Author Interview: Wanda E. Brunstetter (May 19, 2025)

Let us welcome our latest and newest member to our list of authors. Let's welcome Wanda Brunstetter to the Nighttime Reading Center again. She is here to spread her latest book, "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits," written with Martha Bolton, and also for an Author Spotlight. I am a member of  Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

I have a chance to read her book "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits." I am currently reading this book, and I am just starting, so I am not far in. This book is being adapted into a Musical play and will be playing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the Bird In Hand area during April 2025 and in Indiana in July 2025. Here is the Information for details and tickets.

• Lancaster Pa: Tickets and Show Info
• Indiana: Ticket and Show Info 
  

Let's read her Bio and then go to her interview. #Interviews, #Interviewsaroundtheglobe, #NRC,

 

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?

Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists—like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money. . .or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering—are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? One thing is certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will learn something important about baking contests, mystery solving, and life.

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio's Amish country.

How did your trip to Pennsylvania with Martha Bolton go? What did you enjoy about seeing the Miss Fannie’s musical?

The trip went well. Martha and I had a great time greeting readers, signing books, and getting caught up with each other’s lives. We enjoyed the musical, which Martha wrote the script for. She also wrote the lyrics for all of the wonderful songs.

 

Did you get to see any family or Amish friends while you were there?

We spoke with some Amish ladies who know one of our Amish friends. We also spent some time with several members of my husband’s family who live in the area.

How do the Amish celebrate Easter? Have you ever been to any Amish holiday celebrations?

 

They attend church on Easter Sunday and fellowship with family in the afternoon. We have not attended church with our Amish friends on Easter, but we did get in on an egg hunt that took place the day before Easter at one of our Amish friend’s homes. It was a lot of fun watching the little ones hunt for eggs.

 

Your new cookbook, Amish Friends Farm-To-Table Cookbook, seems to be great for farmers’ markets, CSAs, or any farm-to-table organizations or events. Do you have farmers’ markets or local farmers you deal with at home for your produce and food?

 

Yes, we do have a local Farmers’ Market and many smaller places that sell local produce in our area.

 

Do you enjoy writing mysteries or non-mysteries more, and why? ~Keren Lyles

 

I enjoy writing both mysteries and non-mystery novels, which is why I don’t stick to just one. It’s always fun to do something different.

 

Are there any future plans to turn the "Mifflin county mystery series" into a musical as well? Or any of the other book series from the past? ~Erin Rivera, Sandi Angelo

I really don’t know because the decision to turn one of my books into a musical play is up to the producer.

 

What has been your favorite series? ~Lori Hart

I think they all are my favorite when I’m in the midst of writing them, but I suppose if I had to choose just one, it might be The Daughters of Lancaster County series, where an Amish child is kidnapped.

   

What has been your favorite book? ~Sarah Storm

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club is one of my favorites. It was fun to write about so many different characters, who all had some sort of problem they were dealing with. What made it even more enjoyable was the sweet Amish woman who not only taught them all how to quilt, but gave each person some sound advice.

Will there be more mystery series in the future? ~Diane Krug

I am not currently plotting one, but there’s a good chance that I will write another mystery novel sometime in the future.

Do you ever try any of the recipes in your cookbooks before they are published? ~Jackie Tessnair

Yes, I have tried several in advance of them being published, and of course, I have tried many after the cookbooks are published.

What kind of books do you like to read and who’s your favorite author? ~Lisa Edwards

I enjoy reading historical fiction novel, like those written by Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson. They both are high on my “favorite author” list.

Do you think you’d come to upstate New York for a book signing some day? ~Tammy Layton

I was in upstate New York many years ago for a signing. Perhaps someday I can come back.

Any more devotionals planned, or cookbooks? Maybe a coloring book? ~Sherri Myers, Ashley Marquardt

There are no plans at this point for another cookbook or devotional, but it might happen someday.

Any plans on writing an Amish cozy mystery (like Amanda Flower's An Amish Candy Shop series)? ~Kristina Anderson

There are no plans for one at this time, but I am not opposed to the idea.

