needed a mother. And, as you said, the children could be a "buffer" or even a "draw."
I would say that if the circumstances were such that I could see becoming a mail order bride. I would say that if I had the same male relatives in charge and something had happen to my parents, a big yes. I think it was one of the few ways a woman had any control in a lot of circumstances.
Love Inspired Historicals
Books mentioned in this topic
Wedded for the Baby (other topics)An Amish Courtship (other topics)
Inherited: Unexpected Family (other topics)
Frontier Want Ad Bride (other topics)
We visited the Amana Colonies near Des Moines, Iowa. Loved all the wooden furniture and the restaurant food was wonderful! We have also visited several times Jamesport, Missouri.