Monday, May 5, 2014

Author Spotlight: Suzanne Woods Fisher + GIVEAWAY (U.S.)


I am thrilled to welcome the charming Suzanne Woods Fisher this week! The Inn at Eagle Hill series is a favorite of mine because of its rich characterization and storyline. Suzanne is also so successful and blending Amish and English characters that I think its appeal reaches beyond Amish fiction fans. You can see my review of the first two books here:

Review:  The Letters, #1
Review:  The Calling, #2

In addition to being a talented author, Suzanne is also a warm and outgoing person, with a passionate faith that inspires others.  And she will give either The Letters or The Calling to one of you, winner's choice! Details are at the bottom of this post. Now sit back and enjoy your visit with Suzanne . . .
 
 
Q:  Introduce us to the "real" Suzanne Woods Fisher by naming three things about you that hardly anyone knows.
 
1) I’m a bird watcher. Sometimes, when I’m playing tennis, I throw the ball up for a serve and get distracted with trying to identify a bird flying overhead.
2) And that brings me to number two: I play tennis. A lot. At least two or three times a week. I’m usually on one or two teams at the same time.
3) I’m a crazy library lover. I’m in my public library once a week, arms stacked with books to check in and/or out.


Q:  You have a natural gift for writing Amish fiction and are very successful at it, Suzanne. Is this something you've always wanted to do? Do you have an Amish heritage?
 
My grandfather was raised Old Order German Baptist—a cousin to the Amish. I’ve had a genuine interest in learning about the Anabaptists—beyond the buggies and beards and bonnets. There’s much to learn from these people who try to hold on to traditional values. Not saying anyone needs to “go Amish”—but we could all benefit from studying how they live a simple life in the midst of a very busy modern world.
 
 
Q:  I have immensely enjoyed the first two books in the Inn at Eagle Hill series. Tell us about this series, what inspired it, etc.
 
        The Inn at Eagle Hill was loosely based on a true story about a Mennonite who was found guilty of mismanaging investment funds, dubbed the Amish Bernie Madoff. Many of the investors were Plain (Amish or Mennonite) and, although entitled to, they refused to make claims to the SEC to receive any funds from liquidated assets. Instead, Plain communities across the country took up donations to help reimburse those who had lost money. Startling, isn’t it? Yet it’s a common response of the Plain people. For biblical reasons, they won’t take anyone to court and accuse them of wrongdoing. They believe in letting God even the scales of justice. In each novel, I try to weave some true-to-life elements from the Plain life into the plot line and this story was just the kind of canvas on which to paint a picture.
        As the ‘Inn at Eagle Hill’ series unfolds, readers meet the Schrock family as they are reeling from the untimely death of Dean Schrock, husband and father, who had managed the investment company. Embraced by a caring community, the family is coping as best they can but each one suffers repercussions of shame, confusion and misunderstandings, including the children. There is an overriding story arc about the investment company that concludes in Book 3, aptly named The Revealing, but each book has its own story arc. Love story arcs, I should say.


Q:  Book two, The Calling, was recently released. What are some thoughts about it that you'd like to share?
 
        Like many young adults, life hasn’t turned out for Bethany Schrock the way she hoped and planned. In The Letters (Book 1), she finds out her boyfriend isn’t who she thought he was—not by a longshot. In The Calling (Book 2), she is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Stay Amish or leave? Accept a date with that too-handsome-for-his-own-good Jimmy Fisher or heed warnings that he’s nothing but trouble?
        Five elderly Amish sisters from the Sisters’ House sweep Bethany under their wing. Reluctantly, she helps the ancient sisters with their soup kitchen for the down-and-outers of Stoney Ridge. A little less reluctantly, she starts a community garden. The miracle of finding oneself while serving others begins in Bethany, until she is slipped some personal information from a sassy teenaged down-and-outer that shatters her world.
        This might be hard to believe, but it was inspired by an 88-year-old African American dynamo named Mother Williams. She saw a need in her community for a soup kitchen and knew she could do one thing well—she could cook. So she started a once-a-week soup kitchen at age 77 (!) and is still going strong. After interviewing volunteers who worked alongside Mother Williams, I ended up creating five elderly Amish sisters in The Calling to do the work of one Mother Williams.
        Talk about an inspiring individual! Mother Williams doesn’t plan on retiring. She says she wants to keep serving God “until the day is done.” Imagine if we all shared her convictions to serve God in any way we can, for as long as we can. The world would be a different place.