Do you plan on co-writing any more books with Martha Bolton? Also, since Martha writes a lot of the musicals for the Blue Gate Theatre, I was wondering if she is working on any more musicals from any of your other book series? I understand, if you can’t answer! I personally would LOVE to see the Prayer Jar Series become a musical! I love seeing your books come to life in a musical. I have seen all of your musicals at the Blue Gate and am looking forward to seeing you and Martha at the opening day musical in Shipshewana!! ~Janet Nush

We have talked about it, but we’re both currently quite busy with other projects, so time will tell if we can put our heads together for another co-authored book together. At this point, I don’t know what plans Blue Gate Musicals have made for upcoming plays.

What does/did Easter look like at the Brunstetter home? ~Nyla Wilkerson

We always attend church on Easter Sunday, and often go out for a meal afterwards with family members, which is what we did this year.

Do you like your new hairstyle? Because I love it. ~Vicky Sluiter

Yes, I do like my new hairstyle, because it’s easy to care for.

When do you plan on returning to Lancaster? My daughter lives in Quarryville. Do you know that area? ~Sandi Angelo

There are no set plans as to when we might return to Lancaster. We always enjoy going there, and the fact that we have family members living near Lancaster is always a drawing card.

Will you write more stories including ventriloquists? Like "Clowning Around" and "Talking for Two"? ~Keren Lyles

Probably not, but I never really know for sure what I’m going to write until I do.

When will you come to Virginia for a book signing? I would love to meet you. ~Sarah Arnold

I have no current plans to visit Virginia, but I never know what’s down the road for me.

What led you to writing? Was it a dream you always had? ~Laura Wofford

Growing up, I loved to read, and always had my nose in a book. Then I began writing poetry and eventually moved on to plays and puppet scripts. From there I ventured into short stories and later, decided that what I really wanted to write was novels.

What is your favorite thing to do to unwind? ~Sylvia Gorton

I love to spend time outdoors. If I’m at home, I enjoy being outside where I can see and hear the things of nature in our yard. When I have the opportunity to go to the beach, I love beachcombing and collecting unusual shells.

I know Wanda has traveled to Hawaii and Florida. Is there a location you would love to see that you haven't yet gone?~Jeanette Fallon

The one place I would love to see is the Ark Experience in Kentucky. It’s definitely on my bucket list.

Are there more cookbooks planned for the future? How do you get all the recipes for the cookbooks? Are they all from personal Amish friends? What is your favorite recipe from one of your cookbooks?~Janet Nush

As far as I know, there are no new cookbooks planned in the near future. The recipes come from my Amish friends, and their friends and relatives. Sometimes the Amish and Mennonite contributors are people I don’t know personally but who have heard or read about the need for more recipes. One of my favorite recipes was given to me by a longtime Amish friend. It’s called “Angel Cream Pie” and it’s delicious!

 How do you decide on the themes for her cookbooks?~Erin Kessler

My publisher and I talk about various theme ideas and then they choose which ones to use.

Do you ever find yourself saying, “I don’t want to write anymore; I’m just tired.”~Tammy Layton

I have never thought I didn’t want to write on a permanent basis, but there are days when other things get in the way of writing, or I feel tired and unable to keep my focus. When that occurs, I need to take a little break. Writing has become like the air I breathe, and I need it and love it, but as with everything in life, there are times when short breaks are needed and appreciated.

Have you ever thought about writing a book of Amish home remedies and herbs as medicine, etc? If not, can you recommend a good book that is authentic Amish practices?~Jackie Tessnair

I don’t know of any Amish home remedy books, but it would make for an interesting and helpful book. Several of my cookbooks do offer some home remedies and mention specific herbs as medicine, however.

I lived near Old Order Amish growing up. I love how you are so accurate when you write about the Amish in your books. I realize you have a great background. Do you ever get to Michigan for book signings?~Karen Hoth

I have done a few signings in Michigan in the past, but nothing recently.

What is one series that you would love to go back to and why?~Shannon Spaulding

I’ve always wanted to revisit my Quilt Club series, which I am currently doing, in that this book is going to be a prequel to the series, showing what Emma was like as a young woman and how she began quilting and fell in love for the first time.

What age were you when you started writing?~Roberta McMahan

I began writing in the second grade with a poem about a moth. My teacher thought it was good and suggested that I might be an author someday.

Is there a place you'd love to visit so that you could use it as a setting?~Connie Saunders

My Amish friends love to travel, so I could probably pick just about anywhere for a setting if I went there to research. We even met Amish people in Niagara Falls several years ago, so that might make a good setting sometime in the future.

