Unforgettable Tales of Love and Faith:
The Remarkable Journey of Suzanne Woods Fisher
From Bestselling Author to Christy Finalist,
Delve into the Extraordinary Works of Suzanne Woods Fisher

PHOTO: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a highly acclaimed author recognized for her exceptional storytelling across various genres. With a multitude of accolades and achievements to her name, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of Christian fiction. Suzanne's literary accomplishments include being a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, and a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist. Her books have resonated with readers and have garnered recognition from esteemed publications such as Publishers Weekly, ECPA, and CBA. With over thirty books to her credit, Suzanne's writing spans contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women's fiction.

Residing in a small town in California, Suzanne draws inspiration from the close-knit community she calls home. The familiarity and interconnectedness of her surroundings often find their way into the pages of her novels, much to the amusement and curiosity of her friends and neighbors. With her keen observations of human nature, Suzanne weaves relatable characters and engaging narratives that leave readers eagerly turning the pages. Her ability to capture the essence of community, love, and faith has garnered her a devoted following.

Beyond her writing pursuits, Suzanne finds joy in her role as a wife and a mother. With four grown children and a growing number of grandchildren, her family keeps her heart full and her spirits youthful. Suzanne cherishes the precious moments spent with her loved ones, cherishing the joy they bring to her life.

For readers eager to explore Suzanne's richly crafted stories, she welcomes them to visit her at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. There, they can dive into her captivating worlds, connect with her vibrant characters, and discover the profound themes of love, faith, and redemption that grace her writing. Suzanne's unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to create authentic and compelling stories continue to captivate readers worldwide.

Interview:

Join us for an insightful interview with acclaimed author Suzanne Woods Fisher as she takes us on a journey through her literary world. In this engaging conversation, Suzanne shares her favorite lesser-known books, her love for historical fiction, and the impact of her childhood reading experiences. As an accomplished writer, she has made a mark in various genres, including Amish fiction, non-fiction, and contemporary women's fiction. Suzanne's unique perspectives on the Old Order Amish stem from her personal connections to the community, making her novels authentic and heartfelt. Discover her passion for simplicity, family, and faith, and how these values are beautifully woven into her stories. From her upcoming releases to the exploration of lesser-known sects within the Amish community, Suzanne offers a glimpse into her captivating world of storytelling. Get ready to be inspired by her passion for writing and her desire to constantly learn and grow as an author.

What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?

Catherine Marshall was known for sparking the flame of Christian fiction with her novel Christy. It’s her non-fiction work that speaks to me. To Live Again is a memoir about her life after her husband Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, died suddenly at a young age. It’s an inspiring book about healing after loss.

Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular?

Along with Catherine Marshall’s non-fiction books, I loved Madeleine L’Engle (best known for A Wrinkle in Time) and Anne Lindbergh (wife of aviator Charles Lindbergh). Their memoirs are not only beautifully written, but provide peeks into insightful women’s lives.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading?

 Historical fiction is my favorite genre both to read and to write. Studying the past, reflecting on it, can shed light on contemporary issues. The problems in our modern world may look a little different, but at the core, there’s more similarities than differences. Finding love, meaning and purpose, community—those cardinal values haven’t changed.

What kind of reader were you as a child? 

A voracious one. I spent my afternoons in elementary school reading through all the American history biographies (juvenile section) in our public library. I didn’t bother reading about heroes—only heroines. My childhood years were spent on the east coast and my mother did a good job of taking us to historical spots that brought stories to life—visiting Betsy Ross’s house in Philadelphia, for example.

What do you plan to read next?

I’ve been reading different books about the life of Alice Waters and her world famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. Alice Waters, a diminutive, petite woman, led a powerful crusade, almost accidentally, to promote the eating of local, seasonal organic foods. Currently, I’m reading Thomas McNamee’s book, Alice Waters and Chez Panisse.

What genres do you write in?

I’m best known for my Amish fiction and non-fiction, but I’ve also written a number of historical fiction series, as well as contemporary women’s fiction. My newest release is The Secret to Happiness, book 2 in the Cape Cod Creamery series. It’s a story about a young woman, Callie Dixon, who gets fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake. Callie escapes to her aunt’s house in Chatham, Massachusetts, to try and get her bounce back…but her bounce has up and left. There’s a reason Callie was fired, and it had nothing to do with the mistake she’d made. Little by little, with a little help from a local professor, she discovers the secret to true happiness.

Why do you write about the Old Order Amish?

My grandfather was raised Plain. He was one of eleven children born to a farming family near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He left to attend college and have a career in publishing, but I have many, many relatives who are still Plain and I have a great respect for them. When the opportunity came to first write a non-fiction book about the Amish, I was ready and eager. I interviewed relatives, read as much as I could find about the history of the Amish, and headed to Lancaster County. There, I knocked on doors, met with academics, and tried to get a grasp of the Amish life, beyond bonnets and buggies and beards. And the book that emerged, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, became a foundational book for me. It’s still my favorite.

Do you ever wish you were Amish?

There’s much about the life that is appealing, though converting is nearly unheard of. The rapid growth of the Old Order Amish is coming from the inside out, not the outside in. (Did you know they’re the fastest growing population in North America?!) I have to admit that the simple life has always resonated with me. Simple as in prioritizing the most important things, like faith and family, and making life less complicated. It’s a constant battle to hold on to those values in this fast-paced world, and the Amish remind us that it can be done.

What are you known for as an author?

I tackle subjects, like living Amish with ADHD (Anything but Plain), in story form, while subtly weaving in greater truths. For example, Lydie Stoltzfus is a young Amish woman with undiagnosed ADHD in Anything but Plain and thinks she needs to leave the community she loves. A local doctor works with her, in an Amish-approved way, to find tools to manage her ADHD, and to find the gifts in the disorder. Because there are gifts.

So what’s coming next?

In September, Lost and Found will release. It’s a wonderful story about Micah Weaver, an avid field guide, who is not only chasing rare birds but is also chasing after love. This book takes an interesting twist as I introduce two lesser known sects of the Old Order Amish. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to assume that the Amish are one-size-fits-all. Not true! There’s a wide spectrum of Old Order Amish—from the progressive Beachys (who drive cars and allow modern technology in their homes) to the ultra-conservative Swartzentrubers, who flatly reject all modern conveniences (including indoor plumbing). In Lost and Found, all three churches have a stake in how the story unfolds. This is what I enjoy about the Amish (and about life!)—there’s always something new to learn.

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