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05 December 2011

Interview with Vannetta Chapman



Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels


Vannetta Chapman of Texas is the author of Falling toPieces (Zondervan) and 

I met Vannetta through ACFW and have enjoyed the time I have spent talking with her at conferences, particularly this year’s meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. Vannetta is represented by Mary Sue Seymour. 

Vannetta, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help!

Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past? 
Callie Harper finds herself completely alone when she inherits her aunt's shop in Shipshewana, Indiana. Like many young women today, Callie is successful professionally, but her circle of friends (and family) has grown smaller each year. So her difficulty lies in her isolation.

I've certainly experienced this isolation before, and it's a hard thing to go through, but God puts people in our lives for just such times. And God puts Callie in Shipshewana where she meets three women—three  AMISH women--who become her friends. They are friends that she is going to need because it won't be long before she becomes the prime suspect in a murder.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you ..."

This verse has always encouraged me. It assures me that no matter how dark or depressing the present looks, no matter how much I've managed to bungle things up, God is in control, and HIS plans for me are good.

Disability friendliness:
Yes, it is in audio format (download) and it will be released in January (I believe) in large print as well.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
Hope and grace. Life can be difficult and hard at time, and we all need to be reminded of the message of God's hope and his grace for us. You know, this isn't just something the preacher tells us on Sunday and then we go back to struggling on Monday ... it's as real as the bread in the breadbox, and there have been times when I had very little of that. But God's hope for us is unlimited and his grace never ends. It's sufficient.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
Yes. I learned that the Amish folk are common, friendly people and that they live out their faith and their belief in Jesus to the best of their ability. It was very encouraging for me.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
There is a handicapped child you will come to know in this story ... and although his disease is somewhat rare, especially in our culture, I think it's the way we deal with disability that is important. The Amish very much embrace disabilities and illness and God's will and not as something to be mourned or questioned. Their faith is quite childlike and I am learning a lot from them.

Thank you Vannetta for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Thank you!

GIVEAWAY:  We have this interview and two reviews up this week and will be doing a giveaway of a book on Saturday. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of Vannetta’s books in your choice of format (and an email address so we can reach you!)

79 comments:

  1. Thank you for visiting with us on OTT-WGH, Vannetta! I really enjoyed the interview with you and Carrie, and I understand isolation as well; the kind that comes with being ill for an extended period of time. You are so right, Vannetta, when you said God will put people in your life during that time, and they are simply the best!

    I appreciate how the Amish not only treat those in their community with disabilities, but their elderly as well. We as a society could take a few lessons from them.

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  2. I think that's part of the draw to Amish fiction. We see this close-knit community, and we want to know how to get back to that. It's possible too ... one person at a time! : ) Thanks for having me, Diana.

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  3. I love Amish books....would love to win this contest.Thanks for the wonderful interview.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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  4. I like your choice of the favorite verse. Sometimes we tend to forget that we are here on earth because he has a plan for us. It is up to us to believe that we can do all he asks of us.

    Marry Christmas Vannetta.
    Sincerely,
    Anna Sanford

    anicka2178@gmail.com

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  5. This was my first time reading a book about the Amish and I must say I am hooked! I love their 'simple' lifestyle and how Vannetta expressed everything in such detail. It really helps a reader to be able to visualize the setting. I am anxious to read more of Vannettas work! Thank you Vannetta and may you be blessed with the richest of riches.

    Misti Doorly
    BackwoodsWhisper@aol.com

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  6. Would love to win this book.
    Love the Amish stories, if only more of us had their childlike faith.
    Wilma Metcalf

    wilmamet6(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I love Amish stories and would love to read A Simple Amish Christmas. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  8. Jeremiah 29:11 is also my favorite verse. I have it in various places around my house because I need reminders, always.

    Loretta S.

    eveningstar888@aol.com

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  9. Wonderful interview. Enjoy anything having to do with the Amish, such peaceful people. Anything to do with Christmas is my favorite book. Thank you for the chance to win one.

