Amish Tidbits

with guest Molly Jebber.

Research can be fun . . . 

You’ve picked your location for your story. You researched the entertainment, appearance, stores, and unique way of life there. Maybe you visited and talked to the people to learn more about the location’s history. That’s what I do to learn about the Amish.

I write Amish Historical Romance. Their history, faith in God, traditions, and lifestyle are all interesting to me. The Amish and I share the same faith in God. The difference is our lifestyles. I wear makeup, like to shop, drive a car, use a blow dryer and curling iron, love to listen to musicals, and enjoy many things the outside world has to offer that they avoid. 

The Amish and Mennonites believe baptism should be an adult choice, and they reject infant baptism. They were once known as Anabaptists. Mainstream Protestants and Catholic authorities persecuted the Anabaptists in the 1550’s. They were beheaded, burned at the stake, tortured and thrown in dungeons for believing this way in their faith.

Jakob Ammann felt the Mennonites were too lenient in church discipline and in accepting more conveniences and comforts into their lives. He led the Amish to Pennsylvania away from persecution, and the word, “Amish” derived from his last name. They thrived and still do today.

  They and I believe in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

King James Version

The Old Order Amish use the King James Version of the Holy Bible written in German or English. Their main language is Pennsylvania Dutch.

The community agrees and lives by a list of rules called the Ornung. The colors approved for women’s skirts and dresses and men’s shirts and pants, resolving disputes among themselves, etc. are all adhered to as agreed upon by the bishop and elders.

Dolls don’t have faces. They don’t want their children wanting to look like the dolls to avoid “graven images” and pride. The dolls are soft and cuddly.  

They use propane gas, wood burning stoves, and oil lanterns for cooking and light.  

Children attend school through the eighth grade. They are needed to work on the farm, and Old Order Amish don’t feel it is necessary for their lifestyle. 

Children play soccer, ride bicycles, fish, and hunt to name a few fun activities. The Amish have large community meals together to socialize. They take care of the widows and aged, and they financially support those suffering from sickness, a fire, etc. 

They will go to doctors, clinics, and hospitals. They do give and accept blood. 

They drive horse-drawn buggies or wagons for transportation. They will accept rides from Englischers, and they will travel by boat or train for long distances.

The Old Order Amish strive to do God’s will in their lives. They avoid confrontation, violence, and strife. I travel often to their communities and find the women kind and compassionate. They are so talented. Their food is delicious.

 Quilts are made with perfect stitches and beautiful patterns. Jellies, jams, baked goods, and many dry goods are amazing. The craftsmanship in their furniture is near perfect. I enjoy it all! They strive to do God’s will in all they do, and to forgive others, no matter how difficult the circumstances. I have been blessed by the Amish. If you have a chance, visit an Amish community and enjoy all the good food and dry goods! Here’s a potholder I bought.  
        

  
My Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series (Change of Heart, 1899 and Grace’s Forgiveness, 1900; and Two Suitors for Anna, 1903) takes place in Berlin, Ohio. In each one, someone receives a quilt with a pocket sewn on it and a letter tucked inside. 

Two Suitors for Anna releases in stores and ebook TODAY, January 31, 2017. Thanks for celebrating with me!

Have you visited Amish Country? What were your thoughts? Did you go home with an Amish homemade item? 

Anna hesitates when Noah proposes marriage and insists they move to another Amish community to meet new people and experience a new location. He takes her hesitation as rejection and leaves. Daniel comes to town and offers Anna friendship, and they fall in love. Noah returns, and he asks Anna for forgiveness and another chance. She’s torn. Who will she choose? Who will you root for?

Today Molly is generously giving away two copies of Two Suitors for Anna. Two winners! Be sure to comment! Winners announced in the Weekend Edition

MollyJebber has just signed a four-book contract for a new Amish Bakery Series with the first story taking place in 1912 coming soon. 

Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a complete list of where she’ll be speaking for Women’s Christian Connection, and other groups about the Amish and my books or where she’ll be offering classes on marketing, publishing, and writing. Enjoy watching her book video about Two Suitors for Anna! 

