Life on the Run . . .
Does it ever strike you as odd to know that we can be on the run and yet, at the same time, be sitting in a chair at a desk umpteen hours a day?
I’m starting to write on a new novel that will be out in 2010. Our oldest son is getting married in May. Our youngest son is schooling at home, and my husband’s traveling to another state as needed to help deal with his dad’s failing health. And those are the things I can blog about. Is it any wonder I haven’t posted here in forever?
But readers are very patient and encouraging as I prioritize to the best of my ability. I know there are a lot of people who’ll stop by this site who are also an active part of being in the sandwich generation–careers, raising (rearing) children, and taking care of aging parents. My brother and his wife are so courageous and quite worn out as they work with her (my sister-in-law’s) mother.
But . . . spring is here! Okay, that was a rough transition, but compared to a roller-coaster ride, it was fairly smooth. ;-)
And with spring comes the latest edition of Plain News.
My quarterly newsletter, Plain News, will go out soon. Each newsletter has an Amish Connection section, and in this next issue an Old Order Amish friend and I have written a few thoughts about the rhythm of life. The newsletter will also include info about an upcoming Amish School Auction/Sale in May, a short article about the true purpose of rumschpringe (the running-around period for Amish youth), a letter from me updating readers about my family, an author spotlight with Amy Wallace, has a “Newsletter Contest,” and some great suggested reads from my editor, Shannon [Hill] Marchese.
It’s free. It receives amazing reviews. And it will only enter your inbox four times per year.
To sign up, click here: Plain News
To read Plain News, click here: www.cindywoodsmall.com/newsletter.html.
At the bottom of each newsletter, you’ll find a “previous” link. If you click on that, you’ll be able to read all previous newsletters.
I’ve been in Virginia for the past week, brainstorming with my critique partner Marci. While I was packing to go there, snow was on the ground in Georgia and even more snow in Virginia. So I took numerous jackets and plenty of warm clothes, including boots and leather gloves. But the day after I arrived, so did warm weather. We opened the windows, took long walks, and enjoyed eating ice cream while sitting outdoors. There were a lot of people out in Alexandria, milling about and welcoming the first warm days of the season.
Marci and I had a great time brainstorming on my next novel to write. There’s a new character who is unlike anyone we’ve worked with before. She’s quirky, that’s for sure, and she has a wit that causes those around her to see the humorous side to life. There’s no telling how she’ll end up looking on the finished page, but we sure did cackle at her antics when she showed up during the brainstorming time. The character is also deep, intelligent, and painfully vulnerable. But regardless of her spirit, many only see her “Achilles’ heel.”
I’ll visit my Amish friends come May, and attend their Amish School Auction/Sale. I’ll purchase a wall hanging similar to the one below. It won’t have the same pattern, but the overall look will be similar. If you’d like a chance to win the item, just leave a comment below. I’ll draw a winner on the third day of summer—Tuesday, June 23.
For those who’ve been waiting for a winner to be drawn for the Amish-made American flag wall hanging (see Contest ~ Amish-made American flag wall hanging, January 23 blog post), one will be chosen on March 20, the first day of spring!
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Em Gott sei Friede (God’s peace),
Cindy
March 17th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I just finished reading When the Soul Mends. You tied up all her relationships great, but I was disappointed you left the mystery of who stole their money. I thought it may have been her sister.
March 19th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I was part of the sandwich generation until about 5 years ago when I lost my mother. My brothers, sisters, husband, children and myself all dealt with taking care of an ailing parent, and I will tell you that I would not give up that time that we had with my mom. Life was very hectic and hard to handle at the time, but I look back now and wow, how did we ever do it. It was with God’s grace and patience that we survived. Good luck and keep praying. He will carry you through.
March 19th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Hi Cindy, I feel like I know you. I met you in Allentown, Pa. at Hackmans Bible Book store. I was & still am in a wheelchair & my daughter Patti could kick herself for not using her cell phone and taking a picture of the 2 of us. I told her there might be another time for that to be done. I’ve enjoyed your books so much, I can’t wait until a new one comes out. God Bless You and your family. Mitt Lieb, Pat McMann
March 21st, 2009 at 11:09 am
Great contest! Enter me, please.
Love your books!! Hurry, hurry with the next one!
March 27th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Hey Cindy! I read all of your books! I work at a christian bookstore and I have enjoyed talking with other ladies who have read your books. Asking questions, like who is she going to end up with? LOL!! Your books have brought me friendships. Thanks!
