Monday, August 22, 2011

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Beth Wiseman


So glad you joined me again this week for another Southern-Style Meet & Greet!  As always, there's lots of fun in store this week with another fabulous author, so stay tuned for a great opportunity to get to know Beth Wiseman.

But first, I can't wait to share the name of last week's giveaway winner of To Die For by Sandra Byrd.  There were a LOT of entries last week, and I can't say enough how much I wish that all of you could be winners!  But, we can only choose one, and thanks to random.org, that person is...

Charity U (photographer4ever832@...)

Charity, I'll be in touch with you shortly to get your mailing address.  Congrats on your win!

And now, time to start this week's Meet & Greet!

Beth Wiseman is high up on the list of my favorite Amish fiction authors.  It took me a long time to discover her books, but once I did, I was a goner.  *sigh*  I love her emotional stories, her believable characters, and her skillful writing. And if that isn't enough to convince you that she's great at her job, maybe this will:


**  2011 Inspirational Readers Choice winner -- Plain Paradise;

**  INSPY Award Winner and best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and The Land of Canaan series;
**  Author of the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year -- Seek Me With All Your Heart;
**  ACFW Carol Award Finalist, Retailers Choice Finalist, Booksellers Best Finalist, National Readers Choice Finalist

Quite a hefty list of accomplishments there, and every single one is so well deserved.  Last year, I had the enormous pleasure of being a judge for the INSPY Awards, and not to take away anything from the other nominees in the now-obsolete Amish fiction category, but her book, Plain Paradise, was one of the very best Amish books I have *ever* read.  Period.  I am so thrilled that she was a winner in last year's inaugural INSPY class among some very fine Christian authors.

So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy this week's special guest, Beth Wiseman!
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When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?  

I wrote my first short story to my grandparents when I was very young, maybe six or seven-years-old.  For as long as I can remember, I always knew I wanted to be a writer.  I worked as a newspaper reporter for years before I sold my first series to Thomas Nelson, and I think that experience helped me with regard to editing and meeting deadlines.  I loved being a reporter, but fiction is where my heart is.  I love to make things up!  :)
 
If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be and why? (This is, of course, assuming that writing IS your dream job!)  :o)
I wish I had an answer for this.  I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.

Quite alright.  I'd say the same thing in your shoes. :o)
 

What genre do you most like to write?  

Love stories.  Not necessarily romances, but a love story of some sort—love between husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, mother and daughter, father and son, sisters, best friends, or between a person and God.  Love stories are endless, and my head is full of them.    


Do your own personal experiences, or those of family and friends, ever find their way into one your stories?

Yes.  Book #4 in my Daughters of the Promise series—Plain Paradise—is about adoption, and as an adoptee myself, I’m familiar with the emotions that go along with the storyline.  I’ve also written about autism, which stemmed from a friend who worked with autistic children.  There are lots of other instances.  Sometimes it’s hard to write things that are close to my heart, but always rewarding in the end if it helps one person to find peace through my stories.  


What do you hope readers “take away” with them after they read one of your books?   

The peacefulness that we all want and need comes only from God.  Live.  Laugh.  Love.  Forgive.  Cherish.  And pray. 

Well said.  :o)


What is your latest book release?    

Healing Hearts just released.  This is the first time that my novellas have appeared together in one collection.  This book is a great way for someone to ‘try me out’ so to speak.  There are three completely different short stories.  Here’s the back cover blurb:


Three heartfelt stories about second chances, trusting your heart, and the power of forgiveness.



"Healing Hearts"  Empty-nesters Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman have no children under their roof for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman leaves to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina never expected him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement, and rekindle the fire of the love they once shared?



"A Change of Heart"  Leah is a writer in a community that does not encourage such fruitless endeavors. She lacks the skills necessary to be a good Amish fraa—cooking, cleaning, quilting, and gardening.   Aaron is aware of Leah’s short-comings, but his heart is captured by this spirited young woman. Will Leah’s role as an Amish wife and mother force her to set aside her creative life--or will Aaron make an offer she never dreamed was possible?



