STILL LIFE IN SHADOWS - Alice J Wisler - One Free Book

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I hope to write more novels and also to write another non-fiction book or two. Most of all, I want to be able to trust God for his provision in my life. I mean, for everything! I so want to live more by faith and not by my limited sight.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have four kids---three on earth and one in Heaven. The three here are Rachel, Ben and Liz. Daniel died at age four from cancer treatments in 1997. His short life has inspired me in my writing and speaking. I’m married to Carl. We’ve just started a business called Carved By Heart. We make engraved plaques and memorials from oak, pine and poplar. You can see some of our work here: http://www.carvedbyheart.com

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Oh, yes. Sometimes it’s hard to read for pleasure because my editor hat is always on. On the other hand, when I read something that speaks to me, I know the author worked hard to get that portion of the book to sound just right and that good writing is tedious to accomplish.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on many writing projects. One is another novel for River North that I’ve titled, Lessons in Blue, about adoption, grief and loss.

What outside interests do you have?

I’ve recently taking up leather crafting. I enjoy pounding tools into leather with my mallet and seeing the outcome. I also walk three miles each day. Walking and I get along so well, that I’ve incorporated it into my devotional (Getting Out of Bed in the Morning) that comes out in January. There are sections in my book that are especially for walkers as they commune with God on the trail.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

All five of my novels are set in North Carolina. I live in Durham, NC, and find writing about this state to work well.

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

I’d like to meet with Mary Lincoln. She lost two children to death and really lost herself, keeping her curtains closed and refusing to go out in public. If she’d allow me in, I’d like to have a cup of tea and ask her some questions, and more than that, I’d want to give her a hug.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I should have listened better in English Grammar class.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Patience. Patience as I wait upon God. I tell myself that God loves my kids and loved ones more than I do and has a plan for each of their lives.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Practice your craft each day.

Read what you like to write.

Accept criticism about your work; be willing to change your ideas in order to make your story shine.

Tell us about the featured book?

I call Still Life in Shadows an ex-Amish novel, because it follows the life of Gideon Miller who left his community due to an abusive father. About eighteen months ago, I watched a documentary on Amish youth who “escaped” the Old Order lifestyle to pursue “English” lives. As I watched, I took notes and from there read a lot online about what the Amish face when they choose to leave their homes. I was lucky enough to be interviewed in the Columbia Daily Tribune with my inspiration for my novel, ex-Amish, Mose Gingerich. My story is written from Gideon’s viewpoint as well as that of a thirteen-year-old autistic girl named Kiki. It’s a tale about wanting to belong and learning to forgive, especially yourself.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Kiki had to get out, get going, or she’d punch a hole in something. This two-bedroom house was as cramped as a coffin and nearlysmelled like one, as the aroma of fried food saturated the walls. Mari had told her to stay close, dinner was almost ready. But who wanted to wait around inside as her sister stir-fried green peppers, onions, and potatoes—again?

In her room, Kiki laced her neon green tennis shoes as quickly as her fingers could maneuver the frayed strings. She grabbed Yoneko, her cotton tabby-cat puppet, and scrambled to her feet. Too quickly. The blood all rushed from her head. She steadied herself against her closet door and waited for the sensation to pass. Slow down, slow down, for Pete’s sake. Then with tiny steps, she ventured into the hallway.

Her sister Mari—a lanky figure still wearing the tea shop’s frilly apron—stood in front of the stove. With her back to Kiki, she turned vegetables over with a spatula and hummed some song—probably from the last century. Mari liked those old romantic songs by the Beatles and

Bob Dylan because, as she put it, they had meaning for her heart.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Please find me on the Internet!

LIKE my author page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alice-J-Wisler/333751835453

Read my blog: http://www.alicewisler.com

Sign up for my newsletter: http://www.alicewisler.com/literary-lyrics-newsletter/

Thank you, Alice, for sharing this book with us. 

Readers, I've read this one and not only is it unique, it is also well-written. You'll want to read it.


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Still Life in Shadows - paperback
Still Life in Shadows - Kindle


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