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 books. FUN.
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 to a wonderful man, and we are empty nesters—unless you count our two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, pygmy goat, hen, and rooster. I left my job as a newspaper reporter in early 2008 and write novels full time.
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
I’m contracted with Thomas Nelson Publishers for 14 Amish novels and novellas.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
I wrote my first story to my grandparents when I was five years old—On a dark stormy night kind of thing. I’ve written in some capacity most of my life—freelance articles, newspaper reporter, and tons of manuscripts that I should probably burn so no one finds them after I’m dead.
After you started writing seriously–how long was it before you were published?
Hmm…that’s a tough question. When my children were young, I would write a manuscript, send it off, file the rejection notice, then get back to raising children. A few years later, I’d go through the same drill. But in 2006, I realized that writing a good story wasn’t going to be enough, and I began to really study the craft.
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?
Most of my first drafts are done in a recliner. Serious revisions are done locked up in my bedroom. Line edits are done at my kitchen table. When a deadline is on top of me and I need to power write, I leave home and go to my favorite cabin in the woods and hibernate for days until I’m done. Hours per day depends on everything else going on in my life at the time, but at deadline time, I’ll write about 10 hours per day. Normally, I probably average about 5 hours, working around other things my editor or publicist might need and media commitments.
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’ve never been in a writer’s group, and I don’t have a critique partner, but my first responders…those who read the first drafts…make sure I don’t go ‘off’ somewhere I don’t need to. Writers conferences such as ACFW and RWA have been a tremendous help.
Is the “writer’s life” what you thought it would be?
It is nothing like I thought it would be! I had this silly idea that you wrote a book, turned it in, then went on to the next one! Ha ha ha! SO many other steps involved in the entire process. Only thing that is like I thought it would be is that I have the freedom to write in my jammies all day if I choose to.
What are your biggest distractions?
Internet, laundry, food, barking dogs, inability to say ‘no’ to social events, phone calls, and an ongoing ‘to do’ list that begs for items to be checked off.
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
Best moment—call from agent that Thomas Nelson bought the Daughters of the Promise series, on Friday, Dec. 18, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. I haven’t had a bad moment since.
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
There really isn’t anything I don’t like about being a writer, but the most challenging thing for me is balance. My relationships with my family and friends are important, and those relationships must be nurtured, but my deadlines are tight, so I constantly work on balancing everything. As for what I like most—did I mention about writing in my jammies? Seriously, my favorite thing about writing are the letters and emails I receive from readers, especially the ones who say my books have brought them closer to God.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
A good agent knows the publishing business and what is selling at a certain time. He or she will also have good relationships with editors and know how to negotiate a contract. I’m fortunate to have an agent whom I also consider a dear friend.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Don’t just write the book. Study the craft. I believe that anyone can get published if you have thick enough skin to file away the rejection notices and keep going.
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 books.
All of my books include a romance, but there is always much more going on—multiple plots that will appeal to readers of all ages, men and women. I have a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of living, but I stay focused on authenticity, and members of the Amish community read each book prior to publication.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
I’m currently finishing up book #5 in the ‘Daughters of the Promise’ series, Plain Proposal. Next, I’ll write a novella for An Amish Wedding, co-authored with Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Long. After that, I’ll write book #2 in the ‘Land of Canaan’ series, not yet titled. Following that, I’ll start to work on my third series. I’m super excited about the first ‘Land of Canaan’ book—Seek Me With All Your Heart—to release in October 2010. This book follows some of my characters from the ‘Daughters of the Promise’ series to Colorado.
For more info about my books, please visit my website at www.bethwiseman.net.
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders, Beth! (blog + readers = bleaders)
i love beths' books, im sorry i didnt get to listen in to the show yesterday. please enter me in the contest, thank you
Loved reading this post…thanks so much for sharing. Love all your books..can't wait to read what's next!
Loved reading this! Have I ever told you that Beth graduated from my high school the year after I did and we lived one street apart but never met until her first book was published?! She's such a sweetheart!
I love Beths books… I really enjoy reading about the Amish and how their lives differ from mine.
I always like hearing about the lives of the authors and what makes them write.
Enjoyed the "Author Spotlight with Beth Wiseman." Love her books!!
Books by Beth are really heart-touching.I do a lot of soul-searching after reading them.Looking forward to your next title.All the best.
I loved hearing about Beth's life and how she goes about writing her books. Please keep it up. Love to read them.
Beth is such a very open and kind person. There aren't many authors out there that respond to her readers the way she does. She is very blessed and blesses others with her gift!
