Amy Clipston Q&A!

Posted by abakersp in Amish / 3 Comments

My dear reader friends, I have been a fan of Amy Clipston since, well, forever! It just so happens that she has a new book coming out next Tuesday – An Amish Harvest – which she wrote a novella for along with wonderful authors Beth Wiseman, Vannetta Chapman and Kathleen Fuller. Make sure to come back on Tuesday for my review of that along with a giveaway!

Amy was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me in advance of this release. Just a fun Q&A to get to know Amy better. And…..I’m not the only blogger she met with! Please check out these other bloggers that have their own Q&A with Amy on the following dates:

8/6 http://lanehillhouse.blogspot.com

8/8 http://eatreadteachblog.blogspot.com

amy

Don’t forget to visit Amy at www.amyclipston.com

Okay, here we go!

Baker: When did you love of cats start and what is it that makes you a cat lover?

Clipston: I grew up with cats. In fact, I remember when I was two years old and my family and I brought home Spooky, a big, fat calico, on the day we adopted her. I understand cats since I’ve always had at least one in my life. I don’t dislike dogs, but I don’t understand them as well as I understand cats.

 

Baker: What is the craziest fan story you can share with us?

Clipston: I don’t have a crazy fan story, but I am constantly astounded by how my books have affected my readers. There have been readers who have sent me very generous gifts or written me heartfelt letters. I’m so very touched and grateful when a reader takes the time to reach out to me.  I’m so thankful God led me to write Amish fiction. It’s been a tremendous blessing to me, and I believe it has been a blessing to some of my readers.

 

Baker: What led you to write Amish fiction? Have you considered writing a different genre?

Clipston: I was always fascinated with the Amish when I was a child. I remember visiting Lancaster County when I was younger, and my father, who was a German immigrant, told me the Amish speak the same dialect of German as my relatives. I was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to my German heritage, I feel a loose connection to the culture.

I published four young adult books with ZonderKids. One was an Amish young adult book, and the other three were contemporary young adult (not Amish). Currently, I am contracted for Amish books through 2019, so I will be busy writing Amish books into the near future.

 

Baker: My husband is a two time transplant recipient like yours. How did you find the strength to get through that rough patch in your life? Did you ever use writing as an outlet?

My husband’s journey on dialysis and enduring two kidney transplants was tough on our entire family. I know you can relate to that. Writing was definitely an outlet for me during that time. I was thankful to be able to immerse myself in my stories, where I can control of the outcome for my characters.

I also relied tremendously on my faith in God and I prayed constantly. I’m thankful for the wonderful friends and relatives around the world who prayed for our family during that time. My local friends and my Facebook friends were wonderful. I call them my angels, and I’m so thankful for their love and support during those difficult times.

 

Baker: So many readers find themselves dreaming about the Amish lifestyle and want to experience it firsthand. Do you research a local Amish community, or do you have Amish friends you keep in touch with to help write your books?

Clipston: My books are all based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and I have a wonderful Amish friend in Gordonville who helps me with my research. I visit her at least once every year and we talk on the phone frequently. I try to keep my books as true to the culture as possible, but I also take a little fictional license for the sake of the story.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, and thanks for being a member of my Bakery Bunch!!

Baker: Thank you Amy for taking the time to answer my questions!

3 responses to “Amy Clipston Q&A!

  1. I really like your title for your blog ~ do you make Morning Buns? ~ a cinnamon-buttery dessert that rises higher in the middle than rolls ~ so y*u*m. My grandfather owned a bakery; he died before I was born. I enjoyed reading your questions for Amy and her answers; caught my eye at “Baker:” Thanks, Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House (oh, now I am seeing it is your last name 😀 ~ do you bake tho’, along with my question?)