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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.

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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.

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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?MiracleOfHope

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

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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!

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