Amish Hearts

"Bonnet Fiction"

2010-03-12T04:48:00Z

Yes, "bonnet fiction" is the the label many people have been using for novels about the Amish!

Publisher's Weekly interviewed leading editors of Christian fiction (www.PublishersWeekly.com) and they used the label to describe fictional stories about the Amish that have been incredibly popular for the past few years. Everyone agreed that there's no sign of the trend letting up. One of the editors pointed out that 1/3 of a recent Christian bestseller list was Amish fiction. So these books aren't going away anytime soon.

I'm not fond of the bonnet fiction label because, like usual, a label tends to be too narrow, too shallow for me. The books are much more than that description and have dealt with some big, real life issues within the Amish community. And prayer kapps tend to be featured on book covers much more often than bonnets, so why isn't it "Prayer Kapp Fiction" instead? (Okay, I'm being silly now!)

The label is at least nicer than the one I heard in the college class I teach. I've been having my Freshman English students write essays about the homeless. In one, the homeless middle-aged man who stands on a corner of a busy street, asking for money, is referred to as a "bum" by the student. I was so upset at the label. I explained to the student that once someone judged the man on this basis then he ceased to be another human being worthy of being considered as a real person. I reminded him to look again at the essay we read on how people distance themselves from the homeless for a number of reasons so that they do not have to care about the problem.

I don't think that these two examples of labels coming so close together is coincidence. I'm reminded again of how the Amish don't struggle with some of the same social issues that we do. The fact that the Amish don't live in a city environment is one reason why you wouldn't see a homeless person in their community. But it's more than that --the Amish take care of their own. There are not people roaming around trying to find a place to sleep under a bridge or a piece of cardboard. The elderly are kept close in a built-on addition to the main house (called a daudi or dawdi haus) and the community pays for medical bills. The Amish are, in fact, such a self-contained unit that takes care of its own that they have permission not to pay Social Security because they won't accept it.

Take a look at the article if you have a few minutes. I think it's interesting how the editors are listening to what readers want. Here at AmishHearts.com, we love hearing from you about what you like and don't like about Amish fiction. Keep those comments coming!

Have a blessed weekend!

Barbara

Great Little Book and Spring Cleaning (yuck!) contest!

2010-03-11T13:11:00Z

I'm reading a great little book right now called A Pocket Guide to Amish LIfe by Mindy Starns Clark. It really is a little book, and can fit into your pocket, something I appreciate. What's so terrific about this book is that it gives a lot of information about the Amish in a concise, easy to read volume. I wish I'd had it when I first started researching the Amish. If you're interested in finding out more about Amish culture but don't want to get bogged down in some of the more indepth books out there, then this book is for you. You can find it on amazon and Christianbook.com.

We've had several days of lovely sunshine here in Northeast Ohio, and yesterday the temperature got up to 60! Even so, we still have snow on the ground, believe it or not. I think with a few more warm days we should have it all melted, probably just in time for one last winter storm. We usually get those during March or April, although I've seen it snow in May and June as well. Sunshine and spring put me in the mood for spring cleaning (sorta) and getting rid of all the stuff that seemed useful and a good idea at the time, but has outlived its shelf life here at the Fullers. I have friends who actually do their major cleaning in the fall, so it got me wondering--do any of you spring clean? If so, is it a scheduled event, like every third weekend in March, or is it more on a whim? Anyone have any spring cleaning tips? If you enter a spring cleaning tip you'll be entered to win a copy of A Pocket Guide to Amish Life. I'll draw the winner and post the name next Wednesday.

'Til next time,
Kathleen

New Series - The Land of Canaan Novels!

2010-03-09T02:32:00Z

I'm super excited to announce my new series -- The Land of Canaan Novels -- that will debut in October 2010 with Seek Me With All Your Heart.

I know some of you subscribe to my personal blog, and this news release is also posted on AmishLiving.com...but, just in case you haven't heard...click on this link to read the press release. Beth's Blog.

However, there is one thing I want to mention. I've already heard from several readers about how sad they are that the Daughters of the Promise series is ending. No! The Daughters of the Promise series will go on, with book #5, Plain Proposal, releasing next year. I will be releasing a book every six months, alternating between the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. And the best part is...cross-over characters. Don't be surprised if you are reading a Land of Canaan novel and folks from Lancaster County come for a visit, and vice-versa. This is going to be great fun!

Sorry this is such a short post this evening. Barbara actually reminded me this evening that I hadn't posted. My son got his wisdom teeth pulled this morning, so I've had that on my mind all day. He's doing great, though!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love,
Beth

Happy Anniversary Amish Hearts!

