Amish fiction characters–stereotypes in Plain clothing?
Last Friday Elin left a comment on the post “Do we romanticize the Amish?“:
“I have read some of these books and enjoyed them but I have realized that the Amishness of the characters is not more than polish. They are often just stereotypical ‘good Christian’ wearing Amish clothes.
They are the same characters as in the Christian inspired fairytales I had as a child which me and my brothers and sisters used to read and snicker about when we got to about 10 or so when we could see how unbearingly good and perfect these people were and how unrealistic that was.
We knew by then that real people do not act like that and that is what I often feel when I meet the characters of an Amish fiction book. They are just stories about how the perfect Christian would react and Amish hasn’t anything to do with that.”
I find this topic interesting. But I’ll be frank, I’m not up to date on Amish fiction.
I simply have not read much–a grand total of a few chapters. Not that what I read wasn’t entertaining. I just have a long list of books to read and tend to favor non-fiction.
But knowing how Amish are portrayed in other areas of media, I can see how Elin’s assessment could be the case.
However I wonder if those who’ve read Amish fiction books have an opinion. On the same post, Beth, who actually writes Amish fiction, added:
“Readers can’t get enough of the Amish life style and traditions. They don’t want to read non-fiction Amish, they want the story as they think it should be in their minds, which is very often not accurate.”
Again, I can’t comment on specifics, but it seems to me that to write a compelling story (or, for that matter, to keep readers’ attention for an entire series of books) “character” would be important.
For those who know Amish fiction better, are these opinions correct? Are the characters in Amish fiction deeper than one-dimensional stereotypes?
Do readers want the “ideal Amish” portrayal–or something more complex?
Photo credit: Gregg Obst
What I have seen of it – Amish fiction falls into the genre of Christian romantic fiction. It is idealized people in idealized situations, like all modern romantic fiction. If that is what the reader wants, then it is fine. I don’t know how confused it makes people when they meet real Amish and they don’t really live, talk, or act like that. Like Erik, I read mostly nonfiction, and classic fiction. I just don’t have a taste for romantic fiction. I think it is rather like watching Little House on the Prairie, and then going to live, even for a week, in a real sod house with a privy.
Amish fiction
I enjoy Amish fiction.Although I don”t know much about the Amish I do enjoy Amish fiction.
Amish Fiction
I just subscribed and saw this article.
I have just finished the draft and a revision of a novel set in the Amish region near Kutztown, PA.
I am not romanticizing the Amish and the purpose of my novel is to explain away the myths the outside world seems to want to believe. I am doing research to try to make sure I am not falling into that trap of the “perfect” Amish.
I am presenting the Amish as straightforward in their purpose and the novel is not anywhere near a romance. It’s about how the life of an outsider intersects with an Amish farmer and how both are helped by each other’s experiences.
I saw the collections of the Amish writer Beverly Lewis who writes serial Amish romance and it seems like she has just tapped into a market and is making a career churning out serials.
My book is definitely a one-shot deal because I want to write other books [non-Amish] and have a list in front of me that I intend to get to as soon as this is published.
I was born and raised in Berks County and find everything there from my formative years fascinating, the Amish and Mennonites included.
I guess I am just tired of hearing people unable to understand what might be called the “riddles.” I’m also tired of hearing the out and out misinformation.
I hope with my book to dispel some myths without creating new inaccuracies and at the same time entertain my readers.
This book does combine my love of the area, baseball (so entwined with Reading history) and my childhood growing up near Laureldale and Maiden Creek.
I hope to educated people as I go along and the work in progress on my book, “The Fastnacht League” is chronicled on wwww.gregbmiller.webs.com – all are welcome.
Greetings,
I have read a few Amish fiction books and I have enjoyed reading them. But I take them for what they are, fiction. As in any fiction there is some truth and some not. If the book is a “fiction” book, why would you assume it is non-fiction information?
