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 with Shelley Shepard Gray is Kathleen Berman! Please email info@suzannewoodsfisher.com with your mailing address!
This week we are featuring Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould! To win a copy of their new book, The Amish Seamstress (Harvest House Publishers, 2013) leave a comment on this post.
Tell us a little about your new book . . .
Our new book is The Amish Seamstress, the fourth and last in The Women of Lancaster County series. It’s a satisfying grand finale, although we were both a little sad that it’s come to an end.
How can readers find you and your books?
You can find Mindy at www.mindystarnsclark.com and Leslie at www.lesliegould.com. Our books are in bookstores and on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com and other sites.
How did you come about co-authoring?
Our agent, Chip MacGregor, recognized that our writing voices were very similar and suggested that we collaborate. He was right! Our styles have meshed seamlessly (pun intended). ☺
What has been you best co-author moment?
Winning the Christy in 2012 (Best Contemporary Novel in a Series Category) has to have been our crowning moment as a writing team. Our husbands, publisher, and agent were all with us. It was such a privilege to have The Amish Midwife be a finalist—and then an absolute joy to win. In a way, winning the award as a team made it twice as special, because we were able to share the thrill.
Worst co-author moment?
Lol, we’ve had some all-night editing sessions before deadlines, going back and forth by e-mail to finish the manuscript. But it wasn’t all bad—we developed an amazing sense of camaraderie working that way and it’s much better to share the experience with someone than do it alone.
Because Mindy lives in Pennsylvania and Leslie lives in Oregon, do you do all of your back-and-forth work by email?
Mostly, although we have been able to meet in person and talk through story ideas a couple of times, for example when Leslie was in Pennsylvania doing research. We also talk on the phone when needed to brainstorm plot points and character motivation.
In the eleventh hour, it’s not uncommon for us to start resorting to emergency texts. And in final edits, we’ll even shoot off iPhone recordings, explaining various edits we’ve made, rather than taking time to call or email.
Basically, if there is some form of communication, we have used it in the course of writing these books!
How do your writing gifts complement each other’s work?
Mindy is great with plotting and pacing, and Leslie is wonderful with character development and infusing emotion into the story. We like to say that together we make the perfect author! ☺
Adding to the mix are the unique elements we bring to the Amish genre. Mindy is generally the one who keeps an eye on the Amish facts and makes sure there are no errors, while Leslie bring a deep insight into the Amish mindset and character. Though neither of us has a Plain background, we have been able to research the topic extensively—both through scholarly research and via personal research trips and relationships—and contribute our own knowledge and impressions to the stories we write.
Finally, though The Women of Lancaster County novels aren’t mysteries, there are strong elements of mystery in each one, thanks to Mindy.
We should point out that our husbands are also gifted with the ability to brainstorm. They have both been enormously helpful in shaping these stories.
What are some of the topics of interest the two of you incorporated into The Women of Lancaster County series?
We both have experienced adoption in our families—Mindy’s brother and Leslie’s daughter—which is a theme that runs through the entire series. We also explored midwifery, Anabaptist history, both leaving and joining the Amish, and Native American history in Pennsylvania. We thoroughly enjoyed the research for the entire series.
How are readers responding to The Amish Seamstress?
One of our early reviewers wrote: Each time I read a new offering from the talented storytellers, Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark, I say to myself, “This is my favorite!” The Amish Seamstress is no exception. From the first page, I was drawn into the story of Izzy Mueller, her search for her career, relationship with Zed, faith journey, and a place that she didn’t feel like an outsider. I loved the masterful way Leslie and Mindy weaved the history of the Indians and Amish together with Izzy’s own ancestry. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story! This book will not disappoint!”
The general consensus is that readers are very satisfied with how we tied together the series.
What are you working on now? Newest releases?
Mindy has a nonfiction book coming out this month, called Plain Answers About the Amish Life. She just finished The Amish Groom, which is the first book in The Men of Lancaster County series with co-author Susan Meissner (to be released April 2014.) They are now starting on the second book that series, The Amish Blacksmith.