    Terry P.

    TerryParrish2010@hotmail.com

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  10. what a great interview... Such and amazing author

    tiggeruo@gmail.com

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  11. Thank you for this interview and the giveaway.

    wfnren at aol dot com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

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  12. I know which book I'd like...A Simple Amish Christmas. Fingers crossed.

    Eric S


    babyfacezxzx@aol.com

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  13. Please enter me. Thank you
    Amber Horton
    farmgirl797@att.net

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  14. This sounds like such an encouraging book! I have struggled some with isolation and know others who have, too. In fact, I am going to share this blog with others I know who could benefit from reading this book.

    I would love to win a copy. jsmithg@hotmail(dot)com

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  15. I am a fan of Vannetta's and I had hoped to meet her in Shipshewana but that fell through for me. I was so disappointed! I've read A Simple Amish Christmas and it was a GREAT read! I would love to win a copy of Falling To Pieces in print form. Holding my breath, crossing my fingers and eyes! Maybe a little prayer might help! lol Just kidding. I wish everyone good luck who has entered this contest.

    Blessings!
    Judy B

    judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  16. I love how the Amish think. They should inspire us more often. I would love to win this book.

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  17. Please include me in your giveaway I would love to read Falling to Pieces.
    Thanks
    Debbie
    debdesk9(at)verizon.net

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  18. I think it won't be to long that we have to live the way of the Amish as in lack of necessary essentials because of the price of them. I am always studying the Amish to learn how to live frugal and also live life as a good Christian. Thank you for the opportunity to read another of your great books.And to win it is even better.
    Thanks, nancylynn@sympatico.ca

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  19. Both of your books sound like wonderful stories. Thanks for sharing!
    Jackie
    joyfuljel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Very good interview. I love Vannetta's books and I would love to win a copy.

    Debra B. debsredbirds@yahoo.com

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  21. Great to see you again, Jackie! I'm with you...love me some Amish books!

    Great scripture, Anna, and yes, sometimes in all the busyness and trials of life we do need to remind ourselves...He does have a plan for our lives!

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  22. Thank you for coming by Misti, and I agree, Vannetta is a very descriptive author...you can almost smell the scent of spruce in the air when reading her books!

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  23. Wilma and misskallie, welcome to OTT-WGH! You are entered in the drawing, ladies!

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  24. Loretta, I also like to place scriptures around the house that apply to my situation at the time. Right now, I have on my fridge, mirrors, computer cover, etc., "By His stripes I am healed"!

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  25. Hi, Terry, and Sarah! Nice to see you here ladies, you are officially entered!

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  26. Welcome wfnren and Eric, let me know if that works! lol

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  27. Waving at you up there, Amber, and Janice, how thoughtful! That's what this blog is all about-overcoming with God's help!

    Judy, you are too funny! Eric above you is crossing his fingers as well. I think the prayers will definitely work better! :) I know not getting to meet Vannetta had to be disappointing for you, Judy. :(

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  28. what a blessing to find this intervew and your web page:) I have been threw many tuff times. Only threw God am I able to see threw them. It is hard but when I look back and see Gods work. I know he wouldnt give us anything we cant handle. and it brings us closer to him. Thanks for the giveaway:) Jennie the_tabers@comcast.net

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  29. Great Interview, right now I'm reading "A simple Amish Christmas" it is a wonderful Book that I just love.
    Please add me to your contest.
    Blessings to all,

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. We have two Debbies and a Debra entered in the giveaway, Miss Carrie, but if the first Debbie doesn't come back and leave an email addy, we'll have one Debbie and a Debra. Unless the first Debbie is the same person as the second Debbie...whew! LOL! See what Carrie has to deal with now working with me, y'all? ;) Anyway Debbies, you are all entered to win one of Vannetta's wonderful books!