Would you plan on coming to Southern California Riverside for a book signing?~Keren Lyles

There are no current plans to visit California, but I never know what the future holds.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go?~Shelley Beachy

A return trip to Hawaii would be really nice. I love it there, no matter which island we visit.

Besides food recipes, do you use any other Amish made items in your home (cleaning supplies, health & beauty items, etc)?~Melissa Cutshaw

I do use a few Amish-made soaps and some health care items that I have found to be quite helpful. I also own a few Amish quilts and pieces of Amish-made furniture, which I cherish and appreciate because they are made so well.


Any hints on what the next series will be about?~Melissa Fox

In October of this year, my granddaughter, Richelle, who has written a few novellas with me in the past, has a book coming out called, “The Amish Ballerina.” My name is also on the book, since I helped her with some scenes and chapters, but the storyline is completely hers. As I stated in a previous answer to a question, I’m currently working on a prequel to the Half-Stitched Quilting Club series. That book is scheduled to come out in March 2026. I will also soon be co-authoring a novel with my daughter, Lorine, which will be published in May 2026.

How do the Amish around the table know when everyone is done praying?~Jackie Tessnair

Sometimes there is a rustling sound or clearing of someone’s throat. Or, if in doubt, I just open my eyes when I’m through praying, and wait until others around the table do the same.

Does Wanda have the recipe for Uncle Moses drawing sauve? I used to get this from an Amish lady and haven’t seen it in years. Works great for kids with a bandaid to draw out splinters with no tears as well as other things!~Lori Hart

No, sorry, I don’t have that recipe. Sounds like a good one, though.

 

Thank you for Author Spotlight, Wanda. I hope to see you around here, and I hope you stop by once in a while. Thank you to the Admin and the Questions for us Members of Wanda Cippity Clap Club for these and for allowing us to use the Questions in a blog post (Author Spotlight Post).

Check out my Recommendation Page

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Author Spotlight: Wanda Brunstetter

Let welcome to our latest and newest member to our list of authors. Let welcome Wanda Brunstetter to Nighttime Reading Center again. She here on to spread her lastest book "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits" written with Martha Bolton and also for a Author Spotlight. I am a member of  Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

I have a chance to read her book "The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits ". I am currently reading this book and i am just started so not far in. This book is being a adapter into a Musical play and will be playing in Lancaster Pa, in Bird In Hand area during April 2025 and in Indiana July 2025. Here is the Information for details and tickets..

• Lancaster Pa: Tickets and Show Info
• Indiana: Ticket and Show Info 
  

Let read her Bio and then go to her interview. #Interviews, #Interviewsaroundtheglobe, #NRC,

 

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?

Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists—like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money. . .or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering—are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? One thing is certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will learn something important about baking contests, mystery solving, and life.

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio's Amish country.

We have several new Club members joining us this year. Would you be able to give a brief summary of your writing career and its highlights for you?

began writing when I was a child. I loved to read ad began writing poems and short stories. As an adult, after taking my first writing course, I began writing fiction stories and non-fiction articles for publication. Following another writing course, I submitted my first novel to Barbour Publishing for their Heartsong Presents Book Club. After publishing several more Heartsongs, Barbour opened up their trade fiction line. I submitted a 3-book series entitled, Daughters of Lancaster County that was about the kidnapping of an Amish baby. It sold well and made the New York Times Best-seller’s List soon after it came out. The rest is pretty much history, and I’ve been writing for Barbour Publishing exclusively for nearly 30 years. One of the highlights in my writing career has been seeing two of my books turned into musical plays, with a third play opening soon, based on my co-authored novel, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits. The new musical will open this spring in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, and again in July at the Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana, Indiana.

 

Who have been some memorable people you have met over your writing career?

 

It’s been a thrill for me to meet many authors, but three in particular made an impact on me by their humble attitudes and obvious love for people. Among them are Janette Oke, Karen Kingsbury, and Nicholas Sparks. Although Nicholas does not write inspirational fiction, the fact that he was willing to spend thirty minutes visiting with me and answering several of my questions meant a lot and spoke volumes. One thing I came away with after meeting him was the fact that he genuinely cares about his family as well as those who read his books, and even people like me whom he’d never met until our paths crossed during an author signing event where he was the keynote speaker. Janette Oke and Karen Kingsbury also took the time to visit with me, and after just a few minutes of talking to them, I knew we were kindred spirits, who not only have a passion for writing, but care deeply about the people who read our novels.

