Mary Ellis | Traveling the Back Roads in Search of a Story
August 7, 2013
I'm often asked how I find out so much about the people I write about the Amish.
Answering that question is easy, I jump into my car and drive to where they live
and work. With my pen, tablet and camera, I study them in the fields, at
farmers markets, in bakeries and quilt shops, and watch their children at play
at recess. (From a respectable distance, of course.) I ask questions when it's
feasible, or just observe when interviewing would be inappropriate. But usually that's where the "easy" part ends. For A Little Bit of Charm , I
headed to Kentucky to research the Old Order Mennonites and Amish of Casey and
Barren Counties. Generally, these people moved here from over-populated areas of
Ohio or Pennsylvania. They came looking for cheaper, more plentiful farmland and
found it. What does that mean for a wannabe researcher? I spent my third summer vacation in a remote area without cell phone service,
or a single fast food restaurant for miles. If you go in search of
horses-and-buggies and a slower pace of life, always remember to bring local
maps. My GPS kept getting confused and shutting off. Luckily, I was able to stay
at my friend's house and commute back and forth, since there were no hotels or
motels close by. Her grand-daughters came along to keep me company--very handy
considering how often I was lost. The girls received a priceless education in
the Plain culture that surpassed any textbook. And having them with me opened
plenty of doors for this nosy writer. Who could resist answering the questions
of three adorable little girls? Mary Ellis grew up near the Amish and fell in love with them. She has now
written nine bestselling novels set in their communities. When not writing, she
enjoys gardening, bicycling, and swimming. Before "retiring" to write full-time,
Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Living in Harmony , book one of
this series won the 2012 Lime Award for Excellence in Amish Fiction. Book two,
Love Comes to Paradise
has been nominated for a 2013 Lime Award. Comment To Win an owl potholder a copy of A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM A Little Bit of Charm, the third book in
bestselling author Mary Ellis's New Beginnings series, is
about fresh starts...and how faith in God and His perfect
plans provide the peace and joy all long for. After
the death of her parents and then watching both of her older
sisters find happiness in homes of their own with husbands
who adore them, Rachel King yearns for a new beginning. Her
cousin Sarah lives near a thoroughbred stable in Kentucky,
and working around beautiful horses is Rachel's dream come
true. She leaves Lancaster County to find a job at Twelve
Elms Stables and believes God has answered her prayers.
And then she meets Jake, an attractive and charming
Englisch man. At first she refuses to go out with
him, but he eventually convinces her to give him a chance.
When Amish men who also wish to date Rachel start
encountering strange mishaps, she wonders if Jake is really
who he seems to be. What does a young woman do when
her heart is pulled in two directions?
Comments
26 comments posted.
Re: Mary Ellis | Traveling the Back Roads in Search of a Story
Wow, Congrats on your new book: A LITTLE BIT OF CHARM. I love to read about the Amish and my mom and I used to see them when we would visit their restaurant and gift shop in Haven, KS. Being raised on a farm in Kansas I really admire their hard work and lifestyle too. I would love to win and read your great book this summer. Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE (Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 12:06pm August 7, 2013)
No tech gadgets could be a good thing, but I don't want to try it. I am addicted to them. Sad, but true. (Barbara Tobey 12:45pm August 7, 2013)
It's funny, isn't it, how actually seeing the terrain that shapes the lives of individuals and communities helps you to get a feel for those shapes? (Mary Ann Dimand 7:29am August 7, 2013)
That sounds like such an interesting vacation, though I'm not sure how I'd do without my GPS. I really love books that give me a sense of place and it sounds like these do, thanks to all the research. (Mary Verner 9:16am August 7, 2013)
It's hard not to fall in love with the Amish. They have a certain "charm" that draws you in, and you want to learn as much as you can about them. I had the pleasure of meeting an Amish gentleman last Summer, and although he was a bit reserved, he was a very nice man. He only spoke when spoken to, but it was a pleasure just to be in his company. That would be the only way I could describe the experience. Anyway, because you grew up near them, and because you enjoy the simpler things in life, after reading your bio, it's understandable why you would want to write about them. I don't mean that statement as an insult. I enjoy those things as well, along with other simple things in place of bicycling, since I'm unable to do that due to health issues, but I commend you for doing such extensive research. Your book is something that I'm really looking forward to, and I'm sure it will also get an award. I'll have to put it on my TBR list!! (Peggy Roberson 10:10am August 7, 2013)
This sounds very good.
