I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups.
I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.
I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit..
I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. Since we have moved to a small town in Central Texas, I teach at the local high school and community college, and I satisfy my musical needs by playing in the hand-bell choir.
My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.
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I was recently honored to be featured on the ACFW page. I’m including it because I think it speaks to the amount of grace in my life, and I’m enormously grateful that God is so willing to give each and every one of us more than one chance, more than two chances, but in fact a multitude of chances …
My First Sale:
Vannetta Chapman
by Tiffany Amber Stockton
“Finding a good balance is always a challenge. I want to live in the present that God has given me, live with intention, and be appreciative of what I have now.”—Vannetta Chapman
After graduating from college, launching into a teaching career, re-establishing a family after a painful divorce, and writing nine novels, Vannetta Chapman knows the meaning of a challenge. However, since so many others also face the challenge of balance, she sees herself as like everyone else.
God used the pain to help shape her life and her writing.
Thankfully, Vannetta Chapman’s parents have always been supportive of her in all she’s pursued. During her years as a single mom, God used the pain to help shape her life and her writing. He showed her His grace and love, and confirmed to her His plan and purpose. Eleven years ago, she met and married her husband, and she wouldn’t be the author she is today without his love and support.
Click here for rest of feature…
Haha I have found your blog! I am so excited to have a famous friend. Now I can hardly wait to read your book.
YES! You found me – not a small feat in the cyber-world. : ) Now we can share cyber-chocolate as well as books. . .
V~
VC;
What a great site and we also have chocolate in common…Imagine that!
i’m so proud to know someone of your caliber (ok – cyber-know) but in God’s eyes
we’re even sisters…scarey for you, dear friend.
Joyfully
JM
Thanks, Joy. I appreciate your stopping by – and YES, we do have chocolate in common. : )
When will your mystry book be out ? Is A SImple Amish Christmas the first Amish book you wrote? I have pre-order it already and cant wait to ready it. I just join tour blog. Have a great day.
Thanks,
Connie
Juzona@aol.com
Hi, Connie. Thanks so much for pre-ordering my book! A SIMPLE AMISH CHRISTMAS is my first Amish book. I’m very excited about it. The first book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series will be out in September of next year (2011). I know that sounds like a long time away, but I’ve already turned it in, and am busy working on book 2 now!
Can’t wait to read An Amish Christmas! I have visited Pennsylvania Dutch Country a couple of times and cannot wait to revisit. It is peacefully beautiful!
Excellent! Be sure and let me know what you think, Maeve. I hope you have a very special holiday with your family.
I love all things Amish…and read all my beloved authors of Amish stories. I now count you among my favorites! I just finished reading A Simple Amish Christmas,and noticed in your acknowledgments you mentioned continued prayers for baby Kiptyn and the little boy in your story is named Kiptyn. Are you at liberty to share baby Kiptyn’s story with us? This child is heavy on my heart for some reason and I now pray for him daily.
Thank you so much for this wonderful story…looking forward to reading more!
Norma, I’m so glad that you liked ASAC, and I’m glad that you are looking forward to future books. : ) As far as baby Kiptyn, please do keep praying for him. He is doing much better, much better than anyone ever thought he would, but he still has a long way to go.
I want to respect Kiptyn’s privacy, but I can tell you that I consider him a miracle baby. His grandmother worked at my school when he was born, and he was a very sick little baby. I remember Kiptyn being so on my heart and in my prayers as I wrote ASAC, and so it was no surprise that he showed up in the book … though older and with a different sickness. He is home now, and I’m sure his family would appreciate your prayers.
Ms. Chapman:
I absolutely LOVED ASAC!! I was roped in from the start and raced home daily from work to read more about Annie and Samuel!! I felt like they were my own family!! Your ability to connect the reader with your characters brought tears and laughs as I read!! A true sign of a wonderful writer!! A continuation would be lovely as, like others that I have read, would love to follow their story (hint, hint)! I’m excited about your new book coming out this year and will be waiting impatiently until September!! ha ha I would like to say that I also enjoyed your blog and reading your thoughts leading up to the Christmas Holiday. How sad that generations have allowed the purity and life breathing moment of the birth of our Savior turn into an event that barely resembles what our Father in Heaven intended for it to be. I agree with your thoughts on our reading Amish fiction and what it speaks to us as we read. I pray if nothing else it calls wayward ones back to a relationship with their Heavenly Father and introduces others to a life giving Son. I know we are all guilty of getting off track, so during this holiday season, reading your book reminded me of my own relationship with the Father and strive to have a closer one in the new year! Thank you and God Bless your endeavors with favor!!!
Felicia, I’m so glad you enjoyed ASAC and the blog. That means a lot to me. And yes, September will be here before we know it. Falling to Pieces is a fun Amish book, and I feel like it’s very similar to ASAC. As far as a sequel to Annie’s story, I’m still waiting to hear. Happy new year’s!
Thank you, Vannetta, for stopping by my blog today and leaving such kind comments. I am glad you liked my review of your upcoming book, Falling to Pieces. I really enjoyed reading it and I really look forward to the next ones!!!
Have a really wonderful day!!
Tracy
Tracy, you are welcome! : )
I started looking for Mary Ellis and a way to enter her contest…and I come to your BEAUTIFUL site!
You must be a quilter. I have “tried” to be one from time to time but have settled in sewing easier items for our local, Medical College of VA. I’ve made a couple thousand tote bags, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.
I had a friend, Lawson Younger, who attended Dallas Baptist.
Thanks for the pleasure of letting a Presbyterian read your website!
Jan Tindall, Richmond, VA
Jan, I’m TRYING to be a quilter … I’m NEW. We talk a lot about quilting on my facebook page. If you’re on that site, I hope you’ll join us. (http://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks). As far as Dallas Baptist University, I once taught English there! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.