The most frequent question I get when speaking with a group about my books, is how did you begin writing? At first, I stumbled somewhat, trying to recall when I had an epiphany about devoting much of my time and life to the creative process of writing. Truthfully, I've always loved to express myself through the written word.
Even as a child, I was the kid on the block who wrote the plays we performed for our audiences consisting of adoring parents and friends on hot summer nights. At camp, after lights out, the group of young campers sat around my bunk as I scared the wits out of them with my 'scary' tales conjured up in my overactive mind. My first short story was written when I was about five. It was about my cat, who talked to me. In English, of course.
Then during a holiday dinner, when surrounded by my five adult children and their families, I was coerced into writing the stories of our adventures owning a country inn in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. After all, I was the one with time on my hands. (According to the kids.) We'd spent eleven years and there were many amusing tales to be told. I spent about six months organizing the chapters, writing and re-writing our amusing (to us) stories of life as innkeepers. This became the book, "Inn Sane," which I ended up self-publishing. It started out to be just for the family to enjoy, but became much more. I recently updated it by adding an epilogue and changing a few of the photos.
I had so much fun writing it, that I took classes in creative writing while staying in Florida during winters. I also began the Julia Series, which remained on my hard drive for a couple years. After about fifteen novels, I pulled Julia out and re-wrote the three books, improving them and editing. They are my favorite books, but I'm known more for my Amish series, which have been best sellers.
I'll get back to you in time and tell you some other tidbits about the writing world. Though it involves work--far more than people realize--it is a great joy to entertain others. My Christian faith is an integral part of my writing and my desire is to enrich my stories with the truth of my Savior and his love for his people. A seed planted perhaps. My greatest joy is to hear from my readers and know in some small way I've been able to touch their hearts and minds and encourage them through their times of trials, just as my characters have dealt with their struggles.
Even as a child, I was the kid on the block who wrote the plays we performed for our audiences consisting of adoring parents and friends on hot summer nights. At camp, after lights out, the group of young campers sat around my bunk as I scared the wits out of them with my 'scary' tales conjured up in my overactive mind. My first short story was written when I was about five. It was about my cat, who talked to me. In English, of course.
Then during a holiday dinner, when surrounded by my five adult children and their families, I was coerced into writing the stories of our adventures owning a country inn in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. After all, I was the one with time on my hands. (According to the kids.) We'd spent eleven years and there were many amusing tales to be told. I spent about six months organizing the chapters, writing and re-writing our amusing (to us) stories of life as innkeepers. This became the book, "Inn Sane," which I ended up self-publishing. It started out to be just for the family to enjoy, but became much more. I recently updated it by adding an epilogue and changing a few of the photos.
I had so much fun writing it, that I took classes in creative writing while staying in Florida during winters. I also began the Julia Series, which remained on my hard drive for a couple years. After about fifteen novels, I pulled Julia out and re-wrote the three books, improving them and editing. They are my favorite books, but I'm known more for my Amish series, which have been best sellers.
I'll get back to you in time and tell you some other tidbits about the writing world. Though it involves work--far more than people realize--it is a great joy to entertain others. My Christian faith is an integral part of my writing and my desire is to enrich my stories with the truth of my Savior and his love for his people. A seed planted perhaps. My greatest joy is to hear from my readers and know in some small way I've been able to touch their hearts and minds and encourage them through their times of trials, just as my characters have dealt with their struggles.
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