Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A Lancaster Love is my first book written under my own name. I’ve been a professional ghostwriter for some years now, and my client commissioned me to write several Amish romance series. I became intrigued with the Amish culture and ethic and decided to write a book of my own.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Lancaster Love was inspired by the research I did on the Amish while ghostwriting for my client. It was fascinating to separate the many myths from the facts about this poorly-understood religious group. For example, the Amish cannot own their own cars, but they often hire “English” drivers to take them places. This seemingly contradictory decision makes more sense when you understand that they refuse to buy cars, not because they think cars are somehow morally wrong, but because they want to keep their communities together. They reason that if it’s too easy to travel, the community won’t be as close-knit, and the Amish are all about community.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl. My best times to write are between midnight and two a.m. It’s nice and quiet, and I’m not interrupted.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. Just about every author I’ve read has influenced me in some way, but I especially admire Catherine Marshall, Tolkien, Lewis and Chesterton.
What are you working on now?
Now that A Lancaster Love is out on Amazon, I’m working on a Contemporary Christian romance set in Maine titled True North. It’s about a young woman who goes to Maine — ostensibly to work on a story about a small hospital — but also to forget about the fiance who just dumped her. But while there, she finds herself falling for a little boy, and a man so gorgeous that she nicknames him The Creature.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media at this point, though I’m always looking for additional venues.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about the future. It will happen differently anyway.
What are you reading now?
I want to start reading Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a half-dozen novel ideas in my head, and will be spending the next few years getting them on paper.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible, hands down. Every time I read it, I notice something deeper, something different.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Lingerfelt Website
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