Leslie is working on The Courtships of Lancaster County series, which consists of four novels inspired by Shakespeare plays. Courting Cate (The Taming of the Shrew) and Adoring Addie (Romeo and Juliet) are already out. She’s finishing up Minding Molly (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and is currently writing Becoming Bea (Much Ado About Nothing).
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I think the blending of two writing talents is a fabulous idea. Each giving their best to make wonderful books….you two girls have proved yourselves over and over. Thank you for what you do and thank you for these wonderfully informative interviews.
Pick me, I love Amish fiction 🙂
i love reading about the Amish and do not like to put the books down.
This sounds like a great collaboration!
It intrigues me how 2 people can write one book and have it flow so well! I can’t imagine being that in sync with another person, but it certainly works for you both! Thank you for sharing your talents with the reading public. I love Amish fiction!
I can’t wait to read the last book in this series. The Amish midwife was a book I couldn’t put down but it seems like I feel that way about most of the books you have written! It is great the way you both can blend your books and talents together a real gift from God for sure. Looking forward to seeing all your future books.
My excitement grew adundantly as I read to the end of all that’s
ahead for readers from these two gifted writers!
Even a Lancaster gent’s series!!! Can’t wait!!
Would love winning An Amish Seamstress 😉
Congratulations to Kathleen Burman on last weeks win!
You both are amazing writers to be able to be so far apart yet write great books. Would love to win the book
Wow! I think co-writing just gives your readers more joys to experience while reading your books. Amish fiction are my favorite books to read. Always a joy! Keep up the good work. Thanks.
oooh! It all sounds so thrilling! Mindy, I love all of your books that I have read and Leslie, I have so been wanting to read yours. Thank you for the lovely interview. I really enjoyed reading about you both and I would be delighted to win..:)
Blessings,
Juli
I am new to the Amish stories. But I have loved the ones I have read. I am always happy to read about new authors and new books (ex: Christian Romance/Amish stories) I always like when authors that have an amazing blessing of writing beautiful stories get together to make one. It makes for a beautiful combination. Thank you for the opportunity of being able to win a copy of your book. Blessings. Keren
I love all things Amish and am addicted to Amish books. I would love to have this book to read over and over and not have to wait for it from the library. I try to incorporate some of the Amish simplicity into my life and home.
I found it interesting reading about how you co-authored this book. This book sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it.
I can not wait to read this newest book! I LOVE these Women of Lancaster County books as well as all the other books written by Mindy. Keep them coming!!
I have loved this series and am sorry to see it end. Your styles of writing do mess very well and have been a pleasure to read . I look forward to this new book.
I love Mindy Starnes books, but have not tried Leslie Gould. I will have to check out earlier books in this series. Would love to win this one. Thanks for the opportunity. God Bless.
I would love to win this book.
I always love reading a new author and then finding that I must read all of the books from the author, as I did with you Suzanne! I have read Mindi’s books, but I don’t ever remember reading a book from Leslie Gould! Looking forward to it.
I’d love to read this book. Both these writer’s are good at keeping your attention!
Thanks for a chance to win.
Thanks for introducing new authors to your readers. I love reading anything about the Amish and their way of life. I just finished Amish Values for your family. Thanks for everything you share.
I enjoyed reading this weeks (co)Author Spotlight!! It sounds like Co-Authoring is really working for them 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of their new book!
That’s great they have such a cohesive co-authoring relationship 🙂 I’d love to win their book!
Love to learn more about the authors. Thanks for sharing. Would love to win the book! God Bless.
donnac.taylor@hotmail.com
Want to read this book!
I just love to read amish novels..I either get them at the library or purchase them and donate them to library after reading
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the opportunity
This book is definitely going on my want to read list. I would love to win a copy of the book
What a blessing to have two talented writers come together and write a book together. I love reading the amish fiction novels they have been a real blessing. It is nice to be able to read wholesome Christian books. Than you for this chance to be able to win a copy The Amish Seamstress. May God continue to bless both of you in your writing!