Her books are listed with links to buy them in print or Ebook in stores and online.

Amish Fiction? What's the draw?

By Debby Giusti 

I blame Ada Ranch Buchwalter for sparking a genre of books that has taken the Christian fiction market by storm.

Born in 1886, Ada grew up as an Old Order Mennonite. She later rejected the Plain life and was subsequently shunned by her community. The fictionalized story of Ada’s decision to leave her Mennonite sect was the basis for The Shunning, a novel written by her granddaughter, Beverly Lewis. Published in 1997 by Bethany House, The Shunning was an almost overnight success, went on to become a Hallmark movie and, to date, has sold more than a million copies. 

Steve Oates was vice president of marketing for Bethany House at the time, and in an interview with Deborah Kennedy, Oates talked about Bethany House’s initial response to Lewis’s submission. “We thought it was a good, sweet story and that there was potential for it to sell maybe 25,000 in the first year,” he recounts. 

Add another 100,000 sales to his modest assessment of the story’s anticipated success, and you’ll have a more accurate account of the book’s first year marketing history. The Shunning showed publishers how the simple life could capture the hearts of readers who were soon eagerly clamoring for more Amish stories.

Fast forward to 2013 and a Wall Street Journal article by Valerie Weaver-Zercher (“Why Amish Novels are Hot,” June 6, 2013) that highlighted the growth of Amish fiction since that first Lewis novel hit the shelves. 

Weaver-Zercher writes, “In 2003, one new romance novel with an Amish theme was published. This year at least 86 are being released. Five of the top 10 best sellers on a recent list of Christian fiction were Amish titles, and the novels regularly hit mainstream best-seller lists. The top three authors of Amish romance novels— Beverly Lewis, Cindy Woodsmall and Wanda Brunstetter—have sold among them more than 24 million books.” 

I first met fellow Georgian, Cindy Woodsmall, at the Atlanta airport when we were were both en route to an ACFW conference. Her debut novel had recently released, and she shared some of the struggle she had faced on her journey to publication, which she also recounts on her website. When Cindy started submitting, publishers backed away. Beverly Lewis was successful, and they didn’t feel there was room for another author writing Amish stories. In 2005, WaterBrook Multnomah took a chance and offered Cindy a three-book contract. A few months later, Wanda Brunstetter’s first Amish book was released. Cindy’s debut novel hit bookstores the following year and sold out within two weeks.

When books sell, editors take note, and so do writers who quickly jumped aboard the Amish bandwagon as the popularity of bonnet fiction increased.

Shelley Shepard Gray has penned 32 Amish stories since Hidden, her debut, released in 2008. “As a writer, I feel that the possibilities for stories about the Amish are endless. There is a ready-made conflict between my protagonists and outside temptations and/or dangers that I find very fun.” Shelley adds, “Readers often tell me that they enjoy the genre because they get to experience a slower pace of life. I think they also enjoy learning about a different culture." (Shelley's current releases: A Sister's Wish, Sept 27, 2016, An Amish Family Christmas, Oct 18, 2016)

In 2009, the editors at Love Inspired Books asked Patricia Davids to write something Amish. “I worked up three proposals and they offered me the contracts. It’s 2016 now and I’m still writing Amish," says Patricia. “I have to admit I was stunned at the success of those first stories. They sold like hotcakes even as reprints. Many people have asked me what the draw is for Amish romances. Beats me. I’ve never figured it out. Is it the sense of nostalgia they evoke for a kinder, gentler time? Is it because the Amish are doing something we can’t, living a simple life without electricity or higher education and they are happy? Or is it the tightness of the community that comforts our readers. Whatever it is, I hope it continues for a long time. Because, frankly, I never thought the popularity would last this long.” (Patricia's current release: The Farmer Next Door by Patricia Davids & Lancaster Country Target by Kit Wilkinson as a 2 in 1 novel)