I don't think I would do well without my tech gadgets. Too attached. (Larena Hubble 12:01pm August 7, 2013)
I've never read any of your books but I've recently fallen in love with the Amish lifestyle. I love how their lives are a slower pace. They know how to keep focus on the family. Sometimes, I put down my tech gadgets (this coming from a person with two computer degrees) and just try to enjoy life how it used to be before it got so hurried. The cover of A Little Bit of Charm is to die for. (Val Pearson 12:33pm August 7, 2013)
I live about 2 hours away from a very small Amish Community here in Illinois. The quilt displays and auctions are always an event/events, that I try to make sure and see. Have you ever been to the Amana Colonies in Iowa. I found them such a fun place to visit and see. Also, my husband grew up in Maryland right next to Mennonite farmers. One of the young boys, gave my husband his hat and to this day, we have it on display in our home...Many thanks, Cindi] jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com (Cindi Hoppes 1:15pm August 7, 2013)
When your heart is being pulled in two different directions... pause and consider all the facts and ramifications. Pray for guidance and answer will eventually come to you. (Betty Hamilton 3:06pm August 7, 2013)
I love Amish books, I'd love to win this one. (Wilma Frana 4:05pm August 7, 2013)
I find the Amish culture very fascinating. (Callie Stuck 4:41pm August 7, 2013)
When a young woman's heart is pulled in two directions first pray to God that He will lead you to the man He wants you to marry. He should be a man who loves the Lord, lives a clean life, is kind and honest, slow to anger, etc. That they love each other and have things in common. I really liked your post and would very much like to read your books, as I enjoy reading stories about the Amish. Thank you for this chance to win, hope I do. God Bless You. (Esther Somorai 4:44pm August 7, 2013)
There is an Amish village nearby in Indiana I would love to visit someday ~ they fascinate me too ~ especially their language.... (Susan Coster 5:17pm August 7, 2013)
I love Amish stories. I'm looking forward to reading the book. (Rita Wray 6:02pm August 7, 2013)
I love the Amish and their simpler way of life. I've never seen an Amish village or community. It would be so interesting. Would love to read your new great book this summer. I know I'd really enjoy it, since you've really done your research. Congrats on your 2012 Lime Award for Book 1 and for being nominated for 2013 Lime Award for Book 2! I will have to read those also. (Linda Luinstra 6:11pm August 7, 2013)
Your visit to Kentucky sounds like so much fun. I live not far from the Amish in Pennsylvania and I always enjoy it when we drive thru the area and admire their lifestyle. I will enjoy reading A Little Bit of Charm (Shirley Younger 6:59pm August 7, 2013)
we all need less tech and more nature if u ask me, thanks (Debbi Shaw 9:58pm August 7, 2013)
I can't wait to read this. I live in an area in Missouri where we live with Amish & Mennonite neighbors. They are wonderful neighbors and I love to read stories with them featured in them. (Teresa Miller 10:12pm August 7, 2013)
Being from Pennsylvania, not too far from Amish territory, and now having lived in Delaware for over 20 years (where there are plenty of Amish all around me), I find their different culture style to be charming and endlessly interesting. There is nothing that draws me more than a chance to learn about a new people or culture or country. (Donna Holmberg 10:23pm August 7, 2013)
I would love to be a winner! (Melanie Backus 10:50pm August 7, 2013)
LOVE AMISH BOOKS! THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! (Shelley Summers 12:02pm August 8, 2013)
I find he Amish interesting to read about, but I'm sure I couldn't live like them. Would love to win a copy of your book. (Carol Woodruff 11:12am August 8, 2013)
It sounds like you had a little taste of Amish life while doing your research while on vacation. It's always interesting to learn more facts about their lifestyle to incorporate that into your books which most people are curious about. (Rich Cook 5:11pm August 8, 2013)
It would be nice to get away from cell phone and the computer for awhile. It would be nice just to go Amish for awhile. (Kai Wong 11:40pm August 8, 2013)
The research would be fascinating. (Mary Preston 7:40am August 9, 2013)
Love comes to Paradise is a great read so I hope I can get hold of your other books soon. (Clare O'Beara 8:40am August 9, 2013)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
|