Enjoyed this interview and loved hearing Beth on "Amish Wisdom" yesterday. As a former journalist, especially liked reading about that part of Beth's journey.
Beth opened my world to Amish fiction. I love her books so much!!
I'd love to win one!
Awe!! You gals are gonna make me cry! Thanks so much for reading my books. 🙂 And special thanks to Suzanne for inviting me to her Author Spotlight.
Beth Wiseman
Beth is a great author – I love the series – it's hard to let go of the characters when she makes you a part of their lives through her stories!
I am a believer, follower and love your site. would love to have a Beth Wiseman book, love that she did not give up and that she would give that advice to others. we are so glad she didn't give up.so both of you keep up the good work. vrush729(at)aol(dot)com
Beth's books brighten my day, and are re-read over and over … would be great to get the new one in the series …
Stephanie Warthen
sajah2000 @ yahoo.com
I love these books. I am so excited for the 5th one to be released. Keep up the awesome work Beth.
Amber Horton
bakerswife10@gmail.com
You don't need to enter me in the contest,as I have the book already, but I couldn't let the opportunity to go by to praise Beth's writing and her ability to show her love and trust in the Lord through her writing. I feel that special closeness whenever I pick up one of Beth's books. The closeness to the Lord is felt whenever I read these books. Keep writing, Beth and I will keep reading!! LOL!
I love her books! She is a wonderful author who always includes God in her books! Can't wait to read the upcoming books!!!
although, i already own this particular book, i would love to enter, i could donate one to my church library
Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your wonderful books! I have loved all them so far.
I too would love a copy of this book. I love reading and it would be a nice addition to my personal library.
I think that Beth Wiseman, is a great author. I have so enjoyed reading her books. Can't wait for the next one.
I love Amish fiction! Would love to win this book.
Would love to read this book! Such a great author!
cluedn@embarqmail.com
A perfect author to be in the spotlight.I have read all of Beths'books so please don't enter me in the draw.I hope someone that needs the peace and joy that these books bring is lucky enough to win it.
thanks you for the opportunity to read beth's fabulous novel 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I enjoy Beth Wiseman's books very much. I would very much like to win an autographed copy.
Kaye Whitney
kayewhitney@bellsouth.net
I love reading about different authors i have read a few books about the Amish over th past years I have not yet read one by you, Beth but i a planning on it real soon
Beth's interview is full of valuable information to the would-be writer, such as myself. I'm quite anxious to read her books. I'd love to win the book in this giveaway and I appreciate so much being given the chance to win. I'm excited for this young lady.
Grace & Joy in Christ,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
I really enjoy reading Beth's books and can't wait to read the new ones!
I love your Amish books. It gives me a calming peace to read. Thank you
I love reading your books and would LOVE to win one. Please enter me in the contest. Janet N.
I've enjoyed Beth's books, and would love to be entered in this contest! Thanks for a great opportunity!
God bless you,
Natalie
I totally love Beth's books!! I have them all, so far. I would love to win a signed book! I am so grateful that God has given Beth the talent for writing such inspiring books.
Looking forward to reading her newest book.
I love Beth's books. Please enter me in the contest. thank you! 🙂
I so enjoy reading Beth's books.. All of my emotions go into overtime, she makes me laugh, cry, get angry, laugh some more.. I can't wait to read her next books… all of them !!!! Maybe some day I will make a book signing.. Rosemary Foley
Hi Beth,
Not sure if I have entered this one or not, but also would like to win one of your books.Keep up the good work and look forward to your next one…..
Haven't read any of Beth's books yet, but would love to!
Love Beth's books and can't wait for her newest..love the amish series. I always wanted a pot bellied pigs and you have two 😉
Have a great week!
My 11 year old granddaughter, Sarah, and I love all Amish books! Please enter my name in your contest. Blessings, Barbara
Looking forward to reading this book. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks and God Bless.
These are such great books!!!
Love these books would love to win this!
Can't wait to read Beth's new book!
This young lady has been greatly blessed with the dreams to write about and the words to write them. Congratulations, Beth on you success and I pray God's continuous blessings on your faith and belief. You have been given an enviable talent…but I shouldn't say envy…didn't God tell us not to envy? LOL OK, then I wish I had your admirable talent.
Sharing God's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
I absolutely love Beth's books! Keep them coming! Can't wait to read the next one.
I would love to win any one-of your books they are all FANTASTIC, please put my name in the drawing
klobucher@att.net
The Lord has blessed Beth with a wonderful gift. I have read all of her books thus far. Please enter me!
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
I enjoyed reading this post! I cannot wait to read this series!
I like (I avoide the word love – it seems overused) Beth's books and would love to read this one.