Two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist Kelly Irvin is the author of the critically acclaimed Amish of Bee County, Bliss Creek Amish, and New Hope Amish series. Her newest release is Beneath the Summer Sun, the second novel in the four-book series Every Amish Season from Zondervan Publishing. Her work has also appeared in four Amish anthologies, An Amish Market, An Amish Summer, An Amish Christmas Love, and An Amish Christmas. Kelly is a retired newspaper reporter and public relations professional who lives with her husband in Texas. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two ornery cats.
Visit her at www.kellyirvin.com
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Welcome to the blog, Kelly. I’m delighted that you’re here today. Congratulations on your recent release, Beneath the Summer Sun.
What is the message you hope readers will take away from Beneath the Summer Sun?
That God is with them in even the most difficult of circumstances. Jennie suffered in her first marriage and she feels guilty at her secret sense of relief as she heals after her husbandβs accidental death. She has to learn to trust her own feelings and dare to take a second chance on love. I hope readers whoβve been in similar situations will take heart and know that their suffering and affliction can be used for good in the future. The verse at the beginning of the book sums it up: βSee, I have refined you, though not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. (Isaiah 48:10)
Oh, what a powerful verse. Such a great message.
What will you remember most about writing this book?
Without any spoilers, I can share this much: when I submitted the one-page synopsis to my Zondervan editor for each of the four books in this Every Amish Season series, I was sure that Jennie, the heroine of Beneath the Summer Sun, would make a certain choice. By the time I finished writing the book, sheβd made a completely different choice. Iβm a seat-of-the-pants writer (I donβt outline) so I donβt always know what will happen. This one surprised me. I love it when that happens. It makes the creative process so much fun.
Ah, now I’m really intrigued to find out what happened! π
Without giving too much away, can you share a favorite scene or quote from the book?
Jennie stopped breathing. Her lungs protested. She didnβt want to move, not even to let them expand and contract. Silly snake facts spouted by her son Micah when he wanted to make her shiver presented themselves. Snakes canβt sweat so they avoid the afternoon sun. They take naps during the day and come out when itβs cooler and dark. This one would likely stretch at least four feet long, not including its rattle. Its skin glowed brown and golden with a darker stripe down the back.
Jennieβs mouth went dry. Her stomach chose that moment to heave. The hot dog did not want to stay down. Purple spots dotted her vision.
βCottonmouth?β Nathan whispered. He stood motionless at her side. βPoisonous?β
βRattler.β She tried to speak without moving her mouth. βRare here, but you see them. Obviously.β
βDonβt move.β His voice barely audible, he took one step, stopped. βIβll grab Francis and we can hightail it out of here.β
βNee. Youβll startle him and heβll holler.β Her fear of snakes might be big, but her fear of one of her children being hurt was greater. She searched the ground. Not a single rock big enough to dispatch the viper. βDonβt. Move.β
Leo could help. If anyone could help it would be Leo. Heβd know what to do.
He was a man who never flinched. Heβd been through the worst. Since that terrible day, heβd taken everything in silent stride.
She turned slowly, carefully, tiptoeing at first, ridiculous as it must look, and then ran.
Her sneakers sank into the rich, dark soil, impeding her progress. The scent of sweat and grass and dirt assailed her nose. She needed to run, faster, faster. Gott, help me. I know weβre not on the best of terms, but please, Gott, help me.
Leo had the reins in his hands when she reached the fence. She slammed to a halt. βHelp. Snake. Rattler. Francis.β
He dropped the reins and reached behind the buggy seat. A long, lean, deadly looking brown rifle emerged.
Rifle in hand, he hurtled over the fence like a boy half his age. His straw hat plummeted to the ground. His legs were much longer than Jennieβs, but fear and adrenaline that tasted like metal on her tongue propelled her in his wake.
Leo slowed, slowed some more, halted, then stepped forward with a balance and ease that spoke of a much smaller man. He raised the rifle, took aim, and sent the snake on its way in an explosion of sound that made Jennie jump even though she knew it was coming. The acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air and burned her nose.
With a blood-curdling scream Francis rolled over, hopped to his feet, and ran straight into Jennieβs open arms. She scooped him up and hugged him hard, despite the urge to take him to the woodshed for a βtalk.β
βDanki.β She spoke the single trembling word to Leo but let her gaze encompass Nathan. He was willing to do more. He simply hadnβt known what to do. βFrancis thanks you too.β
A spark of something indefinable in his amber eyes, Leo nodded and set off across the field, his rifle slung over his shoulder, his gait loose and easy. Taking it in silent stride, just the way she knew he would.
That’s great. Thanks for sharing!
Whatβs something you learned through entering in writing contests?
That there is a plethora of good books being published right now. Itβs so encouraging to see the improvement in inspirational fiction in terms of craft and storytelling in the last fifteen years. Iβve also learned that judging is subjective and itβs important not to compare or let contest results shake your confidence in your writing. Because there is so much good writing, itβs tough to final, let alone, win a major contest. Itβs not only or most important way to judge your writing. The most important thing is how readers respond to it.
Can you share a piece of writing advice that has made a difference in your career?
About 12 years ago I had a 15-minute mentoring appointment with Texas novelist DiAnn Mills. She gave me three pieces of advice I immediately implemented. Join American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Go to writing conferences where you can get your work in front of editors and agents. Join a critique group. This advice brought me into contact with industry experts and I was able to hone my craft. I had two great critique partners for several years. Iβve been to every ACFW national conference except one for the last 11 years. Itβs great advice today for any writer who is writing inspirational fiction.