Mary Ellis fondly recalls the Amish stories she’s written. “Although I’m currently writing romantic suspense set in the South, I enjoyed my years of writing Amish fiction very much. I loved spending time with these devout Christians. I was able to step into their slower-paced world whenever I spent a weekend there researching. I believe that’s why the genre remains popular--readers are able to remove themselves from their hectic lives and enter a world where God and family are paramount.” (Mary’s current release: Magnolia Moonlight) 

Weighing in on the Amish allure, Love Inspired author Jo Ann Brown says the stories she writes “harken back to a simpler time and a simpler life without the hubbub of the modern world, where neighbors know and care about each other and families aren’t separated by hundreds of miles.” (Jo Ann's current release: His Amish Sweetheart, Sept 2017)

Jan Drexler writes for Love Inspired and Revell. “Amish stories require the same elements as other genres: good storytelling, characters with depth, and accurate research,” she says. “The readers want stories that provide a realistic picture of this fascinating culture, and they are wonderfully supportive of authors who provide that. And because of their support and interest, Amish fiction has expanded from contemporary romances to historicals, suspense, and beyond." (Jan's current release: Mattie’s Pledge, on sale now)

As Jan mentioned, Amish fiction includes not only sweet romances and historicals but also suspense stories. 

Alison Stone includes Amish characters in the stories she writes for Love Inspired Suspense. “I don't shy away from some of the issues that crop up among the Amish. These same issues happen in any community. For example, in Plain Protector (May 2016), the heroine is a social worker who works, in part, with Amish who may have drug or alcohol issues. In my books, I try to portray (as much as is possible in series romance) a realistic view of the Amish and those that live in close proximity to them.”  As to the success of Amish fiction, Alison says, "Perhaps the genre is so popular because people long for a simpler time without all the distractions of today's fast-paced life." (Alison's latest release: Plain Cover-Up, Aug 2016)

Love Inspired editor Emily Rodmell shared her thoughts on the Amish attraction.  “Amish romance really resonates with the Love Inspired readers. It is one of our bestselling genres. Readers seem to enjoy visiting a place where times are simpler and people live off the land and aren’t always buried in their phones or tablets. All three of the Love Inspired lines (Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical) are actively seeking more Amish stories. But we are especially seeking Amish stories for our Love Inspired contemporary romance line at this time. So if you’ve ever wanted to tackle an Amish story, now is the time. We’d love to see it. We look for stories that have romance at their core, that put the Amish in a good light (readers enjoy reading about the lifestyle, they don’t want to see it denigrated) and that end with both the hero and heroine as members of the Amish community.”

Debby again...

With Amish suspense, I find the stark contrast between the peace-loving Amish and the villains who try to harm them provides a roller coaster of emotion and an interesting mix of cultures. Having lived near Amish communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania and attracted to their simple lifestyle, I included an Amish community and a heroine who had been raised Amish in The Agent’s Secret Past and was thrilled when the story won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Suspense in 2015. My February 2016 release, Plain Danger, also set within the Amish community, hit # 5 on the Publisher’s Weekly bestsellers list so I can't complain about the direction my Amish stories have taken.

I'm now writing a straight Amish suspense trilogy. Amish Rufuge, the first book in my Amish Protectors series, will be out in May 2017 and features Amish hero, Abram Zook, who protects an English woman on the run. I hope readers who read my Military Investigations series will follow me to this new series and enjoy Amish Refuge as much as I liked writing the story. 

As to the draw of Amish fiction...

Some folks speculate that the glut of sexually explicit books has caused so many readers—folks searching for a good story without the sexual sensationalism—to embrace the Amish genre. A Perfect Storm, so to speak, but in a positive way that accounts for the increased sales.  

That may play into the mix, but to me, the draw seems fairly straightforward. Readers yearn for a connection that features home and hearth. Add faith and a happily ever after and you have the growing success of Christian fiction. Add a bonnet—or prayer Kapp—to the heroines of those stories, and you achieve a combination that keeps books flying off the shelves.

Do you enjoy Amish fiction? If so, what’s the draw for you? Maybe you haven’t read any stories with a bonnet on the cover. Is there a reason, and if not, are you willing to give Amish fiction a try? Share the names of any Amish books you’ve enjoyed or stories that made you see the Amish in a new light.

