Episode 78 :: Suzanne Woods Fisher: Stories of Outliers, Resilient Women, & the Power of Literacy

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Today on the podcast I am chatting with the wonderful and beloved fiction novelist, Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is such a kind and genuine person, and she has a passion for getting to the heart of those who may be misunderstood, and parts of history that may not get as much press. During our conversation, she shares her story of how she came into the writing world to become the beloved author of many (as in over THIRTY) books, as well as what draws her into a story.

Her most recent book The Moonlight School shares a fictionalized account of the formidable Cora Wilson Stewart, who launched a grassroots movement to help those who didn’t have easy access to education and to combat illiteracy. The story is incredible, the book itself is such a fascinating read, and it just feels right for this episode to land right in the middle of Women’s History Month! 

Suzanne is most well known for her many Amish fiction books, and she shared with me how her heart for story intersected with her family as Grandfather was “raised plain.” He lived in an German Baptist community (a cousin of the Amish tradition, if you will,) where Suzanne was given accessibility to the people and strives to take readers “beyond the bonnets, beards and buggies.” She also provides some interesting insight into why people may be so drawn to stories of Amish in the fiction world, or to their way of living and their simple, quiet and resilient faith.

Be sure and follow her, and pick up a copy of her beautiful book The Moonlight School, and find ways to listen to our conversation below. 

Today’s Episode Sponsor: Tony Crabtree with Crabtree Homes with Exit Realty

Home buyer guide: http://bit.ly/buyersguidecrabtreehomes

Seller guide: http://bit.ly/sellerguidecrabtreehomes

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Connecting with Suzanne:

Her books

Her most recent book: The Moonlight School 

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References:

Young Life 

CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ)

Pioneer Woman Magazine

Magnolia Journal

Wired Magazine

Southern Living Magazine

Country Living Magazine

Martha Stewart Magazine 

Highlights Magazine

The Amish

German Baptist

Amish Peace:Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World

Middle Easterners are a communal culture

Amish “Churches” are autonomous  

Supreme court in 1972 about the Amish and Education // Wisconsin v. Yoder

LMU- Lincoln Memorial University

Hun-Dutch 

Fonde, KY // Bell County

Scotch-Irish

Coal Mining Shutdowns 

Christy- Catherine Marshall

Cumberland Gap

Cora Wilson Stewart 

Illiteracy Rates in the United States

Appalachia Service Project

Dolly Parton (the one and only)

Imagination Library Program :: Books from Birth

Sevierville // Dollywood 

Dolly’s generosity to the people after the Gatlinburg

Organizations that Promote Literacy 

The Little Engine That Could

Look Out, Kindergarten, Here I Come

How to start a Little Free Library 

Birding

The story of cardinals 

Cape Cod 

Jane Kirkpatrick (her books on historic women) and our episode 

Laura Frantz (our episode!)

Francine Rivers

Scripture References:

Acts 2:42-47-The original design of the church was communal

Jeremiah 29:11 / Ephesians 4:1 / Matthew 25:21- God has uniquely equipped you to engage what’s in front of you

Psalm 139:14- You are uniquely and wonderfully made 

Psalm 107:2- Your story matters, why not share it?

Isaiah 40:6-8 / Isaiah 55:11 -  God’s Word changes lives forever

Genesis 1, Psalm 33:9-He spoke the world into being

Genesis 11:1-9- The tower of Babel

Acts 2:3- The Holy Spirit brings the fire of tongues

Isaiah 40:31- They that wait upon the Lord 

Matthew 5:15 / John 12:35-36- Hold the Light 

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:
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*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com

Emily Humphries