 

When Martha Bolton approached you about writing The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, you were on an extremely busy writing schedule. What made this project so special that you wanted to fit it in?

 

First of all, I was excited to hear that Martha wanted Fannie Miller to be one of the leading characters. Since I had created Fannie in my novel, The Quilter’s Daughter, and she’d been included in the musical called “Stolen,” I thought it would be fun to reprise her character in a new storyline. I was also pleased to learn that The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits would become a musical play.

 

Besides the Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits, you had other books adapted to musicals (Stolen and Half-Stitched). Can you describe what that process has been like for you?

 

Although I was not involved in the actual process of creating the musical plays, I was in correspondence with those who were involved in creating the musical, either before, during, or after the play was written. I also had the privilege of attending the opening of Half-Stitched and Stolen and got to meet many of my readers while signing the book I’d written.

 

What do you hope readers gain from The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits?

 

In addition to the enjoyment of a cute, cozy mystery, I hope readers will find encouragement from the verses of Scripture that are scattered throughout the book and were also an inspiration to the characters who had been dealing with various problems. There are lots of scenarios in the book similar to things we all face in our daily lives.

 

You broke your arm while on a book tour last summer. Can you give an update for your readers?

 

On July 31st during a family reunion in Pennsylvania, I fell and broke my left arm. This was just a few days before my signing tour was supposed to begin. Although I was not able to attend any of those signings, my daughter, Lorine, and daughter-in-law, Jean, who were also on the trip, went to each of the signings in my place. Since our Sisters by the Sea novella collection was available at the events, in which Jean and Lorine had both written a story, they had the opportunity to meet several of my readers and sign copies of that book. For the rest of my books that were available at the signings, they had autographed sticker labels previously signed by me to peel and stick inside each book that was purchased or brought in by readers. Although I felt bad about not being able to be at any of those signings, it was a comfort to know that Lorine and Jean were there to greet my readers, as well as the ones who had read their stories. We remained in Pennsylvania almost two weeks, while I was treated for my injury at an acute rehab center in preparation of the flight home to Washington State. For the kind of break I had, I was given a brace to wear, rather than a cast. It was uncomfortable due to the break and all the swelling that went with it, and I didn’t do well on most of the pills they gave me for pain. When I returned home and saw an orthopedic doctor in the area, I was told that I would need to wear the brace a minimum of 8 weeks. It turned out to be 10 weeks before he would allow me to take it off. Even then, he cautioned me to be careful and said it would be best if I wore the brace whenever I was away from home. Later, after another x-ray of the arm, I was informed that the broken bone had stopped healing and would need some help. So, I began using a bone stimulator for 30 minutes per day and was told that I would probably need to do this for the next 4-6 months. A few weeks after using the stimulator, I had another x-ray and learned that the bone was starting to heal again. I could finally go to out-patient therapy, where the therapist would be allowed to work on the upper portion of my arm. By this time, 5 months after the fall, I had lost a good deal of the range of motion in my left arm. I am able to type, (praise the Lord!), cook, and do some simple chores, but am not supposed to pick up anything heavy. Today I went to therapy for the 2nd time, and will be seen twice weekly for the next 3 months, or possibly more. My goal, and my prayer, is to regain full use of my left arm and get complete range of motion back.

 

What Bible verse have you been especially drawn to lately?
 

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) is one of my favorite verses: “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” Over the last two years, beginning with my daughter’s stroke, our family has been faced with one challenge after another. So, looking for things to be joyous about has been an important help in dealing with the issues we’ve faced, and quoting that verse of Scripture regularly has been extremely helpful to me. 

 

What do you hope readers gain from The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits?
 

First and foremost, I hope they enjoy reading the book. Sometimes in life we all just need to sit down and enjoy some laughter and a good escape. We hope this book does that for people. But there are also lessons to by learned by the characters, and we hope that, along with the scriptures they represent, will be a help and comfort to people too. And I certainly hope there are more Fannie and Foster mysteries to come. I'm game if Wanda is! We'll all try not to break any bones next time, though.

   

Besides your website at www.wandabrunstetter.com, where can readers find you online?

You can also find me on Facebook, where I have a fan page and a friend page; Instagram, Pinterest; YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter)

 

 Thank you for Author Spotlight Wanda. I hope to see you around here. I hope you stop by once in awhile.Thank to the Admin and though Questions for us Members of  Wanda Cippity Clap Club for these and allowing us to use the Questions into a blog post (Author Spotlight Post).

