Today, I have Kathleen Fuller here to chat a little about her writing habits and after this interview, if you have even more questions for Kathleen, be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Skype or phone call with Kathleen!
1. How old were you when you started writing stories?
32. I'm a little unusual in that I never had the dream of becoming a writer, but when I discovered Christian fiction and at the same time asked God for a ministry, I felt led to try writing. I did take a correspondence writing course, went to conferences, and learned as much as I could about writing.
2. What interested you in writing Amish fiction? Do you live near the Amish/have plain relatives?
My interest developed when we moved to Ohio from Arkansas. I was interested in the culture even before I started writing. When the opportunity to write Amish fiction became available, I decided to go for it. I don't have any Amish or plain relatives, but I did make an Amish friend in Middlefield who helped me out with my first books. My background is actually Eastern Orthodox, although I'm Protestant now. The Anabaptist faith was something very unfamiliar to me, and I had to research and learn about it in order to get it right in my stories.
3. How do you keep all your characters straight through the series?
It's a struggle. My editors help me with this, since I'm not a detail person. I often have to go back and update my character records when I start a new book. I used spreadsheets, lists, and Scrivner, but I need a better system. Any suggestions are welcome! :)
4. What keeps you plugging along and motivated when you write?
I love to tell stories. The actual writing of the first draft is really hard for me, but creating the stories and characters is a lot of fun.
5. How do you celebrate after you finish writing a book?
Start on the next one. :) Oh, and chocolate.
Kathleen, thank you for this opportunity for us to get to know you better!!
Title: Words from the Heart
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Zondervan
Audio Release Date: February 13, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Amish Fiction
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Amish Fiction
Ivy Yoder thought she had found the man she would marry, but she returns to her Amish community of Birch Creek with a broken heart. When a family friend asks for her help in cleaning out an attic, she's grateful for the chance to get her mind off the betrayal.
Noah Schlabach is an Amish auctioneer and is eager to get into his aunt’s attic in search of lost treasures. He loves learning about the past, and he has created a thriving auction business for himself. When he meets Ivy, he suspects his aunt is trying to set them up, but all of that is forgotten when they come across a box of old love letters.
While Noah is more interested in potential auction items than love letters, Ivy is swept up in the story of the young couple. She's also fighting her growing feelings for Noah—she can't risk her heart again. But if there is one thing these young Amish people learn from the past, it’s that they must take hold of the gifts of today. With a little help from the letters, and a lot of help from God, Noah and Ivy begin to live in the present, full of love.
Noah Schlabach is an Amish auctioneer and is eager to get into his aunt’s attic in search of lost treasures. He loves learning about the past, and he has created a thriving auction business for himself. When he meets Ivy, he suspects his aunt is trying to set them up, but all of that is forgotten when they come across a box of old love letters.
While Noah is more interested in potential auction items than love letters, Ivy is swept up in the story of the young couple. She's also fighting her growing feelings for Noah—she can't risk her heart again. But if there is one thing these young Amish people learn from the past, it’s that they must take hold of the gifts of today. With a little help from the letters, and a lot of help from God, Noah and Ivy begin to live in the present, full of love.
TO PREORDER A COPY of Words From the Heart:
THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE AMISH LETTERS SERIES (Click on the cover to take you to my review)
Good morning Annie and Kathleen! I enjoyed your post very much, thank you for sharing. Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a chance to win a copy of your book Kathleen! My 85-year-old mother loves reading Amish fiction, so I share any books I get with her (she lives next door, which is great).
Blessings, Tina
Oops, forgot to say I love the cooler temperatures and the colors of the changing leaves.
DeleteBlessings, Tina
I love the peaceful feeling that this time of year brings.Looking forward to reading Kathleen's new books.
ReplyDelete