"A Choice to Forgive"  Lydia has loved two men in her life. Daniel, who disappeared one Christmas Eve long ago, leaving only a note saying he wanted to live in the Englisch world. And Elam, Daniel's brother, to whom she had been happily married for 15 years. When Elam dies, Lydia gives up on ever loving again. But she is shocked when Daniel wants to return to the Order and her life. Is there enough forgiveness in her heart to overlook the past and move into a future that could fulfill her dreams?



Previously published in An Amish Love, An Amish Gathering, and An Amish Christmas, gathered together for the first time.



I just finished the first of those novellas a few weeks ago.  Can't wait to start on the other two!



Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?  

I am very excited about the book that I just turned into my editor.  It’s my first non-Amish book titled Need You Now.  It’s contemporary fiction, and it releases in April 2012.


Where can readers find you on the web?  

and on Facebook (Fans of Beth Wiseman) and Twitter.




What is your most favorite thing about the South? 

I’m a born and raised Texan, and it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else—except maybe in August when it is SO terribly hot and humid here!  I love our Southern hospitality.  Recently, some friends visited from Canada, and they just went on and on about how friendly everyone is here.  I live in the country, so everyone waves and there really aren’t any strangers.  


Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?   

Depends on my mood…lol.  But my real favorite is raspberry tea.


BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?  

Beef!  

Oh, dear...I sense a revolt coming on from all the pork fans!


Potluck dinner or restaurant dinner?   

Oh my…I love both!


Summer or Winter?  

I’m failing this part of the interview because I can’t seem to choose!  We have a pool and it gets hot in Texas, so we enjoy the summer.  BUT, we also have a fireplace, and some of my best books have been written in front of the fireplace.  So, it’s a toss-up!


Country gal or city gal?  

They say you can take the girl from the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.  I disagree.  I grew up in the city, but I’ve been out here in the country long enough to be country through and through.  :)


You, you all, or y’all?   

Y’all come back now…lol.  

What she said.  :o)

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Oh, what a great time!  Love, love, love this stuff!  Thank you so much, Beth, for coming by my front porch this week, and giving us all the opportunity to get to know you a little better!  It's was a real treat.  :o)

Beth has also been so sweet to offer us a book to give away this week, too!  If you'd like the chance to win a copy of her latest book, Healing Hearts, simply follow the rules below.  Easy-peasy!

Giveaway rules:

1.  Leave a comment with your email address disguised like "yourname at yourdomain dot com" or something similar.  No email address, no entry...sorry.

2.  All entry comments must be left by Sunday, August 28th.

3. Contest is open internationally.

4.  Become a follower/email subscriber for an additional entry, and let me know in your comment if you're a new one or an existing one.  (No need to create a separate comment for this.  Combining everything into one comment is much easier.)  The upside?  You'll know what's happening here with future Meet & Greets...a win-win, for sure.  


64 comments:

  1. First off, thanks so much! I am very much looking forward to reading the book. :)

    Secondly, do you mind if I enter this one despite just winning? If you do, I understand. If not...please enter me! And I follow. :)

    photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

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  2. I love Beth Wiseman books! Here's my entry.

    cathyzeiler25 at gmail dot com

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  3. Carol E..... I love Beths' books, just wish she could write faster lol, yes please enter me in the contest
    mcaquinn(at)aol(dot)com

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  4. I love reading and sharing Beths books!!! I hope I win!
    quiltenbea@yahoo.com

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  5. Beth Wiseman is my very favorite author .. and we are almost neighbors!
    flyinglranch(at)cvctx(dot)com

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  6. I love your books .I would love to win.
    tagon@mi.rr.com

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  7. Love your Books. Hope I win.

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  8. Thank you for creating such beautiful stories. I am looking forward to reading your latest book. Many blessings to you.
    dijeff1112@yahoo.com

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  9. Love Beth's books & would love to win this one.

    Thank you,
    Wilma

    wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Love Beth's books!

    amybradsher [at] gmail [.] com

    I'm going to subscribe via email right now ...

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  11. I am a lover of Amish books. I have an extensive selection and Beth is one of my favorites. I would love to win and will publish on facebook. Sue williams
    tswilliams552@aol.com

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  12. Oops .. scratch that ... GFC is working now ... thanks!

