When I decided to
write Amish romances, some of my writer friends questioned whether Amish were
true Christians because they don’t evangelize. They show their love of Christ
through their example and the way they live their lives. The Bishop’s Son grew
up around that entire “debate” and how different denominations of Christian
faith sometimes think they’re right or they have the only “true” way to heaven.
It helped me examine my own beliefs and I think it will prompt readers to do
the same.
Did you have a specific theme in mind as
you wrote The Bishop’s Son? Did a theme pop out as you finished the book? Did
the theme change?
I knew I was
writing about evangelism when I started, but the theme of not being judgmental
attached itself to the story as I worked my way through it. Finding my way
through the thorny issues that prompted the story helped me to see more clearly
that it’s not up to me to judge how others worship but rather to keep my eye on
God and let him show me the way and show others the way. I can love them and
pray for them and even gently shine a light on what scripture says, but I’m not
the ultimate expert or judge of what’s right and wrong. God is.
What is the last thing you wrote?
I just
finished The Saddle Maker’s Son, the third book in the Amish of Bee County
series. It will debut in July 2016.
Who is the most fun character you ever created?
I
don’t know if fun is the right word, but every book in the Bee County series
includes Mordecai King. He’s the bee keeper. My editor wants me to have a
bumper sticker made that says “I love Mordecai.” He’s smart and funny and wise
and kind and discerning. He loves to tell stories and even at the ripe old age
of forty-something he’s interested in learning. He checks out books from the
library to read. He tells stories to his children and grandchildren so they can
learn too. His love story with Abigail in The
Beekeeper’s Son still makes me smile.
If your stories are more
character driven, what events kick off a change or growth in the character?
In The
Bishop’s Son, Jesse Glick picks up Leila Lantz to take her on their first
“date” in a car driven by his friends. They go to the movies. It’s the start of
a journey that will force Leila to make major decisions about her life as an
Amish woman. Shortly after that she starts a job in town at a daycare, more
exposure to the non-Amish way of life. She learns something about Jesse that
makes her realize she will have to make a choice between her family and the man
she loves. Her faith will be tested along the way.
How much research do you have
to do for the genre in which you write?

Do you type or write by hand? Computer? Typewriter?
Legal pad? Any special reason for choosing to write this way?
I
write on my computer because my handwriting is terrible and I can’t write as
fast as the story comes to me. Sometimes I can’t type fast enough. My fingers
are numb from a medical condition so I need a very light touch!
What’s your favorite thing that you’ve written?
What are you most proud of?
It’s
funny how one novel will receive a great deal of positive reviews, even great
reviews from esteemed magazines like Publisher’s
Weekly and others will go unnoticed or less noticed. I’m very proud of The Beekeeper’s Son, which Publisher’s Weekly gave a starred review
and called a “beautifully written masterpiece,” but I really like A Plain Love Song, which is the last
book in the Bliss Creek series. I wrote some songs for that book and I liked
being able to use Branson, Mo., as a setting for part of the story. One of my
favorite non-Amish characters is in A
Plain Love Song. Jackson is a country music singer and guitar player. He’s
a little on the wild side, but his love for Adah is genuine. I feel bad for him
because she makes another choice which is right for her. In my imagination,
he’s found true love in Nashville and his career is flourishing.
How do people react when they find out you write?
Often
times people will tell me they’ve always wanted to write a book. They’ll start
to tell me about their ideas. The reason they haven’t written a book most often
will be they didn’t have time. Which tickles me. When I started writing fiction
I had a full time job, two children in middle school, and a husband who would
like my attention now and then. I cleaned house, cooked, did laundry for five
people, bought groceries, attended volleyball and basketball games most
weekends, and I wrote a novel that eventually sold. It really depends on how
badly you want that dream. I tell people to sit down and write, but they also
need to join a critique group, attend writing workshops, and hone their crafts.
All this takes time. Bu it’s worth it if you really want your dream of writing
a book.
When is your next book due out and can you tell us
about it?
The
next full length novel is The Saddle
Maker’s Son, the third book in the Amish of Bee County series. Rebekah
Lantz longs for romance and the chance to be a wife and mother, but she fears
her sister’s actions the previous year might keep her from realizing her
dreams. Tobias Byler has moved to Bee County with his family to escape choices
made back home. Their paths cross outside the district school one day jut after
Rebekah discovers two young, runaway children in the shed. Rebekah and Tobias
have no idea their lives are about to be turned upside down.
Thanks for sharing today!
Connect with Kelly Irvin at:
Kelly Irvin is giving away a copy of The Bishop's Son. To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment along with your email address. You can enter the book giveaway twice—once on each Spotlight post for the author. Please note: The giveaway is for U.S. addresses only.
9 comments:
I love Kelly's books! Can't wait to read this one! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Kelly's books, thank for this chance!
mcaquinn@aol.com
I have read The Beekeepers Son and I can't wait to read this one.
Deanne P.
Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
Love her books. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
I like the theme of The Bishop's Son, that who we worship is more important than how we worship. I am in a Bible Study of Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Community Churches. We get along just fine and have healthy discussions. Love to win your book. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I enjoyed your comment about the people who want to be authors but don't have the time. As a librarian, so many people have told me they would love my job because they love to read. My coworkers and I laugh because we probably read less than anyone! Librarians need to love (and live) books but there is so much more to this job!
I wish you continued success!
Connie
cps1950 (at)gmail(dot)com
As a beekeepers daughter, I would love to read any of this series!
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kelly is a phenomenal writer! Can't wait to read this one!
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