2010-03-06T20:19:00Z

Happy Anniversary! It’s been a wonderful year here at Amish Hearts! I’m so thankful for the friendshipsthis blog has brought into my life—both my wonderful friendships with Beth,Barbara, and Kathy and also my friendships with you, the readers. We’re so happy you join us every weekand enjoy our books!

I’m excited to announce my new book, A Promise of Hope, thesecond in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, will land in the warehouse atZondervan this week! That meansthat it will be shipped out to stores soon!

I’d like to share an interview with me that is posted onChristianbooks.com. Click here for the interview.

Today I’m wrapping up my young adult book, and I’m going tosend it off to my editor either tonight or tomorrow. I’m excited to turn it in and start on my rewrite of a Plain & Simple Christmas, which is coming out in September.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Blessings,

Amy

Fun Times

2010-03-05T05:28:00Z

I hope that your week has been wonderful.

Did you read Beth's blog on Monday about this week being the first year anniversary of AmishHearts.com? What a great time the four of us have had writing here on the blog. Oh sure, occasionally there are those e-mails that fly back and forth asking, "What am I going to write about this week? I can't think of ANYTHING!" But it's been so much fun connecting with readers here. You write us such nice notes, recommend our books to each other, and offer up great information about the Amish from your trips and your reading. I check in nearly every day to see what's happening. I hope that you do, too.

This week I got my edits for A Time for Love (see the gorgeous cover down on the right side). Barbara Scott, my editor at Abingdon Press, wrote me such a wonderful note about how much she enjoyed reading the book. We can't wait for you to read it this fall. I've been busy checking out the changes she and the copy editor made which have turned out to be minor, just like Barbara said. It's been such fun getting back into the story and being with characters who seem like old friends. A Time for Love is the first of a three book Amish series called Quilts of Lancaster County. When we get closer to the release date I'll be running contests featuring some quilt-themed prizes I think you'll like.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Barbara

Music to Write By

2010-03-03T21:26:00Z

This month I've been writing, writing, writing! When I first started writing I used to listen to music all the time, and some how I got away from that. So this week I started finding songs that would fit the stories I'm working on. It's a bit of challenge because the Amish don't listen to music other than the hymns they sing in church and at the singin's. I have heard that when they do hear music, they tend to enjoy country-style tunes more than other types, yet occasionally you might hear a booming bass coming from a tricked out buggy who's owner is in the throes of rumspringa. For the stories I'm writing now, I seem to be gravitating toward Celtic music, particularly Clannad, with a little bit of Riverdance thrown in. But I've also written to the Dave Matthews Band, Jars of Clay, and yes, I'll admit it, the Bee Gees. Though it is kind of hard transporting myself into Amish country while "Stayin' Alive" is blaring through my headphones.

What is your favorite type of music? When do you usually listen to music?

'Till next time,
Kathleen

Winner of 4-Book Giveaway!

2010-02-28T22:24:00Z

Finally! It's March 1 and time to announce the winner of our 4-book giveaway that has been going on since Jan. 25th! First of all, what the winner will receive:

A signed book from Beth -- your choice of a current or future release (Plain Paradise releases THIS week!)
A signed book from Kathy -- your choice of a current or future release (An Honest Love releases this month!)
A signed book from Amy -- your choice of a current or future release (A Promise of Hope releases this month!)
A signed book from Barbara -- your choice of An Amish Christmas, An Amish Gathering, or be one of the first readers to get a copy of A Time for Love when it releases in August of this year!

IF AFTER ONE WEEK, WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE WINNER -- A NEW WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN.

THE WINNER OF OUR 4-BOOK GIVEAWAY IS... DRUM ROLL...

NATALIE HIGGINBOTHAM!!

Natalie - email me privately at author@bethwiseman.net to let me know which books you would like from each author, and send your address. CONGRATS!!!!

Happy Anniversary Amish Hearts!

2010-02-28T21:11:00Z

On March 2, 2009, www.amishhearts.com went live, and what a great year it has been! When we started this -- Kathy, Barbara, Amy, and I barely knew each other. And we certainly didn't know most of you. Since then, special friendships have formed all over the place -- amongst the authors here and with you, our readers. We've all (authors and readers) shared successes and heartaches, and through the good times and the bad, we've celebrated and we've prayed together. How incredibly blessed Kathy, Barbara, Amy, and I are to have each other and all of you.

(I gotta watch it...I'm starting to get teary-eyed as I write this.)

In celebration of our one-year anniversary, I've gathered some statistics about this site. I think you'll find this interesting. I did!