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  31. Looks like a great book!
    ~Marissa

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  32. Oh, that our society would embrace handicapped children as the Amish do! I've certainly had plenty of experience with the negatives in our society when out with our daughter many a day :(

    Thank you, Vanetta, for writing what sounds like a wonderful and touching story. I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of your books but I look forward to remedying that soon :)

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  33. This is a great interview. I love reading Amish stories and have always been very interested in them. Even the cover of the book appeals to me so much.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  34. Your comments make me smile, and they also touch my heart. You know, God does have a perfect plan for all of us. He doesn't want us to feel isolated, and he certainly doesn't want us to feel that any handicap (ours or a loved one) is an OOPS on his part. I feel so humbled that I'm able to write, share stories, and also share his grace and love for us. Thank you all for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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  35. Diana, Thanks so much for holding down the fort! My son is really sick so I am just going to say thanks SO MUCH for all the comments left. We are SO GLAD to have so many visitors!

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  36. Jenny, that is what this blog is all about--Overcoming Through Time-With God's Help! It is amazing to look back and marvel at just how God has brought us through the dark times, and to know that if He did it then He will do it again. Bless you!

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  37. Ingrid it is wonderful, isn't it?! Good luck in the giveaway.

    Marissa and Jo, thank you for coming by with your kind comments!

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  38. Cyberhugs to our dear friend, Anne, up there. People can be very cruel sometimes as you know, Anne, but thank the Lord for the precious people God puts in our lives, to help ease the pain and offset unkindness from others. Good to see you as always!

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  39. Please pray for Carrie and her little boy tonight. He is one sick little man, and Carrie is not feeling well either.

    Heavenly Father, we ask you to touch Carrie tonight and ease the pain in her body, make her every whit whole and give her strength and a good night's rest tonight. Touch little Clark, dear Lord, heal him speedily, and mightily, and help him to sleep soundly tonight. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

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  40. Diana and Carrie, thank you BOTH for watching the blog today while I was editing away on book 2 of my Shipshewana series! Whew! I'm so glad to be on-line finally. : ) I will definitely add my prayers to those here for Carrie and her son.

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  41. Anon (aka, Jackie), thanks for stopping by, and it's good to hear you love Amish books. I think they have a special place in our hearts for several reasons, and especially at this time of year!

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  42. Anna, I have clung to that verse through many a hard time. Isn't it good to know that God's word never changes? Thanks for stopping by!

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  43. MISTI, thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me after a long day of fighting the computer, the cats, and the cold weather! lol. All small problems in the grand scheme of things. I hope you have a wonderful week.

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  44. WILMA, it's good to see you over here. I know you do love Amish fiction. : ) You're a wonderful supporter of me and other Amish writers. Thanks for stopping by!

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  45. MISSKALLIE, thanks for stopping by and for entering the contest. : )

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  46. EVENINGSTAR888, you are right! It helps to have the encouragement we need right in front of us. : ) I keep that verse close to me as I'm writing. Have a wonderful week.

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  47. TERRY P. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Combining Amish and Christmas was a fun thing to do. I'll let you in on a secret ... I just agreed to a sequel for A Simple Amish Christmas, and the title is A CHRISTMAS QUILT. Doesn't that sound great? I can't wait to start writing it. : )

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  48. SARAH'S THOUGHTS ... thank you, so much. That means a lot to me, and I appreciate your stopping by.

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  49. WFNREN, you are so welcom. I appreciate your taking time out of your day to READ the interview and ENTER the give-away. I realize how busy everyone is. : )

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  50. ERIC, It's good to see you here. : ) I hope you're having a wonderful week.

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  51. AMBER, thanks for entering! : )

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  52. JANICE, Annie's story is encouraging. My main goal is writing is always to write fiction full of grace .... and God's grace doesn't ever feel us leaving lonely or isolated. I'm sorry you've struggled with this, and thank you for sharing the interview with others. Isn't it amazing how God can use our past to encourage other people today? God bless you and thank you for stopping by.