Blessings, Alice
I have found that most of the amish fiction is formulaic and poorly written. It seems that these writers are just churning out fantasy fiction and romance. Really, I find no time for these types of “bonnet” books.
I bet the general population would love Amish fiction that contains more realistic and complex characters.
Amish fiction as with other types of romantic/adventure fiction taps into the hidden sub-consciousness of many people, mainly those who like to dream of escapes they won’t ever live…
Amish Fiction
Sometimes when I go in the library I stop by a counter at the entrance and look at the new titles that have just been received. The ideas in the new books look like extreme attempts to find something different.
For a long while I’ve only read historical books like those of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough because I think if you read you ought to be learning something.
You can learn something reading fiction; to believe otherwise is not being very open-minded. The amount you learn depends on what fiction you read. I am always suspect of historical fiction because it could be difficult sorting out what is real and what is manufactured to fit a storyline.
Series are just that formulaic – that writer just found a niche.
My book is either an Amish fiction involving baseball and Reading or a baseball book about Berks County involving Amish. Nothing subconscious here.
Nothing but good intentions here.
Here we go again! As with any genre you are going to get all types of stories with different writing styles, some are good and some are not. Why would Amish Fiction be any different? Refering back to my comment Erik quoted, some of the Amish books do seem idealistic to me, but some readers want that, people like to escape, and it IS fiction so authors have that liberty. I have also read some captivating Amish stories with complex characters and conflict. It’s a matter of preference. If we were to judge all of the other genres I’m sure we would be having the same discussion about each of those.
I read Amish both fiction and non-fiction. I enjoy reading them both. Fiction novels I show they are usually love and romance. I don’t believe that the fiction always shows the true life of the Amish. In real life I believe they go through many of the same problems we do: financialy, teenage children , good times, bad times, etc. It’s like reading fiction of other authors that are not in an Amish setting. I do think the fiction books make their life seem better than it is-but that is how most in fiction is Beverly Lewis. I also read the non-fiction and really see the life of the Amish-but sometimes they make them seem more different than they really are.
Marilyn
www.Amishstorys.com
I think I’m with Erik in not being familiar very much with these “Amish themed” novels. But what i do know is how very popular they are right now, but when did this start?. Did it become a little more easier for writers to publish their books in “Amish fiction” after the hugely popular movie “Witness” i wonder?. with so many of these Amish fiction books being printed, is it just possible now to just take a normal run of the mill fiction novel and just give it that “Amish touch” and it will sell?. And i think most folks are smarter than to think these books would represent even a speckle of reality in them. So to me does that make it bad to read these books?, to me the answer would be no, its just a form of entertainment, harmless really. So i would say “enjoy ladies” because that’s the demographics for these books, you work hard so why not tune-out into some Amish fiction and get away from a lot of the really bad news that’s going on today. Now if they only could come up with a remake of the movie “Witness”, it could surpass the box office earnings of the original. Screen writers out there and movie studios, are you listening. Richard from Lebanon county’s Amish community.
www.Amishstorys.com
I see Beth is on Amish America to voice in. And your right about “here we go again”, it looks like Erik has done it again with another very smart post, kind of a sequel to his though provoking “do we romanticize the Amish” which generated so many quality responses, id say that makes Erik alittle crazy, crazy like a fox. Richard from Lebanon county’s Amish community.
Amish fiction facts
On first read I sympathize with what Elin is saying–if you observe portrayals of the Amish through the generations (going back well before Amish fiction or even the explosion in tourism) you often see a simplified view of Amish life. It’s something that’s been around and used for different purposes and I can understand the criticism.
At the same time, I’d think that to keep readers turning pages, you’d need more than just stock characters and allegory. But maybe I’m wrong.
My point in this post is not to try to figure out which writer’s characters are realistic and which aren’t–it is more to explore the general question of the appeal of Amish fiction books. The question of character seems a fundamental one.
