Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight giveaway of A Marriage in Middlebury is Rhonda Lovell! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.
This week we are featuring Beth Wiseman! To enter to win a copy of her new book Plain Peace (Thomas Nelson), leave a comment on this post (U.S. addresses only).
Tell us a little about your new book. Plain Peace is book #6 in the Daughters of the Promise series. I love this story because it explores the relationships between so many of the different characters. Here is the blurb from the back cover:
Anna loves the grandfather who raised her, but his strict adherence to the Ordnung is scaring away any boy who might be interested in her—except newcomer Jacob.
In normal circumstances, Anna Byler would have her choice of any of the young men in her Amish community. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather, the bishop, the available suitors are afraid to court her. Then handsome Jacob Hostetler moves to Paradise and decides Anna is worth the challenge.
Anna sees that the bishop’s legalism is dividing the community and risking the lives of its members—but her grandfather doesn’t. Anna feels her own faith slipping when she is forced to deception in order to pursue her dream of marriage and family with Jacob. If only she could get her grandmother to help her stand up to the bishop. But Mammi is keeping secrets of her own.
Anna wants to honor her grandparents, the two most important people in her life, but her heart is divided by the rules that guide their little Amish community and the growing love she has for Jacob. How can she be true to both?
How can readers find you and your books? I spend most of my time at ‘Fans of Beth Wiseman’ on Facebook. I also have a website at www.bethwiseman.com.
Anything new for you on the book horizon? I’m in the process of alternating between Amish books and non-Amish contemporaries. I also have a lot of novellas on the horizon. This is really the best of both for me. It’s like traveling to favorite destinations to visit old friends. Although, my next book—The Promise—will be a bit different than what I’ve done in the past. It’s a non-Amish contemporary that will take my readers across the world as my character embarks on a dangerous journey, questions her Christianity, and fights for her life. But even though I’m journeying in other directions, there are lots of Amish stories coming as well. 🙂
Why do you write? I don’t know if I could have given a good response to this question a few years ago. I probably would have said something cliché or given a stock answer. But the truth is that these stories minister to my soul. I hope that readers find my books entertaining and uplifting, and it is my desire that the reader will close the book with renewed feelings of faith, hope, and love. But I am truly pulling from the deepest parts of myself as many real life experiences find their way into my stories. God always has a plan, and if I had not experienced certain things in the past, I don’t think I would feel qualified to cover these topics. I’m flawed. My characters are flawed. And that is real life.
What are you best known for . . . writing or otherwise? I got my break writing Amish books, but I think I’m pretty well known for my love of shoes as well . . . lol. And I’m incredibly transparent. What you see is what you get, the good and the bad. I just try to spend each day being the best person that I can be.
Best author moment? When I won the Carol Award in 2011. I was fortunate to win it again this year, but that first time was my best author moment. I cried through my entire acceptance speech, and my head hurt so badly that I really did think I was going to have a stroke on stage. I just couldn’t believe it . . .
Worst author moment? I am racking my brain for a bad moment, but if it’s taking me this long, there must not have been one. If there was, I’ve gotten over it, buried it, and not let it hinder progress.
If you weren’t able to write, what would you do? Cry. Cry. Cry. Then I’d probably have to pick myself up and dive into another type of creative outlet. I love to paint in acrylics, even though I’m not very good at it.
Describe your ideal circumstances to write. I love my office (especially when it’s clean, lol), but when I need a change of scenery, there are two favorite places that I run to. I have friends in Colorado with a gorgeous house in the Rocky Mountains, and I love to go there when it’s snowing and have a fire in the fireplace. The view is amazing, and my friends nurture and take care of me—not always an easy task when I’m stressing under a deadline. My other favorite place is at the beach in Port Aransas, especially when there is nice cool breeze so that I can sit outside and hear the soothing sounds of the ocean as I write. That special spot is courtesy of my assistant, Janet. She is also very warm and nurturing, something I seem to need when I’m trying to finish up a book.
Right this moment, what does your office look like? My office is spotless. But that’s only because I just finished a book, and I like a fresh, clean office before I start another one. It was a disaster area with notes, papers, research everywhere. So, I packed it all up, dusted, and I’m ready for the next book.
