Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Author Spotlight: Vannetta Chapman + GIVEAWAY


What a delight to have the talented Vannetta Chapman with us today!

Vannetta is a popular, award-winning author who discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. She published a novel with Abingdon Press called A Simple Amish Christmas in 2010 and has been delighting readers ever since.

Today we're featuring An Amish Garden, a collection of four novellas that Vannetta co-wrote with Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Tricia Goyer (giveaway details are at the bottom of this post). I found these stories very enjoyable and inspiring; follow this link to see my review. More information about this wonderful book can also be found at vannettachapman.com.

Now grab a cup of coffee and visit with Vannetta . . .

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Q:  Tell us a little about yourself, Vannetta - family, jobs and ministries in which you've been involved, etc.

Let’s see. My husband and I will celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer. Between us we have 4 children, all grown. And we live with 3 cats and a new shelter dog (plus a herd of deer in the yard). As far as ministry, I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band, and I fill in as a teacher for classes as needed. I also speak to local groups.


Q:  Have you always wanted to write, and what inspired you to write Amish fiction in particular?

Not really. I’ve always been a huge READER, and eventually that spurred my desire to write. But I didn’t submit my first manuscript until I was 40. Before that I did a little writing for magazines and I also taught for 15 years. My agent asked me to try my hand at Amish fiction, and I’m certainly glad she did!


Q:  What are 3 things that most people don't know about you?

I don’t eat white foods (and I don’t know why).
I love to hike and garden and crochet and quilt.
I struggle with my weight! (I suppose many people could say that last one.)


Q:  Tell us about An Amish Garden, the book we're featuring today.

It’s a collection of Amish novellas written by myself, Tricia Goyer, Kathleen Fuller, and Beth Wiseman. My story is “Where Healing Blooms” which is an appropriate title since Emma’s garden provides healing for quite a few people in her story. One fun aspect of this story is that I was able to research the Amish participation in World War 2 through the Civilian Public Service.


Q:  What was it like to join with three other authors in putting this collection together? Is this something you'd like to do again?

Actually we are doing it again! An Amish Cradle will release this time next year. I’ve enjoyed the collaboration as we all bring different strengths, experiences, and writing styles to our stories.


Q:  You wrote on the dedication page, "For Uncle Joe, who still keeps a garden." Tell us about your Uncle Joe to whom "When Healing Blooms" is dedicated.

Uncle Joe is my husband’s uncle. He has been legally blind for the last several years. As I mention in my dedication, he still keeps a garden—a rather large impressive garden. He’s a lovely man, and I’m humbled and encouraged by him at the same time.


Q:  You mention a gardening hint in your story - putting old coffee grounds on roses. What is the purpose of this, and are there any more helpful tips you'd like to share?

I always heard that coffee ground provide nutrients to your plants—especially blooming ones. Another idea is to put something rusty beside your plants (for instance we have part of an old windmill in our garden). The rust is good for your plants!


Q:  In a world where many relationships are strained, I loved the closeness between Emma and her mother-in-law, and that Emma considered Mary Ann to be her "parent in the faith." Is the mother-daughter relationship something that inspires you?

Yes! I have a very close relationship with my mother and my mother-in-law. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it’s that those we love can be taken from us suddenly. While there’s celebration in that (I wouldn’t want to pull my loved ones away from heaven’s gates), there’s also pain and longing. It’s so important to appreciate and spend time with our family while we can.


Q:  Is there a particular message that you hope will speak to readers?

In every book I write, my main goal is to share God’s grace. His favor and love and mercy are things that are available to each of us—and yes, they are life changing.


Q:  Have you found gardens to be a place of comfort and healing, Vannetta?

I have! Many times when I’m stressed I’ll go outside and putter around. Soon I am APPRECIATING the day rather than struggling against it. Even as a child, we had a large garden in the back yard. Of course then I thought it was the worst chore ever to have to go out and weed between those rows. More than once I snuck a book out with me.


Q:  What's on the book horizon for you?

Murder Simply Brewed releases this month. It’s a fun cozy that once again highlights God’s grace. Murder Tightly Knit will release in December.


Q:  How can we, as readers, support and encourage you, both personally and as an author, Vannetta?

If you enjoy my books, tell someone. That’s the best thing you can do for any writer. And I appreciate your prayers!


Q:  Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

We can’t all “be” Amish, but we can learn from them. If there’s someone you admire, learn from their life! With the Amish I think there are many lessons to learn and one of them is to slow down and appreciate what God has given us.

Thanks for having me! I’d be happy to give away a copy of An Amish Garden to one of your commenters with a U.S. address. Anyone else enjoy gardening?

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GIVEAWAY

Vannetta has graciously offered a copy of An Amish Garden to one of you, so please enter by answering Vannetta's question (also mention any bonus entries and leave e-mail in a safe format).