Leave a comment to be entered in SEVEN drawings. Winners will receive a copy of my current release, PLAIN TRUTH, along with two additional Amish books from the Seeker prize vault.

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

PLAIN TRUTH

By Debby Giusti

AMISH COUNTRY SECRETS

When widowed doctor Ella Jacobsen is attacked and left for dead in her childrens’ clinic, the peace she’s found in Georgia’s Amish country is shattered. Someone is after something in her clinic and wants her out of the way...but what are they looking for? Ella knows only that  her life is in the hands of army special agent Zach Swain. Zach can’t resist the vulnerable but headstrong Ella, who stares down danger to care for the people she loves. With one look, the loner soldier goes from investigator to protector. To save Ella, he must uncover the secrets that swirl around the idyllic community. And he needs  to do it fast, because Ella is running out of time.

Order HERE!

A Contract is a Job-don't get run over

by double RITA Nominee Elizabeth Byler Younts

I’d like to thank the great writers behind Seekerville. It’s a pleasure being here!

I wanted to start out with a bit of fun…

I’m not going to assume that Seekerville readers are Amish Fiction readers…so I decided I’m going to give you a few reasons why YOU must need should read my Amish Historical Fiction series.

1-A direct celebrity connection with Weird Al Yankovich and Harrison Ford.

2-Getting closer to this kind of fiction involves homemade pie and pastries.
3-Learning all about “sewing your wild oats” without getting into trouble.
4-Imagine being just one step away from the crazy cool pop culture references like Amish Mafia and Breaking Amish.
5-Learn the important Amish secrets like how women wear a dresses entirely held together by straight pins.

And, last, but not least, the reason you should read Promise to Return and the other books on deck in my series is…

6-The first scene involves kissing and romance. oooolala

Yes, Amish kiss. They are passionate people and my books reflect this truth.

After a list like that, who wouldn’t want to read Amish Historical Fiction, right?
Okay, okay…with that silliness behind us, I wanted to share a bit about my journey to publication…
My journey to publication was a whirlwind…but it didn’t start that way. I was merely an eleven-year-old girl when I wrote my first novel. The handwritten manuscript was titled Randi’s Will.
This story had it all!

…2 girls orphaned due to a car accident (a horrifically written hospital death scene)

…the 2 girls run away from their evil aunt and uncle
…foster parents that had names reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables characters
…and romance! This time the hero’s name was reminiscent of a soap opera character

Okay, so I wasn’t very creative, but I started it and finished it.

The same year I wrote Randi’s Will I also promised my grandmother that I would write her memoir some day. My great-great grandma’s memoir was written by a family member and I wanted to do the same.

Twenty-three years later my words went from a long-ago promise to paperback (and ebook). Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl was self-published in 2011 and became a #1 Amazon bestseller in two categories. My dear Amish grandma’s story is all over the world and she has become a celebrity in her local community in rural Michigan. It was a wonderful experience.

This ushered in my next project and my return to fiction. I began writing in the WW2 era but from an Amish perspective. My grandpa had been drafted during WW2 and as a non-resistant was sent into the Civilian Public Service (CPS) system where he worked for several years. You can learn more about the CPS on my website and in my fictional series The Promise of Sunrise.

I retained an agent and publication contract very quickly. It seemed from one day to the next my life was shaken like a snow globe and I was face-to-face with my dream that at times even felt nightmarish because of the pressure and stress.

Here are a few things that I learned and found that making a good habit before the contract came will make it much better after the contract is signed.

Just three little tips…

1. When writing became my job a brand new form a stress encompassed me. Even though I’d been writing seriously for several years and making it a priority, suddenly with the contract signed I felt beyond overwhelmed with the idea that I could not create yet another book…let alone two more to satisfy the contract.

