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 the last Author Spotlight giveaway of The Headmistress of Rosemere is Brenda Ayers! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.
This week we are featuring Ruth Reid! To enter to win a copy of her book, A Miracle of Hope (Thomas Nelson), leave a comment on this post.
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
I’m married with three children. My oldest started college this year. Go Gators! My other two are still in middle school. In addition to writing, I work full-time as a pharmacist. I try to squeeze in hobbies like photography and quilting, but finding the time is harder and harder to do.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I write Amish romance. Since living in a growing Amish community during college, I’ve been fascinated with their simple way of life.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I dreamt of being an author since I entered a young authors writing contest. Of course my dreams haven’t all come true. I don’t own a cabin on a remote lake where I spend the summer writing. I even painted a picture in 1988 and labeled it my writing cabin—but it’s a winter scene on an ice-covered lake. Since I’ve gotten older, I’ve altered my dream. I’d rather spend the summer on the lake.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
It took a little over three years.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
I eat way too many peppermints while writing. I write mainly in my office, but I’ve been known to write while my daughter is in gymnastics, while in bed, and even while soaking in the tub. I have paper and pens all over my house.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
I joined a critique group and formed wonderful friendships with people I trust to tell me when it stinks. They do too.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
Yes, having to write on deadlines is more work than I thought, but I was sure I would love the writer’s life and I do. I hope one day I’ll be able to write full time.
What are your biggest distractions?
Lately the Hallmark channel. I think I’ve watched every Christmas movie made. Twice.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
The best moments are when I held my first contract in my hands and saw the cover of my first book. A worst time was when I read a poor review. I thought I was prepared—but I still cried.
If you could cook one meal for us, what would it be?
I’d be safe and order pizza.
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
A follower of Christ, a woman of deep faith, and a loving mother and wife.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
I least like promoting my book. It’s hard. What I like most about writing is creating characters. Each book I have a new set of friends.
Why do you write?
The same way God calls some to go into the mission field, I believe, God’s called me to write. We are all meant to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and I find writing allows me to show Christ’s love through my not-so-perfect characters.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I’m blessed to have a wonderful agent. She was the one who suggested I write an Amish story and I’m so glad I listened to her advice.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Get involved in an active critique group and do everything you can to study the craft.
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
A Miracle of Hope is an Amish romance about a pregnant, out-of-wedlock, woman who needs a fresh start and a man who needs someone to care for his deaf daughter. Neither of them are thrilled about a marriage of convince, but they enter into the arrangement with a firm understanding—it isn’t about love—until someone breaks the rules.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
I’m working on a Christmas novella (2014 release) and Woodland Miracle, the second book in the Amish Wonders series.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
Christianbook.com
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Website
Facebook
[Tweet “Get to know @AuthorRuthReid on @SuzanneWFisher’s blog!'”]
###
Good news! I’m giving away TWO iPads, TWO Kindles, and TWO Nooks to celebrate the release of The Calling! Check out my contest page for more details. Hurry, contest ends 2/8!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
I am looking forward to reading your new book. I’ve enjoyed reading your other stories. Thanks for entering me in the contest.
Kathleen
Thank you for the contest—-Would love to win this book
I love Ruth’s books and I can’t wait to read A Miracle of Hope! I would be thrilled to win a copy.
Some day I hope to meet Ruth in person. She doesn’t live far from my step-daughter! What a wonderful day that would be if I ever get that chance!
Blessings!
Judy B
I would love this book by Ruth Reid, I have read some of her other Amish books and loved them.
Thanks –
Kim
I would love to read this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview but her answer to how she wants to be remembered is exactly how I want to be remembered! I wish her continued success and I appreciate the giveaway!
I would love to win your new boo. I enjoyed reading your other books.
I cannot wait to read this book! Suzanne, you always have amazing, new and interesting authors for us to discover!
Love the cover of her book. Can’t wait to read it, hoping to win, thanks.
I love a good Amish story! this sounds wonderful!
I love your books Ruth!
I am an Amish fiction junkie!
Excellent interview Suzanne!
Love your books also.
Would so love to win!
Keep up the wonderful writing ladies!
Would love to win this book. Look forward to reading it and enjoying it.
This looks like a very good story.. Would love to win it..
How do you ever find time to write! Such a busy life! Would love to read your new book.
This looks like a book I would love! I’d love to win a copy.
Thank you for this interview. I would love to win a copy of this book.
I would love to win a copy of this new book. I am our church librarian and I am always looking for new, good books. If I win, I would read the book and then put it in the library so many others could enjoy it also. Thank you for this opportunity. God Bless!
I look forward to reading this book and would love to win this contest.
Would love to read it!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I’d order pizza, also. 😉
I love reading Amish romance and Amish suspense
Definitely going to look up Miracle of Hope sounds great. Thanks for entering me in your contest also.
I so appreciate the simplicity, yet hardworking Amish way of life.
I stayed home from work due to illness today and just finished A Miracle of HOpe and have to say I loved it! I would love to win this for a friend.
A Miracle of Hope sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a wonderful week.I enjoy reading your books.
I haven’t read any of her books yet, but I love Amish fiction. I live in Lancaster County!
I’m curious where you went to college, so that you were close to an Amish community! (I live in Wayne County, OH–just above Holmes County & one of my favorite quilt shops is in Millersburg!) This books sounds like one that I would NOT be able to put down! THANKS 4 sharing!