-- Bonus #1 - Follow or subscribe to my blog (new or current followers)

-- Bonus #2 - "Like" my Facebook page, The Power of Words Reviews (new or already liked)

Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, March 30. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday, March 31. Due to postage costs, US addresses only.

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UPDATE:  Congratulations to our winner, Beverly Lytle! Thank you to all who left comments and to Vannetta for this enjoyable interview and willingness to share a copy of An Amish Garden with one of you.

40 comments:

  1. What a great interview with interesting questions! I've read several of Vannetta's books and look forward to reading her story and the other novellas in this book. I've always loved Amish gardens, though my own gardening is limited to my patio and containers these days, so the title immediately piqued my attention.

    I qualify for both bonuses.

    Write on!
    Because of Christ,
    Sharon Kirk Clifton

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  2. Oops! I left out the email addy. It's sharonkirkclifton("at" symbol)yahoo(dot)com. Sorry!

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  3. I love to garden. Now that spring is here I can't wait to start planting some pretty flowers.

    I'd love to read an Amish Garden, its on my must read list and I can't wait to read this collection of stories from some of my favorite authors.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133{at]yahoo[dot]com

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  4. Welcome, Sharon and Katie! There's just something about these warmer, sunny days that makes you eager to plant flowers, isn't there? Sharon, my daughter lives in Germany and you'd be surprised what she can do with a small balcony and window boxes!

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  5. I love that her Uncle Joe still keeps a large garden! Gardening has been so therapeutic for me. The fresh air, beauty, exertion, and productivity blends together to let me think, vent, and relax. I so enjoy these Amish novella collections! Glad to hear there's another one following!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  6. I love to garden and don't forget canning. I love that as well. I have a small family but they get all that I can make for sure. I hope when I retire to do more gardening and canning, dehydrating, knitting, spinning my yarn.

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  7. I love gardening and Amish literature! I wish I could have a garden, but alas, I live in a condo in the city and so have no room - but I am thinking of trying some planters with vegetables this summer and seeing how they do. My mom has a wonderful garden, and I love it. I would really like to learn how to do canning, spinning yarn, and quilting sometime soon. Hope I can win, and note that I did both bonuses! Thanks and God bless!

    Mallory Fry
    seagirl_98(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  8. I don't really love gardening too much myself, but my friend does. (I'm planning to send her the book if I win:))
    A couple years ago our family planted apple and pear trees in our garden. There were a few apples last year. We're looking forward to some more this year. :)
    Sofia Marie
    sofiamarier15(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Thanks for the interview ladies! I am most certainly not a gardner, no green thumb here! I do love to visit gardens and botanical centers. I'm looking forward to the gardens at Biltmore House this spring...

    I follow via GFC

    I liked you on FB

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. I would enjoy gardening IF I could grow anything, lol, I even manage to kill houseplants. I love flowers and tomatoes right out of the garden but a gardener of any kind I am not.

    I follow you and subscribe to your blog.

    I like your FaceBook page

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. What a delightful interview! I enjoy gardening and I love basking in the beauty of someone elses's garden. It takes me to another place--a visit to the hills of West Virginia enjoying my grandparents, a visit to the memories of childhood at home in our garden, or perhaps earlier days teaching my own children to care for a garden-- oh, the places it will take you. And these ladies are some of my favorite Amish authors. I love short story collections and know I would enjoy this one as well.

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  12. This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I subscribe and "like" your facebook page.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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  13. I enjoyed the interview. It's amazing to me how "Uncle Joe" can garden and be blind and my first try at a garden, I pulled up the beans and left a perfectly straight row of weeds....

    Thanks Carole for bringing the inspiring interviews!

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  14. I've tried & tried, but apparently haven't inherited the green thumb gene from either parent. :/ I love beautiful gardens though. Thanks!

    RW620 AT aol DOT com

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  15. Forgot to mention that I follow your blog & follow on FB. Thanks!

    RW620 AT aol DOT com

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  16. Love to grow gardens. Have a veggie and flower garden every year. Would love to win and read Amish Garden.

    Juanita Cook
    seraphinangel7(at) aol(dot0 com

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  17. I love gardens, unfortunately I am not good at gardening.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.
    nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Liked Facebook page.

    I grew up helping out in the garden. My most enjoyment came from cleaning the veggies and fruit, shelling peas etc.
    My husband and I have a small garden out back. He bears the brunt of the work (and enjoyment). For some reason, it is very hard for me to be out in the summer heat. He mainly grows tomatoes to donate to the local food pantry.