***Yes, I can (yes, I’m letting you into my brain here) I had to remind myself that MANY writers (new and seasoned) feel this way when they sit and stare at a new screen. Writing is not merely being gifted and/or inspired… usually it involves a lot of grit, perspiration, motivation, the backspace button along with forcing yourself not to use the backspace button, M&Ms (replace with your chocolate snack of choice), and a lot of coffee. Oh, did I mention grit! You’re going to need a lot of grit.

2.  As a stay-at-home-mom and homeschooler I suddenly had a job with crazy hours. Sure, I’d treated my writing like work for several years…but this was different. This time, I had a boss.

***A LOT of mom’s work a variety of jobs in and out of the home and raise a family…I’d venture to say that most do! Choose your priorities wisely then build your schedule around your priorities and remember—writing time is sacred! While it is not more sacred than my spiritual life or family…but it my work and it is important. Don’t get run over.

When I get invited out on a day I know I need to be in front of my lappy writing, I do my best to simply respond with “I have to work.” Some of my friends know I write and some don’t. I am a homeschooling mom and with my two daughters (7 & 3) all day every day…so my evenings and weekends are wildly sacred. This means I need to do as much housework during the day as possible so that when the girls go to bed…my workday can start. I take extra care before committing to anything new, especially if it’s going to be a long-term commitment (ie: weeks or months in a row of an evening away). I must treat this contract like a job…because that is exactly what it is.

3. Relationships with other writers are more important than ever! You. Are. Not. An. Island.

***I’m not talking about just a writing critique partner, though that is a wonderful thing. I am talking about a writing friend (or a few) that you can vent to or unload on…this might be the same person that you critique with. I don’t mean vent in a complainy, whiney way, I’d never do that, but sincerely when you are in need of someone who is just willing to listen and provide some guidance and wisdom. The publishing world is a tough industry and ever changing. Having positive friendships with people who are walking the same path isn’t just extremely helpful but I think it’s vital. ALSO, if you are unloading on them make sure you are available for them to unload on you, too! This is a two-way street.

These are just a few things I’m learning along the way. By the grace of God, He will continue sustaining me as I continue walk this dream journey. I’m so thankful for where He has me!

*****

My book Promise to Return is RITA nominated in two categories: Inspirational and Best First Book. This nomination is such an honor and I’m thrilled to share with you a little insight to the behind the scenes on writing an Amish Historical Fiction series.


            For as long as I can remember I heard that my grandparents, “Mammie” and “Daudy”, met while he served in the Civilian Public Service (CPS) during WW2. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I realized how few Americans knew of the CPS and that over 12,000 conscientious objectors (C.O.s) served during WW2.

            Promise to Return will take you back in time and put you in the middle of not just the Second World War but also a raging battle in the heart of a young Amish woman, Miriam. Henry’s decision to enlist puts her at a fork in the road where two pathways both lead to great sacrifice. She fights against the clamor of the world around her in order to hear God’s voice and make the most difficult decision of her life.

            In this series I want to give you pieces of the unique history of this special group of people that I call my own. Even though I’m the child of two shunned parents, my life has been enmeshed with the Amish from the inside out and this story comes from the front lines. I’m thrilled to share Miriam and Henry’s journey with you.

www.elizabethbyleryounts.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethBylerYounts
https://twitter.com/ElizabethYounts
http://www.pinterest.com/ElizabethYounts/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTk77LQn5bvqdsizpfWcoQ/videos

My Amish Exercise Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIBg2juW_KU  

Elizabeth Byler Younts is an Air Force officer's wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters, currently living in central Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch. Elizabeth is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

Elizabeth's first book SEASONS: A REAL STORY OF AN AMISH GIRL, her Amish grandmother's memoir, was an #1 Amazon Bestseller and winner of a BRAG Medallion. PROMISE TO RETURN, her first novel in the Promise of Sunrise series through Howard Books (Simon & Schuster), is a finalist for a 2014 RITA Award. Through her love for storytelling and her Amish heritage, Elizabeth shares with readers worldwide authentic stories filled with little known Amish history, faith, and romance.


Today Elizabeth will be giving away one copy of her double RITA nominated book  Promise To Return. leave a comment for a chance to win. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.