Amish Research
VC at a quilt show
Researching in Chouteau, Oklahoma
This week I head north, to Oklahoma where I’ll be doing two fun things. On Friday and Saturday, I’ll be attending Quilt Tulsa. If you haven’t been to a quilt show, and you live in the Tulsa area, I encourage you to attend. There are quilts to look at and lots of vendors. I’ll be selling my quilt shop mysteries, as well as all of my other books. And I have a few items that I’ve picked up in various Amish communities that I will also have available for purchase. I love going to quilt shows, and I adore meeting readers.
The second thing I’ll do this week is visit Chouteau, a small community 45 minutes to the east of Tulsa. This is the largest Amish community in Oklahoma (the other is in Clarita). Next year my first Oklahoma Amish book will release. It is titled Anna’s Healing. I’m half way through writing it, and I’m looking forward to walking around the area and meeting folks.
Researching A Promise for Miriam
So what do writers do when they research? I can tell you what I do, and I can also tell you that it’s something I enjoy immensely.
- Visit local Amish stores
- Buy stuff for giveaways when the books release
- Take pictures of Amish homes and schools (always remembering to be respectful and not take close-up pictures of people)
- Visit with Amish families. In the past, folks have been very friendly.
- Visit the local library and/or historical center.
- Eat lots of pie.
- Pick up any brochures/maps that will help me when I’m writing.
- Obtain addresses of area folks (librarians, etc.) who would like to receive a complimentary copy of my book.
Researching is a hoot. I really enjoy it. My characters are certainly fictional, but they live in a real place with real problems. Kids attend school. Parents shop. Families go to the local park. It’s very helpful for me to visit a place and root these things firmly in my mind as I write the story on my heart.
I hope that you have some fun plans this summer, and I hope that you have time to read some wonderful books.
Blessings,
Last 5 posts by vannetta
- Anna's Healing - August 1st, 2014
- Pebble Creek and the Amish - July 1st, 2014
- Plain & Simple Miracles - May 1st, 2014
- February and the Amish - February 1st, 2014
- Amish Families - January 2nd, 2014
Oh, Vannetta, I wish I was there. I am moving to the Oklahoma City area and I would love to come to your Quilt show! I will love to get my hands on your Oklahoma-based book next year. You are a fantastic writer. Have fun in Oklahoma!
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vannetta Reply:
June 4th, 2014 at 7:35 am
Debbie, blessings on you, your familky, and your move! And thank you for your comment. I think you will love Oklahoma. It’s a beautiful state.
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Sounds like fun & very interesting! Maybe you can take a few tagalongs with you one of these days. Hint, hint. = )
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vannetta Reply:
June 4th, 2014 at 7:34 am
Oh, Dali. That sounds like so much fun!
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I t was very interesting to read about your research I am just so sorry I missed you coming to Chouteau, Ok . I don’t drive in town like I used to but I could have made it to Chouteau.I am really looking forward to these books coming out many blessings to you
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Vannetta Chapman Reply:
July 28th, 2014 at 9:07 am
I’m sure we’ll be back in Chouteau eventually, Geri. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
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Enjoyed your posting . The quilt looks gorgeous. I can remember having a quilt with a little girl like that on it when I was little. I believe my grandmother may have made it. Seeing the picture of the quilt bought back the memories. I’d forgotten about that quilt.
Also found the list of research you love to do was interesting. Especially the part about eating lots of pie.
Thanks for keeping in touch with us with these very interesting posts.
Blessings
Shirley
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Vannetta Chapman Reply:
July 28th, 2014 at 9:08 am
Hi Shirley. Isn’t it funny how when we see something it can bring back a flood of memories? I’m so glad you stopped by the blog, and yes – eating pie is a necessary part of researching. lol.
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I love reading your. Books. I only read amish books
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vannetta Reply:
July 28th, 2014 at 9:09 am
Hi Wilma! I’m happy to hear you are enjoying Amish fiction. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
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Looking forward to reading Murder Simply Brewed. Got two books ahead of it before I can get to it. I love curling up in my recliner with a dodo mystery book. The cover of this book makes me want to read it and then I see there is another book in this series coming out. Sure that I will love both of them.
Blessings
Shirley
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