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You are here: Home / amish / My Writing Desk | Stephanie Reed

October 9, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 20 Comments

My Writing Desk | Stephanie Reed

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Thanks so much for allowing me to share my space with you. Although I now do most of my writing on a laptop, a view of it and my toes would be pretty dull. My desk has more character. We bought this computer desk and chair at an Amish furniture shop. The keyboard is on a handy sliding tray, which can be hidden by a false drawer front that flips up. It matches the real drawer to the right, and it’s a nice example of Amish practicality and ingenuity.

You see lots of symbols of my three books. My first two were Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. They are YA novels about the Reverend John Rankin family and their Underground Railroad station in Ripley, Ohio. You can see an IKEA lantern with a battery-operated tea light, reminiscent of the signal light the Rankins used to beckon slaves to freedom. There’s a photo of Rankin House, too. Both books are on my desk because I’m getting ready for an event at my church where I will sign copies of them and my newest book, The Bargain, Amish/historical fiction set in the 70s. (By the way, The Bargain is on tour as we speak, and I’m giving away a Kindle to celebrate!) There’s a church bulletin to remind me of the details of the event, right next to a copy of The Amish in Their Own Words. The faceless Amish doll came from a craft sale years ago. Lastly, I made the little penguin out of pipe cleaners. He’s a good companion, very quiet.

Get a sneak peek at where @StefReedBooks’ novels take shape (cc @TriciaGoyer):

Click To Tweet

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I clip a lot of stuff from newspapers to pin on my bulletin board (Pinterest, old school), including articles or photos that tie in with my books. There’s an article about lost photos of the 70s, a decade I remember well. I like bird photos because I watch birds. The Amish paper dolls are from when I worked in a Latchkey program. The calendar and a couple of receipts prove I am organized. My pink piglet flash drive is visible, plus doodles my daughter and I made of Betsie and Michael, main characters in The Bargain. And I think you can see I’ve always loved horses and days gone by.

I’d love to give away a copy of The Bargain. But first, turnabout is fair play: readers, where do you write? Share with me below!


4215 real cvr CS6.inddStephanie Reed lives on the outskirts of Plain City, Ohio, site of a once-thriving Amish community. She gleans ideas for her novels from signs glimpsed along the byways of Ohio, as she did for her previous books, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River. Connect with Stephanie on her website or via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More about The Bargain:  It’s 1971, and Betsie Troyer’s peaceful and predictable life is about to become anything but. When their parents flee the Amish, nineteen-year-old Betsie and her seventeen-year-old sister Sadie are distraught. Under the dubious guidance of a doting aunt, the girls struggle to keep the secret, praying their parents will return before anyone learns the truth—a truth that may end all hopes of Betsie’s marriage to Charley Yoder.

Enter to win a copy of The Bargain!

 

Stephanie is giving one lucky blog reader a copy of The Bargain! Enter using the widget below. Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win. If you want more chances to win her book and a Kindle, check out this page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: amish, being an author, giveaway, my writing desk, Words Tagged With: Desk, Novels, office, stephanie reed, write, Writing


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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol McAdams Moore says

    October 9, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Thanks for sharing your writing space, Stephanie! I love the Amish paper dolls! And “Pinterest, old school” serves a purpose, I agree : )

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 9, 2013 at 6:01 pm

      You’re welcome, Carol! I’m glad you liked the paper dolls. My grandma (not Amish) used to make paper dolls and send them in her letters.

      Reply
  2. Stephanie Reed says

    October 9, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Thanks, Tricia, for sharing your readers with me. What a fun way to get to know each other.

    Reply
  3. Ann M says

    October 9, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    First draft is on a legal pad with a fine point black ink pen. So I can write in the park or in the driveway or picking gkids up a school or, even, in bed. 🙂
    My laptop battery died so I am tethered to a wall to use that.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 9, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      I like writing on paper, Ann! I keep a note pad in my purse, and sometimes I write out scenes. Sounds like we’re ( not quite) Amish!

      Reply
  4. Wilani Wahl says

    October 9, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I write on what ever is available at the time the thoughts come to mind. I use my laptop all over the house when I put the notes to writing,

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 9, 2013 at 6:06 pm

      Hello again, Wilani! Haha, yes, like old grocery receipts. A laptop is a great convenience, I agree.

      Reply
  5. Lane Hill House says

    October 10, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    I write in the front corner of my quilting room facing our front porch ~ overtaken with a printer and computer on two rescued side-by-side restaurant tables, with TBRs on top of my quilting cutting table. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 10, 2013 at 3:17 pm

      Sounds cozy and well-loved. Kathleen! With luck, maybe you’ll add another book to your TBR pile.

      Reply
  6. Tina Watson says

    October 12, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    Very interesting about your deck Stephanie.
    my computer desk is a cluttered mess. It’s a yes and no to finding what I want when I need to 🙁
    I LOVE reading Amish books.
    I cant wait to read your book.

    Tina

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 13, 2013 at 1:52 pm

      Hi, Tina! I privately told Tricia I was glad my desk was ready for a photo op, meaning not messy. 🙂 Because sometimes it is! Good luck in the drawing.

      Reply
  7. Jasmine A. says

    October 12, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    I’m not a writer but I write my book reviews in the living room on the PC and do my Friends Of The Library minutes, I am the secretary, on my laptop also in the living room.

    Sounds like a wonderful story! Congrats on the new release!

    Blessings!
    Jasmine A.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 13, 2013 at 1:53 pm

      Writing is writing, Jasmine! I love libraries and used to work in the Dayton Metro Libraries in Ohio. Thanks and good luck in the drawing.

      Reply
  8. Melissa M. says

    October 12, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    I write on my bed, or while relaxing on a hammock or porch swing. I also write at the computer, which is in my bedroom.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 13, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      A hammock AND a porch swing, Melissa??? That is some prime writing real estate. We have what I call a safety hammock (impossible to fall out of), but all I do there is read, daydream, watch for shooting stars, or sleep. Good luck!

      Reply
  9. Jackie McNutt says

    October 12, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Stephanie, Thanks for sharing where you write. I only write in my journal in a chair in my bedroom at the end of the day. Your new book looks very inviting!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 13, 2013 at 1:58 pm

      Thank you, Jackie! So you have a time and a place for your writing. Pretty special. Good luck!

      Reply
  10. cynthia fernstaedt says

    October 13, 2013 at 12:04 am

    I write at my kitchen table, by candle light or soft light.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm

      What a picture, Cynthia! Very peaceful. Good luck in the drawing!

      Reply
    • Stephanie Reed says

      October 16, 2013 at 10:59 pm

      Congrats to Kerry M!

      Reply

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