How would you describe your writing style to a reader? Simplistically deep. I think my books are easy reads, but thought provoking. And there are always with messages of hope, faith, redemption, and forgiveness.
If you could write any book—on any topic—and be guaranteed a publishing contract, what topic would it be? (Or genre?) I think I just wrote that book! The Promise is mainstream fiction, longer than anything I’ve done before, and it delves into some issues that are prevalent in our lives now—religious prejudices, for example.
Ever had a bad review? How did you handle it? They say you’re not in the game until you are getting bad reviews, so I tried to remember that when I got a really bad one early in my career. I handled it badly. I went public on Facebook and cried to friends and readers. Not only did I get my hand slapped by my publicist (lovingly slapped), but my loyal followers bashed the reviewer on his site and it sort of went viral in our little circle. Then a radio station came calling and wanted to interview me about the whole ordeal. We declined, lol. Now, I cry silently if I get a really bad review, knowing that you can’t please everyone.
What’s one thing you learned about the publishing industry in the last five years? Last year? Last six months? I could probably write a book on everything I’ve learned about the publishing industry in the last five years, since I didn’t know anything when I started. But here are a few things that top the list: There will always be readers, but the publishing industry is still learning how to navigate in this new—and constantly changing—digital era. I’ve also learned that, sometimes, the world isn’t ready for the book of your heart—and more importantly, an author isn’t ready to write it yet. An author must earn her wings before she can fly in a new direction, such is the case when I when I was blessed with the opportunity to write The Promise.
Also, in the last five years, I’ve learned that writing is the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it garnishes the most rewards—and I don’t mean physical awards, but the rewards of the heart, the amazing emails and letters I get from readers. I’ve also learned that I’ve truly been given a gift, and with that comes responsibility to the reader.
In the past year, I’ve had to learn to be flexible. Editors, publishers, and agents change, right along with the changes within the industry, and change can be overwhelming only if you let it be. But change can be a good thing. And finally, over the last six months I have learned to recognize that the entire publishing empire will not go crumbling to the ground if I am two weeks late on a manuscript. That’s not to say I want to be habitually late, but I stressed out about it way too much.
How do you solve a grammar dilemma? The editor is always right. 🙂
Are you an introvert? Extrovert? In between? Totally 100% extrovert. Probably to a fault sometimes. I talk a lot . . . lol!
Do you enjoy public speaking as an author? Why or why not? Yes, I enjoy public speaking (see above answer). I love to write stories, and I love to talk about those stories, along with a host of other topics. I’m just chatty in general.
Can a person make a living as a writer? If you are fortunate and blessed enough to be in exactly the right place, at exactly the right time, and if you are totally committed to the craft and the hours you will have to put in to attain your dream—then, yes . . . you can make a living writing.
What are you working on now? Newest release? I’m starting on a fantastic project in conjunction with eleven other authors. The collection is called A Year of Weddings novella series, and each of the twelve authors are writing about a bride in each of the twelve months. My story will take place in July.
The House that Love Built—a contemporary based in Smithville, Texas—released this past April. Plain Peace released in November. And there are lots of Amish novellas in the works prior to my next full-length contemporary—The Promise—which will release in June of next year.
Any last thoughts to share? I love what I do. I’m exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. It took a long time to get here. But I am so incredibly grateful to my friends, family, readers, and of course our wonderful, wonderful God.
[Tweet “What has @bethwiseman learned about the publishing industry? Find out on @SuzanneWFisher’s blog!'”]
Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s highly-anticipated novel, The Promise,is inspired by a true story.
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Good news! The following books are on sale during the month of December:
You can get The Choice for FREE from Nook, Kindle, and CBD from now until December 31!
The Lesson is $3.99 for Kindle until December 22.
And A Lancaster County Christmas is just $6.99 until December 31st from Kindle, Nook, or CBD.
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I am looking forward to reading your new book in this series and the new anthology. I have enjoyed all of your books. I think Plain Promise is my favorite. I am not sure exactly why, although I did enjoy all the snow scenes.
I’d love to be entered in the contest for your new book!