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  13. I am anxious to see if I win a free copy of your book. I have read alot of Amish writers and can't wait to see your style. Fingers crossed. Have a good day and God bless. KathyOleson at ymail dot com

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  14. Love Beth Wiseman Books. Please enter me in the contest. I have a bookmark but I would flip over a autografted book.

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  15. i love beth wisemans books. i am reading SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART and loving it.

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  16. I have read everything Beth has written since discovering Plain Promises. I love getting a glimpse into the "real Beth"! And I love her picture you have posted! Looking forward to another great read.

    babykf at hotmail dot com

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  17. I would love to win 'Healing Hearts'! Please enter me in the giveaway.

    I'm a GFC follower.

    frequentreader19 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  18. Following your blog now. Love your books!
    Can't wait to read "Healing Hearts".
    God bless!
    proudcountrygal(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I would love to read Beth's latest book. My email address is ggshaw61(at)gmail(dot)com.

    Thank you for this opportunity.

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  20. Thanks for the chance to win Healing Hearts. Love Beth's books. jlscott49 at roadrunner dot com

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  21. As a true southern girl, I would love the book!!
    peggymlong60@yahoo.com

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  22. I do NOT want to enter the contest, as I have the book and have already reviewed it. Beth is the BEST!! I want someone to win to experience the joy and love in Beth's writings. I become part of every book and feel the pain and joy that the characters feel. Great interview!! I loved it. Oh, by the way, I was one of the Canadians who now LOVE TEXAS, BETH and the friendly people!! But not in that order, lol!

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  23. nancyf2000@yahoo.com, love the books, keep up the great work

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  24. I love Beth's books and would love to win a copy!
    lenijay at gmail dot com

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  25. I love Beth's books! When I get a new one, I will whole up in my apartment and just read!! :) Can't wait to read this. --Kathleen
    teacherkathleen at yahoo dot com

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  26. I love Beth's book. I would love to win
    jewitty at sbcglobal dot net
    jewitty@sbcglobal.net

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  27. Carol A Fab.8/22/2011 2:53 PM

    Would love to win a new book. Have read all of your other books & loved them.
    nannyfabataoldotcom

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  28. I am a fan of Beth's. Love her books and would love to win a signed copy.

    debsredbirds@yahoo.com Debra - Al.

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  29. WOW!!! Thanks so much to all of you who have stopped by with such a warm welcome for Beth! I'm sure it does her heart good to see so many loyal fans and friends. :o)

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  30. I love Beth's books!!! She is a terrific writer!!!
    I am a new follower..
    Thanks!!!
    magnolia_75@hotmail.com

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  31. I have to confess, with my busy schedule as a pastor's wife, homemaker, and homeschooling mom of two precious girls, I haven't yet had a chance to read one of Beth's books yet, but I'm looking forward to it, and would love to begin my collection with a signed edition!! They sound wonderfully captivating!! Have a good day!! Rebecca Wilson

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  32. Please enter me in the book giveaway. Love reading Amish fiction. The stories take one away to a more calm and peaceful place even if it is for just a short time.

    TNWF@aol.com

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  33. Love your books Beth, and reading about second chances is one of the type stories I like, would love to win one but you can bet if I dont I will be looking for them when next I order from Christianbook.com, thanks for sharing your talant and your books. Paula O (kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  34. I would love to win the book. I am reading Plain Paradise right now.

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  35. Barbara Michels8/22/2011 5:26 PM

    Thank you Beth for giving us the chance to win one of your novels. I would really enjoy reading this one. Barbara


    mike_michels2005@yahoo.com

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  36. Would love to win your book!! janisbc6@aol.com

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  37. Thanks for the interview, great to get to know Beth. Love her books and anxious for the new one.
    florence8250@suddenlink.net

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  38. Beth is a wunderbar writer. I can't image the literary world without her. She write with such passion, love, and description. I would so love to have a chance to read these stories, as the local library doesn't carry this book.
    Christy ~ I am a new follower. Please enter me in this wonderful contest dmeile{at}hotmail{dot}com

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  39. Love reading Beth's books.

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  40. Just wanted to say I've had the opportunity to read and review this book and absolutely loved it. This was the first book that I've read of Beth's so now I need to go find some more!!

