Author: Beverly Lewis
Submitted: August 07, 2009
Tell us a little about yourself. My maternal grandmother was shunned from her cloistered, Plain community--in Paradise, PA, in Lancaster County, PA. Having heard the stories of her courageous move (toward Christ), I believed the world should hear her story. So I began writing adult fiction loosely based on her life.
What was your motivation behind this project? The amazing courage my grandmother, Ada Buchwalter, exhibited when she accepted Jesus as her Savior and Lord and began dating a ministerial student, whom she eventually married...and whom helped move her away from the Plain community, of which she was entrenched.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? THE MISSING is Book Two of my most recent series, "Seasons of Grace." I hope my readers will see and feel, through Grace Byler's viewpoint what happens when a family keeps secrets from each other. The havoc it can cause, as well as the redemption that comes with forgiveness.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? For several years, I've wanted to write this story about an Amish woman who flees her home and community in search of her past--to attempt to make right the wrongs she committed as a teenager. Lettie Byler's continuing story has brought me to an even more powerful knowledge of God's mercy and grace on all our lives!
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? God's Word is first and foremost for my inspirational reading. A true compass by which to measure one's life. I love, also, anything by Chip Ingram, Tozer, Andrew Murray, and Ogilvie. For my fiction reading pleasure, I enjoy very much: Dale Cramer's book, Levi's Will, and Lynn Austin's historicals, along with general market novelists--Kim Edwards, Elizabeth Strout, Alice Munro, Olive Ann Burns, and all the classic literature.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: I love hearing from my readers and still attempt to answer hundreds of emails (via my web site) each month. Feel free to comment on my stories--I love your input. And have a delightful rest of the summer!