*    138,150 people have visited our site over the past year;

*    There have been 210 entries posted, totaling 68,426 words. Hmm...that's about the word count for a book!

*    2,290 comments were posted by readers;

TOP 3 ENTRIES:

Hello From Amy Clipston
Welcome to Amish Hearts
When Winter Comes

MOST DISCUSSED ENTRIES:

4-book Giveaway
Another Giveaway
Much Thanks...and Another Contest

(everyone loves a contest!)

MOST FREQUENT COMMENTATORS:

Rose Goddard holds the top spot!
Karla Hanns is right behind her, and
Cathey Buchta is not far behind Karla.

SURVEY RESULTS FOR AMISHHEARTS.COM:

97% - Liked
1% - Disliked
2% - No opinion

(I think it's safe to say...we're pleased with that!)

As we go into this next year, what would you like to see more of on this blog? Leave a comment and let us know!

Thank you for making this such a great year for us! May God continue to bless all of the friendships formed here! Have a great week!

Deadlines and Scripture!

2010-02-28T03:38:00Z

Hi everyone!

It’s been a crazy week at our house. I’ve finished my second draft of my new book, and I’m ready to hand it off to my three friends and my mom. My friends and mom critique and edit it for me before I turn it in to my editor.

This book is a new genre for me. It’s a youth adult book, and it’s been the biggest challenge of my writing career. I’ve learned a lot, and I hope I’ve grown as a writer.

Each new book is a test of faith for me, and I always learn more about myself while writing it. I’ve encountered scriptures that inspire me while writing this book. Here’s one of them:

Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

So, here’s my question for you – What are your favorite scriptures? Please leave a comment below with one or two.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Amy

Welcome to My World

2010-02-26T07:16:00Z

Happy Friday!

I have to confess -- Friday is one of my favorite days of the week. Friday signals the end of a work week for many people. I usually work on the weekends and feel I do some of my best writing then even though I have more time to write during the week than in previous years. But I still like Friday for that "end of the week" feeling.

I enjoyed a special day off this week well ahead of the weekend. I piled my two dogs in the car and drove an hour and a half away to visit my daughter and my almost four year old grandson, affectionately nicknamed K-Bear. He got to pick the restaurant where we ate dinner and chose Golden Corral. Apparently it's the combination of cheese pizza, mashed potatoes, green beans, a small cob of corn, and soft serve ice cream decorated with gummi bears that makes this a top-flight restaurant in his eyes. He provided entertainment by lining up the gummi bears by color around the rim of the ice cream dish -- sort of like a colorful conga line -- before he ate them. Leave it to a kid to make a memorable moment out of a dish of ice cream decorated with candy (and yes, there was some hyper-active but fun behavior in the car on the way home!).

As I drove home later, one of the dogs kept setting his long, Italian greyhound nose on my forearm. It was cold and wet but a nice touch of affection as he and the other dog snored away. Both were worn out by the sugar-hyped grandkid and only woke up when we pulled into our driveway.

Work is going well on edits of A Time to Love, the first book in the three book Quilts of Lancaster series by Abingdon Press due out in August or September. They've interrupted my work finishing up the second book, A Time for Peace, but both editors said such wonderful things about the book that I'm a very happy writer right now.

Oh, and thank you so much, dear readers, for putting An Amish Gathering on the ECPA bestseller list! We appreciate your buying the book and thank you for all the nice notes as well!

I hope that you get to take a little time for yourself this week. It's not too late to enter the contest to win four books by the authors on this website, won't you? The winner will be announced March 1. Just tell me what you do on a day off.

Have a happy weekend!

Barbara

Contest Reminder

2010-02-25T14:03:00Z

Just a reminder about a couple of contests we have going on. If you haven't entered our four-giveaway, there's still time! We'll announce the winner on March 1. The great thing about this giveaway is that you get to pick the books you want, including choosing from our upcoming releases. Here's the link to the post to enter the contest: http://amishhearts.com/2010/01/25/4book-giveaway.aspx.

Also, Beth is running a contest on her facebook page. Enter to win an autographed copy of An Amish Gathering from Beth here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman/47576397539?ref=nf. Also, if you haven't joined her fan page, please do!

We found out this week that An Amish Gathering is #10 on the ECPA best-seller list! Thanks to you all for putting it there, and for the wonderful feedback you've given us on this collection. We're so happy you all are enjoying the book.

'Til next time,
Kathleen

German Apple Cake

2010-02-22T14:26:00Z

Happy Monday Everyone!

