An interview with Vannetta Chapman, popular author of Amish romance and mystery novels.
Kate: Vannetta, where do your characters come from?
My books always start with characters and the plot follows. Usually these are a combination of people that I meet. It might be someone I know well or someone I’ve barely know at all.
Kate: People you’ve met or read about, or do they pop into your head?
I’ll give you an example. I’ve been on two trips with a local travel club in the last few years. Both times a wonderful woman named Honey Brown went. Great name, right? Well Honey is an amazing woman. She’s in her 80s, and I didn’t even try to keep up with her. You will definitely be reading about her in an upcoming book.
Kate: Which of your novels was the most fun to write and why? Did it require special research?
I’ve really enjoyed visiting the locations of the people I write about. The Shipshewana series opened up a whole new area to me–northern Indiana. We’ve been there so many times now that it feels like our home away from home. I’ve also written about the Amish in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma. I love visiting and getting to know people in the area before I write about it.
Kate: When you’re not writing how do you spend your time?
I have a new dog. She’s an 83 pound lab and likes to take walks, so that keeps me busy. I also crochet, quilt, garden, hike and read constantly. My husband says I MIGHT have too many hobbies, but I think it’s all just great.
Kate: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, what is your favorite destination?
I do! I had the pleasure of going to Ireland a few years ago. It was fascinating, and I’m ready to book another trip! My favorite destination is the one I’m about to visit. lol.
Kate: What surprises you about others?
Their kindness. We read so much in the news about how cruel and awful people can be–and they can. But I am always surprised by the small acts of kindness that I see daily–a teenager holding a door open for an older person, a mother with a child, a husband with a wife. These things touch my heart and help me to remember why I write–to share the grace of God.
Kate: What’s next?
My indie book, Hidden, will release in September. Details about that on my website at www.vannettachapman.com. I also have an ebook compilation which releases in September–all 3 of the Shipshewana mysteries for $9.99. And then Murder Tightly Knit will release in December. This is a fun, fun book that looks at the similarities between survivalists and Amish, all wrapped up in a story that was inspired by the parable of the prodigal son.
Leave a comment and enter to win a Vannetta Chapman eBook or print book of the winner’s choice. Winner has one week to respond. A list of Vannetta’s books is at http://vannettachapman.com/book-list/.
Congratulations to last week’s book-giveaway winners, Wilma F., Brenda M. & Jennifer C. Each may choose a copy of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork or Forever Amish! Many thanks to those who left thought-provoking comments or just stopped by to say hello!
I love your books. Amish and mysteries are my favorite.
Thanks for the chance of winning.
Sounds like you’re a perfect reader to win one of Vannetta’s books, Marsha. Good luck!
Thank you for the opportunity at winning one of your great books! All are so good and I have read many of them!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Linda! Good luck!
I enjoy getting a peek inside an author’s brain! I love Vanetta Chapman’s books and would be very happy and grateful to win. 🙂
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Laura! Good luck!
Hello Kate. I loved getting to meet Vannetta in person last year. She is such a sweet lady. Has a nice family too. Loved the interview. I would love my choice of her books. I know just which it would be. One I’ve been wanting a long time. Please put my name in the drawing. Thanks Kate and Vannetta for this give-away. GOD bless both of you. Maxie Anderson
Hi Maxie. She is a sweetheart. Hope you win that book!
Love your books. Thanks for a chance to win.
HI Juanita! Thanks for entering the giveaway.
LOVE Vannetta’s books!
Many would agree, Patricia! Thanks for leaving your enthusiastic comment.
I can’t wait to read Vannetta’s books! I haven’t had the pleasure yet, but I will surely add them to my list!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathryn!
I enjoy interviews like this sooo much!! Vannetta, your books look really good!!!
What is your favorite thing about writing??
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Sierra! Yes, Vannetta’s books are good. Thanks for writing!
looks great!
Thanks for entering, Nat!
Love your books, thank you for the chance to win.
Thanks from both Vannetta and me for entering the giveaway, Deb!
Hi Vannetta,
enjoyed the post today and learning about all your new books ! you certainly keep busy!!
I am looking forward to reading all of them. Thank you for giveaway.
Kate, I enjoy your blog and wanted to tell you I just finished reading Forever Amish and I loved it !
Congratulations ladies on all your books !
Blessings
Yea, Jackie! Glad you enjoyed Forever Amish! Thanks from both of us for entering the giveaway.
Good Reading…….
Thanks for writing, Ellen!
I’ve read her books in the past and enjoyed them. If I win, I would like to have A Simple Amish Christmas because my mother and I have a tradition of reading only Christmas novels from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day.
tcuevas@iccable.com
Vannetta is one of my favorite authors. I look forward to every book she writes. 🙂
She is a fabulous author, Darlene! Thanks for leaving your comment!
Hi Vannetta! I have a lot of hobbies, too 🙂 Quilting isn’t one of them, although I would LOVE to learn. Enjoy your books very much. Love the cover on Murder Tightly Knit!
I love her covers, too, Anne! Thanks for entering the contest!
Hello!
I’m a knitter so your book sounds extra interesting to me. 🙂 I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Vannetta’s book would be perfect for a knitter, Jessica! Thanks for writing!
I would to win one of her books!
Good luck, Donna! Thanks for entering.
Love learning /reading about my favorite authors. Interesting article. Please enter me in this giveaway for one of Vannetta’s books. Thank you.
Good luck in the book giveaway, Mary!
Thank you, Katie for the great interview! For a change of reading pace, I really enjoy cozy mysteries and am definitely looking forward to Vanetta’s newest one.
Glad you enjoyed the interview, Linda! Good luck!
Really enjoyed the interview Kate.
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of your book Vannetta.
I so enjoy reading your books (yours too Kate!)!
I share them with my 82 year old mother (she lives next door).
Blessings, Tina
Thank you so much, Tina! I would love living next to my mother! Good luck in the book giveaway!