Sunday, October 27, 2013

Interview with Beth Wiseman and Giveaway!!!

Enter to win a copy of Beth's book, PLAIN PEACE, by answering the question below. Leave a comment including contact information

1. Why do you write the kind of books you do?  I used to think that I was writing books for the enjoyment of my readers and to spread God’s word through the gift of story.  I still believe that, but I’ve learned over the years that with each book, I am also ministering to my own soul—learning not to carry the burdens of the past and growing on my own spiritual path.

2. What are you reading right now? 
My writing preferences are all over the place, but right now, I am reading Joyland by Stephen King.  It’s a coming of age story that’s a bit scary as well.  J

3. What is your current work in progress? 
I just finished a non-Amish contemporary that was way out of the box for me, and it’s a story that is close to my heart.  It will take the reader from Texas to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. The Promise is totally fiction, but definitely inspired by a true story. 


4. How do you choose your settings for each book?  For my Amish books, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is the setting, and I’ve traveled there several times to meet with Amish friends.  I chose the town of Paradise in Lancaster County because of the quaint, small town feel—and of course, it is home to a huge population of Amish folks.  I live in a small town in Texas, and I love the friendliness of the people and slower pace.  That drew me to Lancaster County too.  I have also released two non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns—Need You Now and The House that Love Built.   

5. What three things about you would surprise readers?  I’m not really a blonde (although that might not surprise anyone).   I sometimes walk around my house whistling the song from The Flintstones (I have no idea why).  I’ve been on a coyote hunt (and won’t be going again).

6, What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? 
I love to paint with acrylics.  I’m not very good at it, but it relaxes me.  And I love to cook and try new recipes.  Luckily for me, my husband will eat just about anything.  There have been a few recipes that didn’t turn out exactly as planned. 

7. What advice would you give to a beginning author? 
It’s so cliché, but never give up.  I believe anyone can get published if they study the craft and have even the tiniest bit of creativity.  Most people will give up because they can’t handle the rejection that usually goes with the territory. 
 
8. Is there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with in Plain Peace?  This would tie back to me ministering to my own sole.  Peace comes from within based on the way we live our lives, our relationships with others, and certainly our relationship with God.  Live your life in a way that nurtures others and makes you feel good about yourself. 

9. How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all?  I think there is always a little part of me in every character—even the bad ones, lol.  For example, I tend to carry the burdens of my past.  I forgive others easily, but I have trouble forgiving myself.  And for a long time, I wondered if there was a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to pray.  Those are just a few examples.  But my cup is almost always half full, though, and not half empty.  I find hope in almost all situations.  So themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope usually find a way into my stories, and I think good stories are better when we bear our own souls a little bit.   


10. What’s on the horizon for you?  What will you be writing next?  I will be working on a novella in conjunction with eleven other authors for a compilation of  ‘bride’ stories.  I’m the July bride.  J  From there, I’ll write another Amish novella, then an Amish full-length, then another contemporary, more Amish novellas, and so on...  Lots of books on the horizon.  I’ve been incredibly blessed. 


Answer this question to be entered into the giveaway. Who has been your favorite character in the Daughters of the Promise series, and why?



Beth Wiseman is an award-winning and best-selling author who is best known for her Amish novels, but she is now spreading her wings in other genres as well. Her two latest releases—Need You Now and The House that Love Built—are non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns, both of which have garnished glowing reviews. However, her current project will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. More information on this exciting project will be coming soon!

34 comments:

Sonja said...

I have to admit that I haven't read this, although I have purchased many of them and love them. So it looks like I will need to be on the watch for them. She is one of my favorite Amish authors and I look forward to each book of hers that I can get my hands on! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

I haven't read any of these books yet, but I sure would love to. I hope I can still be entered into your contest

Judy said...

I like Miriam. She had a strong faith for which she was very passionate about. She was also very head strong. If she believed in something she made it possible. I think Miriam and I would have been great friends!

Loved the interview with Beth. Very interesting that she once was a coyote hunter! Much braver than what I am!

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

Nancee said...

I'm sad to say that I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of the books in The Daughters of the Promise series yet! I enjoyed your interview, however!
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Karen G. said...

I have not read any of these books yet. I have them all but waiting for the complete set to start reading. Would love to win and add the newest book to my collection. Thank you for the chance.
Karen G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Unknown said...

