Wow! Look who came to visit the Nest! I am over the top tickled pink to have Suzanne here with us on this day. I am one of her biggest fans! I was blessed to read, "The Choice", for review and now I am about to open the pages of book two in that series, "The Waiting." Suzanne is one of those authors that not only writes with passion, but she pulls the reader in as though they too are in midst of the story unfolding.
I love having ladies visit who make a difference and stand out. Suzanne is one of those ladies for me. She is not puffed up and proud. She is talented, but she uses her gifts for the glory of the Lord. She is not out for her own gain. As an aspiring writer I admire her honesty and pure thought. From Suzanne I have learned to write because it is a joy. I think everyone would love to be published, but if I never make that route, I know right here, I can make a difference. I am doing what I love no matter if I am ever a best seller or just a blogger from a small town who wants to reach out and touch others with the love of Christ. If you have never picked up one of Suzanne's books you are missing out my friend. Sit back, grab yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy our chat.
(Robin) Suzanne, tell me a little about yourself
(Suzanne) In no particular order, I’m a wife and mother to four children, ages 18-27, plus one new son-in-law. And earlier this month…I have a grandchild! A little boy. I love studying the Bible, gardening and cooking, and puppies. I raise puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. It’s like eating a potato chip. You can’t stop after one.
(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you please share?
(Suzanne) I think there is a constant struggle to have a proper focus on God—a daily struggle! It’s so easy to focus (put energy, effort, time) on the wrong thing—but what a difference when God becomes the focus! Everything else finds its place.
(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?
(Suzanne) Even though I have always been fascinated by the Amish and have studied them, it was while I was in Lancaster County to research “Amish Peace” that gave me a huge aha moment. I realized that the Amish (at their best) are close to the heart of Christ. We get distracted by the buggies and the bonnets…but they are trying to live the life that Christ exemplified—based on the Sermon on the Mount. That awareness gave me the perspective that is at the root of all of my books about the Amish—you don’t have to go Amish to incorporate their principles into your life.
(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, verse, song or hymn that gives encouragement when struggles come?
(Suzanne) Sounds so simple, but I love this one: “Emmanuel, God is with us.” It’s so simple, yet it is profound and foundational.
(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?
(Suzanne) A margin of error! I love and admire people who forgive readily, who offer others the benefit of the doubt, who have humility in their outlook. It’s really quite rare! But what a lovely example to us all.
(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with a friend?
(Suzanne) I love to read all kinds of books—Christian and secular, fiction and non-fiction. I get inspired as a writer by reading good books! I read using little post-it note tabs and stick them all through the book to observe an author’s skill. A couple of authors I always feel comfortable recommending to others, depending on their interests: Philip Yancey (non-fiction), Timothy Keller (non-fiction), W. Dale Cramer (fiction), Lynn Austin (fiction).
(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing you do to bring comfort and peace?
(Suzanne) See…that’s the good thing about having puppies in your house. You just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth!
(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?
(Suzanne) I am a very, very hard worker. More hard working than talented!
(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?
(Robin) What are your deepest passions?
(Suzanne) Apart from my faith…I would say my family! They are the main focus of my life—my husband and children, my new grandchild, my siblings and their families, my parents, my husband’s family, my aunts and uncles. I really value them. And writing is truly a passion for me. Always has been, even as a child.
(Robin) What is the best advice ever given to you?
(Suzanne) I think it’s something I discovered myself one day: “Take your writing seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.” That transformed the writing experience for me. You’re pretty exposed as a writer—reviews, speaking engagements, etc. It’s so important to not take yourself too seriously! Yet, take the craft of writing very seriously. Work, keep improving, set aside time for it.
(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope out shines before all others?
(Suzanne) Writing is my legacy. For me, it’s a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, I hope readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. I hope they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.
(Robin) What are you currently working on?
(Suzanne) Just started the first in a three-book fiction series for Revell. It’s a series about three Amish sisters, at different ages, and each sister will take a turn being the main character. Their family doesn’t quite “fit the mold.” I’m having fun creating them!
(Robin) How do you define success?
(Suzanne) That’s such a great question! I ask that of my students in writing classes—because it is important to have a realistic idea of what success will be for you as a writer. If you think you have to be a NY Times bestseller to be a success….you might have a very long, sad wait. But if you consider your readers—and hope to connect to them, to bring some inspiration in to their life, to encourage them to seek God,…well, that, to me, is success. Book by book!
I really enjoy connecting with readers. You can find me on-line at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
Also, I host a weekly radio show, “Amish Wisdom,” that can be heard live on Thursday afternoons (4pm CST) or whenever you have time to listen on-line or through podcasts downloaded on Itunes http://toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom.
GIVE A WAY!! SUZANNE IS OFFERING ONE OF MY READERS TWO OF HER AMAZING BOOKS. "THE CHOICE" AND "THE WAITING"!! YAY, JUST IN TIME FOR FALL. YOU CAN CURL UP WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND FIND YOURSELF IN ANOTHER PLACE AND TIME.WHAT AN AWESOME GIFT. ALL YOU MUST DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT AND I WILL POST THE WINNER OCTOBER 1. IF YOU ARE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG YOUR NAME WILL BE ADDED IN THE DRAWING TWICE. HAPPY READING!Suzanne, thank you so much for stopping in to chat with me and my readers. What a precious soul you are. I pray the Lord continues to bless you and your work. You have blessed me today. Thank you for opening up your heart to us and sharing a piece of yourself that only makes us love you more.
I know Suzanne would love to hear from you. Leave her a comment and let her know what a sweet blessing she is to you.
