My guest today is Vannetta Chapman. She holds a BA and MA degree in English and has published over 100 articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace in Albion, PA. She published a novel with Abingdon Press called A Simple Amish Christmas in October of 2010. Her first Quilt Shop Murder Mystery, Falling to Pieces (Zondervan), was released this month. She currently lives in the Texas hill country.
Welcome, Vannetta. Please make yourself comfortable. Help yourself to my specialty – your favorite cyber beverage and sweet home-baked treat. They’re a lot of work, but SO worth it! Now, if you’re cozy, let’s talk writing!
Anne – Tell us a something about yourself that you would normally only share with close friends.
Vannetta - I'm a bit distracted--as in I really do inhabit another world. To what extent? I find myself looking down as I walk INTO a meeting to check and make sure my shoes match (usually they do). I sometimes become lost driving to a place I've been to many times. And I often can't remember what MONTH it is. That's all a little embarrassing, but I'm hoping someone will tell me I'm not the only one.
Anne – It sounds as if you’re very busy with a great deal on your mind. And no, you’re not the only one. Last month I lost an entire week. I woke up Tuesday, sat at the computer and started to work, and then, bam! I panicked. I thought I’d forgotten to feature Vivian Zabel in the final week of the 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour. Turns out, I was a week ahead of myself!
Tell us about your most recent release.
In the Amish community of Shipshewana, two women—one Amish, one English—reluctantly join forces for a short-term business venture. Neither is looking for friendship, but when the town's newspaper editor is murdered, and an unexpected prime suspect is identified, the women form an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery.
Vannetta - The message of Falling to Pieces is a message of grace and forgiveness. Odd for a murder mystery? Maybe, but several characters in this story are running from their past. Callie Harper is from Texas and she knows nothing of Amish, Indiana, or quilting. This story is a journey for her. She has to either embrace the people around her or find a way to survive alone. She lands amongst a people of grace, and she learns to accept that for what it is--an offering from God. She lets it heal her. I think we all have that opportunity, where ever we live.
Anne - How long does it take you to write a book?
Vannetta - Between 6 weeks and 3 months, depending on my deadlines. I prefer 3 months! Honestly, I take the amount of time I have and "chunk it up" ... dividing my word count/page count into weeks and then days. I ALWAYS allow myself some leeway, knowing life will intervene with STUFF to mess with my calendar. Then I give myself time for 3 wonderful ladies who are my pre-readers to comb through it and another 2 weeks to put in their edits. Each morning I know what I have to write that day, and I try to leave my weekends open for resting and family time.
Anne - Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!
Vannetta - Right now it's a good thing! We recently have an empty nest (last baby bird gone), so I've taken over his room. It's small (ten by ten), has a day bed in it in case anyone comes home for the weekend, and a corner desk. I DID have my fabulous husband build wall to wall shelves in the closet which is the most fabulous part of the entire deal. That and the door on the room, which closes. : )
Anne - How long did your journey from wannabe writer to published author take?
Vanetta - A long time! Thirteen years until A Simple Amish Christmas (Abingdon, October 2011) was on shelves. That was my 9th manuscript to complete. Since then I have sold 6 more (3 to Zondervan and 3 to Harvest House), so I'd say it was worth the wait. God's timing is perfect. Refine your craft, keep writing, and do not give up.
Anne - Agreed! Never give up. What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself from your writing?
Vanetta - My way is different and that's okay. I really don't outline or plot, and when I tried chaos followed. I write from the beginning to the middle, skip and write an ending that I adore. Then I go back and write from the middle toward the end. I LOVE doing this, and it works for me every time. (Though it makes my husband, who is a civil engineer, shudder.) STRANGE, I know ... SURPRISE!
Anne - That's something like my process, and even I shudder!! Are you a glass half-empty or half-full kind of person?
Vanetta - If I have a glass I'm grateful. If there's anything in it, that's a bonus day.
Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?
Vanetta - My children, but that's not my accomplishment ... I'd say raising children takes an entire family of friends and relative and guidance from the Lord.
Anne – Where can readers reach you online?
Vannetta – At my website, blog, and on Facebook. Thank you, Anne, for featuring me today. I’d like to encourage readers to leave a comment and tell me their most embarrassing moment. OR, if they’d rather, share why they read and like cozy mysteries. I’ll select one name at random and mail the winner a print copy of Falling to Pieces.
Anne – Thanks so much, Vannetta, for dropping by, chatting and doing a giveaway. It's been an absolute pleasure!
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