I have to say that Sadie Fisher is my favorite from that series.
There were so many things that I liked about her.
I connected with Sadie. I

Wilani Wahl said...

I haven't yet had a privilege of owning or reading one of the books although she has been on my wish list for a long time. this interview has caused even more of a desire to read the books.

wwchildren at gmail dot com

MJR said...

Mirium is my favorite character in thisn series by far.....:)

MJR said...

Mirium is by far my favorite....:)

Tina said...

I love read the series except for the new book "Plain Peace" and I love all of the characters.

I would have to go with Lillian Miller because she has the same name as my great-grandmother who was Mennonite and most of all Lillian Miller reminded me of her and myself.
I feel some days I dont know who I am since my great-grandmother has passed nine years ago, but keeping faith in God has kept me connected to Him and her.

Karo said...

I loved Lillian from Plain Perfect. I love how she changed her life around.

Tina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Suess said...

I love your books and fine them all inspiring and great. God bless

JennieT said...

Love all her books. It is hard to pick. But I love Lillian. the_tabers(at(comcast(dot)net thanks for the interview and giveaway jennie

JoleneKnopick said...

I love Sadie Fisher. I love the bond that grew between her and special needs boy Tyler. I love Plain Promise!

Unknown said...

I have read and love all your books and in this series I love all your characters but do love Sadie Fisher. I admire her strength.

Mary Ellen said...

Lillian is one of my favorites - so many wonderful characters.

Unknown said...

I have read all in the series but this one. I love Miriam and Sadie. Its hard to chose. Her books are awesome. I can't put them down and love all the characters. God has given her a great gift of writing.

Brittany said...

I have read all of the Daughters of the Promise series and I think that Lillian is still my favorite. It is a hard choice. But I was just impressed with how much she had to overcome from her past and how thoroughly she adapted to Amish life.
Brittany McEuen
kbmceuen at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I like Miriam. She has a strong faith for the things she likes ,wants and needs. She is very head strong. If she believed she stuck with her beliefs and it happen. i would love to win the book your books are really good
Shirley Blanchard
jcisforme@aol.com

Momtojandz said...

I think it would be Miriam or Sadie. But Miriam it is. Just something special about her that I seemed to connect with her. Keep writing!! Love your books!!

Lane Hill House said...

I am new to this series. Thank you for offering a copy of Plain Peace. I will be watching for The Promise. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

lanore_lewis said...

This is the series that started my love for the Amish and for the books that are written about them. I have learned so much thru the books and would love win the last one. My favorite one is Sadie. Just loved the whole story line. lanore_lewis@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would say Noah because he continued to give of his time, talent, and even his body to his family even though they shunned him in every sense of the word.

Anonymous said...

I would say Noah because he continued to give of his time, talent, and even his body when his family shunned him in every sense of the word.

Unknown said...

I have not yet read all of the Plain series. Of those I have, Sadie is my fav because of her sweet disposition in dealing with special needs. sheliassnugglies@gmail.com

MT said...

Thank you for a wonderful chance to win. I enjoy your books so much.

Wendy Newcomb said...

I haven't read any books in the series yet although I have some of them I like to read them in order and still need to get the first two in the series.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I like Miriam because of her faith. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net

Amurdock said...

I like Lillian because of her struggle to find peace, her challenge to learn to live in a new culture, and of the relationship building between her and her grandparents as well as with Samuel. Also, I just wanted to add a thank you because often times I finish your stories and want to read more....it was a nice surprise to read bits about Lillian and Samuel in the other Daughters of Promise Series Books. I love it.

Amber amberdawnchris@gmail.com
Kansas City, MO

Unknown said...

I would have to say Miriam because of her never-ending compassion.

Judy
judyfritz@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the whole Daughters Of Promise series and I can't wait to read Plain Peace. If I had to choose a favorite character I would say Carley Marek from Plain Pursuit. I really enjoyed reading about her journey to Amish country and really felt that I could connect with her character.

johnskat133{at}gmail{dot}com

Mamabrown75 said...

I absolutely loved Dr. Noah. Even though he was shunned he never held anything against anyone in the Community that shunned him. He was always there to help and he is such a sweet character. Loved him!

I absolutely LOVE all of your books and am eager to read any and all books of yours, whether it's Amish related or not. You are a wonderful writer!! Thank you!

Karen G. said...

I have not read any of the books in this series. I have most of them in my very, very large TBR pile. Would love a chance to add this one and start reading the series. Thank you.
Karen G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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