If you’ve read much inspirational fiction, the name Suzanne Woods Fisher is sure to be one you know. Suzanne is a bestselling author of over 40 books. She’s written numerous Amish themed books, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, children’s stories, and nonfiction. If you don’t know Suzanne’s work already, you can check out more about her and her books on her website.
Twelve years ago, she did an interview here with me here on One Writer’s Journal. Suzanne had a very busy life at that time with her family that has since grown to include some beautiful grandchildren. Also at the time, she raised puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. That was one reason I invited her over to talk writing and dogs.
This year she asked me to help get out the news about her new book, Lost and Found, that releases Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Suzanne has graciously offered to give away a copy of Lost and Found to one of you. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. I’ll pick a winner Saturday and Suzanne will send the winner, chosen by random drawing, an autographed copy of her book.
First though, you might like to read some of that interview from 12 years ago. I know I enjoyed reading it again. So here we go.
Suzanne, you have a very busy life with your writing and everything that goes along with publishing books. Tell us how you handle it all and still enjoy time with your family.
I am always writing. Nearly always! Promotion is a big side of this book gig—answering e-mails, participating in interviews, public speaking, keeping up with social media. Everything gets done…but it’s a pretty busy life right now. I don’t have much time for just having coffee with friends. As for the puppies…they are a joy! Taking a dog on a daily walk helps me get away from the computer, slow down, enjoy nature, exercise, relax a little. You just can’t take life too seriously with a puppy tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth.
Your grandfather was raised Plain. Was his background instrumental in you deciding to write about the Amish? Your Amish books come across as very authentic as well as respectful to the Amish way of life. Did your grandfather tell you about Plain living or did you experience that firsthand through visits to the Amish villages?
I’ve always been intrigued by my Plain relatives, even as a child. They have a very gentle spirit, very warm and welcoming, and I admire their focus on a simple life. My grandfather was one of eleven children, raised Old Order German Baptist Brethren, near Gettysburg, PA. He left the colony as an adult, but kept in close contact with his many siblings (and many, many cousins, second cousins, third cousins, etc.). The German Baptists (also known as Dunkards) share core beliefs with the Amish and Mennonites. All Anabaptists. Same song, different verse.
I’m a dog lover and I know there are many dog lovers out there in the reading world. You have gone a step farther than simply loving dogs as pets to raising dogs for service. How did you get started raising Guide Dog puppies?
We had lived in Hong Kong for four years with my husband’s work (he’s a corporate guy). We have four kids, and the six of us lived in an 1100 square foot apt. in a 44 story high-rise. My youngest son, Tad, wanted a dog and it just wasn’t the time in life for us. When we returned to California, the time seemed right. Another dilemma! My husband doesn’t like dogs. He told Tad that he had to convince him of a function, a solid reason, a noble purpose, to get a dog. That very week, Tad and I went on his 3rd grade field trip to Guide Dogs for the Blind and learned about the need for puppy raisers. Voila! We found the reason! Nine puppies later…we are still raising them. And my husband has grown to like (not love) our dogs.
Tell us about raising these pups. What is the same as raising any pup and what is different?
Some aspects of raising a Guide Dog puppy would be similar to having a pet: House training (my first objective!) and basic obedience. Puppies are assigned to a puppy raiser’s home at eight weeks of age and recalled back to the Guide Dogs for the Blind facility around sixteen to eighteen months for formal training. The job of a puppy raiser is to socialize the puppies by taking the pup on age-appropriate outings—grocery stores, restaurants, church, movies and concerts, doctors and dentists, bus and train rides, on and on. We also attend weekly puppy raising meetings to work on skills. The goal of preparing a puppy to become a working guide is always in front of us.
Pups can be cute little bundles of fun or at times, bundles of trouble. My daughter once had a German Shepherd pup that sometimes drove her crazy and she’s a dog lover like me. Her pup once chewed up a library book. I guess he wanted to read that badly. Can you share some misadventures you’ve had with your pups?
I think my most mortifying puppy-raising moments are when a puppy relieves in public. It doesn’t happen often, and it shouldn’t happen at all…but it does. It is very hard to look cool when you are cleaning up your puppy’s mess. Another mortifying moment was when I was in a Nordstrom ladies room , washing my hands, as my Guide Dog puppy poked her head under the stall and scared a lady.
It has to be rewarding to know the pups you raise are going to be some person’s way to a more independent life. Do you ever know any details or stories about how your pups make a difference in someone’s life? Heard an inspiring story about your pups after they leave your care?
The worst and best puppy raising moment came in a twenty-four hour period after the graduation ceremony for my first dog. Arbor was partnered with Jon, a college boy with progressive blindness. When we said goodbye, we knew we wouldn’t see Arbor again (Jon lives in the Midwest). We were thrilled that Arbor became a guide, but it really smarted to say goodbye to that big yellow lab. The next day, Jon’s mom e-mailed me to let me know they made it home and she added this comment: “Last night, Jon and Arbor walked over to a friend’s house. I can’t remember the last time Jon did that.” In just 24 hours, Arbor was changing Jon’s life! For our family, loss turned into gain.
It was fun rereading this interview with Suzanne about her dogs. Now here’s a little something about her new book that releases this week and that she has gracioiusly offered as a giveaway to one of you readers.
Comments 56
I have read several of Suzanne’s books, but it was several years ago. In fact, I was on her launch team for several books back then. I’m not certain what was the last book by her that I read but I enjoyed the Three Sisters Island series, especially At Lighthouse Point, because of the lighthouse.
Suzanne’s comments about the Dunkards were interesting. There is a fairly large population of Dunkards within about an hour of our home. I always wondered what their connection was with the Amish.