It is so interesting to hear your perspective on writing together. I love to hear how authors develop their books and I’m sure working together on a story can be a lot of fun.
My mom was a seamstress all her life in Brooklyn New York so I know the challenges and rewards of such… I would love to win a copy of the Amish Seamstress! Thank you for this chance.
I love reading the amish books. I can’t write one story and to have 2 people write a book that flows so well together is amazing. Great job and well done.
I would love the chance to win this new book in the series… The Amish Seamstress… thanks
I’ve only read one of your books, but loved it. Can’t wait to read more.
Co-writing is difficult by itself…adding the distance these two authors faced must have added even more stress. How wonderful they could meld their talents into one book!
I am glad to get a little insight into how a co-authored book is done. I have always wondered how they managed it. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. It looks like a great story.
Wow! This is so cool that the 2 of you have co-authored books, AND, that you live over 1/2 continent apart! Only GOD could have orchestrated the 2 of you meeting!
THANKS for a great giveaway!
I did co-write a book, and it isn’t always easy, but when it is done right, you can’t tell who wrote what parts of the story. I commend authors who are able to do this, and still be friends, afterward.
What a great opportunity to win this new book in the Lancaster Series… the Amish Seamstress. Thank you so much.
It would be a blessing to win a copy of their new book – The Amish Seamstress… thanks so much
I thought this interview was very fascinating. I wondered how they were able to co-author living so far from each other but that was explained and seems to be working for them quite well. I have read all the books in this series and I would love to win a copy of The Amish Seamstress.
Currently I am reading Adoring Addie and loving it. I hope to finish it today. It is so good!
Great job Mindy and Leslie!!
Blessings!
Judy B
I love the fiction stories about the Amish. I have read so many that I keep a book list so I do not forget and reread! I would love to read The Amish Seamstress. Thank you!
This looks and sounds like a good book! 🙂
Can’t wait to read the book!!!!!!! 🙂
would love to win.
I would love to win this book, i have all the others in the series!
I love Amish stories, I believe I have read 95% of all of them out there! I have 3 libraries close by and frequent them a lot! I also have an extensive collection that a lot of my friends borrow too. Would love to add this one…thx!
I’ll keep trying!! I really want to win a book…I buy too many LOL
I LOVE the Amish Books!!! I have tried to read all of the Women of Lancaster County!! The stories are down to earth and they each have a lesson in them. Can’t wait to get this one to read!!
Hello Suzanne. hanks for inviting Leslie and Mindy here today. I don’t see how they can make a story seem like turn sounding as one author. Especially living so far apart. Great accomplishment. Hi there Leslie and Mindy. Great job with these books.I would sure love to win this book to finish my series. Love the covers and titles. please put my name in the drawing and I will hope real strong to win. God bless all three of you.
MAXIE mac262(at)me)dot)com
wow, many authors writing Amish content, makes for some great reading.
I now have learned about a few more authors and thanks.
Oh my goodness, there are so many comments already. Reviews of this title promise that it will be a good read. It’d be great to have my own copy to share.
Can”t wait to win this awesome book!
Can”t wait to win this awesome book!
I love how sometimes Co Writing adds that little something extra to a book. Each author has an unique style that is awesome, but sometimes, a tweek of a different flare is awesome.
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series. Can’t wait to read the grand finale. Thanks for sharing with us.
I enjoy Amish fiction so much and look forward to reading the series. I know I would enjoy this book and hope the two authors will join together again to bring us more.
All I’ve read for a few years now is Amish fiction. Love it!! Got stuck on it after a trip to Lancaster Co., PA. We’ve probably visited there at least 10 times now. Can’t wait until we go back again in 2014. Love the Ohio Amish Country also. We’ve only been there a couple of times, but enjoyed it very much both times.
Loved the interview with both of the authors. Two heads are better than one. I have always heard growing up. Would love to win a copy of their book.