Going back to Beth’s point, I think there must be an appreciation for realism–or at least a base level of realism.
I don’t know how many Amish fiction readers would really care about the differences between a Swartzentruber and an Andy Weaver Amishman (and I guess I can’t blame them!), but they’ll probably want to know that fundamental things are in order, so to speak–ie Amish church takes place in the home, children finish school at 8th grade, Amish interact fairly often with English people…I think there is enough general understanding about Amish in the culture that if you have certain generalities wrong it is going to immediately smell funny. So again I have not done the research but I would think most writers cover these basic bases. I know that a lot of writers make efforts to do research.
And at the same time, it is fiction–as Alice says, the name says it all–and authors should be able to take liberties to craft writing that allows for a better escape experience. I believe escapism and inspiration are more the point than necessarily learning the nitty-gritty of Amish culture.
I should also add: I have much respect for fiction writing. When I write, I work with pre-existing facts and experiences. It seems that to write compelling fiction requires a particular skill set and creative talent, even if you are using real experience for inspiration.
And obviously–going by book sales–many people are finding Amish fiction compelling, with a growing list of successful authors, and now the stories beginning to make their way on screen.
This is an interesting discussion. I would say 99.8% of the books on my bookshelves are non-fiction. I am just not attracted to fiction. One day, several months ago, I was listening to the “Amish Wisdom” program on Toginet radio, and the host was interviewing W. Dale Cramer, author of Levi’s Will. Because it was based on a true story (his father’s) and the author has close ties to the Amish community, and I thought, pehaps being written by a male, it wouldn’t be quite as sappy as other romances,and maybe more authentic. I gave it a try, thoroughly enjoyed the book, and have just finished Cramer’s newly released book, Paradise Valley, also based on historical events. I wonder if Amish folks read any fiction, and what authors they tend to read. I understand there is a fiction writer who is actually Amish (Linda Byler?), but I haven’t read anything by her.
Anish fiction chracters
I read all of Wanda Brunstetters books and Beverely Lewis and I feelmost all of the contexts are pretty close to real deal as both have relatives whom are Amish. So enjoy. Lets face it we all have and enjoy a bit of romance in our life whether it be non fiction or fiction. I say to these two ladies, keep up the good work. From travelling in Amish/Mennonite country they are very very simi;iar.
good
I love the amish stories not just because of the amish but the showing of faith and God,and they are good clean wholesome books,to bad most books have cussing and sex in them,not everyone likes those as a christian I love these novels and other christan writers novels,
relaxing escape
I think people like fiction set in an imaginary Amish environment where people are perceived as good and life follows a predictable path of hard work enmeshed in a supportive society. Our lives have gotten so stressful with work pressures and the constant pressure of horrible news that we long for escape to a simpler time and place. We see the Amish culture as exemplifying that. When I spend a day bicycling along the roads of my local Amish community I feel the external pressures of life fall away. I get the same feeling reading Amish fiction. It transports your mind to an idealized place.
Amish Fictional Characters are Inspiring
I read Amish fiction for the same reason I read non-Amish Christian fiction. I only want Godly values coming into my mind and I need examples of the type of Godly woman I aspire to be.
I think that we all recognize that these fictional characters are near impossible Godly, but I should want to be like them and I should strive to live my life in such manner, because God says to be holy because He is holy. These characters are examples of the Proverbs 31 woman (and their families) when I am unable to find living examples to mentor me.
None of us are “so perfect”, including the Amish, which is why we all so desparately need a Savior.
Wow- what a blog stream!
I just wanted to squeeze a few points in here.
The last thing I would hope is that someone would write a story and just toss in the Amish angle to make it unique.
I was horified at the televison attempt this past year to cash in on the Birdsboro incident. If someone had just done a documentary based on “Amish Grace” I think everyone would have been better served.