I can’t wait to read the new book. I have several of your books. I read about 8 books a week. Sometimes more. I can’t seem to give them away. They are stacking up everywhere. Love anything written about the Amish. i would love to win this copy!!
Keep up the great work.
Great interview, Beth! I always enjoy getting to know you better, even through a Q&A. Thanks for taking time to share your life with my blog readers. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! Warmly, Suzanne
I would absolutely love to read Plain Peace. I also loved your blog. I like the fact that when it came to your “worst” response as an author you said that you “couldn’t remember, done, buried and moved forward”. What a great way to handle it!! I’m also looking forward to your new book “The Promise”. It sounds like such a great book. I will be watching for it. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win Plain Peace. Judy F
Enjoyed the blog and I would love to read Plain Peace. You both are wonderful writers.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing about the whole whoha regarding your bad review, I can tell it was a lesson learned. I would love to win and read this book!
This story looks great. I would love to read it.
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Had not seen this book of Beth Wiseman’s yet – I would love to win a copy! 🙂
I loved this interview with Beth. I have been a long time fan of hers. I am looking forward to reading “Plain Peace.” Winning a copy of it would be great. Thanks Suzanne for having Beth in the Spotlight today!
Blessings!
Judy B
sounds like another great book
Sounds really interesting! I love reading how people discover freedom in Christ from rules and legalism. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love a chance to win a copy of Plain Peace. Great interview, thanks for sharing!
I can’t wait to read this new book. I’ve read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed reading this interview and learning more about an author whose work I like reading.
I have not yet read your newest book ! Would love to ! I am so glad you have an outlet as painting, I use to paint it takes practice , lots of it. I like a clean place to craft as well. Would love to win Plain Peace !
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Great interview. Plain Peace sounds wonderful.Please enter me in contest.Thank you for the opportunity to win .I enjoy reading your books.
I thought your interview was great. Please enter me in your giveaway of Plain Peace. I love to read. And I am always looking for a new author and/or new book to read. Thank you for the chance to win your giveaway.
Have a great day! 🙂
Really enjoyed reading interview love Beth’s books has well has many other amish authors.
I would love to win a copy of Beth’s latest book!
Fascinating interview! Love that she is a “real” person and willing to admit she is flawed. I’d love to win her book!
Thank you.
I love all your books and I can’t wait to read this one “Plain Peace” God bless!!
Great interview!!! I have read some of her books and they are fantastic. I am looking forward to her future books. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of her books.
I love reading Beth Wiseman’s books!! She is a great writer! I look forward to reading this one.
Would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!
I would love to read this book . I Wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year in case i forget to say it later .
Always interesting to read about our authors! Thanks Suzanne for the chance to win one of Beth’s books!
I learn something new about the authors I enjoy every time I read a new interview. It’s extra special when the interviewer AND interviewee are both favorites of mine. Would love to win a new book! donnaeharmon@yahoo.com
I love learning about authors. Thank you for the wonderful interview. Great authors, great books!
I think your Plain series is my favorite. I can’t wait to read the newest one.
I like that Anna wants to honor her grandparents and Jacob. I love that your books contain messages of hope, faith, redemption, and forgiveness.
I’ve read all of the Daughters of Promise books. They’re fantastic books. Would love to win this book. Looking forward to reading it. If I don’t win this book, hopefully my library will get a copy. Thank you for the chance to win this book and please enter my name.
I have read as many Amish stories as i can get my hands on or download to my kindle. Love them! I can only imagine this will be right up there with the best of your writings! Throw my name in the hat, I’d love to win a free book! Thanks!
Im looking forward in reading your new book would love to win this book thank Suzanne and the plain series is my favorites
Beth, I really enjoyed your interview. I read and love all your books. I would love to win.
I loved learning more about Beth Wiseman! Thank you so much for sharing this spotlight and for the opportunity to win a copy of PLAIN PEACE.
I’d LOVE to win!!
Thank you for sharing this interview. Winning this book would be a great way to finish out the series.
Oh, Beth, I do so love your books! Thanks for the wonderful interview, and thanks for the chance to win your book! :o))))
Debbie Rhoades
Thank you for this contest!
Thanks for sharing this interview and the opportunity to win! I love reading your books!