    Martha
    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Thanks for the interview with Vannetta. One of my favorite Authors. She is a lovely lady and writes really good books. They keep your interest and you won't want to stop reading. I would love to win another of her books. I've never had a food garden, but helped with mother's garden while growing up. I have had a few small flower gardens, tho I don't have a green thumb for flowers like my mother. And not able to have gardens where I am. I did try to grow Tomatoes twice in pots on my porch with no luck. That's my favorite thing in a garden. And, have had some flower plants on my porch. That's it. I have had a bad back for so many years and now bad knees and just can't do some things like digging and planting. I have subscribed to your blog and liked you on Facebook. P{lease put my name in to try to win.
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  20. I liked the interview and have read several of your books. I do have a small garden in my yard. I hope that i win. Sharma Darby rdarby@roadrunner.com

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  21. I do love gardening but I haven't had a garden in years. Where we live now is governed by an association and gardens aren't allowed. I do enjoy the bountiful fruits of other peoples garden...they are generous to share!

    Blessings!
    Judy B
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I follow via GFC
    I liked you on FB


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  22. I love all of your comments about gardening! I think gardens are something everyone can relate to, whether you're good at it or just enjoy their beauty. My grandmother had that proverbial "green thumb" and my daughter inherited it, but me - well, I just enjoy my family's work!

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  23. I love gardening which can be pretty challenging here in Minnesota where it sometimes feels like winter is here forever! Last year was the first year that we planted a garden at our house (we had bought it the previous fall) and my preschooler had such a good time helping me water the flowers and learning his colors that way! Good memories! Thanks for the chance, my email is elise(underscore)jehan(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. I have read a number of Vanetta's books and loved them all. My MIL loves to garden and will soon be moving in with us - I can't wait. I am hoping that between the two of us I will finally be able to grow a pumpkin!

    Carole has my e-mail address.

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  25. I would love to win Vannetta's book, "An Amish Garden" to give to my church library.
    After I read it first, of course.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. I always loved when my dad had a large garden, I would always sneak out and snag a ripe tomato or two and take the salt shaker with me and hide to eat them..Yumm..I think whats inportant to a author too, would be to leave them a review after reading their book..Good luck in writing
    Kathy Milburn
    bearangelo@yahoo.com

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  27. We have 2 gardens one in our back yard for veggies and on our deck I have my herb garden in different planters. I could never go back to using bottled herbs. I love the way fresh herbs make food come alive with flavor. I am currently reading "Murder Freshly Brewed" on my Kindle. I have not yet purchased "An Amish Garden" so winning a copy would be perfect!

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  28. Got my potting soil and seeds all ready and anxious to get started!! Loved the interview with Vannetta. I am already on the e-mail blog list, and I liked the power of words FB page. I love any book about the Amish. They are such lovable people filled to the max with faith in the Lord. Thanks for the invitation to enter your give away. I would be more than delighted to be a winner of An Amish Garden!! Asking God's blessings on you. Thanks <3
    ratsmith140(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. What a delightful interview! I've not had the pleasure of reading anything (yet) by Vannetta so that will soon be changing! :-) I've always WANTED to garden but not really ever had great success with it. Now that we're in the empty nest, I'm hoping to try again. Thanks for the giveaway!

    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. I am already a fan on fb. :-)

    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. And I follow you via email.

    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Wonderful interview! I love reading little snippets of an author's life, especially one I admire.
    As for gardening. When I was a child we had a great garden. You could drop about anything in that ground and it would grow. The main reason is our soil was crazy good. We had a worm farm (yes we raised worms) for years before we started gardening, and those bad boys can prep soil like no other! :) I do not have a garden now, and I really would like to. I live in Arizona and my yard is what you might call "rustic" IF you were being generous. It is pretty much rocks and dirt. I do have a couple of containers that I am growing basil and mint in. I hope to one day have a nice square foot garden. With a fence. :) Thanks for sharing your interview with Vanetta!
    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

    Bonus - I am a new follower on GFC

    Bonus - I also am a new follower on FB - Kelly Blackwell

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  33. After living in a small apartment with many unsuccessful attempts at container gardening (I did keep trying) I am looking forward to having a real garden at our new place this year. I would love to win a good wholesome book to relax with. Thanks for the chance... Robyn pigeon12fb("at" symbol)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I had a beautiful flower garden in a home i used to rent, i would lobe to have another one. Hopefully when i move this summer there will be room for a flower garden.

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  35. Bonus 1-subscribed by email.
    bonus 2-liked your fb page

    Cagould15(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  36. Great interview! I love my veggie garden. I can't wait to start planting in late May, especially since I will be trying new tomato plants called Amish Paste tomato. Never heard of them until I saw that fire department in the next town over will be selling them as a fundraiser.
    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  37. I'm a subscriber.

    Also, I liked your FB page.

    I tried to do GFC and follow but google is not working right now for me. Will try later like it told me.

    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  38. Beverly Lytle is our winner! Congratulations, Beverly!

    It has been an honor to shine the spotlight on Vannetta this week and I appreciate all of you who have visited and left comments. More reviews and author interviews are coming soon!

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  39. Thank you Carole! What a wonderful blessing on this sunny Monday morning!

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  40. A big thank you to everyone who entered. You all are awesome!

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