Q:  Rose Schrock's bed & breakfast is popular with the non-Amish for many reasons. What do you think people admire about the Amish?
 
        On one level, people are drawn to the simple life. If you look at covers of Amish fiction books, you can see they’re meant to invite a reader into another world: pastoral and peaceful. But look a little deeper—and you’ll find so much more. The Amish are the first to say they aren’t perfect and I try not to over-glamorize them. At their best, I do feel they are close to the heart of Christ and have much to teach us about what’s truly important in life. They make choices that are counterintuitive to human nature (turning the other cheek even if you run out of cheeks, for example).
        One reason Amish fiction is a “hot” trend is because readers are able to cross into another world—a place where nature sets the stage, where characters run the show, where faith has the leading role. It has an effect on you like rebooting your computer.
The Calling brings that “recalibration” to readers, as well as provide a satisfying love story. And humor, too! You can’t invite a character like Jimmy Fisher into a book without needing to buckle up for the ride.
 
Q:  Do you think it's possible to incorporate some of the Amish principles into our often stressful lives?
 
I do! Things like living with less, being more intentional about choices, guarding the distractions that splinter family, nourishing community. Most importantly, the spiritual life of the Amish is very inspiring. Faith isn’t a piece of the pie, it’s the crust—holding everything all together.
 
 
Q:  You've written some non-fiction books about the Amish, including Amish Proverbs. What are two of your favorite proverbs?
 
        Oh, there are so many!
        My mother’s favorite (she was raised Penn Dutch): “Each mother crow thinks her own crow is the blackest.”
        My favorite: “Prayers go up, blessings come down.”
        In fact, I’d love to invite your readers to download my free Amish Wisdom app to get an Amish proverb delivered daily to their Ahone and iPad. The Amish Wisdom app is now in nearly 100 countries! now in nearly 100 countries!


Q:  Your ministry in raising puppies for an organization called Guide Dogs for the Blind must be very rewarding, Suzanne. Please share a little about this, such as how you got started, etc.



My youngest son got me into puppy raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind—and it was like eating a potato chip. You couldn’t stop at one. We’ve raised ten puppies, and now I’m a breeder custodian (easier to do with writing responsibilities). I love being a part of this organization—partly for the dogs, partly because it’s a way to make the world a better place.
 
 
Q:  I love this Isaac Bashevis Singer quote from your website:  “I pray only when I am in trouble, but I am in trouble all the time so I pray all the time.” How important is prayer in your daily life? What would you say to Christians who struggle in this area?
 
        Prayer is a wonderful, fascinating mystery to me. It boggles the mind to think the Creator of the universe is interested in having an on-going conversation with us! And yet that is exactly what the Bible tells us. One of my favorite Bible verses is Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Approach boldly!
        If someone is struggling with prayer—what it’s about, why it matters—I recommend reading the Psalms. Notice how David talked to God. Nothing was off limits. He praised God, he argued, he complained, he worshipped, and he always ended a psalm with the awareness of God’s sovereignty. So inspiring!
 
 
Q:  What novel or project are you working on now?
 
I just sent in a manuscript for an historical novel called “Anna’s Crossing.” It’s a story about the 1737 Atlantic Ocean crossing of the first Amish families. So challenging to write! I had to create a village of people on a ship—no typical “props” of farm life, seasons, . And be as accurate as possible about the rigors of a sea journey in the 18th century. Lots of research! It was not an easy project—but I think it might be my best book to date.
 
 
Q:  What are some ways we can support and encourage you, both personally and as an author, Suzanne?
 
What a lovely question! I always covet people’s prayers to write well and for God’s glory. As for encouragement—reading my books and telling others is tops on my list! Means more to me than I can say.
 
 
Q:  Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
 
I love to hear from readers! My website is: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. Facebook is: www.facebook.com/AuthorSuzanneWoodsFisher. And twitter handle is: swfisher.
 
 
Thank you, Carole, for sharing your blog readers with me. Grateful to you!


Suzanne, it has been a joy to have you here today! I eagerly await the next book in The Inn at Eagle Hill series and hope to see you here again. May God continue to bless your writing, as well as you and your family personally.
 
 ____________________
  
GIVEAWAY
 
To enter the drawing for one of Suzanne's books, simply leave a question or comment for Suzanne, along with your e-mail address in a safe format. And I'm always glad to have new followers on my blog and "likes" on my Facebook page, The Power of Words Book Reviews.
 