Great interview.Thanks for sharing.I love your books.
Wonderful interview, shoes now who would have thought that would be her answer..love of shoes. Golly gee, my oh me.
I loved reading this series and would love to win this one…but I will read it one day sooner or later…just hope it is sooner with a win.
Merry Christmas Ladies
Paula O
Love your books and own all the previous books in this series ! Also I have to disagree that your not that great of a painter .I won your painting during a chat party and I love displaying it especially during the winter weather since it’s a pretty winter scene!
Your book sounds really good!
this was a great interview, I am looking forward to reading a new author!
Great interview. Would love a chance to win and read Beth’s new book. Thank you for the chance.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Thanks for a chance to win.Sounds like a good book.
I love all of Beth Wiseman’s books. Would love to win this one.
I love Beth Wiseman and I have read each of her books. I would love to win a copy of the new book, Plain Peace. I am sure, without a doubt, that it will be as wonderful as the other books in the series. Merry Christmas.
Love this series, please pick me! Wonderful author.
would love to win
Beth is the best author out there. A wonderful human being. She is dedicated to God, her family, friends and readers, as well as her writing. When I read her books, I laugh, cry and when I’m done reading a book from her I am greatly satisfied because her stories make me think about God and people. Her stories bring so much happiness to my life. Her friendship as well. Love you Beth.
I am meeting with the Christian bookseller for our library tomorrow and I’m hoping she has your new book. If so, I’ll buy it and if I win this one, I’ll keep it. If she doesn’t have it, and I win, I’ll read it then donate it! Either way I know I’ll have a great read!
I can not wait to read your book.
I would love to win Plain Peace as I enjoy Amish fiction. Thanks for the giveaway. sharon, CA
I like Reading and to be able to enjoy reading your books is a Pleasure. Enter me in to the Giveaway… Thank You..
I’ve read a couple of Beth’s books. Her interview encourages me to read more. She presents herself in such a friendly manner, it seems like she is a friend. I’ll be looking for her at the bookstore and library.
I just finished “The House That Love Built” and look forward to reading more of Beth’s books. “Plain Peace” is one I have on my “to-read” list.
I just love the thought provoking aspect of your books.
Hello to Suzanne and to Beth. I enjoyed this interview. Beth, I’d say you might have remembered your worse moment when you told us us the bad review that man gave you. So, you almost got interviewed over it, huh? That’s funny. I am so excited about Plain Peace. I want to win it so bad, since I have the other five. It would be great. Thanks for the chance. Some way I haven’t seen many of these interviews yet. I did think your book Need You Now was a real touching book. I would definitely recommend it to others. Please put my name in for the drawing. MAXIE
mac262(at)me(dot)com
I love reading about the PLAIN life… would love to win Plain Peace.
thanks for this chance to win your new book Plain Peace
Please enter me in your Plain Peace giveaway. thanks
Love your books. Especially during holidays that find us far from loved ones. They help heal the heart of loneliness, and make us feel like family.
I would love to win Beth’s new book Plain Peace. Oh how wonderful if we could live such a simple life. Thanks
I love Amish books. I haven’t read this one and would like to add it to y collection. I find a great deal of peace when I read an Amish book. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Great interview Beth!!Love to win your book!
“The Choice” sounds like a wonderful story! I would love to win it.
I’m new to Beth Wiseman books, I would love to read “Plain Peace”! I love to read Amish books and I think this would be really good. Thanks for the giveaway and introducing me to a new author.
Players spend their XP to purchase abilities for their characters.
They also experience confidence and mastery through play.
TAP DRAGON PARKPOCKET GEMSPremium dragons have arrived in Tap Dragon Park.
I comment when I like a post on a site or if I have something to valuable to contribute
to the conversation. Usually it’s caused by the fire displayed in the post I read.
And after this post Interview with Beth Wiseman. I was moved enough to post a thought 🙂
I actually do have a couple of questions for you
if it’s okay. Is it simply me or do a few of these remarks look like they are
left by brain dead individuals? 😛 And, if you are posting on additional online sites,
I’d like to follow anything new you have to post. Could you make a
list every one of all your communal pages like your linkedin profile,
Facebook page or twitter feed?