Saturday, March 5, 2011

Laura V. Hilton-author interview and book giveaway

Laura thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better. Tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you, it’s nice to be here. I am a wife of almost 25 years to Steve, a homeschool Mom to five blessings, a book reviewer, a pastor’s wife, a breast cancer survivor, and an author.

How long did you write before you were published?

I was born writing, I think. I remember stories in kindergarten, and writing and writing and writing a long misplaced story when I was in elementary school. I had two books published about six years ago with a small press, but then I landed an agent and she felt I should focus on the bigger houses, rather than small press, and I wrote another 4 years before they started taking notice.

Tell us about “Patchwork Dreams,” the featured book.

- Becky Troyer has committed the ultimate sin, and finds herself on the edge of her Amish community. Jacob Miller believes he was sent to the Old Order Community in Missouri to help out a distant cousin. Instead, he discovers he was part of an arranged swap--sending men from his Pennsylvania district to the Missouri district to bring new blood into the Amish community. Becky dreams of marriage, but doesn't dare hope that anyone would choose her--not with her history. Can God use the lies that have affected Becky and Jacob to bring them together? Or will Jacob rebel and head home to his first love?

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?

Well, my agent has been very encouraging to me. She has talked me out of giving up I don’t know how many times. I really don’t have a mentor, I’ve wanted one, but didn’t know how to get one, but I do have my critique groups with helped me greatly, especially with expanding the story (where we need more information) and with verb/tense agreement issues—my weakness. My husband is probably my biggest cheerleader, he reads my books as I write it—chapter by chapter. And ACFW has really taught me a lot about the craft of writing. It’s really not as simple as just writing something. You have to know something about story, where it begins, point of view, motives, and other stuff.

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?

That God loves you where you are at, that He is the God of second chances.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?

I enjoy minivacations in the area in which I live. Right now I’m near an Amish community, I’m near caves, springs, state parks, and civil war monuments. If I have an opportunity for a longer vacation, I like to go to Michigan. It is my “home” and I love the beach on Lake Michigan, all the water falls, the lighthouses, etc. My hobbies are at this point mostly reading. As a book reviewer I have little time for handcrafts, if I have a spare moment I have to read something. If I have time away from reading, then I enjoy researching, learning something new. I also love to bake, and spend time with my family. I dislike spiders … LOL, my son wrote a poem (and it was published on-line) about my fear of spiders.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.

Well, they might now know I’m afraid of spiders! Seriously, I love winter squash, my favorite fruit would be blueberries or raspberries, fresh, of course, and I drink a lot of unsweetened tea, all kinds, white, black, red, or green.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I set a goal for a month. Like this month I am starting the third book in my Amish series, so I wrote in my journal start – 0, goal 15,000. I don’t have an office, so I have to write with the family, and it is interrupted a lot with homeschooling, phone calls, errands, family stuff. I like to write at least a 1,000 words a day, but that isn’t always possible, life does happen, so I try to set a reasonable monthly goal for me, so I don’t feel so bad if I only get 500 words, or if I can’t write at all. I wrote Patchwork Dreams from start 0 words – to the final edited version that I submitted in four months. And that includes the rough draft and the final copy. The second book – A Harvest of Hearts, coming in September, I wrote in four and a half months.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished reading An Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark, and I’ll be starting Bake Until Golden by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson tonight.

Do you grow flowers or vegetables?

Yes, both. The price of fresh produce is horrific, so I try to grow our own vegetables. I had tulips in my garden that I transplanted from Michigan but the deer eat them, so right now I have irises, wild violets, and jonquils in the garden.

What are your favorite flowers?

I love tulips, roses, jonquils, and violets. Well, any flower really. I enjoy a fresh bouquet in the middle of the dining room table.

What are you writing now?

I’m starting the third book in the Amish of Seymour series. It’s the story of Annie, an Amish school teacher, and Joshua, an Amish man transferred in a man swap from Pennsylvania to Missouri.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m on facebook – Laura Vernet Price Hilton (I need to start a fan page, I’m almost at my limit for friends) and my blogs, http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com or my book review blog – http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com. I’m also on shoutlife.