Co-writing sounds like a tremendous challenge as well as a tremendous accomplishment. I truly enjoy reading the Amish novels and often wonder if with so many authors contributing will the market be saturated. But, apparently it is not and the popularity grows and grows.
I appreciate the opportunity to possibly win a copy of this intriguing book.
Thank you, Suzanne, for introducing me to so many very talented writers.
I can’t imagine trying to write a book much less with someone else. I love to read all of the Amish fiction books!! I borrow a lot of them from my sister. She has a discount bookstore near her and gets great books there. I will have to check and see if she already has the first two in this series and read them before I read this one.
thank you so much for sharing about your co-authoring experience! that’s something I’ve been curious about for a long while 🙂
What fun to have a writing buddy! Loved the post & would love to win…thanks for the opportunity. Linda
I have the other 3 books in this wonderful series — would be thrilled to have book #4. Thank you.
What a wonderful spotlight on two amazingly talented women!!
I would love to read your new book. Thanks for the contest.
I would love the read this! I have many Amish in the neighborhood.
Thanks for giving me a chance to win! 😉
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the chance.
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance. I also own the book The Amish Bride by you both. AWESOME book!!!!
Would love to have this book. I’ve so enjoyed the other books in this series. Wonderful collaboration.
Love to read inspirational fiction; enjoy reading about the Amish. I admire their ability to live a lifestyle so different to the rest of our culture.
Both great writers and I hope I’m the winer good luck to every one
I have other books by these two authors and have enjoyed all of them. I can’t wait to read “The Amish Seamstress”. Thank you for an opportunity to win.
Oh, I would love to win this! Thank you for the opportunity!
Sounds like a great book!
Would love to read this book too, as Ive read all your other books and loved them
Sounds like a good book. I would love to win it. Susan
I would really enjoy reading this book. I have never read a book that was written jointly, but I expect this to be good.
Thank you for the drawing.
I”d love to win this book…sounds amazing!
I’d love to add this book to my Amish collection! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo d ot com Thanks!
I love Amish fiction, I get most books from my local library. I’ve read from several authors & would love to win a copy of your book. It’s so nice to be able to read a book without offensive language & all the other things some authors think they need to put in a book in order to make a sale. I am a Christian & appreciate you & others in the writing business who share a desire to write clean, good books for everyone to enjoy. May God richly bless you & your work.
I enjoy both of your books so much! Thanks for the chance to win.
Wow ! this looks like a great book, sure would love to win it…..
Would love to have this book. Thanks for the chance
I am just learning of this series. This book sounds excellent. I would like to eventually read them all!
would love tow in from two great writers makes your stories come alive
What a wonderful interview and your book sounds wonderful! I love Amish fiction and can’t wait to read The Amish Seamstress. Thanks for the fun giveaway too!
Would like to read this book and learn more about these authors. Thanks for the contest.
I have co-authored things such as class materials and sometimes it was really frustrating, when the other person insisted their ideas and methodology were better than mine. Sometimes it caused major stressful moments. But hopefully in the end it helped make a better product. So it’s great that cooperation put this book together. It sounds like something I would love to read!
The cover is so beautiful. Looks like a great book to read.
So excited to have another great duo of writers to write Amish fiction.
Loved reading about how two authors work together to make one story. I’ve often wondered about that. Keep up the good work!
I would love to win. Book sounds great. Must be hard to have two people writing one book. Loved the review and interview.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
I enjoyed the interview. I would love to have a copy of The Amish Seamstress.
I would LOVE to win a copy of your new book!!! I have read your other books and have enjoyed them so much! If you would like, I will post a review on Christianbook.com or any other site you would like for me to comment on. Thank you so much for your stories!!
I love amish fiction.I would love to win this book.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
would love to read all the books in this series ! thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’ve loved Mindy’s earlier books. Haven’t had a chance to read these yet. To win would be a great chance .
I am quite intrigued by writers and authors writing about the Amish. Up until this year I was quite in the dark about this fiction- novels.
