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!
Thank you for another great give-away! Would love to win one of Vannetta’s books!
HI Lorraine. Doesn’t Kate have a fabulous blog? 🙂
I love all of Vannetta’s books, would love to read this one.
Hi Rachel. Thank you for being a faithful reader!
I love your books, Thanks for doing this. God Bless
Thank you, Pat!
Love me some Vannetta! Thanks for the giveaway. Great interview!
You are so welcome, Connie.
I love all of your books and I would love to win this contest. Thank you for sharing your talent
Hi Lois. I’m waving wildly. 🙂
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know more about you and your books. I love reading your books and the encouragement I receive from them. I would love to win your book. You’re a great author Vannetta!
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Theresa! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Would love to read your books! great give-away 🙂
Thanks, Deanne!
I haven’t read on of your books yet..but I have one or two bought on my Nook or Kindle…so very soon.
Read those books and let me know what you think, Rhonda. 🙂
Winter no longer sounds so terrible knowing that there will be some awesome books coming out by the authors I love to read.
Ahhh … thanks Marg! We’re looking forward to winter here in Texas … our forecast is straight 100 days from now through September!
So love your books Vannetta! Keep up the wonderful writing!
Would so love to win! You knit together such mesmerizing stories!
God Bless,
Cheryl Baranski
Thank you for your encouragement, Cheryl!
I am so thankful for the Amish books being published.. I love Christian romance because of the core value in our Lord, Jesus Christ.. learning more about Amish ways has always been interesting to me, since I was raised in western PA and we had many Amish neighbors.. <3
HI Deanna. Thanks for stopping by. I would LOVE to live in PA for a time. What a great experience!
Loved the interview. Want so much to read these books and be a winner.
Carolyn J.
Thanks, Carolyn!
Vanetta, I really enjoyed reading your interview. It’s great to learn about you favorite authors. I have read all of your books thus far, and look forward to reading, Hidden. Thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading the interview, Karen! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Great article I don’t think I ever read one of her books.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article, Michelle! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Vanetta, I enjoyed your interview with Kate. It is fascinating to read about where you get your inspiration for your stories from. The title of your upcoming book in December sounds so enticing; generally stories inspired by the prodigal son give the reader a sense of love and redemption. Looking forward to reading it. Enjoy your upcoming trip.
Kate and Vannetta , loved the interview. Vannetta I love your all your books I have read. Have not got them all yet, but working on it. I can’t wait for hidden and your other new books to come out. I would love to win one of your books Thanks for the chance. Kate I am also looking forward to reading some of your books.
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Elizabeth! Good luck in the giveaway!
Hi, I enjoy both of your books, ladies. Would love to meet you in person sometime. Come to Oregon Christian Writers. Our conference last week was wonderful!
I REALLY want to teach at the Oregon conference, Mary. My agent sent a request to the event coordinator, so maybe they’ll allow me to next year!
Mary, I had intended to come to the Oregon Christian Writers conference is here, but was unable to. I very much wanted to meet you in person! I heard the conference was fabulous! Thanks for writing!
I’ve not heard of these books but they sound great. I just ordered book 1 of the series.
Would love to read one of the books
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Tracy!
I love that you get to, as my friend would say, visit Amish country. 100 years ago when I was in high school I visited my friend in Ohio. Her family took me to visit an Amish community. I loved it! My one regret was not buying a faceless doll. I’m not sure why that bugs me, but if I get another chance I’ll buy one. One of these days wheb we’re driving from Texas to Minnesota I’m going to plan a little trip on the side so my daughter can get a glimpse of Amish life.
Thanks for writing, and entering the contest, Jennifer! As far as finding a faceless doll, they are still available. One possibility is to ask an Amish store that sells locally-made dolls if they would ask their seamstress to sew you one. Hope you get that side trip with your daughter!
So looking forward to reading this next book. Your books piqued my interest in Shipshewana. I am traveling there next month for a visit, can’t wait!
I hope you have a fabulous trip, Donna! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Love both Vannetta’s and Kate’s books. Both such wonderful authors. I had pretty much quit reading for many years. Could never find a book that I didn’t have to worry what I might stumble across as I read it. So nice to have such a safe platform, that even my granddaughter could pick up to read and I wouldn’t need to worry!
Thank you, Sonja! I do have people ask me if my novels would be appropriate for their granddaughters and it feels great to say Yes! Thanks for entering the book giveaway!
