Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda has written many best-selling novels about the Amish. We're introducing her latest.

Wanda, why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Amish-themed books because I have a heart for the Amish and want my readers to understand the Amish people better.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Feb. 8, 1963, when I married my husband, Richard.

How has being published changed your life?

It’s given me many wonderful experiences, one of them being able to make so many new Amish friends.

What are you reading right now?

Freedom of the Soul by Tracey Bateman.

A wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much. What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on A Sister’s Hope, which is Book 3 in my Sisters of Holmes County series. I’m also revising and adding extended scenes to Dear to Me, which is Book 3 in my Brides of Webster County series.

What would be your dream vacation?

A trip to Hawaii with nothing to do but lie on the beach, soak up the sun, and visit all the tourist places on the island.

I'd love that, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

By visiting various Amish communities and becoming fascinated with the area.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I think I would enjoy spending the evening with Janette Oke and talking to her about how she opened the door for Christian romance novels.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

My hobbies are photography, gardening, stamping, and ventriloquism.

I've been a professional clown, but not a ventriloquist. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Writing that first draft, but I’m able to overcome it by making a detailed chapter by chapter outline before I begin the writing process.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Begin by learning as much as you can about writing, and then begin your writing process with short stories and articles. Once you’ve been published with those, you’ll have some writing credentials, and it will be easier to get longer pieces published.

Wanda, tell us about the featured book.

A Sister’s Secret is the first book in my Sisters of Holmes County series, set in Holmes County, Ohio. It’s the story of a woman (Grace Hostettler) who returned to her Amish family after her rumschpringe (running around years) with a secret she’s never told anyone. That secret, plus some startling attacks being made on Grace’s family, threaten to destroy not only Grace, but her entire Amish community. Will Grace’s love and faith triumph over her shame and deception?

Sounds intriguing. It's in my to-be-read pile. I'll have to move it closer to the top. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My Home page is: www.wandabrunstetter.com.

I also have a new site promoting my upcoming children’s books: www.rachelyoderbooks.com.

Readers, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Sister's Secret. Also check out Wanda's web sites for her other books.