Equally horrifying were two movie attempts that sprinkled terrible protrayals of the cuture- “King Pins” and the Kirsty Alley, Tim Allen movie “For Richer, For Poorer” both set common knowledge of th Amish back years. And when you think of it, aside from Witness there is nothing else out there. So that is what the mainstream knows about the Amish.
Not to opwn a new thread but with the “green” moivement the Amish are going to get more popular- who can be considered more “off the grid?”
What I am doing in my novel is to show how,my outside character is changed by her exposure to the Amish culture and how the Amish world is a logical development of a deeply well-rooted culture that lives out a practical existence but rooted in piety.
elliha.blogspot.com
Wow, Erik, my comment seems to have spurred some interest.
I do understand that Amish fiction can be read as an escape and as an inspiration for people who want to be better Christians and I see no wrong in that. I really understand the need for an escape sometimes and I do not disrespect those who choose to read Amish fiction to create this, personally, I prefer a crime novel in this situation though.
What bugs is that most authors I have read in this cathegory really make a great effort trying to create a correct Amish setting but they put no effort into the characters and making them real. I think you could make books that are about good Christians and that create an escape while still having realistic characters. I think the environment would be enough for the escape part and there are plenty of good Christians in real life, Amish or not, that could be the authors’ inspiration in creating realistic Amish characters.
Good article, Erik. Most of the Amish women portrayed on the covers of these books are beautiful, without flaw. I am drawn to the Amish for their inner beauty and devout Faith.
It’s bothersome in the way they are characterized in the nonfiction arena. I inquired with a few younger Amish women, at a local Amish Country store, their thoughts; and they wished we didn’t ‘idolize’ them so much. However, they don’t mind the non-fiction writings of their lifestyle, if it’s done with humbleness and truth. And profoundly they commented, “if there’s anything one wishes to know, just ask us”. =)
The Bible is my main source for awesome, truth-filled stories that I can go to again and again, and always find new detail, Truth, and comfort. =)
God Bless everyone!
Wendy
Character development
The most difficult part of writing a novel, in my humble opinion, is making the characters real. There must be what they call a “character arc” and over the course of the novel the character has to show growth as a result of the situation they find themselves placed in.
My main character is from the English world and the people she interacts with in the Amish world do not get as much of a chance to show their development except for the other main character, from the Amish world. I think, when all is said and done, that he comes to accept that she is changing for the better, probably for having known and experiences his world.
If the entire plot takes place within a 3-4 week time period, there is not enough writing space for the Englisher to have any sort of conversion or epiphany and still be able to put across the story line I was aiming for. I did also want to keep it more realistic [not go for St. Paul getting knocked off a horse or anything like that]. But I did have her consciously realize that there was tremendous value in the Amish lifestyle that was worth preserving as best she could and that possibly she was an interloper who could upset their whole lives.
I think people enjoy storylines but they continue reading when a character has something at stake worth fighting for. In this case, the Englisher is trying to help the Amish man without destroying his life.
I don’t read the “Christian” or “amish” fiction books. I don’t like any of it!
Amish writer Linda Byler
Roxanne, Linda Byler is in fact Amish, she originally self-published but her series of books have started to be released by Good Books. She is the only Amish person currently in the genre to my knowledge.
Dale Cramer’s book sounded interesting to me as well since it was based on this unusual (at least location-wise) historic Amish community. Not common to see males in the genre but there are at least a couple. You also have PL Gaus who does Ohio Amish mysteries.
Amish cover models
Wendy, interesting comment from the Amish women you spoke with.
I’ve always been struck by the women on the covers too–models in prayer coverings! but I guess that is part of getting someone to pick up the book…Some do have a plainer appearance from what I recall.
From an artistic standpoint, I generally think the covers are quite well done. And some I’ve noticed lately do not have people on the covers but buggies and country scenes.
But you do make a good point about inner beauty.
Greg sounds like a positive message…reading your description it made me wonder how many Amish fiction stories are told with an English person as the primary character? Seems like it would be easier to relate to a story and involve the reader with at least one main English character involved.