 

Check out my Recommendation Page
Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

Follow NRC: | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Goodreads | Smashbomb | Smashwords | Storygraph | Riffle | Linkedin | Sign up for NRC Newsletter | Reedy Discovery |

Interview Around the Globe with Wanda E. Brunstetter - (5/3/24)

Let welcome to our latest and newest member to our list of authors. Let welcome Wanda Brunstetter to Nighttime Reading Center. She here on to spread her lastest book "Letters of Wisdom" and also for a Chat. I am a member of  Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

I have a chance to read her book "Letters of Trust". I have read it and read "Letters of Comfort" as well. Reviews are coming for these two books.

Let read her Bio and then go to her interview. #Interviews, #Interviewsaroundtheglobe, #NRC,

 

 

 

Friendship Letters Series --- Doretta Schwartz has always enjoyed writing letters and feels her letters can be a bit of a ministry to her friends. In this series, exchanging letters that contain open and honest feelings and struggles helps Doretta and two of her best friends through the darkest challenges of their lives.

 Find out in the third book of The Friendship Letters series by New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter.

Letters and Prayers Between Friends Become a Balm for Healing

Irma Miller thought having a family of her own would bring her joy and a sense of accomplishment, but she struggles with memories of the abuse she suffered as a child at the hand of her stepfather. When she becomes physically and emotionally abusive to her own children, she reaches out to her friend Doretta for prayer and wisdom. But Irma may find herself at an even darker emotional place before she will admit she needs professional help to heal the past traumas. Will Doretta's letters of wisdom help Irma and her family, or will too much be broken to ever be repaired?

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

 

Does Wanda have a favorite time of day or location to write where she feels the most productive?

I pretty much write any time of the day and often write 5 days a week 8 hours or more per day. I enjoy writing outdoors when possible and when I can’t, then I write from my office where there’s a window to look out of.

 

Are you coming to PA any time soon?

We do have plans to return to Pennsylvania in early August. In addition to visiting with my husband’s family who live there, I will most likely be doing several book signings. My signing schedule will be posted on my website as the time gets closer.

 

 

Does Wanda cook a lot of authentic Amish recipes for her family?

I do cook recipes from my Amish friends whenever possible, and one of my favorite recipes is Amish Haystack.

 

Has Wanda ever gone to the Sight and Sound show in Strasburg? 

Yes, we have been to Sight and Sound several times over the years

 

Are there any subjects you won't discuss in a story line? Is there a subject you want to discuss but have not come up with a story for it? 

My head is always swimming with story ideas but there are probably some topics I won’t choose to write about. I always want my stories to bring glory to God, and if a certain subject matter doesn’t, then I would not choose to write about it.

 

Thank you for Letters of Wisdom. Will you write any more books on this subject in the near future?

I don’t have any plans at this point to write more on the topic of abuse, but I probably would if God showed me that I should.

 

What is Wanda's favorite recipe from all her cookbooks?

Haystack is one of my favorite recipes. It’s fun and easy to make, and also delicious! We've eaten it many times at our Amish friends' homes.

 

Was it difficult to come up with the story in Letters of Wisdom? The emotions and events hit spot on. It was sometimes hard to read the book because of the memories it brought up.
Coming up with the storyline was easy since both my husband and I suffered some forms of abuse when we were children. I had also been asked by several people to write something on the topic of abuse. 

 

Was it difficult to come up with the story in Letters of Wisdom? The emotions and events hit spot on. It was sometimes hard to read the book because of the memories it brought up.
Coming up with the storyline was easy since both my husband and I suffered some forms of abuse when we were children. I had also been asked by several people to write something on the topic of abuse.

Do you ever wish you lived in Lancaster County among the Amish?
We have some Amish friends who live in Lancaster County and other places in Pennsylvania, and it’s a great place to go. However, we have even more friends who live in Indiana, which I think would be great place to live.

Do you think there is less or more shunning than there was years ago?

I think severe shunning still occurs in some communities like the Swartzentrubers, but it’s my understanding from talking to friends who left the Amish faith after joining the church, that their family did not shun them for a very long period of time.

 
Do you have penpals that you write to regularly?

I don’t have penpals, as such, but I do have close friendships with many Amish families. We either write or call each other regularly and try to visit in person as often as we can.

