1. Your book addresses a topic that affects thousands of married couples today...commitment. What gave you the inspiration for this story?
This story was birthed in an unusual way. Our church hosts a bonfire and hayrack ride every October. In 2004, the hayrack ride took us past an abandoned farmstead. It was dusk, lots of long shadows and a whispering breeze offering a lullaby. We slowly drove past the barn, ad I got a "zing" of awareness--I knew a story was hiding there. When we pulled alongside the house, in my mind I pictured a young mother with a child clinging to her skirts while she hung laundry on the line. The weariness etched in this woman's face told of a deep heartache. By the time the hayrack ride was over, she had introduced herself to me and shared her secret heartache...I love my husband, but he doesn't love my Lord. What a tremendous conflict that would be for her! Especially with all of the other harships at hand--Depression, drought, unwanted pregnancy...and no shared faith? I didn't exactly plan the issue of marital commitment, it just became a natural outgrowth of this woman's deepest pain and desire to be one with her husband in all ways.
2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Anna Mae and Harley Phipps? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?
The only thing I have in common with Anna Mae is facing separation from a husband. My husband is in the military and is often gone for long stretches on various duty (he is being deployed to Baghdad in September, so I have another time of separation around the bend). I could well understand her angst as she watched Harley head down the road away from their home. I think she's a lot spunkier than I am, though! Harley's stubborn pride, his desire to take care of his family at all costs, is a lot like my husband, now that I think about it.
Seeking God's will, and finding our hope in Him, are the themes I always want to ring through any of my stories. The things of this world--the good, the difficult, the joyful, the heartbreaking--are all temporal, but our relationship with God is eternal. So I hope to always point the reader to a more intimate walk with his/her Father. As for one that developed on its own...the character Jack became more central than I originally intended. As his story unfolded, a theme of how devastating selfishness can be came to light--devastating to the person who chooses self over God, and devastating to all who love him.
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4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?
I have a real problem writing stinkers. I work so hard to avoid conflict in my own life, creating a character who deliberately wreaks havoc is hard! My favorite parts were the scenes with Dorothy. She is so honest and funny without meaning to be--I really liked bringing her in and letting her add some lightness and gentle humor. I also love the final scene--which I will not divulge lest it give something away!--but every time I read the story's end it makes me cry.
Releasing at the same time as Where Willows Grow is my first full-length contemporary women's fiction with Barbour. Titled Bygones, it is the first of a three-book trilogy set in an Old Order Mennonite community. The story features Marie, a woman who was raised Old Order Mennonite but abandoned the community to marry a non-Mennonite. Now, more than twenty years later, an unusual stipulation in a will brings her back. The opportunity for reconciliation with her family exists, but long-held regrets and anger separate her from her earthly father as well as her heavenly Father. A story of reconciliation and the power of forgiveness, I hope it is well-received by readers.
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Thanks so much for the chance to visit with you! I enjoyed it!
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Thank *you* Kim for joining us. Readers, make sure you leave a comment for a chance to enter the drawing for a free book. Winner will be announced next week in the comments of this post.
9 comments:
Sounds great!!!
Tiff, I think it's great that you do this. I am doing the same thing on my blog these days. Not only is it good exposure for the featured authors, it is good way to attract readers to your blog.
This book sounds very interesting. Thanks for a great interview, Kim and Tiff!
Cheryl M.
Wow! Great interview! As you were explaining the thrust of the story I was thinking, "That's my friend." She is there right now and we're praying for the salvation of her husband.
Another great interview!
Cherie Japp
I could really relate to Anna Mae of "Where Willows Grow" because I've been though a long distance relationship of 2 years. By God's grace we are still together and still going strong.
it's always fun to learn about new authors! thanks for spotlighting Kim Amber!
sheina (xypher27 at yahoo dot com)
Are Mennonites like Amish people?
Diane
leannesse@yahoo DOt com
Thanks for the clarification Kim! If I may ask, what do you do besides writing?
Diane
leannesse@yahoo DOt com
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to this. Wedding plans are keeping me hopping. :)
The winner of Kim's book is Shauna! Congratulations...I'll have Kim send out your book this week.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support and comments. It's great having you visit.
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