Joining us this month is best-selling, award-winning author Wanda Brunstetter.
Wanda is a fellow ACFW member, but I have not had the privilege of getting to know her in person. She is best known as an author of Amish stories, and her list of published works is growing.

Wanda E. Brunstetter enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life. Wanda’s interest in the Amish and other Plain communities began when she married her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania. Wanda and her husband have been married over forty years and they have two grown children and six grandchildren. When Wanda isn’t writing, she enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, reading, stamping, and having fun with her family. Wanda’s favorite places to visit are various Amish communities around the country.

Wanda’s books include:

White Christmas Pie
Sisters of Holms County series:
• A Sister’s Hope
• A Sister’s Test
• A Sister’s Secret
The Brides of Webster County series:
• Going Home
• One Her Own
• Dear to Me
• Allison’s Journey
Brides of Lancaster County series:
• A Merry Heart
• Looking for a Miracle
• Plain and Fancy
• The Hope Chest
Daughters of Lancaster County
• The Storekeeper’s Daughter
• The Quilter’s Daughter
• The Bishop’s Daugher
Rachel Yoder Series: (for children)
• School’s Out
• Back to School
• Out of Control
• New Beginnings
• On Her Own
• The Simple Life
• Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Cookbook

Among her shorter works, she also has several shorter romances and stories in five novella collections.

Here latest release is White Christmas Pie releasing September 1, 2008!

Here’s the blurb:

Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you’ll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

CBD, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

Sounds like a perfect book to read in time for Christmas!

I asked Wanda to give us some insight into how God is using her and her writing.

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Wanda: From the time I was a child I knew I wanted to be a writer. I read a lot and began writing poems as early as the second grade.

Jill: Can you share with me some of the highlights of your writing journey – something particularly memorable or humorous?

Wanda:One of the most memorable highlights of my writing journey happened in the fall of 2007. I had the privilege of doing a book signing in an Amish home. One of the Amish women who came there to get her books signed told me that when she reads my books she feels as though I am Amish. I feel very blessed to be writing about a group of people I have come to know and love.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope/plan to write in the future. Do you have a favorite genre?

Wanda: Most of the books I write are Amish-themed novels. I’ve also written an Amish devotional, an Amish cookbook, and now I’m also writing some Amish-themed children’s books. My favorite genre is Amish-themed novels, and my plans are to continue writing Amish-themed novels, children’s books, and perhaps another Amish cookbook as well.

Jill: Do you consider your writing the work God has given you to do for a lifetime or for a season of your life? If you could pursue anything else, what would it be?

Wanda: I feel strongly that the writing I’m doing now is God-given, and I will continue to write for Him as long as He allows. There really isn’t anything else I’d rather be doing.

Jill: Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you becoming a published author?

Wanda: Mrs. Rueger, my second grade teacher, was the first person who encouraged me to write. It was after I’d drawn a picture of a moth and had included a poem to go with it.

Jill: Can you share one struggle that entered your life as a result of writing and how God helped you to overcome it, to make you more like Christ?

Wanda: One thing I hadn’t expected to do when I became a published author was speak to large audiences or do media interviews. Since these types of things are out of my comfort zone, I’ve had to rely on God to help me overcome my discomfort.

Jill: Likewise, is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Wanda: One of the most rewarding aspects of my writing ministry is when I hear from a reader that something he or she has read in one of my books has ministered to them in some particular way. A few years ago I had the privilege of leading one of my readers to Christ because of something she had read in one of my novels.

Jill: Wow, Wanda! It doesn’t get any better than that for a Christian author!

Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example? (Though it looks like you’ve already answer this question!)

Wanda: When I was a teenager I felt the Lord had asked me to be a missionary. I feel through the books I’m writing and the opportunities I’ve been given to share with other believers that I’m able to be a missionary to readers around the world. Before I write each of my books I always pray that it will touch someone’s life, and that I’ll be able to witness for Christ and minister to others through the words God has placed on my heart.

Jill: Awesome! I haven’t had the privilege of reading your books yet, but after checking out your website and seeing some of your titles, you’ve certainly pricked my interest! :)

Coming up next -

Rachel Yoder children’s series:
• A Happy Heart
• Just Plain Foolishness
Both books release December 2008.
A new children’s picture/storybook releases March 2009.

And look for a new adult series beginning March 2009!

To learn more about author Wanda Brunstetter and get to know her better, check out her website here.

Thanks Wanda, for joining us this month on Spotlight!