I just finished a series of books by Linda Byler, last night. I really enjoyed them. She is Amish and I hope she comes out with more books, soon. I would like to read more. I think she tells more of the real Amish life than most authors. Also, she didn’t end when they got married-she went on, which I liked because you wonder – what happened with their life. I also enjoy Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brumstetter. In fact, I read lots of authors, I have to keep a booklet of books I read so I don’t get them from the library again. Beverly Lewis is my favorite, but hers were the first Amish novels I read and got me started with a deep interest in the Amish which led me to Amish American, Amish stories and more.
Marilyn
Let me see…..
Wanda Brunstetter
Beverly Lewis
Cindy Woodsmall
Amy Clipston
Beth Wiseman
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Shelley Shepard Gray
Kathleen Fuller
Mindy Starns Clark/Leslie Gould
Colleen Cobel (has written one fiction book about Amish)
Carrie Bender (an actual Amish writer)
I guess you could say that I’ve read a lot of Amish fiction. All of Brunstetter and almost all of Lewis. I think I’ve read all of Cindy Woodsmall’s books as well. It gets a tad bit confusing after awhile. They all have different writing styles and they all bring something to the table. The thing that strikes me about all of the stories (fiction and non-fiction) that I have read over the years, is that Amish still have the same hardships and problems that English do. Bad stuff can happen to them too! Some of these fiction writers just put that on paper and come up with solutions in light of the characters’ faith.
I personally enjoy Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter the best–probably because they were the first authors of Amish fiction that I read.
and…no, I don’t buy all of these books, I work in a Christian bookstore so I can read at work if I have some down time:-)
Erik's notes on my comments
My daughter thinks it’s strange that I channeled the book through a young woman’s eyes!
But I think since the reader is English, they empathize with whatever her reactions are.
For a while I thought I had two main caharacters until I realized that the Amish man’s life was in question and the plot revolved the English woman’s foray into that life.
I would supposed that my ideal audience is the English reader so I would have to take that point of view.
A different take on the subject.
I’ve read a few from various authors who seemed to present scenarios that were almost idealistic. On the other hand, in reading the Beverly Lewis books I’m struck by two things: 1. There usually is a happy ending to her series. 2. She shows the Amish to be sinful people just as the rest of us. Some are arrogant, cruel, and tend to gossip. Others are kind, and live the plain life in humility. Some trust Jesus, others the ordnung.
Not all idealize the Amish.
Hi Greg,
Bashing another author isn’t the best way to interest others in reading your book!
You have your perspective and I can respect it. It isn’t a good idea to assume those of us who enjoy the Amish fiction can’t separate reality from the fiction!
However, I personally read the referenced author and many others simply because they write well! I realize the stories are fiction and not a 100% true representative of the Amish and I’ll bet most folks who read fiction of ANY type know it’s unrealistic.
Best wishes on your upcoming book.
Dena
ha, make that representation!
Ditto for Alice Aber’s, Richard’s, Beth’s, and Elaine’s comments here. I love reading some of the Amish fiction books, but only those by a certain handful of writers who atleast use a good dose of truth and facts in their writing, and create a story that is a little more realistic and believable. And like Nancy mentioned, it’s absolutely astounding how popular these Amish novels have become given that they contain no sex, cheating, crime, or violence – but rather just the opposite – a profound belief in God and always trying to do his will!
I had to restrain myself from jumping into this thread:)…but after resisting the tide of Amish-themed fiction for years, I finally decided to jump into the pool myself. My first novel, The Amish Appeal, will be released later this year. Like, Erik, I have never read any Amish-themed fiction. But I thought, well, I’ve spent the past 20 years living in Amish settlements, I’ve had a few real-life minor romances with Amish women, spent a ton of time among them….if people want to learn about the Amish through the vehicle of fiction, then that’s great. I think there’s room for many, many, many writers and consumers can and will make their choice…I wish all of the fiction writers out there luck, it’s really fun writing fiction!