Author
Suzanne’s background with the Amish helps lend authenticity to her stories, Edward. I’m sure she appreciated you helping her launch her books. I know I’m always grateful when you read one of my books and write reviews. I liked her historical stories too. She’s very prolific.
Looking forward to reading this book. Even if I don’t win, I plan to read it!
Author
Suzanne will be glad to know that, Ola. But there is that chance you might be the winner, and that would be fun for you.
Can’t wait to read this book! Have enjoyed all the books by Suzanne Woods Fisher I’ve read!
Author
Suzanne knows how to pull readers into her stories, Kayla. I love getting into books that keep me reading.
Love reading about Pups and I Love reading Amish books this sounds like such a great book Thank you for the chance to win this print copy Have a Blessed day!
Author
Finding out about raising guide dogs was fun, Sarah, but I know it must be hard giving up the dogs you’ve grown to love. It’s for the good though. Suzanne has many Amish books that I’m sure you would enjoy.
Thanks for the great giveaway. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a new author to me, I would love to read her books.
Author
I think you’ll be happy to start on Suzanne’s books and find some or a lot of stories that you will like, Deborah.
I have not read any books by Suzanne but would love to start! Please enter me in the contest!!
Author
You will have many good stories to read when you start with Suzanne’s stories, Pamela. It’s so much fun finding a new writer with many stories to be enjoyed.
Thank you for this opportunity! If I win, I will be reading it with my dog, Roscoe! ❤️
Author
My nephew had a dog name Roscoe that was the best dog. A dog makes a great reading companion, Deana.
I Absolutely Love Dogs and Amish People. We just found an Amish Store near us and I’ll definitely become a frequent customer. I also love reading historical fiction!!
Author
I love dogs too, Sylvia. I don’t really know personally any Amish people, but I’m sure they make good neighbors. And Amish stores are the best. There used to be one near us, but they sold it and now it’s run by others.
And I love historical fiction too. Writing it and reading it.
The Moonlight School – I can’t say enough great things about this book written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I got to the last page and started over again right away! I LOVED it!!!! I’m very interested in teacher stories and pack horse librarian books that happened years ago. Historical Fiction at its best! I look for books with this theme constantly.
Author
That’s fun, Susan, and I know Suzanne would smile to know you loved the book that much. I actually read that story for endorsement. She had some great history of the moonlight schools in that book.
I enjoyed researching the packhorse librarians while I was writing Along a Storied Trail. I wouldn’t mind riding those trails again with a new heroine on horseback. My next year’s book, The Song of Sourwood Mountain, will have a teacher as a main character. So, I hope you will enjoy it when you get to read it.
I’ve read just about everything our library has of Suzanne’s books and enjoyed them all. I’d love to read this new one! Thanks for the chance!
Author
I love libraries that have shelves for Christian fiction, Cindy Sue. Maybe your library will have this one if you aren’t the lucky winner. Hope some of my books are on your library’s shelves too.
Sounds wonderful!
Author
Suzanne knows how to write a story that can grab a reader’s attention, Cheryl. I’m sure this is one that will be as good as it sounds.
I love Suzanne’s books! Amish fiction is a favorite of mine. Thank you for the opportunity to win one of her books!
Author
I’m sure Suzanne would be thrilled to know that you are one of her happy fans, Judi. Good luck in the drawing.
This new book sounds like a winner!
Author
I think all Suzanne’s books are winners, Diana.
I love all types of books, but reading about the Amish lifestyle is my favorite. Mending Fences was a great read.
Author
Some of those in the publishing business thought perhaps the Amish loving readers might wane, Linda, but seems Amish fiction is one that has held on. Of course, right now mysteries and suspense are popular, but a writer can work some mystery into those Amish stories. I did that in one of my Shaker books, The Innocent.
I’ve enjoyed reading some of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s books. The one that comes to mind right now is “Mending Fences.” I always enjoy reading Amish fiction.
Author
Some of my success in gaining readers for my Shaker books came about because of people like you who love Amish fiction, Lee. Not that the Shakers and the Amish are much alike, but the bonnet the models wore on the covers attracted readers’ eyes. I remember that title of Suzanne’s. A great title.
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
Author
I haven’t read it, Diana, but Suaznne always tells a great story.
I’ve read a few of Suzanne’s Amish books, and one of her Alaska series, and enjoyed them all. I tried to get this new book through NetGalley, but was turned down 🙁 It was interesting to find out Suzanne lived in Hong Kong for a few years, since I lived there for 19 years!
Author
I had forgotten that until I reread her interview before I posted it again, Margaret. I can’t imagine living anywhere overseas. I guess I’m too much of a country girl for that.
I’m sure Suzanne’s books are so popular that it is hard to get on the lists for reviews. But I’ll be checking with you when my next book is ready for readers. I appreciate every review.
What an interesting interview regarding Suzanne’s raising Guide Dog puppies! I loved her recent Cape Cod Creamery books and many others of her earlier books!
Author
The covers on those Cape Cod Creamery books are enough to make you ready to head to the ice cream store, Suzanne. I know Suzanne is glad to know you’ve enjoyed many of her stories. She is great at getting new books out for readers.
I would love to win and review. My last comment didn’t enter my whole name.
Author
Maybe you will be the lucky winner. I know Suzanne would appreciate you reviewing her story should you get a copy to read. Authors depend on readers helping them out by posting reviews online. So helpful to get their books noticed.
I’ve ready several of the earlier Stony Ridge series except for the last two.
Very interesting to read about the family raising and training the guide dogs, including some of the puppies’ activities! What a blessed gift to share with others!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Author
Glad you found the interview interesting, Jeanie. Suzanne has so many good books available. I’m glad you have read some of them.