I recently asked readers what they like most about reading Amish fiction. Here are a few of the answers:
- Amish fiction transports me to the simpler life that I wish I were living in with my family. The beautiful, rural settings always leave me with a sense of peace.
- I love their lifestyle, their faith, and their closeness with family and community.
- I enjoy reading Amish stories [and] learning that our lives are really not that different…
- I love that they don’t seem to be so focused on accumulating things.
- …reading Amish books has truly help me stay grounded.
I know that no culture is “perfect.” We all struggle with living out our faith, living in community, and living in harmony within our own families. The Amish do too.
But as I thought about readers’ responses, it dawned on me that I enjoy writing Amish fiction for many of the same reasons they enjoy reading the stories. Researching and writing about the Amish makes me think about my own grandparents and great grandparents, all who lived on farms or in rural settings. All had a simple faith in God, accompanied by a simple lifestyle.
On the other hand, my family has lived the typical late twentieth century/early twenty-first century runaround lifestyle. Parenting four kids has meant twenty years of soccer, plus church and Young Life and multiple other activities. Let’s just say my life as a mom has been very different than the lives of my grandmothers—or the average Amish mother.
But visiting with Amish women also makes realize how much we have in common—homemaking, raising children, taking them to appointments, helping them with schoolwork, praying for our families, and investing in friendships of our own. In many ways, our lives aren’t that different.
Writing Amish fiction also helps me stay grounded. In every book I write, I include spiritual journeys that the main characters are going through. Chances are those journeys parallel something in my own life. Writing keeps me grounded and focused and working through what God is teaching me.
All of these things have made me a big fan or writing Amish fiction. If you’re a fan of reading Amish fiction, let me know why in a comment below!
What do you love most about reading Amish fiction? @lesliejeangould @notquiteamish
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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