I would love to read this book. Cant wait to see how Honey Brown appears in one of your upcoming books too. Your quilts are wonderful too. Love all the pictures of them that you post.
Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway, Maryann! Good luck!
love your books thank you for the give away .
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Brenda!
My two favorite things–murder and knitting. I liked her comment about how she’s discovered the kindness of people. I enjoy discovering this in the books I read.
Thank you for leaving your comment and entering the book giveaway, Judy! I do think Vannetta has come up with a delightful combination!
I really enjoy Vanettas stories. They put you right in the middle there with the chartacters and settings.Looking forward to Murder Tightly Knit.Should be an interesting story.
Good luck in the giveaway, Donita! I hope you get a chance to read Murder Tightly Knit!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter for a wonderful book, from an awesome author…Love your books..
Thanks for entering, Kathy! Good luck!
Thank you Kate for letting us get to know Vannetta a little better through this interview. Vannetta, I enjoy your books and would love to win my own copy. Blessings to both of you.
Connie
Hasn’t this been fun, Connie? And thanks to everyone who has entered the book giveaway!
Kate thanks for sharing with us this great post with Vannetta.I love Vannetta’s books and I would love to read this one.I love your blog….it is awesome.
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview with Vannetta, Jackie! Thank you for your kind words about my blog. Good luck in the giveaway!
Love your books. Trust the Lord will continue to bless your talents as you bless your readers. Would love to win.
Thank you for entering the book giveaway, Linda! I’d love to win, too.
Love meeting this new to me author. All the books sound wonderful. Looking forward to reading them.
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Dorie! Good luck!
I enjoy reading Amish fiction. I’m glad there are more Amish being written whether it’s romance or mystery.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway, Deborah!
Huh-oh. I clicked away from the blog to edit pages from my upcoming book, Anna’s Healing. And when I came back all of you wonderful people had posted! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank YOU, Vannetta, for being my gracious guest!
I was so excited to win one of Kate Lloyd’s books! I would love to win one of Vannetta Chapman’s books! Also such an interesting interview! Thanks for the opportunity!
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Brenda! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Love reading your books. Hope to win this one.
Nice interview. Looking forward to reading more of Vannetta’s books. They are all very, very good.
Thank you for the chance to win.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, Karen, and wish you good luck in the giveaway!
I would love to win one of your books! I absolutely love reading them!
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Teresa!
I have read all your books on nook but would love a hardcopy.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the contest, Fran! Good luck!
Vanetta writes fantastic books, thank you for the chance to win one.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Wendy!
I have loved all of Vannetta’s books! Thank you for the opportunity to win one. rackylemaire(at) gmail(dot) com
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Melissa! Good luck!
Great post! I read all the Amish Christian fiction books that I can. It makes me feel better about myself and others when I read them! I love getting to know Amish authors and their characters.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Just finished Murder, Simply Brewed. Just loved it. Can’t wait for til December for your next book. I’ve read all of your books. You’re a great writer that can blend a great mystery in with the Amish way of life.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely comment, Barbara!
I love your books and the way you write. You are a talented writer and I would love to get a hold of some of your books. Everytime I read a book written by you or any other Amish author I feel myself drawn into the book and the characters life.
Vannetta Is a talented writer! Thanks for entering to win one of her books!
Kate, thank you for this interview. You had some great questions. I did not like books about murder until I read Vannetta’s. They are not gory, but leave some mystery to them. Thanks Vannetta for opening me up to another genre.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Lisa! Good luck in the giveaway!
Material Witness or Murder Simply Brewed would be my pick. I love reading Amish books and also mysteries too. Vannetta is a great writer , enjoy reading her books.
She is a great writer, Ann! Thanks for entering the book giveaway and good luck!
would love to win
Thanks for entering, Valerie!
Thank you for the chance to win one of Vannetta’s books. If I win it will be a tough choice.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susan. You’re right: a tough choice. Good luck!
I really loved the Shipshewana mysteries. A lot of fun and mystery both.
Thanks for entering the book giveaway, Alice! Good Luck!
Love reading your book Murder Simply Brewed. Kept me guess till the end of the book. I was very surprised. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Good luck in the book giveaway, Dawn! Thanks for entering!
Thank you for this opportunity! I love Amish themed books!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway, Linda! Good luck!