Author Interview with Wanda Brunstetter

Author Interview with Wanda Brunstetter !!!   

I am delighted to have Wanda Brunstetter as my guest on my blog today.    Wanda has graciously agreed to answer some questions for us, her faithful followers and readers.   Grab a cup of tea and sit back and enjoy!!!  

1.   What prompted you to start writing?  how long have you been writing?

 

     My desire to write began when I was in 2nd grade and wrote a poem about a moth. My teacher said it was well-written, and she encouraged me to keep writing. I didn't write for publication until I was married and my children had started school. My first short story was published in 1982, and in 1997 I sold my first novel.

2.  What makes you write Amish fiction?

 

     I chose to write about the Amish because my husband grew up in a Mennonite church and we have many Amish friends in several communities throughout the states. Since there are so many misconceptions about the Amish, I wanted my readers to understand the Amish people as I do.

3.  Have you stayed in an Amish home? if so, what are your favorite things about it?

    Yes, my husband and I have stayed in our Amish friend's homes several times. My favorite thing about it was the quietness -- no TV or loud noises. I also enjoyed the quality time of visiting with our Amish friends and seeing them interact with their family.

4.  What is your favorite Amish meal or recipe?

     One of my favorite Amish meals is fried chicken and mashed potatoes. One of our Amish friends makes the best mashed potatoes. I also enjoy what the Amish call "Hay Stack." This consists of torn lettuce, chopped tomatoes and sometimes other veggies, layered on your plate and topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

5.  Tell me about your family.   

   I'm married to Richard, a retired minister, and we have two grown children, Richard Jr. and Lorine. Both of our children are married and have three children of their own. We love spending time with our family.

6.  Your faith is obviously very important to you as you include spiritual lessons in your books; what church do you and your husband attend?

 

  My husband pastored a Nazarene church for nearly 20 years, and we are currently members of a Nazarene church in our town.

7.  Have you worshiped in Amish church? Tell us about that.   

   Yes, we have worshipped in Amish church with our friends, Jake and Sara. The service took place in one of their church member's buggy sheds, and most everyone sat on backless wooden benches. A few people, including my husband and myself, were given folding chairs to sit on. The service lasted 3 hours and consisted of singing (with no musical instruments), sermons by the bishop and two ministers from the church, prayers, and scripture readings. It was a solemn occasion, but very uplifting. Most of the sermons, as well as the songs were in German.

8.  What has been your favorite book or series to write and why?

   I believe it would be "The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club," because it dealt with so many unusual characters.

9.  If you could go on a trip anywhere in the world. where would you go and why?

   One of our favorite places to visit is Hawaii, because it's so relaxing and beautiful there.

10.  What would be the most difficult thing for you to give up if you were to become Amish?  I think, for me, Wanda, it would be air conditioning!   whew!  I don't do well in the hot weather.  

 

  Going witout electricity, which would include no air conditioning, computers, or modern appliances would be difficult; although I didn't miss it when we stayed with our Amish friends for a whole week.

Thank you so much for sharing with my readers today.  I know that I personally love your books and am so thankful to God that you share your talent and gifts with us through your writing.   I would love to stay in an Amish home and enjoy some of those delicious mashed potatoes and fried chicken!   The quiet would be nice!