Welcome back, Wanda. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
That’s hard to say. I try to focus on the “now” and try to shape and make the most of it. That will help determine what will happen in the future.
Tell us a little about your family.
My husband and I have two grown children who are both married and each have three children of their own. All of our six grandchildren are teenagers, and we enjoy spending time with our family whenever we can.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I don’t read quite as many novels by other authors as I used to, because I’m kept busy writing my own, but I do still enjoy reading a good novel whenever I can.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on an Amish-themed children’s book, as well as Book 3 in my Amish-themed Kentucky Brothers series.
What outside interests do you have?
I’m a professional ventriloquist, and enjoy using one of my puppets whenever I’m asked to speak at Amish or English schools. I also like to spend time in the garden, and I love to bird-watch and take lots of pictures of anything that strikes my interest.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
Whenever I visit a new area, a feeling will often come over me that this is a place where I should set a new book or series. Sometimes it’s because of something I see or hear, but often it’s just a “feeling” or “need.”
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
It would probably be an Amish person who lived during the time that the Amish first came to America in the 1700s. I think it would be interesting to hear what they went through in making the journey by boat to seek a new life in a new country.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Although I love what I’m doing, I wish I’d been better prepared for how much it would dominate my life, and known in advance what some of the expectations would be. I spend a good deal of my time either writing or researching, and must remind make myself to take breaks so I can spend time with friends and family. I have come to realize that in order to enjoy my career, I must know how to balance work with pleasure.
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
To take one day at a time and seek guidance from Him.
Write what you know, and know it well.
Study your craft and learn all you can about all aspects of writing.
Be patient and never give up. If the Lord called you to write, then it will happen in His time.
Tell us about the featured book.
The Healing is book 2 in my Kentucky Brothers series. Single father Samuel Fisher of Lancaster County is still grieving over his wife's untimely death when his brother Titus talks him into making a fresh start. Samuel packs up his four kids and heads for the Bluegrass Country. Esther Beiler, who helps watch Samuel's offspring, develops a crush on the widower and a true affection for his children. Can she ever replace his wife, or will that role go to Bonnie Taylor, an English Innkeeper who provides work and witty conversation for the stressed widower? Can an Amish man burdened by yesterday's memories find hope in Kentucky , the land of tomorrow?
Please give us the first page of the book.
The Healing
Chapter 1
“Alles is fix un faddich.” Bishop Jacob Weaver clasped Samuel Fisher’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
Samuel, who stood on his front porch with a few others from his community, gripped the railing so tightly his fingers ached. The last few days, and even now, he’d felt as if he was walking through a thick fog, barely able to hear what anyone said to him. Yet, right now, the truth of the bishop’s words, that all was completely done, slammed into Samuel with the force of a tornado. So overcome with emotion, he could barely manage a brief nod. They had just returned from the cemetery, where they’d buried Elsie, his wife of ten years. He wasn’t even sure how he’d made it through the last couple of days, much less the funeral and graveside service, but frankly, he was too tired and too numb to care. Somehow, he was now expected to carry on without her, and that thought was overwhelming.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is: www.wandabrunstetter.com Thank you, Wanda, for the interesting conversation.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
31 comments:
Wanda is one of my favorite writers. I have been blessed to met two times in person. I would love to win "The Healing"
Angela from KY
I always enjoy books where a widowed person needs to move forward in their life - since in real life this presents a real challenge.
I live in Burlington, Ontario Canada
Please enter me into this Giveaway. My email address is:
madley (AT) cogeco (DOT) ca
Thank you!
Patricia
Another great interview. Thanks Lena and Wanda for this, and the cool giveaway. i'm looking forward to reading and blogging. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would love to win this book. Wanda is a wonderful, talented author. Amish Fiction is my favorite genre.
And I live in Welland Ontario, so hello to Burlington.
k_hanns@yahoo.com
I enjoy reading Amish stories and would love to read this book. It sounds really good.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
Wanda I love your stories:) I love reading about the simple Amish life...and you portray your characters so vividly!
I would love to be entered for a chance to win "The Healing."
Lorna from Alberta, Canada
lornafaith at gmail dot com
I would love to win a copy of this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This looks like an amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks again.
I am from Oklahoma.
agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've read Wanda's books before and they are such nice stories
cheryl in il
msboatgal at aol.com
I'd like to win this for my mom. Ohio here
I enjoy Wanda's books so much! Thanks for a wonderful interview and the giveaway.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Oh I loved the first book in this series and remember Titus's wife dying. Would love to read what happens next. Please enter me.
I have met Wanda twice at book signings and I'm here to say that you can't meet a nicer person. I have been a fan from way back and I have read all of Wanda's books with the exception of her children's books. I can't sing Wanda's praises enough but I know that who she is and the gift of writing that she has, comes from God.
I would love to win a copy of "The Healing". Thanks for the giveaway.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
I love Wanda's writing. She is one of my favorite authors. When I began reading Amish fiction Wanda was the first author I read. Would love to read The Healing.
from Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Who doesn't love Wanda Brunstetter?! Please enter me! I would love to read The Healing!
dianalflowers@aol.com
South Carolina
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I would love to read this book. Thank you.
Carly in NC
Love your books Wanda, I am from Ky,so this makes me want to read this series even more.....you are definitely one of my favorite authors.....hoping to win this one.....Thanks Ms. Mona/KY
I love reading about the Amish and Wanda is one of my favorites.
I can't wait to read her new Book.
Please enter me in your Contest.
I live in Illinois
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com
Looks interesting,Please enter me in the giveaway.
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
I have enjoyed reading all of your comments and hope each of you who reads "The Healing" will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Blessings, Wanda Brunstetter
Wanda I love your books! I would love to win "The Healing".
I'm a subscriber and follow via gfc.
I've posted this to my blog: http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/08/httplenanelsondooleyblogspotcom201108he.html
Brenda from Michigan
dancealert at aol dot com
Looking forward to your new Amish-themed children's book!
Beth from PA
rdwriter(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to win this book!
Patty in SC
love wanda's books would love to win thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I read the first book in this series, and enjoyed it. The Healing sounds like a great continuation! Please enter me!
Katie from Florida
Starting over can be difficult but necessary. I read "The Journey". It was great. Glad to know some new facts about Wanda. She is so personable. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I have enjoyed several of your books, Mrs. Brunstetter. I would love to win this one.
Blessings,
Kelly Y. in Virginia
I love reading Amish books and would love to win The Healing. Thank you.
I live in Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Would love to win!
Sarah H
Oklahoma
I love Wanda's books! There are only a few that I have not read. She is a great writer.
Wendy from Michigan
sounds like a really great book. would love the chance to win it.thanks.
sarahw- MN
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