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  53. JUDY, I know we will meet even though it didn't happen in Shipshe. : ) Thanks so much for stopping by here and I hope you're having a good December.

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  54. DEBBIE, I think the Amish have an inspiring life because it's simple and it points to God. Thanks for stopping by and posting!

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  55. Nancy, you touched on 2 really important aspects of Amish life - living frugally (they don't spend on unnecessary items) and living Christ-like lives. Those would be really good new year's resolutions that I could write down! Thanks for stopping by!

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  56. Jackie, thank you for taking the time to post! Have a great week.

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  57. DEBRA B. I appreciate your coming by and chiming in. : )

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  58. DEBBS DESK, Thanks for entering! I think you'd love the book. : )

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  59. Anon/Jennie, you sound like a real warrior! Thank you so much for posting and allowing people to see how God has worked in your life. I appreciate your words so much.

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  60. INGRID, I'm so glad you're enjoying Annie's story. I love that book too. Those people feel like family to me. : ) Have a wonderful week, dear.

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  61. MARISSA, thanks for entering! : )

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  62. ANNE, I know that you understand the challenges and the joys of a special-needs child. My stepdaughter is special-needs, so that may be part of the reason that I usually include a character like this in my story. (There's also a special little boy in A Simple Amish Christmas.) You know I've seen great kindness in real life toward these people who are DIFFERENT ... not always, but when I do see that kindness, it's always Christ shining right through.

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  63. JO, thanks for stopping by. I've been fortunate to have such great covers on my books. : ) I hope you have a wonderful week.

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  64. Thanks so much Vannetta, for this interview, and for stopping back tonight to chat with our readers. I wanted to say to JANICE that when I was listening to Falling to Pieces for my review, I was really relating to that isolation Callie was going through (she's a young widow). I am not a widow nor young but lost my mom in June 2010 and last year it was shock and this year the reality and having those feelings of - wow I don't have either of my parents any more. It is a different kind of lonely feeling and I could relate to what Callie was going through.

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  65. Enjoyed the interview and the link to the blog.
    I would like to read Falling to Pieces.
    Shirley
    beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  66. Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite verse too! It has been a great help and encouragement to me. :) Thanks for the giveaway.

    writer.chicka[at]gmail.com

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  67. SHIRLEY, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I hope you have a wonderful week.

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  68. SUGARPEACH, We're verse-mates! : ) You're welcome as far as the give-away. Thanks for stopping by.

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  69. fascinating interview! Would love to win a copy.

    vernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  70. I enjoyed your interview,now i would like to win the book. green2244@roadrunner.com

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  71. LOLLIPOPS, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by today.

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  72. GREEN2244, I appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful day. : )

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  73. Lovely interview :) Amish books are so great for Christmas. Merry Christmas.

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

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  74. FAYE, I think that combination of Amish and Christmas is especially sweet. Thanks for stopping by!

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  75. Good morning, thanks for your interview of Vannetta, I have read the first book and it was a really good story.
    thanks for your drawing and giveaway today, I would be interested in the Amish Christmas.
    Paula O

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  76. a wonderful posting...thanks for the chance to read this fabulous story

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  77. a wonderful posting...thanks for the chance to read this fabulous story

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  78. I love a good mystery and quilts, so Falling to Pieces sounds wonderful. I like that it is also a bit different for an Amish story.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  79. Carrie and Vannetta thanks for the interview. I also love Jeremiah 29:11. I agree with you about our Lord being in control of our lives. It is comforting to know that no matter what comes my way He has known about it and He knows how to take care of it.

    Falling to Pieces sounds like a wonderful read. I saw it on Amazon before I knew Carrie was doing a review on it and it caught my attention, as I love a good Amish story and when you throw in some mystery or suspense, I'm in! LOL! I can't wait to read it.

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