For those of you who like Amish fiction my first book, Annie’s Truth, comes out in May 2012 (Strang Publishing) and there will be five more through 2015 so keep an eye on my website, http://www.bethshriverwriter.com. I’ve written in many different genres and find writing Amish stories very fulfilling for the very reason the readers of Amish on this blog suggested. I’ve been at conferences with some of the authors you’ve mentioned and find they feel the same. But to each his/her own, we must respect one another’s preferences, it would be very boring if there wasn’t a variety of books out there:)
Not Bashing Anyone
Back up a bit. I may have mentioned that niche writers are doing just that writing within a niche and keeping to one genre. That’s what they do- that’s not a bash.
I imagine I personally couldn’t stay within one line of writing. But if it works for them, that is fine, in fact, that is probab;ly a strength because they are not diluting their effort or thinking. Yes, bashing a particular author or a line of books would, not be a way to get people to read my book. That’s obvious.
I am also working on a book about the missing Moon samples from the Apollo 11 and 17 missions, known as the “Goodwill Rocks” and efforts to recover them and that is completely different from my current effort.
I promise not to bash or bad mouth any scientists, group of scientists or those who write about science as their only source of writing inspiration.
Thank you
Thank you Christina. That’s a great list for reference. It just struck me that there are no men there.
Are there any male writers in this genre?
If not, any idea why not?
Don’t worry, I couldn’t even attempt to write within this genre!
Hi Greg,
Glad you didn’t intend your comments as derogatory towards other authors.
As far as the covers go, my editor sent me three paragraphs of what they need for my covers. Everything from location, streets, rivers, buildings, season, clothing, marks or scars on characters, hair and eye color, age of characters, ethnicity, skin tone, transportation, job, memorable scene, income level and the list goes on. They want as much information as possible so they don’t waste time and money designing a cover that doesn’t fit. So as you can see they don’t take the cover lightly. At first glance it may seem like every other but if you read the books you’ll hopefully see the difference. My friend Shelley Sheperd Gray has a character with a scar on her cheek which was an important part of her story and who she was and why, so that was a unique cover, loved it!
Amish fiction covers
Wow Beth, that is an impressive amount of input they want from you–seems like an author’s dream to be able to have so much sway over what goes on the cover. Sounds like they want to make sure they capture your vision for the book.
I’d also imagine that a stand-out cover could be especially important in a crowded field like Amish fiction.
On that note, I’ve wondered to what degree publishers’ graphic design people get input from people that would know Amish. I guess I’ve seen a few things (beyond just the supermodelesque appearance of some of the Amish ladies) that didn’t quite jibe. If it were me, I would want to nail the cover as best I could.
Then again, maybe that is not so important in the scheme of things.
I am very fortunate to be with a publisher that asks so much of my input, I really appreciate that because who knows the story better than the author? The cover artists create but the promotion team also has a say in it as well. My series is, Seasons Of Grace, so I plan to have different seasons rotate with each story intertwined with life struggles. As you mentioned, Erik, I hope they make the cover as unique as my story, but they know what sells better than I do:) Thanks for mixing it up again today, as Richard said. But then, I enjoy all of your blogs!
Cover art
Thanks for the share.
I also understand that the spine is very important because many times that is all that is seen. It seem to me that Beth’s book might be destined for those point of sale displays that show the cover, especially in smaller bookstores that place the new book by the register. I don’t think the mega stores do more than shelf space and I understand that more are remaindered than actually sold. Online is the wave of the future.
But online the cover takes on huge importance because many times that is the first thing a browser’s eye might catch scrolling througn titles. Maybe that scar leaps right out at you! And I don’t mean that in a Stephen King sort of way!
By the way, the opening images on Beth’s website are stunning. If I were the publishers I’d be after her for cover art, too.