-Bonnie
March 27th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I really enjoyed your series. I will definitely be promoting these books as a Living Books distributor and also enjoy giving them as gifts to my family & friends. I am looking forward to your next book as well.
March 31st, 2009 at 7:31 am
Hi Cindy, I love your books haven’t read this one but have a suggestion. Maybe your could write a book about the Amish surviving during the Great Depression and helping the “outside” world in their area. With whats going on today it might be uplifting.
Sincerely, Harriette Hammonds
March 31st, 2009 at 9:02 am
HI CINDY,
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO
YOUR NEXT ONE.WAITING IS SO HARD . THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING SO MUCH PLEASURE TO SO MANY PEOPLE.
GOD BLESS,
MARILYN
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Hi Cindy
Just wanted to let you know that you are awesome! I would rank you up right up their with Francine Rivers. I enjoyed your books so much and I can’t wait for the next ones to come out.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Dear Cindy,
I loved the series and cried so hard through the last one tonight. I loved Hannah. You have a real God given gift. I thank God for people like you and will pray for you to be able to write more. Again Thanks. Mrs. Tingle
April 6th, 2009 at 12:40 am
I loved your series different twist than other Amish setting books I have read. I was glad all 3 were published when I started. I don’t think I could have waited for the ending. You are a very talented writer.
April 6th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Hello to everyone!
I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to hear from each of you! Thank you for taking the time to drop me a note, and I’m so grateful to hear such encouraging words and to know that you enjoyed the books.
Cindy
April 6th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I love all your books. I read each of them when they very first came out. Your first one I read in about 2 days. I couldn’t put it down and then went back to the BBstore and found that your next one wouldn’t be out for a while but I preorderd. That one took me about the same time. When I finally got to read When The Soul Mends, I made sure I paced myself. That one took me 5 days. I think you’re incredible. You are my fav. author and have actually used your book for a club. Went well. I was just a little disappointed with the ending (or around there). It ended too quick and everything just threw itself in order. I guess thats what happens when people are so ready for you to hurry and have it out for purchase. lol lol lol! I too can’t wait for your next book. Take care of your fam. and treasure every moment bcuz the day won’t return. You only have that moment on that day so that other moments can happen. I treasure you as a novelist and think that everything you put your hands and heart to, is great.
April 6th, 2009 at 11:46 am
God has definietly BLESSED you with an awesome talent! Keep on writing!!
GOD BLESS!!
April 10th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Thanks so much for a chance and I love your books!
April 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I HAVE FINISHED READING YOUR LAST BOOK. OF COURSE I CRIED WHEN I FINISHED. IT IS SO WONDERFUL TO READ SUCH HEART TOUCHING, TRUE TO LIFE CHRISTIAN BOOKS. I KNOW WHEN I BUY THEM I WILL BE BLESSED!!
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE FOR US NOW!!
GOD BLESS YOU.
April 21st, 2009 at 11:08 am
I must say that your books are fantastic! It’s so hard to put them down! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world; the characters you have created relate to many and your words of encouragement are appreciated.
God’s blessings to you and yours.
May 10th, 2009 at 12:28 am
I love reading all your newsletters. They are always so insightful. Your books are amazing
May 12th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
As a new fan of your books, I would love to receive the Amish wallhanging which you will be giving away in June. I am a cancer survivor of 15 years and am an avid reader of the Braille books on tape program. Thanks for your wonderful books.
June 13th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
My yearning for Amish life sometimes surprises me thru reading your books. “When The Soul Mends”, …wow…you gently ease your characters into place and next thing you know, you really feel like you are there. Right on every page, every word, every emotion that ripples thru the communities and their people. I feel their life is somewhat very hard for outsiders like myself looking in, but that’s just their way of life. It may be our way of life someday… You never know…I can’t wait for more of your beautifully written books. Thank you Cindy for letting us be a part of their world.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I look your books and can’t wait until the next one when I finish one. May God bless you. My dream vacation is to go to go to the Amish community and stay with them for a week! Maybe someday. Please put me in the drawing! I feel I know you.
July 26th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Sorry I could not meet you in Lancaster,PA in May. Looking forward to your next book signing there. Love your books, keep your books coming. Have next 2 new books ordered on Amazon – waiting for them to be released. I was glad I had all 3 of your books when I started reading, they are so hard to put down. We visit the Lancaster Amish country as much as we can. Really enjoy riding around the country side, stopping at their shops, some in their homes. Hope to meet you there soon. God Bless You and Yours!
July 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I love your books. I read the first three. Just found out that you have 2 more coming out. I can’t wait. I keep look for more Amish books to read. I love them.