Contest ends at midnight on Saturday, May 10. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday, May 12. Due to postage costs, U.S. addresses only.

58 comments:

  1. I love Suzanne's books - thanks for the contest. Rachel Lepree rlepree(at)musfiber(dot)com

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  2. Thanks for the chance to get one of your books----Where do you get yours ideas for a book? Love your books

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    1. So glad to hear you enjoy Suzanne's books! Please leave your e-mail address if you want to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!

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  3. Sarah Butler Criswell posted on my Facebook review page, so I'm posting it here for her. I'm glad you're interested in Suzanne's writing, Sarah!

    "Do you get inspiration for your books from an Amish friend or from the community as a whole?"

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  4. I haven't read any of your books yet. But I visit the library today. I will be checking out your books. Keep up with your writing I enjoy very much reading about the Amish and wish I could have lived like them to teach my kids a better way of life as they grew up.
    fairy_dawn1@yahoo.com

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  5. Hi Suzanne, do you ever do any book signings in Va.? Would love a chance to get to meet you. Thank you for this chance to win one of your two books. ~ Blessings ~ lisastifleratyahoodotcom

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  6. I always enjoy reading Suzanne's blog and her books. Her stories bring you right into the heart of what's going on.

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    1. Sounds like you're a fan, Linda! Please leave your e-mail address if you want to be in the drawing. Thanks!

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  7. How many books has Suzanne Fisher written to date? I'm curious how authors get so much writing done. Thanks for the giveaway...I would love to win.
    leebroom4@gmail.com

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  8. I love reading Suzanne's books. I agree with her about being able to bring Amish values to a stressful life. I have Amish friends and when I visit them I feel the stress leaving me. Thanks.

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    1. Just reading Amish books almost makes the stress leave for me, Marsha! Please leave your e-mail address for the drawing.

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  9. I would love to win one of your books.

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    1. Barbara, please leave your e-mail address for the drawing. Thanks!

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  10. How long have you been writing Amish books. I love reading about the Amish.
    seraphinangel7(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. Hi Suzanne, How did you chose to write about the Amish? angelachesnut(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  12. This series sounds like a great read and I want to read them, I have read others and like the way you write. thanks for sharing all the comments today.
    I love this that you said:. Faith isn’t a piece of the pie, it’s the crust—holding everything all together.
    I would like to be in your drawing.

    Paula O(ky130atyahoodotcom)

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  13. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my all time favorite amish authors! Love to get caught up reading her amish stories. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. We share the same thoughts about Suzanne's writing, C! Please leave your e-mail address for the drawing.

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  14. How did you start writing Amish books? Would love to read one of your books!!
    Roberta H. rmhulse at yahoo dot com

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  15. I would love to read either of your books. I've met a number of Amish in the Clark, Missouri area and I always have a wonderful time with them. Most of my questions are when I am trying confirm the information I've read in in Amish books. By reading the books it helped me understand the Amish as well as appreciate them.

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Soupersally! Please leave your e-mail address for the drawing. Thanks!

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  16. I enjoy reading books about the Amish. And I loved hearing about Suzanne's Amish Proverb app. I am going to download that for sure. :)

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  17. Love your books, I use the lifestyle of the Amish as a means of escape during chemotherapy. Your stories take me to places that calm the soul. I would like to thank you for providing a means for my escape from reality during trying times...places to where life is simpler, honest,

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  18. I love Suzanne's books.I enjoyed reading this post.Thanks for sharing.jackie_tessnair{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  19. Enjoy all of Suzanne's books. Thanks for a chance to win :)
    Michelle Conti

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  20. I love your books, read everyone I can find. Looking forward to the next one.

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  21. I so enjoy reading your work. Thanks for the chance for another!
    d_stevens310 at live.com

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  22. I look forward to reading your newest book coming out Anna's Crossing! I am sure it will be a hit like all your books have been!

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  23. Suzanne, I found this interview to be very inviting and your insight into the books and into your life very enlightening. Thanks for sharing your time and your thoughts. I would be honored to win one of your works.
    Karen C.
    sweetnessnlight (at) comcast (dot) net

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  24. I love reading Suzanne's books and thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway! jynhoffman@yahoo.com

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  25. I love your books! Reading Amish fiction is my favorite!
    donco49(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. I've loved every book I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Hope to read lots more by her too!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  27. I love your books. How did you get started writing? Valerie Laux impicbb@juno.com

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  28. I love your books, as I have read your books I have noticed I make more conscious choices in all parts of my life. It comes down to a simple question. "A need or want?" Thank you for writing such wonderful books that makes us all realize how amazing all god's children are.