That’s wonderful advice, thank you.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I was thrilled to announce recently that I have signed a 2-book contract with Thomas Nelson to write romantic suspense novels. The first novel, Tell Her No Lies, will debut in January 2019. I love writing Amish romances and will continue to write them, but romantic suspense was my first love. My first two books were romantic suspense novels set in my adopted home of San Antonio, Texas. Writing in two genres will keep me fresh in both. Iβll start writing the second book in January.
Congratulations! We’ll be watching for the new releases. Thanks so much for joining us today, Kelly. May the Lord bless you and your stories.
GIVEAWAY!!
Kelly has graciously offered to give away a copy of Beneath the Summer Sun. Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends February 16, 2018.Β The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! π
This new book is getting some good buzz on the blogs. I would love to read it. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
So glad you could stop by, Perrianne. Hope you get to read Kelly’s book soon! π
I do like the title The Beloved Hope Chest because I always wished I had one.
Oh, Merry, that is a lovely title. What a lovely thing to have t0o, a treasured hope chest. π
Sounds like a winner! I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.
Good luck to you, Melanie. Thanks for visiting!
I love the title of this book! Would love to read it.
Isn’t it lovely? Especially right now while we’re buried under ice here in Missouri. π Thanks for stopping by, Faith.
One of my favorites is “These Healing Hills” by Ann H Gabhart.
Love that! If I remember right, that one has a beautiful cover too. π Thanks for sharing, Connie.
I’ve seen Beneath the Summer Sun on blogs all week! Yay for Kelly! Congrats to her on the 2-book contract. Writing multiple books in two genres. Wow. I have a hard enough time writing one genre. π
Hi Karen! So glad you could join us. I know just what you mean… it makes my head hurt to think of writing in different genres. π
what a great post. congratulations on your new contract. oh, just this snippet of the book says, “go buy me and get lost in my pages”. thanks for the give a way. this book is now on my list.
So glad you enjoyed our chat, Lori. Good luck in the giveaway and happy reading!
My pet peeve is someone asking, “What/who is your favorite. . . ?”, I have too many ‘favorite’ titles. I have just never done favorites, lol, it’s like asking which child, grandchild, etc. is your favorite, lol.
wfnren at aol dot com
Hahaha, I know what you mean. Sorry, Wendy! π Just glad you stopped by. Good luck in the drawing.
Oh, wow! Ok…The Bible…then there’s “Full Disclosure” & then “The Butterfly & the Violin” and…the list goes on!
Yes and yes, Barb! Good picks!! π
I loved The Gilded Cage by Vic James. Thank you
Very nice! Thanks for sharing, Linda. π
I really enjoy reading stories about how God uses affliction and hardship to demonstrate His love and purpose for our lives. Stories like that are such a good reminder especially when I go through hard times in my own life. Thanks for the opportunity to win this!
I agree, Lisa, stories like Kelly’s are so inspiring. Love her heart! Good luck in the drawing. Blessings to you!
One title I love is Gone with the wind.
Yes, that one just sweeps you away with it, doesn’t it, Jan. π
My favorite title is “Garland For Girls” by Louisa May Alcott.
Joan
I’ve not heard of that one, but now I want to go look it up! Thanks, Joan. π
Two of my favorites titles are The Sound of Rain and Land of Silence.
Those are beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Sonnetta. I always appreciate you stopping by!
I donβt have a favorite title, but I love watching butterflies π¦, so Waiting For Butterflies caught my attention. Canβt wait to read Beneath the Summer Sun.
I love that, Lucy! You should check out “The Butterfly and the Violin” then. π Such a great book!
The little amish matchmaker by Linda Byler
Cute! Sounds like a fun story, Kim. π
Honestly, I can’t narrow down to specific favorite titles, as the title is just a small part of what catches my attention and leads me to read a book. I do always enjoy Kelly’s books, and I found of interest that she is going to do non-Amish in the near future.
You make a very good point, Cathy. It’s the story that has to grab you! π I’m glad you stopped in. Hope you get to read Kelly’s next book real soon!
I have way too many I can possibly name as “favorite”! Honestly, the cover is what first draws my eye to a book. π I guess I’d have to say I like the title of whatever book I happen to be reading at the time. I just got done with The Mayflower Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse and just started Beneath a Prairie Moon my Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Beneath the Summer Sky by Kelly. I’ve not had the privilege of reading anything by her yet! I’m hoping to remedy that soon though π
Hi Trixi! You mentioned some lovely titles. I always find it fun to see how the title matches the story within. π Good luck in the giveaway. Hope you get to enjoy one of Kelly’s books real soon.
Would love to win
Good luck in the drawing, Martha!
The Patchwork Bride by Sandra Dallas
That’s a fun one I haven’t heard of before. Thanks for sharing, Vera!
I’ve always loved the title “Gone With the Wind”. Just the title reminds us that things here on earth are but temporary and with a gust of wind they can all change or disappear. Kind of a reminder to remember what is important.
Thank you for the great information on βBeneath the Summer Sunβ and interview with Kelly Irvin as well as a chance to win a copy of this great book. I love Kelly’s books and am always very happy when I have a chance to read one of her books.
Thanks for your comments, Kay. I completely agree with you too. I love it when stories point us to life truths like that. Good luck in the drawing!