Meet the Author of Still Life in Shadows: Alice J. Wisler

About Alice J. Wisler

Our guest today is Alice Wisler, author of Still Life in Shadows, released this month by River North Fiction. Alice is also the author of these four Bethany novels: Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation, which she labels as "truly Southern and fun."

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan, where her parents were Presbyterian missionaries. She is married and lives in Durham, North Carolina.

For more information about Alice, see: http://www.alicewisler.com/

Q & A With Alice Wisler

Tell us how you came to your faith in Jesus.

I grew up as missionary kid in Japan and always knew the Gospel. But I didn't really see Jesus as a personal friend until I was sixteen and in Alabama at a youth group. The kids there were singing and excited about Jesus.  That was so refreshing to me. I wanted the peace I experienced there and asked Jesus to basically, stay with me and not leave.  And all these years later, He has been faithful.

How old were you when you wrote your first real story and what was it about?

I was seven and it was called "Susie Has the Chicken Pops." Okay, so that might not be deemed as a real story, but I remember the impact it had on me when my first grade teacher asked me to read it in front of the class and then in front of the third and fourth grades!

Where did you get the idea for your latest book, Still Life in Shadows?

I saw a program on TV about dissatisfied Amish leaving their communities (Mose Gingerich was my inspiration) and thought, I have to write a novel about this! Gideon Miller is based on Mose—he helps Amish leave their Old Order lifestyles and relocate to North Carolina.

What do you want readers to take away from your writing and this book in particular?

Forgiveness is a big theme. Also, to see another side of the Amish. They aren't perfect and need God's saving grace. Just like the rest of us. I think they have been too glorified and my ex-Amish friends would agree.

What part of this book did you enjoy writing the most and why?

I enjoyed writing from Kiki, a 13-year-old autistic girl's point of view. She is a fun character for me----very lively, and she has a keen perspective on life and God.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Sushi!  What can I say?  I grew up in Japan!

What are your hobbies other than writing?

Cooking and I get along well.  That's why all my novels have recipes in the back.

How does your faith play into your writing?

All my novels have grief and loss in them because those are evident within the world we live. I like to incorporate God's love and compassion into my stories. God certainly comforts me in my frail and broken state.

For more information about writing Still Life in Shadows, see: http://www.alicewisler.blogspot.com/2012/04/still-life-in-shadows-novel-without.html. 

To order a copy: http://www.amazon.com/Still-Life-Shadows-Alice-Wisler/dp/0802406262/.