Hi, Mindy & Leslie!
Loved the interview, & learning how you developed your book. I love the storyline, & especially the fact that it was co-written by the two of you! I haven’t read any of your books, & would love to read this one!
I love all things Amish, & enjoy visiting Amish communities as often as possible. I have enjoyed eating in Amish homes, touring their farms, buying from their roadside stands – as well as their craft & furniture shops. When I go to an Amish community for the first time – I ask the locals where they go to eat, I have found the restaurants with the best Amish cooking – by doing this. I have always admired the Amish for their simplicity, hard work, & devotion to their faith, families, & principles.
I’ve read other books by these authors, but not their collaborations. Would love to try one!
I love to read about the Amish.
I would love to win this book, they are both such talented authors.
Suzanne,
Thank you so much for hosting us! I’m loving all these comments! Thank you to all of our readers–you’re the best!
Love,
Leslie
Thanks so much, Mindy and Leslie, for taking time to share your life with my blog readers! I had to laugh at the thought of e-mails flying back and forth during an all nighter. I’m impressed!
I so enjoy you both–your personalities and your writing talents!
Warmly, Suzanne
I loved Amish Midwifery. I read it on my kindle while recovering from major hand surgery. Would love the Amish Seamstress.
I love reading Leslie & Mindy’s books – would love the Amish Seamstress.
I haven’t read any of your books, but will certainly look for them in the future.
Can’t wait to read it 🙂
Suzanne, thanks for having Mindy and Leslie today. I still have a hard time thinking how two people can come up with one story. Looks like it would be hard to blend it together where it sounds like one person. I am so happy to have the first three books in this series, and just know this one is going to be so good. Need it to complete the series. Thanks for a chance to win it.
Maxie Anderson
How amazing that two writers can weave a story across the country! I can wait to read this series!
It is great that you guys can write together and both bring ideas for the story on board!
Love reading stories about the Amish people. I still don’t see how you can both write a book together, how cool! Thank you for some good reading. Would love to win one of your books! Blessing…….
You are both great authors and to combind well i cant wait to read your book together, i would love to win
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com
I have the rest of this series and would love to add this one by winning it, thank you for the chance.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
What a great idea….love the comment that between them, they make the ‘perfect author!’
I have the previous three novels and would love to have The Amish Seamstress. Thank you for this interview. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Looking for a new book to read!!!
I would Love to win this book!!
God Bless!!
Interested in reading books by new authors to me!
What a great partnership!
I love to read. I have just been introduced to Amish books this summer by a friend of mine. I really enjoy them! I am always looking for new authors and/or books to read. I would love to win your giveaway and read your book. Have a great day! 🙂
Sounds like a great book!
What a wonderful writing team. I love this series and am looking forward to reading the latest book. It looks wonderful. Thank you for the great information on this writing team and their newest books. Have a great week! Thank you again.
I can’t wait to start reading this series from the beginning!!! This collaboration sounds really great!!!
I would so love to win this book, I have been waiting for it to come out. Loved the first 3 books.
This sounds incredible!!! I can’t wait to read it — and I would love to win it!!
I enjoy reading Amish fictions alot. I also enjoyed reading this review about the two of you co-authoring. I would say – two heads are better than one. I live near Lancaster and I love visiting there seeing the Amish people and country side.
Please pick me, I love to read and I am pretty much housebound due to physical disabilities. Thank you, even if you don’t pick me.
Oh I love that the husbands helped with the brainstorming! Sounds like a great book!
I would love to read this book! 🙂
Amish/Christian Fiction is my favorite books to read. Would like to win one of your books
To be able to co-author a book is phenomenal,I’m glad they got to meet and I hope they continue to work together. Thanks for a chance to win the book.
I would love to read this book, I love books that were written by more than one person, they each interject their own thoughts and feelings. It’s neat to read one.
Amish fiction is my weakness, I just can not get enough!! And I love these authors too. I would love to win.. God Bless you both.