    No entry, just have a wonderful week!!
    Tracy
    http://tracystreasureofbooks.blogspot.com/

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  41. I've heard so many great things about Beth's books. I really enjoyed the interview. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity!

    reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  42. She sounds really cool! Would love to read her books they are right up my alley.
    Thanks for a chance to win a copy of one of her books.

    plb1050 at gmail dot com

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  43. Hi! Great interview. I would love to read one of her books. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway. :)

    Connie
    aliasgirl1976@yahoo.com

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  44. Christy ~ (I use the wrong email address when I posted my comment. Please disregard my previous comment/entry).... :)
    Beth is a wunderbar writer. I can't image the literary world without her. She write with such passion, love, and description. I would so love to have a chance to read these stories, as the local library doesn't carry this book.
    Christy ~ I am a new follower. Please enter me in this wonderful contest dmeile{at}live{dot}com. Thank you for sharing your interview with all of us.

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  45. I love beth's books. Thank you so much for the interview. Can't wait to read her books when they come out. Please enter me angelsofmyeye (at) yahoo ( dot) com

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  46. Beth's books sound wonderful. Love a read that leads to peace.

    eileenastels @ rogers dot com

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  47. I just love reading Beth's books. And, I really enjoyed reading your interview with Beth. It is so interesting to learn about the author's backrounds and how they can add some of their experiences into their work. I would love to win a copy of Beth's new release...who wouldn't. Blessings, Kristin
    keithkrisjager{at}aol{dot}[com]

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  48. I have read Beth's Daughter of Promise series. love to win her book thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  49. How have I missed Beth's books?! I love Amish fiction. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

    I agree about the city/country issue. I was raised in the city then moved to the country and I wouldn't go back for anything! I am definitely more country than city, y'all :)

    Thanks for another great meet & greet, Christy!

    I'm an old follower.

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  50. Please enter me in the contest.
    Thanks


    dwhite802002 at yahoo dot com

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  51. Thanks so much for the giveaway! I's love to read this.
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  52. Loved reading this blog.... so interesting. The interview with Beth Wiseman is great .... another good author to follow. Love finding new authors. Great books. Also love reading about the Amish. they are wonderful people. I love good literature and there are many books out there today that are rubbish ... but then you come across the good books, the literature that draws you in and really engages you. Have been following your blog for a while, but don't think I've made a comment here so far ... so I thought now was my chance. lottisworld@gmail.com

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  53. Loved the interview with Beth Wiseman. Please enter me in the contest for the book. It sounds very interesting!
    Candace

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  54. Please enter me in the giveaway! Thanks, Beth and Christy for the awesome interview :)
    I'm a follower
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    Beth

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  55. Thanks for the giveaway & the interview with Mrs. Wiseman I love reading her books my favorite so far was "Seek me with all your heart" Please enter me in the drawing. Blessings, Sara
    saradawson09 (at) yahoo(dot)com

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  56. I have never been here before but I think her books are great what I have seen so far. Look forward to reading her work. I enjoy love stories and especially ones are about my Lord. Please enter me into your drawing.
    jmbull(at)photographer(dot)net

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  57. I loved the interview with Beth. I have been a wisemanite for a long time and have read all of Beth's books.

    I would love to win a copy of "Healing Hearts".

    I am a follower of this Blog.

    God Bless,
    judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  58. I have loved Beth's books since she first started writing! Now she is popping them out so quickly, I'm getting behind!:) Who wouldn't love a chance to win a book with THREE of Beth's books combined? Please do enter me and thank you!

    I am a new follower!

    dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

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  59. I thoroughly enjoy Beth Wiseman's books and would love to win this one.
    njones127 at tampabay dot rr dot com

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  60. I would be so thrilled to win a copy of Healing Hearts by Beth Wiseman....and read the review....and sounds soo good...and I love reading Amish and Memnonite books....hope to win....babyruthmac16@yahoo.com

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  61. I'd love to read this!! momlovesdeals at gmail dot com

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  62. I am a follower and a GFConnect :)

    Thanks for this giveaway :)

    Godbless,
    Majoy
    majoyskie_21(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  63. thanks for the chance to read beth's latest novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  64. I too love living in Texas but this heat is definitely something to endure. Thanks for introducing me to a new author- I would love to read Healing Hearts.

    New GFC follower: TinaBuriedUnderBooks
    kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)