Sometimes characters surprise me. Sometimes, it’s what they do. But every once in a while, the character who shows up first as I begin to think up a book does surprise me.
In May, a four-year-old dream will come to life for me when A Season of Change releases, first in the series called Seasons in Pinecraft.
But I need to backtrack first. In the spring of 2010, I began researching a new series set in the Amish-Mennonite village of Pinecraft, located in sunny Sarasota, Florida.
The idea of Amish in Florida was completely novel to me at the time, so my writer’s imagination raced around with possibilities.
Usually, once I decide on a setting for a book, I begin to explore what’s special about the place where my story unfolds. In the case of Pinecraft, it’s a very special and unique Plain community—but that’s for another day!
After I knew I’d be writing about Pinecraft, I knew I needed characters to fill the space. So, in a way I’m not sure I can explain, Jacob Miller came to mind like my characters usually do.
The first thought he shared with me was: “I should have listened to the bishop’s words of caution. I wish I’d never come to Pinecraft. This is all my fault.”
My first thought was: Who’s Jacob Miller? And what’s all his fault?
I learned that Jacob Miller is a young Amish man, about 32 years old, and he lives in Ohio where he supports his young family by working in a cabinet shop. His children, Rebecca and Ezekiel, are the treasures of his heart, and the three of them are very close.
They’re visiting Pinecraft for a planned two-week vacation at Christmas time, and staying in his grandparents’ home, just like many Amish in Pinecraft stay with relatives when they visit for vacation and go to the beach.
(By now you’re probably thinking—Amish? Vacation? Beach? Yes, but like I said earlier about Pinecraft, that’s for another day.)
I then learned that Jacob Miller is an Amish widower.
My imagination screeched to a halt.
What? But I’m not an Amish widower. I have no frame of reference to climb inside the mind of a 32-year-old Amish man from Ohio who works in a cabinet shop. Where’s the heroine? Finding something in common with her should be much easier.
Jacob knows grief and he’s had a hard time “moving on” as his family and local church have urged him to. He’s full of questions about why things have happened in his life as they have, and is struggling with his beliefs even as he puts on a bold front to his family. Then his vacation is upended when his daughter is injured, and his two-week vacation stretches out for months—months in the land of temptation and worldliness at every turn in the city.
As I gave Jacob Miller a chance and got to know him, I realized I had more in common with him than I first thought. I too have known grief, and I too have had questions I wasn’t sure God could or would answer about past circumstances in my life. As I wrote his story, I grew to love Jacob as a character and I enjoyed seeing his journey unfold. I hope you’ll stay tuned for May and follow his journey too, in A Season Of Change.
Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over 15 titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. Lynette was born in Western Massachusetts in the shadow of the Berkshire Mountains, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. When she's not writing fiction, she works as a reporter for her city newspaper and has a weekly column called My Front Porch.
Sounds interesting Lynette I want to know more and what happens. Having an Amish book set in a different place is refreshing also.
ps love the cover
I love reading about the process you went through to come up with the book. It’s awesome that it percolates back there and you don’t really control the flow.
Love your story and I love to read about the Amish . Would live to win . Thanks
Thanks, Jenny! I’ve read a number of Amish titles before, and when I read an article about Pinecraft online, it was like something clicked for me and I thought, “I need to write about this place someday.” And yes, I am very pleased with the cover.
Yes, percolates is a good word. I wish I could explain how it happens. :)
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth. :)
Lynette, this story sounds wonderful! I am especially intrigued by what could be his fault and the accident his daughter has. I’m curious now!
I’m currently working on a story about a widow. Like you, I kind of went, What? But I’ve never been married, let alone widowed. How can I possibly connect with that character?! Then I realized that I’ve had some pretty major disappointments in life. I’ve had depression and know what the bottom of the barrel of life looks like. I’ve had something to live for, like my character does, and I’ve chosen to hold onto that hope, like she will (hopefully). So, like you, I found multiple ways that I can easily connect with a character that, at first glance, didn’t seem to have any commonalities with me.
Discovering who my characters are often helps me discover more of who I am. Do you find that’s true for you, as well?
Blessings,
Andrea
Proofreader/Writer
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Isn’t it funny how our characters lead US through the story process? It’s hard to picture Amish in Florida!
Andrea, yes, I find that’s true too. Sometimes I gain a new perspective on things myself, depending on what my characters go through. :)
Stacy, that’s exactly what attracted me to the idea in the first place. It is VERY unique and a vacation place for snowbirds, with a smaller community that lives there — smack dab in the city — year round. I love Florida! :)
Can’t wait to read it since I used to live in Sarasota when I was German Baptist and were friends with many of the Amish and Mennonites who lived there.
I love reading about how stories start! Great post, Lynette! Read her book, everyone else!!
I look forward to reading the books.
Thanks, Katie. :)
I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about it. ;)
When the first book is pressed, let me know, I’d like to buy it. I am so interested in Amish life, and I look forward to reading this series.
Lynette, thanks for sharing your process. An Amish story set in Florida sounds like a fascinating concept :)
Thanks, Kathleen! :)
StacieAnn, I will. This isn’t typical Amish life, though. Florida is very different, and I tried to explore some of the culture clash Plain people can face ‘back home’ when compared to the things they enjoy in Florida — like electricity, and more.
You’re welcome, Narell! :)
I am guilty of watching the Amish Mafia and Breaking Amish. Both have had episodes, and even a full season in the Floridian Amish community. There is definitely a difference in lifestyles and certainly more temptation to “break Amish”, at least via reality tv.
I have long-awaited this series, and still love one of your photos from your trip there more than most in the world.
Write on :)