It is just truely amazing how two wonderful authors can write such
fablous books together. You have to be truely blessed to do such a thing!
Keep up the wonderful writing! Would so love to win this book!
I am such a book junkie! Even moreso for Amish books!!
CherylB1987@Hotmail.com
They write tremendously wonderful together and I have read all the other ones! Today is my birthday — I would really really love to win this book!
I guess we all want to win this on!❤️Yes, let it be me!
I enjoyed hearing about how you were able to work together while living so far apart. I love Amish fiction. I learn more with each book I read. I hope to win this book. It sounds wonderful.
Thank you for a wonderful opportunity to win. Here’s to winning.
have a blessed week.
Myrtle
We have Amish farmers near us and these stories about the culture of these people intrigues me.
I’d love to win this book!!
I’ve often wondered how two authors work together to make one great story. I think that’s amazing.
the storyline sounds interesting so maybe the collaboration is a good thing!
I think its amazing how two wonderful writers can put their minds together and meld a intricate story into a book. I love stories about the Amish so I can’t to read this book!
I have loved reading all of these books! Can’t wait for this one!
Would love to win a copy! 🙂
I’m always interested in getting new Amish books and learning about authors I’m not familiar with. Thanks.
Love Amish fiction and Mindy Starns Clark has quickly become one of my favorite authors!
I loved reading The Amish Midwife and look forward to enjoying the Amish Seamstress as well. I enjoyed Mindy’s other books and will have to check out Leslie’s books.
You are so popular Suzanne. Always so much competition in your contest. Whoever wins is always a lucky person. Leslie and Mindy, I loved hearing how the two of you write one story.Looks like that would be very hard to do.
Especially with living so far apart. As for this series, maybe later you can get a deal for another book to the series. I’m sure all who buy yhis series would for sure and for certain want to buy it. I have tried over and over to win this book. But, will try again now. Maybe can get lucky soon.
I have always wondered how to authors could write together while making the story line flow. I can understand how two perspectives could actually give the story line more depth from their own experiences and research. I would love to win a company of this book and can’t wait to read it.
I love Mindy Starns Clark books, don’t think I’ve read any of Leslie Gould. I would love this one!
I would love to read a collaborative novel from both of you! How wonderful!
Have really enjoyed this series and can’t wait to read the last one. Great interview too.
I have enjoyed every Amish story / book I’ve ever read. Although I don’t think I could live the Plain life, I do appreciate the values they hold.
I enjoyed the interview. I really cannot imagine how two people can really write together. {Well, first of all, I can’t imagine how ONE person does it — but I’m so thankful for those who do write the wonderful books I get to read.} Wishing each of you, Mindy and Leslie, success in your individual endeavors as well as any you continue to do together.
I LOVE Amish fiction!! I can’t wait to read this one, too.
Putting this book on my need to read list
I hope I win. My kindle is full of Amish books. I love them. I need a new one.
Would be honored to win this ! Blessings to all of you !
Would love to win this book…thank you for the opportunity!
This book is on my Wish List of must reads.
Love reading, and Amish fiction is my all time favorite. Love your books, you 2 are both great authors. Keep up the good work. Have a Blessed Day
Thank you so much for the interview of these two wonderful authors! It is amazing to me how they mesh their talents and produce such wonderful stories! My love of reading has brought me to many amish stories, which is one of my favorite genres.
Also, thank you for the opportunity to win a copy! I really appreciate it!!
Really enjoyed the interview. Love reading Amish Fiction – it’s one of my favorite genres!
I would love to win this book for my church library. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.
Can’t wait to read this one! Teamwork is always a good thing!!
Hope to win a copy. Can’t wait to read. Both are great authors.
Would love to win and read this book. Both Authors are so good.
And I love reading Amish Fiction.
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But the main flaw is that Erin has to return back to San Francisco to complete her graduation,
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I have read the other books in this series and would love to win the latest.
Adopting a child is an important decision that requires careful
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