My New Friend

| Amy

What a great weekend I’ve had! I’ve got a new friend. Her name is Sarah and she lives in Inola. She bakes, sews, and works outside her home. I met her at the flea market when we went ‘junking’ this past Saturday.

Sarah is Amish.

Why am I so excited? Because I’ve tried to talk to other Amish women and get to know them better, but they can be understandably guarded. The outside English world can be very judgmental. These women who go out of the community to make money for their families are brave and must protect their image and beliefs. But with Sarah, something clicked. We chatted about books and Amish authors, recipes and her bakery. I could have stood there and talked to her all day long.

We’ve already made plans to return next weekend to see if she’s there. I’m going to take her a copy of Saving Gideon and try to talk to her some more. All I can say right now is thank you, God, for that impulsive decision to ‘run down to the flea market’ and see what was going on. I had a great time with my family, found a couple of Christmas presents, and made a great new friend. Happy weekend!

Charmed, I’m sure.

| Amy

Seven weeks in and I’m still not sure about the the TLC show Breaking Amish. I have to admit that it’s not about all the wonderful things that I admire in the Amish. It’s not…charming. I’ll go one further and admit that most Amish fiction is heavy on the charm. But that’s what I love about writing it and reading it. The Amish offer me a real escape from my own reality. A place filled with God fearing  neighbor-loving people who are taking life at their own pace.

But what about shows like Breaking Amish? I find it like a train wreck, I know I shouldn’t stare, but I can’t take my eyes off of it. Even if it lacks the charm of my fiction of choice.

Have you watched the show? Do you love it? Hate it? Or like me, does it male you want to dig  out your copy of The Shunning to watch again?

Coming to Terms

| Amy

Do you ever fight against things you know you should do?

Sorry that’s a stupid question. Of course you do. We all do…right? So here I am again working toward a low carb diet as directed by my doctor. Sigh. I love carbs, sweets and potatoes. I’m a corn bread expert! How am I going to eat low carbs? But alas, this is something I know I need to do.

Same thing about writing. I fight what God wants me to do. Why? Because it’s not exactly what I want to do. Doesn’t that sound like a snotty brat?  I guess I never thought about it that way before. But that’s it. That’s what it means when we don’t follow God’s instruction.

I’m not talking about the Bible–though I’m not saying that’s not first. I’m talking about His instructions for our individual lives.

Wow. A lot to think about for a Monday. But the answer is pretty simple, right? Cut the carbs and follow God’s plan for my writing.

Should be easy enough, but everyday I struggle against a plan that has been established. And pray everyday for the conflict to ease. Or maybe that’s the point…

It’s Time

| Amy

I apologize that this post is a day late, but between a migraine and a messed up spider bite (don’t ask) I’m running a little behind. Not a good thing when you consider that it’s time to start working on Gabriel’s Bride. At least that’s what I’m calling it. The verdict is still out as far as the editors are concerned. But it’s Gabriel’s story, no doubt about that. And the third in the Clover Ridge Series.

Gabriel’s story will be different for me for two reasons. First, both characters are Amish and second, they will be married before the end of the book. Other than that…well, I’ve got a lot of work to do!

Not Quite Amish

| Amy

I’ve said it before, I think that Amish fiction is so popular because it gives us hope that the  world could move a little slower and be a little less complicated.

Well, if you’re among those of us who wish for a more simple way of life, we have a new blog for you.

Come visit Not Quite Amish where several authors of Amish fiction gather to talk to fans about more simple, everyday English living. There’s also an Amish convert and a ex-Amish woman for many different views on the simple life.

So come join me and some fabulous authors at Not Quite Amish. You’ll be glad you did!

http://notquiteamishliving.com/

What Do You Think?

| Amy

Bullying…

It’s a topic on everyone’s lips right now, second only to November’s election. Why has it become such a hot topic? Is it that bullying is a bigger problem these days than it was when I was growing up? Are there more simply more ways to bully since we have the internet and other avenues? Or is it simply a matter of how  small the world is becoming?

Sound off. What do you think?

Side note: This is not a forum to argue with each other but a simple sharing of ideas and possibilities. Tell me what you think, but play nice! :)