Bonnet=$$
My pleasure Beth, and thanks much…and I missed this earlier, Richard said I just might be crazy as a fox, I am not sure but I think that is a complement? 🙂 Well I’ll just say thanks Richard and thanks to everyone for the insightful and ongoing feedback. Lot of things I’d still like to reply to here.
But one thing I just noticed from Richard’s comment:
with so many of these Amish fiction books being printed, is it just possible now to just take a normal run of the mill fiction novel and just give it that “Amish touch” and it will sell?
This made me recall a pretty quotable line from a fellow named Steve Oates, who is marketing VP for the big Christian publisher Bethany House: “You slap a bonnet on the cover and double the sales.”
Well, if you ask me, kind of cynical-sounding, or at least I thought so at first. I kind of think he might be right though. This quote was taken from a Newsweek article from a few months back.
He also sees Amish fiction leading to fiction featuring Shakers, Puritans, and so on:
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/12/02/books-amish-romance-novels.html
www.Amishstorys.com
Greetings folks. And you had that correct Erik, i did mean crazy as a fox as a complement. I knew from the title of your post that this would be another very active post with lots of comments, so i digress to the fox reference. I’m just reading all these comments from so many folks that I’ve never seen here on Amish America, so it looks like some have maybe been only readers until now. So i say welcome and i hope you all can join us regulars in topic discussions. And Beth its interesting to read your comments on this topic being a fiction writer who specializes in Amish fiction, i wonder if you would know the ratio of woman to men who buy these books?. I’m sure the woman buying them is at least 80- 90% of the buyers. And my last comment on this, would it make for a better book if say you had Erik with his knowledge of Amish culture, and Beth who specializes in Amish fiction collaborate together and write a book together?. In doing so might help erase some of the complaints about a lot of these books not being accurate regarding the Amish lifestyle, and maybe more men would read these Amish novels if these books had just a little more grit written into them. Well id better lay low, i don’t want to wear-out my welcome,lol. Another great job Erik. Richard from Lebanon county’s Amish community.
Thanks for the kind words, Greg. I like to create my own website and have found an incredible Amish photographer, Bill Coleman. I put in a link of his site on my site and he lets me use his pictures for a minimal cost. It works out well for both of us.
And yes, there is money involved, but it’s not just the entertainment industry that’s making money, the Amish are doing quite well with the popularity as well:)
In talking with my Amish friends they say they read Lewis and Byler and enjoy the stories even though some of the stories don’t fit their own lives, but then maybe that’s why they like it:) And their thoughts on the covers is It’s usually the pretty people on covers in any genre, especially if it’s romance. Even Dale Cramer who writes general Christian fiction has handsome men on his covers wearing straw hats”)
And yes, Richard did call you crazy,Erik, but in a good way:)
Fiction, non-fiction, JUST READ!
I work in a library. I read Amish fiction, even though fiction isn’t my favorite genre (non-fiction is always fascinating to me, but it can be “dry” you know, “just the facts,, M’am”-z-z-z-z-z). I actually ended up in Amish fiction by reading (being interested in) SHAKER non-fiction, but the Shakers are dying out (that happens when you separate the sexes and espouse celibacy,I guess). It’s funny that someone used the term “fairytales,” here, because that’s exactly what I call “my” Amish fiction!
Working in libraries for 25 years (not counting volunteering in school libraries), you learn REALLY FAST that there’s something for everyone. I’m not especially religious,though I do pray. I’m just plain tired of reading expletives every time I attempt to read “popular” fiction—I hear enough of it on the street, AT THE LIBRARY, on TV, at the movies. Why do people (including authors/publishers) feel the need to be so crude and rude? Do they force authors to include expletives so as not to come across as goody two-shoes? (What does that say about the author—in this day of self-publication?)