What is the message you hope your readers take away from Letters of Wisdom?I hope my readers will realize that if they, or someone they know has been abused, it’s good to talk about it and seek professional help as needed. Forgiveness is a big part of healing from abuse and God’s Word has a lot to say about forgiveness. So turning to the Bible for help and healing is also very important.

 
Your Amish Friends Outdoor Cookbook released yesterday, May 1! Does your family enjoy grilling and outdoor cooking? What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe?

Yes, my husband loves to grill outdoors and he received a new grill for his birthday in March and he’s eager to try it out. He cooks with Bison meat a lot and I love bison burgers with all the trimmings.

 

Do you often collect recipes from your Amish friends?
Yes, I have received many recipes from Amish friends and often pick up new ones whenever we eat at one of our Amish friend’s homes.

Has Wanda ever considered or thought about making one of her book series into a movie or movie series? And if so which series would she like to see done?" 

It would be nice to have one of my books or a series made into a movie, but unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to make it happen. I have been blessed, however, to have two of my books made into musical plays, and another one is in the works, which will debut in the spring of 2025.

 
Are there any plans for more of Wanda's books to be made into musicals at The Blue Gate Theatre? I'd love to see The Prayer Jar series as a musical!)
"Yes, the musical I mentioned in the previous question is currently being written and will be based on a book I'm co-authoring with Martha Bolton, who is also writing the script for the play."

 
I recently heard that Wanda's husband was a pastor and has retired from this ministry. What did Wanda enjoy most about being a pastor's wife? As a pastor's wife, did the ladies in their congregation know Wanda was a well-known author and read her books? Did she ever have book clubs with them and discuss her books? 

"While my husband was in the ministry, I enjoyed being able to minister to others in need of counseling or some kind of help. When Richard took his first church, I was not a well-known author but during his second assignment, most everyone in the church knew about my books. Although we did not have a book club, the church did have a library, so I made sure to put each of my new releases on the library shelves."

 

How long will you continue writing?

"As long as God keeps giving me the ideas and the strength to write, I will keep authoring novels."

 

I would like to know if Wanda would ever consider coming to a small town in AR? How does someone go about getting her to come?

"I did a few book signings in AR several years ago but have not been back since. All of my signings and speaking requests are done through my publisher."

 

From what I can find out, there are over 35 Amish communities in Michigan with 86 church districts. Has Wanda ever visited any in Michigan?

"I have done a few book signings in Michigan, but have never visited any of the Amish settlements in that state. I do have an Amish friend who married an Amish man from Clare, Michigan, however.

 

When your kids were growing up, did you have family dinners together every night?

"Yes, we always ate together."

 

Have you ever gone to TN or near the Smokies for book signings?

"Yes, I have been to Tennessee a few times for book signings and research."

 

Is there a season of the year you tend to get more written than other seasons?

"I am busy writing during all four seasons."

 

 Thank you for Live Chat Wanda. I hope to see you around here. I hope you stop by once in awhile.Thank to the Admin and though Questions from the members of Wanda Cippity Clap Club for these and allowing us to use the Questions into a blog post (Interview post).

 

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Interview Around the Globe with Wanda Brunstetter

Let welcome to our latest and newest member to our list of authors. Let welcome Wanda Brunstetter to Nighttime Reading Center. She here on to spread her lastest book "The Sugarcreek Surprise" and also for a Chat. I am a member of  Wanda's Clippity Clop Club.

I have a chance to read her book "The Sugarcreek Surprise". It on my TBR List. I hope to read it soon.

Let read her Bio and then go to her interview. #Interviews, #Interviewsaroundtheglobe, #NRC,

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

 

What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Every aspect of writing has some challenges, but the most difficult part for me is writing the first draft, which requires not only scene ideas, but where to begin and end each chapter.

Have you participated in or helped with the meal at a barn raising?
No, I have not helped with the meal during a barn raising, but I have helped serve, and of course, eat, many tasty meals in Amish homes.

Do you have close friends or know families in every single Amish community you visit?
Yes, and I keep in touch with my Amish friends as often as possible, through phone calls, letters, and personal visits.

Are there are plans to turn any other books into musicals, and she wonders how it feels as an author to see your books come to life as a musical?

It’s an honor to have two of my books come to life in musical plays. I have no idea what the Blue Gate Musical Company has planned for future plays, but they have read several of my novels, so perhaps down the road they might want to do another play based off one of my stories.