I always enjoy books where it begins with a marriage of convenience and we get to watch the couples love bloom. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
This sounds like a book that I would love to read. I am fascinated with Amish romance stories and no one that I tell this to gets it!
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds so good.
Love, love, love Amish romane and Amish suspense.
Hello Suzanne! In all honesty, I have not yet read your books but they sure look interesting and I am curious about the Amish way of life so, I hope to be chosen to win A Miracle of Hope. Thanks!
Would love to read this book!
I always love to read ‘new-to-me’ authors!! Would love to win/read this book!!
Would love to read your new book!
This sounds like a great book!
Thank you for this chance to win A Miracle of Hope.
I cant wait to get my hands on Ruth’s “A Miracle of Hope” and it sure does said very interesting. I just goes to show how well I paid attention to the story of “A Miracle of Hope” when I posted it to my facebook page ‘Amish Book Previews’. I love promoting Amish Books!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAPPY WRITING
I haven’t read any of Ruth’s books yet but this sure sounds like a good one!! I would love to win!
I would love to read this book. sounds so good!
Choose me, please!
csaunderson123@gmail.com
Sounds like a good read. Choose me, please!
csaunderson123@gmail.com
I really like what you said about being remembered as a follower of Christ & a woman of faith, I hope others see Christ in me, I do my best to set a good example of being a Christian around others. I love the Hallmark channel! I watched all the Christmas movies, never get tired of them! I’d love to win a copy of your book, I’ve never read any of your books. I enjoy reading from new authors.
This book sounds very interesting!
This book sounds like one I would like to read. Hope I win one.
Your book has one of my favorite story lines in it.
Would love to win this book. I can’t wait to read it.
Thanks.
Your book sounds great! I’m glad that you find time to write in your busy schedule!! Wow! I love the Hallmark Channel too. The movies are excellent. I love Christmas movies (especially Hallmark) even in July! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you!
Great interview!! thanks!
Very interesting combination – pharmacist and writer! I enjoyed reading about this author, since she is new to me. I’ll have to check her books out! Thanks for the chance to win!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Amish reading is the best!!!! It helps us find answers to many questions. I would love to add this book to my collection.
I can’t believe you write in addition to being a pharmacist! I am a tech and know how busy pharmacists are. I would love to read your book
Please accept my entry. I’m a 43 yr old mom of 2 adult children in college. I love to read anything. I’m also a published poet.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I’d like to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Looks like a wonderful book – would love to win!
This book sounds great please enter my name for the drawing thank you
Ruth, I haven’t read any of your books yet (which will change quickly), you had me pulled in with watching Hallmark movies, eating peppermints and Go Gators!!
I have read a few of your books and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I would like to enter the contest and win a copy of your new book, “A Miracle of Hope” and I would also like to thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest! jynhoffman@yahoo.com
I have not read any of your books yet, but I would love to begin reading them. Thank you for the contest.
A New Book!!! YEAH!!
Great interview! Sounds like a good book.
I admire your faith in Christ and following His teachings. I pray that the Lord will help me improve my Christian walk. I would love to read Ruth’s new book!
This book sounds great. That you for the wonderful interview.
melback at cebridge dot net
Ruth, thank you for sharing with us. It’s always nice to learn of a new author. Would love to read your book.
I’d love to win this book. Looking forward to reading it.
Hello Suzanne and hi to Ruth. Your book sure sounds good. Sounds like you have a very busy life. Don’t see how you can have so much on your plate and still write. Especially being a full-time Pharmacist. But, I’m glad you do and I’d love to win this book of yours. Thanks Suzanne for the give-away and having Ruth for the guest post. Please add my name to the drawing.
Maxie
Amish fiction is my favorite genre to read. The story sounds great in this book and I would love to read Ruth’s book. Great interview Suzanne.
I really enjoyed the interview. Also very impressed with the many activities in her life. Her answer to being remembered showed exactly the type of person anyone would be proud to be. I would like to think I could be remembered that way as well. Thank you for the chance to enter.
Oh no, one in college? And you say, ‘Go Gators’?! ARGH! Okay, now seriously, I’m just kidding. Just had to say that being from Tennessee. 🙂 Anyway, it’s nice to get to know you a little. Thank you for the fun!
~Amanda~
Hi Ruth! Your comment about watching the Hallmark Christmas movies made me smile. Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed! Loved how many comments you got! Lots of fans. Warmly, Suzanne
I enjoyed Ruth’s lovely interview and would love to win a copy of her newest release! Thank you!
Would enjoy reading this book.
Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
I just read this book by Ruth Reid. I stayed up late to finsh it! Wonderful book. I’d like to read more by her. I’ve liked almost every Amish/Mennonite book I’ve ever read. Remind me of home — central Pennsylvania! 🙂
I would love to win a copy of this book.
Great interview! Love the cover of the book. I’m new to Ruth’s books but would love to read this, sounds so good. Ruth you made me say “oh yes, she watches Hallmarks Christmas Movies”! You made me smile, I watch them every year over and over again. I also would love to have a cabin on the lake but for different reasons. I love to fish, ride the lake on a Pontoon Boat, and just sit a the cabin and over look the lake. I would love to win a copy of your book. I hope I’m remember that I believe in Christ, a woman of faith, an a loving mother and grandmother. Thank you for letting us know about your life, Ruth and thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy of this book.
I don’t know how you do everything! you must have such a busy schedule! Just read A Miracle of Hope. Wonderful! I love your books! Have a blessed day! 🙂