Vannetta Chapman {Writer Wednesday}

First off, I wanted to announce last weeks winner! I had the privileged of having Krista Phillips on the blog and she graciously offered up a copy of her novel, A Side of Faith away. Our winner is:

Robin Mason

Congrats, Robin, we'll get you hooked up with your copy soon :)

A little bit about Vannetta...

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.

Her novel, Falling to Pieces, is a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House. She lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

How to connect with Vannetta...

Website: http://vannettachapman.com
Blog: http://vannettachapman.com/blog/ 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3506785.Vannetta_Chapman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman


Author Interview | Vannetta Chapman  

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I was an English teacher for 15 years (high school and college), and I’ve always been an avid reader. After finishing my MA in English, I began writing articles for Christian magazines—a few years after that I challenged myself to write a novel. It took a few years before I was picked up by an agent, and a publisher, but it’s been a fabulous journey.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why? 
...I love the characters in my Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and I still receive requests to write more of those books.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Hidden is the story of Dana Jacobs—who SEEMS to have it all together, but in fact is held back in her personal and spiritual life by events in her past. Faith is something she stopped having as a small child. Now Ben Marshall is in her life—a steady, calming, faithful presence, and she doesn’t know what to do with him. When they become deeply involved in a case that threatens both their town and their lives, Dana must decide if she’s going to let her past define her. She must decide whether she’s going to live in fear, or live by faith. It’s a fun, suspenseful story that focuses on God’s grace and love for us.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I adore Dana—she’s vulnerable but strong. But I’d have to say my favorite character is Ben. He has a strong faith, enthusiasm for life and a real love for others. He’s a fun guy to be around and someone I would want on my side.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...That God’s grace can cover all of our hurts, heal our scars, and give us hope.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?

...A little of both. Sometimes I’ll read a news article and get an idea for a character or story. Sometimes people I know will inspire me to write about a certain kind of character.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I say that I write “fiction full of grace” and that is my one intention. The book can be in any genre, and it can be in different settings and circumstances. The one guide is that I somehow reveal God’s grace in our lives.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...To keep writing – The 9th book I wrote was the first book published. 

You

What will you/did you do for Thanksgiving?
...We have a scattered and blended family, so I’m not sure! I try to keep my plans fluid. I don’t want any of our children to feel pressured by the holidays. The main thing is to be grateful we have one another, whether we get together on that particular day or not.

What is your favorite food of the Thanksgiving dinner?
...Cranberry sauce—I adore it.

What are three things you’re thankful for?
...My family, my church, and my work!

_________________________

Thank you so much for being on the blog today! I love the premise of Hidden, it sounds like a fantastic book :D I also like how you say you want to write about "God's grace in our lives". I think that's something that, as you say, can span any genre or setting. I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving tomorrow and again, thanks for sharing with us today.

Enter to win a copy of Hidden. Leave a comment for Vannetta below and/or share your favorite Thanksgiving tradition!