Special Giveaway and Interview: The Silent Order

Welcome back to Writing for Christ, Melanie Dobson! I am excited to have you here for a second time. J

Thanks, Casey! I’m honored to be back. J

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

Since last time, I’ve had the privilege of exploring Cleveland and Ohio’s Amish country to research my latest suspense novel (The Silent Order). I spent one night with an Old Order Amish couple in Sugarcreek and was swept away by the woman’s heart and passion. The Silent Order released the first of November, and now I’m in the midst of completing another historical novel set in Iowa’s Amana Colonies. 

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

I’ve been researching the Civil War for Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa—which is a wonderful excuse for me to read novels set in the mid-1800s. I’ve fallen in love with Lynn Austin’s books and writing style, specifically her Candle in the Darkness and Fire by Night novels set during the Civil War. She is a beautiful, lyrical writer with the perfect mix of strong characters and exciting storylines.

Do you have favorite authors?

I enjoy reading books by Angela Hunt, Kristen Heitzmann, Julie Klassen, and now Lynn Austin.

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

I love connecting with my readers! Every time I receive an email or a letter, I feel humbled and grateful for the privilege of being able to write the stories that seem to erupt out of my heart and mind. My favorite part of the writing part is the research—reading old newspapers and diaries and interviewing experts so I can glean enough information to make my stories as accurate and interesting as possible.

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings?

I do almost all of my writing in a local coffee shop while my children are in school (the owner is very gracious and lets me camp out at the table by the window all day). This is the perfect setting for me with the steady buzz of conversation and unlimited refills on decaf…and no piles of laundry to distract me. My best work is done right before every major deadline when I lock myself into a local hotel room for two days and write as much as I can. 

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

In one of my hotel weekends, I wrote 14,000 words. Usually I write 2,000 words a day so that was huge for me. It took me a week to edit all those words.

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels. 

Thanks, Casey. It’s always a pleasure to “chat” with you.

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Melanie's latest book, The Silent Order.

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.


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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on November 26th.