Monday, November 27, 2017

SPOTLIGHTING THOMAS NYE AND GIVEAWAY


Thomas Nye writes novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing. To find out more, visit: amishhorses.blogspot.com



Interview: 
1. You write Amish fiction as a resident near Amish country in Iowa. How are the Iowa Amish different from the Old Order Lancaster County Amish?

Yes, I live near the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi. However, I’ve visited Amish communities all over the U.S. including Lancaster, just last summer. The first thing I notice when I’m in Lancaster are the women’s coverings. They are heart-shaped, which would seem too fancy for our Amish. Also, little girls in that part of Pennsylvania don’t wear coverings until they are around middle school age. In Iowa, females wear head coverings from infancy. Also, Iowan Amish don’t ride bicycles or scooters. And, when speaking English, Amish in Lancaster have more of a lilt in their accent and Iowan Amish sound a little choppier. Having said all of that, I’d have to add, I’m surprised how similar Amish seem to be wherever I go.


2. Most people don't associate men with Amish fiction. What got you interested in writing Amish fiction?

About 30 years ago, I worked in a warehouse for the Mennonite organization, Choice Books, and handled many Amish novels. My wife and I enjoyed reading a few Amish books to each other, which sprouted an idea. Since I longed for Amish novels that focused a little more on the horse and farming aspect of Amish life, I decided to try to write what I wanted to read.

Some authors choose to write Amish fiction. I became an author because I had wonderful experiences with my Amish neighbors and wanted to share them with the world. Oh, and I’m a man that enjoys a little romance in a movie or book.


3. In Thanksgiving Frolic, Monroe has a pride problem with the "fastest horse" and the "prettiest girl." Was it a deliberate show of how the Amish are just people like the rest of us who just live a little differently, or was that accidental? Why did you choose this particular theme for this story?

Humans all struggle with the same things. No, it wasn’t a deliberate example. In fact, it didn’t occur to me that anyone would take that away from this story. It’s always fun when people see something in my stories I didn’t think about. I’ve been so blessed with Amish friendships for so many years, I sometimes forget what will surprise readers. I chose this theme because my goal is to write what I’ve witnessed in ordinary Amish life. It is quite common for young Amish men to be tempted to have pride in their horse just as English boys might be with a car. And, single boys everywhere notice pretty girls.

I feel quite certain that Amish people will enjoy the Thanksgiving Frolic, and ask me as they do about my other novels, “Is this a true story?”

Thank you book lovers for reading my answers to these questions. Please take a moment to visit my Amish Horses website: amishhorses.blogspot.com

You can find me easily on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, just type in Amish Horses. My books focus on Amish and horses, with a Christian foundation, and a touch of romance.

Social Links:

GiveAway


Thomas Nye is giving away  One eBook copy of Under the Heavens, Book I of the Amish Horses Series and  One paperback copy of Amish Park  : To be enter for enter one  just comment below and tell one thing you like about the Amish or horses and please said which book  you would like to be entered for,   and LEAVE CONTACT INFO, IF NO CONTACT  INFO AND I DON'T KNOW  YOU , I WILL CHOOSE ANOTHER WINNER! 

20 comments:

loretta said...

Debbie, I would like either book.
I think many people see that I like horses as I follow and share many pictures of wild horses that roam the NC coast. I find that facinating. And, of course, you know I like amish novels :)

loretta said...

Debbie, my comment above did not include my last name, I thought it would: Loretta Shumpert

Unknown said...

I love the Amish plain lifestyle. Would love to win a copy of Amish Park.

Debbie Curto said...

yeah we like our Amish novels lol

Debbie Curto said...

I think we would all benefit from practicing some of their ways

Deana said...

Either book is fine. I like the way they can forgive so easily.

Unknown said...

I love the simple life of the Amish. I would love Amish Park.

pjj25033@aol.com

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Hi Debbie, I enjoyed learning more about Thomas and I appreciate a chance to win his book. I would love Amish Park. I admire that Amish men and women follow our Heavenly Father in their willingness to forgive.
Thank you & Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Jean D said...

Would love a copy of Amish Park! I love the feeling of community the Amish share.

Jan H said...

I enjoy reading about how they work together each person even the very young. I would like a copy of Amish Park. fishingjanATaolDOTcom

Debbie Curto said...

yes we all need to learn to forgive more!

kim hansen said...

Cool another amish theme books.

Unknown said...

I love learning more about the different groups of the Amish. I would like Amish Park. Thank you.

Debbie Curto said...

which book are you hoping to win!

Debbie Curto said...

it is interesting to learn how they different from each other

Unknown said...

I have had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Nye, he is a very nice man. I have read all of his Amish novellas and enjoy them tremendously! Now my husband has read and loved his books, my older daughter is starting to read the books. It's awesome to share and talk about these books as a family. I enjoyed these books more then any I have in a very long time. I already have all of the Thomas Nye books, but if I got one I would love to start gifting these books to my friends and family that would enjoy them. Even if I don't end up with a giveaway book, I'm going to start gifting them. What a fabulous gift to give! atagoodshepherd@aol.com

Francesca Alliman

Library Lady said...

The one thing I admire about the Amish is their total reliance on God. We all could learn a lesson or two on that for sure.
Janet Estridge
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Thomas Nye said...

Thank you Debbie, for sharing this nice blog post! I enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Amish and Horses are two of my favorite topics... more books about these loves of mine will be on the way.

Thomas Nye said...

Thank you, Francesca, I am happy I got to meet you and your husband, and daughter! It was fun to find out that you know one of the Amish men that I used as a pattern for Grandpa in the Amish Horses Series. What a blessing to know you are sharing my books with others!

Melissa Golden said...

Love the Amish Simple lifestyle.
Would like an Autograph book
"Amish Park"

mgolden78@yahoo.com
Thank u in Advance!!
Have a Blessed day!!
Melissa Golden