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  29. Thank you being such a great author! Just recently read "The Calling". I love books about the Amish. "The Calling" was a wonderful book! Also, enjoy reading your email every day.
    Becky McCoy@beckym205@att.net

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  30. Love your books - Love reading your posts on FB.

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  31. Love your books - Love your posts on FB.

    Tonya(at)Urbatsch(dot)com

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  32. Suzanne, I absolutely love your books. Amish fiction/Christian fiction is my favorite genre of novels. I am so thankful for authors, like yourself, who have the talent to write these books! A huge thanks for the giveaway!
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  33. I love reading, but I love reading the Amis stories the most.
    God Bless You.
    ruthann.standish@gmail.com

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  34. Hi Carole. Thanks for having Suzanne here. I really enjoyed the interview. She writes great stories. I'm wondering how they can do all of the normal things people do and still have time to write these great books and the time that involves. Sure hope I can win her book. Thanks! Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  35. So excited about ANNA'S CROSSING, about the 1737 voyage of a village of Amish coming to the Americas. I suggested this topic to several authors and so glad to see it coming to fruition Can't wait to read this one. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. Suzanne, your books are fantastic and I enjoy reading them for entertament and learning about a different culture.

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  37. I can't wait for book three. You feel like part of their lives when reading your books!

    palouro@comcast.net

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  38. Suzanne, I love your Amish books, who inspired you to become an author and why?

    Debbie Shawver
    digigirl_fl@hotmail.com

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  39. I've not read either of these books, so I would love to win! Anna's Crossing also sounds very interesting...

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  40. I have not yet read your books, but they truly sound like wonderful reads, which I classify as "sweet reads". I enjoy a good plot, but one that isn't overtaken by romance and smut, but keeps the reader entertained on a good plot. Your books sound like a wonderful read and I'd love to win a copy and have a chance to read one of your books. Great way to find new authors and a good read.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  41. Thanks for a great interview Carole. I love learning more about the authors of great books, and I would love the opportunity to read another great book. Suzanne, you sound like a very busy and wonderful woman--and the proverbs app sounds great.
    Vicki
    vmarney at hot mail dot com

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  42. I have thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Suzanne! I always love anything Amish.One of my sisters has purchased 2 Amish quilts and they are very beautiful.This interview has given just enough information to perk my interest, but not enough to give the story away… Just how I like them.Carole, please keep up the interviews you are doing a great job!

    Paula

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  43. great interview .I am looking forward to reading The Calling.Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com..Have a wonderful week.

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  44. Do you like to write letters? I love to! Stationary optional...sometimes I improvise with pretty paper, wrapping or such.
    Would love a copy of The Letters

    mandn(at)wisper(dash)wireless(dot)com

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  45. This was a great interview Carole and Suzanne. I felt I knew a lot about you Suzanne but learned a couple of new things as well. Amish fiction was my first love in the christian fiction genre. ibakecakes4you(at)AOL(dot)com

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  46. Will you ever be in the Lancaster, Gettysburg, or York, Pennsylvania area for a book signing? I would love to meet you!!

    Elaine Shorb
    tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com

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  47. Can't wait to read this, and I enjoyed the interview. TY for the chance. Happy Mothers Day.

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  48. I love your series Lancaster County secrets! I own all three of them and have read them twice:)
    Sierra
    sierrafaith327@gmail.com

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  49. Thank you to all of you who have visited and left comments! I hope you enjoyed Suzanne's interview and maybe learned something about her that you didn't already know.

    Please note that you must leave your e-mail address in order to be qualified for the drawing on Monday.

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  50. Hi Carole, Hope I made it before the drawing. I have read several of Suzanne's books and enjoyed them! I am a bit envious of the Amish simple life although I do not desire to be Amish, I sure do covet the simplicity and want to strive to have more of that in my own life.
    For Suzanne, In what ways in your own life, have you incorporated the simplified living of the Amish? I enjoyed the suggestions you gave in your interview.
    Thanks for the giveaway - both of you. I know Carole - This takes alot of time and effort on your part, although it is always fun!
    my email amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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  51. I'm so glad to announce that Amy Smith is our winner! You will love this series, so congratulations, Amy!

    We had 48 comments, which is awesome! A few entries failed to leave e-mail addresses, which is a requirement, so please try to remember that next time. Thank you all for visiting with Suzanne!

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