Wonders if Amish have businesses on their properties (like greenhouses), are they open to someone approaching those outside working with questions? Or do they prefer to be left alone?
The Amish I’ve met in various communities have never seemed to mind when I’ve asked questions. In fact, they are usually quite friendly and talkative.

What is something that surprised you about being an author, and what are some of the difficult things about being an author?
I’ve been surprised about many things, but one I truly didn’t expect was that I would be recognized, not only by my English readers, but by many Amish people whenever I’m visiting their communities.

 

In addition to writing fulltime, it can be difficult to schedule time for interviews, book signings, speaking engagements, responding to emails, and keeping up with my social media pages, but I enjoy interacting with my readers so I always make the time.

 
What communities will be in the next set of books?
My next series, which I have already begun work on, is entitled Friendship Letters, and Book 1 is set in Pennsylvania. Book 2 takes place predominately in Indiana, and Book 3 will be set in Ohio. The tie-in with the series is the letters three friends write to each other.

Do you have any more plans to write any more devotional books? Another children's book series?
I have a devotional coming out in September of this year. It is called The Prayer Jar Devotional – Hope, and it’s based on the first book in my Prayer Jars series, The Hope Jar.

 

I have no plans to write to write another children’s book at this point, but I’m not opposed to the idea, either.

What is your favorite book you have ever written?
While I’m in the process of writing, whatever book I’m working on is my favorite. However, looking back, I would have to say that The Storekeeper’s Daughter is one of my all-time favorite novels.

With Covid being the topic of the last couple years, do you plan on writing a book with an Amish community dealing with Covid?
I have no plans at the point to write about Covid, because it is such a controversial topic.

With the faith messages in your novels are inspiring, and Would like to know if there are certain Bible Scriptures that that give you comfort or any devotionals that are meaningful to you in times of searching for answers? 

There are many Scriptures that offer me comfort and a sense of peace during difficult times. One of those verses is found in Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” A devotional I read every day for encouragement is from Our Daily Bread Ministries.

 

What made you decide to have a series of books where the minor characters run an antique shop?

My husband and I enjoy old things and one of our Amish friends collects vintage signs. There are also many antique stores in Ohio’s Amish Country, so I thought it would be fun to have a series set around an antique store.

 

How you come up with your characters' names?

We have many Amish friends so I will often use some of their names in my stories, although the story is never actually about that particular friend whose name I use.

 

If you have a favorite comfort food you go to when needed? Mmmmmm.....mine would have to be coffee with hazelnut creamer even if that's not a food!

I don’t have any particular comfort food, but I do enjoy drinking a cup of calming herbal tea when I feel the need to relax and unwind.

 

Will you be writing non-Amish fiction books in the near future?

Although I have no immediate plans to write another historical fiction novel, I may add a sequel to one of my earlier historical novellas sometime in the future.

 

What made you decide to write Amish stories, and have you ever thought of featuring the Amish community of Pinecraft in a story?

I did feature Pinecraft in my novel, The Healing Quilt. I hope to set other stories there in the future in Pinecraft too.

 

I have had an interest in the Amish for many years, even before I began writing. When I met an Amish family in Lancaster County, PA, via one of our Mennonite friends, I knew I needed to write about the Plain people.

 

Will you write a time slip story? And have you made some of the recipes in the cookbooks and what's more your favorite, desserts or meals?

Time slip, as in going from one time period to the other? 

Yes

Quite possibly.

 

Have any of the communities Wanda visited in Pennsylvania been out side of Lancaster?

Yes, I have written stories set in two other Amish communities in PA that were not in Lancaster. The Brides of the Big Valley was one of them.

 

Since your husbands photography has been turned into puzzles will they be sold in stores? Also, any chance of an Amish School puzzle if you decide to sell them?

I'm not sure if he will try to have any of his photos made into puzzles to sell. That is something to consider though.

 

Thank you for Live Chat Wanda. I hope to see you around here. I hope you stop by once in awhile.Thank to the Admin and though Questions from the members of Wanda Cippity Clap Club for these and allowing us to use the Questions into a blog post (Interview post).

 

 

Check out my Recommendation Page
Linked up in: Monthly Book Blogger Linky up

Please read my NRC Policies Page

Follow NRC: | Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin | Pinterest | Goodreads | Smashbomb | Smashwords | Storygraph | Riffle | Linkedin | Sign up for NRC Newsletter | Reedy Discovery |