I went away with a writer friend on Friday to work on my current project. We took another trip to Tiki Island near Galveston. I got some serious writing done - but not as much as I had hoped. There was some 'playing' involved on this trip, too -- dinner out with the girls both Friday and Saturday night. It cut into my writing a bit, but I have no regrets! I live in the country, away from most of my friends -- so it was great to spend some time with the girls. We even had one 'celebrity sighting'. Holland Taylor. Heard of her? She has a long list of movie credits and is currently Charlie and Allan's mom on the TV show 'Two and a Half Men'.

So, I might not get dressed this week, cook for my family, clean, etc... Due date on current project -- SUNDAY!! On these kind of weeks, it's probably good that I live in the country...LOL.

I have some recipes from an Amish friend, and I'm using one in my current project - German Apple Cake. I haven't tried this, but it sounds SO yummy! I'm hoping one of you will try it and report back!

German Apple Cake

1 cup sour milk
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cinnamon (she doesn't state if this is a teaspoon or tablespoon - I would think a teaspoon)
2 cups apples, peeled and diced

Topping:

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Add the vinegar to the milk to make sour milk. Stir in the baking soda. Place the oil in a large bowl and add the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, flour, salt, cinnamon, sour milk mixture, and apples, in that order. Pour into a 9" x 13" baking pan. In a small bowl, mix all the topping ingredients together. Sprinkle on the batter. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

I think this sounds super good! Let me know if you try it!

Hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed week!

Fun Event at Kannapolis Library!

2010-02-21T02:56:00Z

On Tuesday, February 16, I spoke at the Kannapolis Library and had a blast! Thirty-nine people came to hear me speak and then stayed for a book signing. Thank you so much to everyone who came! Below are photos my dear friend Jean took for me.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend! I'm working hard on my new book and hit 50,000 words today! I'm hoping to have my first draft complete by Friday.

Sincerely,
Amy

When Winter Comes

2010-02-19T04:33:00Z

I'm sitting here in my home office, my toes very chilly inside socks and my favorite leather clogs as we endure another cold night here in Florida. I know, I know, it's not cold compared to where some of you live, but you have to remember we're not used to it. Someone said the other day that 49 of 50 states have had snow this winter -- Hawaii's the one that hasn't. Not Florida. Yes, it snowed in Florida, enough for kids to be filmed making a snow man.

Then again, the cold tonight is getting me into the spirit of watching Olympic figure skating, one of my favorite things. When winter comes, you'll find me sitting in front of the television every time figure skating shows come on. I have a little pair of crocheted figure skates hanging nearby. They're a Christmas tree ornament but I put them up to remind me of the figure skating that my heroine, Rebecca, loves in When Winter Comes in An Amish Gathering, the novella collection Beth, Kathy, and I wrote. Ice skating is a popular Amish winter activity. Skates are passed down in families, never considered an unwelcome hand-me-down. It's not easy being a female skating in the long skirts but the Amish girls I've seen skating still manage to look graceful.

I was just beginning to learn how to ice skate up in Ohio when we moved to Florida. We finally have some ice rinks in Florida but I'm too cautious to try to skate these days. So I enjoyed vicariously skating along with Rebecca on the frozen pond near her home. I used something else I know in the book, too -- what it's like to be a twin. I'm not one, but my mother AND my dad were twins. Mom and her sister -- still going strong at 86! -- even got married in a double ceremony. It would have been so cool if they had married twins but that didn't happen. But it was still very interesting to hear the stories both parents told about growing up a twin. I've wanted to write a twin story for a long time and finally got my chance in the novella.

We heard some great news this week about An Amish Gathering I wanted to share: it's #10 position on the CBA bestseller list for March. Not long ago it hit the ECPA bestseller list. THANK YOU to all of you readers for buying the book and for writing us to say you enjoyed reading it. The notes you've sent on Facebook, here at AmishHearts.com, and in personal e-mails have warmed our hearts. (Congratulations go out to Beth whose Plain Paradise is #16 on the CBD bestseller list. Go Beth!)

Remember to enter the contest to win an autographed book by each of us writers here at AmishHearts (winner announced March 1). Just write me a comment about your favorite sport -- one you play or one you watch -- in the winter.

Until next week, stay warm!

Barbara

New Cover for An Honest Love, Quick and Easy Hot Chocolate Recipe

2010-02-18T00:19:00Z

An Honest Love, the second book in the Hearts of Middlefield series releases next month--with a new cover! I'm a big fan of couple covers and my favorite color is purple, so I really love the new look. The book is available for pre-order now, and will release in mid-March.