And thanks for spending this time with us, Laura.


Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to be here.
We wish you much success.








Book Giveaway-Patchwork Dreams

Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Join/or be a follower on Networked Blogs +1


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.
ENTRY DEADLINE March 19, 2011

64 comments:

Debra Chapoton, author said...

I wish I could write 1000 words a day - life keeps getting in the way. I'd love to win this book.
bigpinelodge at gmail dot com

Diana Flowers said...

I would so love to win this book! It sounds wonderful and I enjoyed the interview as well!

+1-I am a follower on networked blogs
+1-I am a GFC follower
+1-I am a subscriber via email.

dianalflowers@aol.com

ninjasinger said...

I'd love to be entered to win the book!
Amanda Johnston
seventhkid@juno.com
Also, I am a follower of this blog.

Jo said...

Well it looks like I am the first one to sign your guest book. I enjoyed your interview. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers as well. I have only spent a few days in Michigan and thought that it was beautiful so would love to go back there and spend more time. This series sounds very interesting and plan to add it to my wish list.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Thanks Wanda, for the great interview with Laura and the chance to win her Patchwork Dreams. Sounds like Laura is much like me - likes to garden both flowers and produce, hates spiders, but i don't want to vacation in Michigan, tho i do enjoy day trips. i am a follower, subscribe to your emails and am a follower on Networked Blogs. i am in Arizona mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Wow I get to comment first! I love being introduced to so many new Christian Fiction books! And I love Amish, so I am excited about this series. It is going on my must read list! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Blessings.....Joy
ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I am also now following your blog and just subscribed to your email list!! Thanks much
Joy
ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com

rubynreba said...

This sounds like a wonderful book. I'd be thrilled to win it!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Pegg Thomas said...

I'd love to be entered in the drawing, I'm a new follower too. I live in Michigan, in the middle of an Amish community too, so Laura and I have that in common.

Pegg
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

Carol N Wong said...

I am reading my first Amish novel right now,
'Simply Sara' by Hillary Manton Lodge and I love it. I know I would love this one. It seems to me the theme of this book is love.

+1 Networked Blog follower of this blog
+1 Google Friend Connect Follower of this blog
+1 E-mail Subscriber of this blog


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Cindy said...

Would love to win this book. I've always been interested in Amish life. This would be a great book to add to the others I have read. Thank you for the chance to win.
cindymacbeth@gmail.com

Carman said...

Oh! Please enter me! I read your review, and it got me interested in reading this book. Great job! :D

booklovercb at yahoo dot com

I follow.
And I subscribe. :)

Giveaway Lady said...

Would love to be entered in this giveaway! I am a blog follower as well.
Thanks!
Charity

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

collettakay said...

I'd love to wint this blook!

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Colletta

csthankful said...

What a delightful interview and Laura sounds like such an interesting lady. I would love to know her! The book sounds amazing! THanks, Connie Sue

csthankful at midrivers dot com

apple blossom said...

would love to win thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

gfc follower

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Emily said...

Awesome giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity to join in!

Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

+1 I'm a follower!
+1 I'm a subscriber!

deb said...

Great giveaway! Looks like a really good read!
Sign me up!

Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

+1 I'm a follower!

Elyssa said...

This looks like such a great book! I'm a huge fan of Amish fiction, and was really excited when I saw this one!

lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

+1 I'm a follower!
+1 I subscribed via e-mail

Jennifer said...

Ooh, this looks like a great book- please enter me!

jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

Courtney said...

This book sounds really great, I would love a chance to win it! BTW- Carmen sent me!

kcmelone[at]yahoo[dot]com

Charlotte Kay said...

Another new author!
Thanks for a chance to win this book.
+1 I am a follower
+1 I am a subscriber
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sandee61 said...

