Some years ago the Hutterian Brethren
Book Centre in Manitoba ventured into publishing children's books written and
illustrated by Hutterites. It was an exciting time for us, as it meant our
children would finally have books where they can relate to the stories and
characters. In some cases they even know the authors and illustrators
personally. Most of the books were English, one was German and some Hutterisch.
My book Lindas
glücklicher Tag (Linda's Happy Day) was one of these books. My sister
Sonia Maendel illustrated it. I recently read it to our kindergarten to grade two
students and was reminded again how valuable these books are for Hutterite
children. In this book, I wrote all dialogue in Hutterisch. Each time I read it
to students, the excitement of hearing Hutterisch, seeing Hutterite characters
and being able to relate to the colony setting, a place near and dear to them,
is obvious. Seeing this reaction, coupled with the fact that I love to write,
left me dreaming about writing more books. Not only for Hutterite children, but
for anyone else interested in our way of life.
About a year ago Herald Press
gave me the opportunity to realize this dream. They were working on a Plain
Spoken series where Amish, Mennonite and Hutterite writers can share their
stories. When their query letter reached me, via a friend in Alberta, they were
looking for a Hutterite interested in writing a book with them.
I was intrigued and responded
to the letter, introduced myself and asked if a collection of stories would be
an option for a potential book. A week later an excited editor emailed me and
asked to see some pieces I'd written. I sent her some and also told her about
my blog. After a few days she called and told me, "Linda, with what you
have on your blog, you already have a good start for a book. You have some
excellent pieces there that readers would enjoy and learn from."
This sent me on an enjoyable
and enriching experience; from deciding which stories I'll use in the book, to
planning in what order they'll go, to writing, rewriting and editing. We decided
on twenty two chapters or stories on a wide variety of topics; work,
celebrations, family, heritage, history... all woven together by faith and
community, giving readers a glimpse into our communal life. I'm hoping this
book will help dispel some myths and assumptions people still have about
Hutterites, and that it will inspire other Hutterites to pen and publish their
stories. It's high time!
I learned a lot about the
publishing process as well. For my first book I wasn't involved so much in that
aspect. Working with a professional editor gave me the opportunity to grow as a
writer - Valerie Weaver-Zercher, Herald Press editor was a joy to work with and
an excellent teacher.
Although I thought I'd be
intimidated with working towards a deadline, I really wasn't bothered by it at
all – didn’t even think about it much. Choosing a picture for the front cover including
some for some of the chapters was fun as well. Even the lengthy discussions on
coming up with a title we could all agree, would be a good fit for the book,
was a learning experience. I had no idea so much time, thought and effort go
into putting the front cover together. Working on this project has really
changed how I look at books - I have a whole new appreciation for all the work
that goes on before a book goes to print.
Here are some other books written
and illustrated by Hutterites, available at HB Book Centre or Amazon:
- Marty’s Adventure – Elma Maendel and Cynthia Stahl
- Marty’s Colour Adventure – Elma Maendel and Cynthia Stahl
- Playing Like Timothy – Johannes Waldner and Victor Kleinsasser
- Jewell Adventure – Gilbert Hofer and Victor Kleinsasser
- Es Lauft e Meisl – Karis Hofer
- Flowing Through the Seasons – Herman and Cynthia Stahl
- Hutterischa Bibl Tschichtlen – Linda Maendel
- My Hutterite Life – Lisa Marie Stahl
- Sarah’s Journey: the Story of a Hutterite Woman – Debbie P. Stahl
The Plainspoken Series by Herald Press is growing. The newest title is Gathering of Sisters, written by Darla Weaver. I've been given the opportunity, by Herald Press to read Darla's book, and to endorse it: work,play, meals, smiles and tears undoubtedly strengthened by their common faith.