I mainly work in the children’s dept., and find that parents are aghast at their child reading the word, “damn” in a 5th or 6th or even 9th grade level book, but they themselves walk out with a stack of selections crammed with graphic and gratuitous sex and multiple expletives per page. So, when I go home at night, I like to read about a realistic place (the only real Amish community I actually visited is Arthur, Illinois, Alice Aber’s part of the world) populated by people who don’t slap my face every other paragraph with 4-letter words. If they’re “nice”, too, even better! (There’s ALWAYS “misbehaving” of some sort going on in the Amish novels I’ve read–gossip, disobedience, envy, sloth, disrespect for the rules/rule-makers…gee, it kinda sounds like the real world, without all the “bleeping”!)
What’s wrong with a little idealism? We’ve been wanting for it for a good while, now!
I just finished Beverly Cleary’s latest book (part 2 of the Rose Trilogy) and saw a familiar name mentioned (thanked)–I think it was yours, Erik! Obviously, at least some authors seek out information…”do their HOMEWORK” before they write. I’ve read many “Amish fiction” authors’ work, including (male) P.L. Gaus, and even Jody Piccoult. Some are better than others (really??!!)
If you haven’t already guessed it, my MAIN motto (after all these years of teying to entice people to read with programs, prizes, etc.)is “JUST READ!” I want it on my tombstone!!
As we know, the Amish respectfully decline from having photos taken or hanging family photos their walls. It just doesn’t feel right having imaginary Amish faces displayed on non-fiction books. I would not feel comfortable as a non-fiction writer depicting/exposing these gentle people.
It doesn’t seem moral to invade their privacy and profiting from it. I don’t mean to disrespect the writers, as there are some indeed of great talent. They are fortunate to have this gift which avails so many other options.
It’s valuable in having this discussion thread, so we may hear from both sides. Alas, maybe it’s really not so important in the grand scheme of things.
Be well in Christ,
Wendy
The Amish Appeal
Alice Mary, I do love your motto/title. Hear hear! I think you may mean Bev Lewis and not Beverly Cleary? 😉 She is very kind to mention me. I actually feel a tad guilty for not having read more of these, maybe I need to take a crack. I am more like you though, definitely non-fiction. Though I used to read more fiction at one time.
@Kevin Williams–Kevin it was nice to hear from you as always and I have to say your alluded backstory on Amish romance is intriguing…of course we won’t ask for any details!
I guess you will be joining the ranks of the few men in the Amish genre. I liked the title you chose–“The Amish Appeal”–actually sounds very un-Amish-fiction, almost like a non-fiction title.
privacy and imagery
Hi Wendy, I was a bit confused–you mentioned “non-fiction” and photos, but then referred to imaginary Amish faces on non-fiction books…?
I think I know what you are getting at however…and I think you’ll find different opinions on this one.
I also think there are a few issues wrapped up into your point here–“selling” the Amish, privacy, photos…the thing is you’ll probably get a range of opinion from Amish themselves on all of these.
You’re right, Erik — I meant fiction, not non fiction. That’s what I get for multi tasking. Thank you for taking the time in sharing your input with us. Looking forward to reading your book. I recently finished Donald Kraybill’s ‘The Upside-Down Kingdom’ and enjoyed it so.
Erik's Book
Wendy,
I have recently read Erik’s book, “Success Made Simple” if you are in business or thinking about a business you will garner a lot of good advice from this book. I so enjoyed it I read it twice. Once through the second with a highlighter pen in hand. A lot of the principles the Amish put into place I have already done, but there was still enough there for me to add to what I am already doing and there was even more there that I had forgotten about or did not know at all.
The principles in this book will help any business owner, both new and seasoned pros. The reading is easy and never boring. Some business books I could not get through the first chapter but as I said, this one is worth reading over and over again.
Erik is an excellent writer. Not only is it informative but it is lively. I was truly blessed to be able to add this book to my library and am sure you will be blessed too.
Alice
PS. This was NOT a paid endorsement, LOL.