I love books about the Amish, and would love to read Patchwork Dreams. Thank you for the entry. I'm an email subscriber.
Have a blessed evening.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

karenk said...

please count me in...thanks :)

i'm an email subscriber and follower.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Pam said...

"Patchwork Dreams" sounds interesting. The man swap between Amish settlements is a concept I hadn't heard of.
I am a subscriber.
Please enter me in the book drawing.
Thanks.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

debijackson said...

This looks great and I would love to read it
djackson1958 (at) hotmail.com

PriviesAndPrims said...

Please enter me in the giveaway!

Doreen
priviesandprims[at]yahoo[dot]com

Carman sent me. :)

windycindy said...

I live in Illinois about an hour from a
very small Amish Community...Their lifestyle
has always fascinated me. I love the cover of
her book!
+1 I follow you via Google Friend Connect.
+1 I am an email subscriber.
+1 I follow you via Networked Blogs.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Moonpie said...

Please enter me. I love Amish fiction. I remember when we were at the airport we witnessed a young Amish woman flown in for a swap. It was so awkward for her and the family. I have often wondered what happened to her and how she felt. Thanks! Narita mizroady@yahoo.com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

please enter me. atouchofheaven2010[at]gmail[dot]com
Mary B.

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

I am a google follower. atouchofheaven2010 at gmail dot com
Mary B.

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

I am a follower on Networked blogs
atouchofheaven2010 at gmail dot com
Mary B.

Patsy said...

I love reading these kinds of books. I know this will be a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

misskallie2000 said...

I believe in second chances and would love to win Laura's book. Thanks for the chance to enter giveaway.

I am email subscriber

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Diana Flowers said...

BTW that lovely young lady above, Carman, sent me via Christian Book Giveaways!

dianalflowers@aol.com

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

I'd love to read this book!

mymadakaja [at] yahoo [dot] com

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

I'm a new follower (via GFC).

mymadakaja [at] yahoo [dot] com

Charity U said...

Ooo, please enter me! Looks great!

photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

Molly said...

Thank you for hosting such a wonderful giveaway!

Blessings
Molly
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

+1 I am a GFC Follower

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

+1 I am an email subscriber

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

+1 I am a Networked Blogs follower

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Marilynn Walton said...

I have Laura's other books and am anxious to read this one too!

marsuewal@aol.com

Sclew said...

Interesting interview. I like Laura's idea of setting a daily word goal to produce. If she can do it with her busy life, I should be able to do it too. Thanks.

sclew514@yahoo.com
http://sclewsviews.blogspot.com/

HappyHoo said...

I cannot wait to read this book!

Joy
happyhoo@gmail.com

Detra, Matt 19:26 said...

Love this author and would love to win a copy of her book!

Unknown said...

I know Laura from another e-mail list. I'd love to win the book, but intend to buy it if I don't.

carolpw@gmail.com

Neecykay said...

Loved this interview with Laura, she's a wonderful woman! Praying her book will be a blessing in many lives. I love to read, esp. Amish fiction, so I can't wait to read Laura's book.
Denise Manges
neecykay3@yahoo.com

Shonda said...

This looks like a great book! shondaet@gmail.com

Shonda said...

I'm a follower. shondaet@gmail.com

grannyvon said...

I would love to win this book. I love any Amish book. Also great interview! ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I subscribe by email. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

Follow on Google Friend Connect

grannyvon said...

Follow on Networked Blogs. ybutler@oppcatv.com

TJ said...

Sounds interesting, Amish fiction is my absolute favorite genre!
Jodie: tjdsdsaves at gmail dot com

Wilma said...

Iam follower of your blog/wlworkman[at]backroads[dot]net

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT

Nancye said...

GFC follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT

Nancye said...

email subscriber

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT

Nancye said...

I follow you on Networked Blogs

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT

Meredith said...

1000 words a day seems like a reasonable goal with so much other stuff going on! The book sounds interesting!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

GFC follower +1
email subscriber +1

Meredith said...

I don't know much about Amish customs, but the "exchange" sounds interesting.

meredithfl at gmail dot com