On an unrelated topic--what a crazy winter! I heard an amazing statistic last week: 49 states have had snow this year. The only one who hasn't is Hawaii. I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things to do on a cold, snowy day is to read (or write!) while sipping hot coffee or cocoa. Here's a recipe you might like to try from my Amish cookbook Country Lane Cooking:

Hot Chocolate Mix
1 box (8 qt) powdered milk
1 pkg. powdered sugar
1 jar (6 oz) Coffee Mate
2 lb. Nestles Quick

Mix together and store in tight container. Put 1/3 cup in 1 cup hot water.

Right now I'm getting into flavored coffees. My favorite is German Chocolate Cake (tastes just like the cake and without all the guilt!). I also like Swiss Chocolate Almond. Give me anything chocolate and I'm good to go.

What's your favorite winter drink?

'Til next time,
Kathleen

Valentines Day Proposal On the Bridge

2010-02-15T14:44:00Z

I know that some of you are subscribed to both this blog and my personal blog, so I don't want to re-post the same blog. But, please visit MY BLOG to read about a special event that occurred this past weekend, if you are not already subscribed there.

Amish Hearts is approaching our One-Year Anniversary in March. It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since I first partnered with Amy, Kathy, and Barbara to do this blog. Not only have the four of us become great friends, but we have also become friends with many of you. In a few weeks, in celebration of our anniversary, I'll be posting some interesting statistics - most viewed post, most comments received on a post, some of our highs, and some of our lows. When we started this blog, there were around twenty books on the horizon to be released over the next two years. I don't have the exact count, but I'm pretty sure that number has almost doubled. Thanks to our readers for loving the books that we love to write!

Blessings for a wonderful week!

Love, Beth

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T20:39:00Z

Hi everyone!

I’m sorry I missed my posting time last night. I’ve been so focused on my book due April 1 that I’ve been a bit scattered.

Tuesday, February 16, at 7 p.m., I’m speaking at the Kannapolis Library. Please stop by if you’re in the area. More information is available on my website.

This week I spoke to my son’s preschool class about being a writer. The kids were so cute! I gave out bookmarks, pens and post cards, and the kids seemed to enjoy it. Oh, and the kids have paint spray in their hair because it was rock concert day.

I hope you all have a nice week.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sincerely,

Amy

What Do You Know? and "The Contest"

2010-02-12T03:59:00Z

I've been doing some straightening and organizing in the room I call my home office. Funny how paper seems to multiply no matter how much you try to restrain it...

I have learned so much about the Amish from visits to Lancaster, Pa., and Pinecraft, Florida, and from new friends I've made. I've bought countless books and printed out information found on the Internet. I've tried to contain the printed information and books but it's certainly taking over a portion of the office.

As I was working in here on that project, it occurred to me that while I've learned so much, there is so much more to learn because while there are basic beliefs and traditions and so on, there is no one "Amish" -- things like dress and rules and some language can vary from community to community.

One of our editors once said that we must be careful writing about the Amish because some of our readers are so knowledgable about them. These readers are often frequent visitors to Amish communities, love buying all types of books about them -- not just fiction -- and even try to emulate the Amish sense of community, spirituality, and desire to live simply.

The contest to win a book by each of us here on AmishHearts.com is open until March 1. So I decided to ask you: What is your favorite thing you've learned about the Amish from your travels or books you've read? Write a comment to enter the contest and share with us, won't you?

Looking forward to reading your comments here!

Barbara

Cool New Contest on Amish Living!

2010-02-11T00:20:00Z

Happy Wednesday everyone! What a crazy winter we're all having--hope not all of you are snowed in right now. We had a snow day today, but it looks like its fading out. But you never know with Ohio, all you have to do is wait a minute and the weather will change.

I wanted to alert you to a cool contest over at www.amishliving.com. Here are the details:

Fire up those ovens and break out your whisks, it's recipe contest time!

This week's challenge is to cook a traditional Amish recipe, post pictures of the finished product here at AmishLiving.com, then share your recipe and experience in our "Forums" section!

Need a little help finding an Amish recipe? Visit the "Lifestyle" tab at the top of the page for links to delicious Amish food.

Two winners will be chosen at random and will receive a signed copy of Colleen Coble's Anathema and a special Amish inspired treat!

Contest will run from 2/9/10 - 2/15/10 at 12am EST.

Good luck and happy cooking!
Sincerely,
The Amish Living Team

Me again: This is a great thing to do if you're stuck inside due to the snow and cold. Plus, who wouldn't want a book autographed by Colleen Coble. I can't enter the contest, but I'd love to see your creations on Amish Living. Time to start cooking!

'Til next time,
Kathleen

Who is Beth Wiseman?

2010-02-08T14:08:00Z

http://amishhearts.com/2010/02/08/who-is-beth-wiseman.aspx

Have a great week!!