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:

Blog: http://amishhorses.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmishHorses

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Nye/e/B00LP6V9QW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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!