Interview with Laura Hilton and Prize Drawing

Yesterday, I featured Laura Hilton's new book Patchwork Dreams. Here's a little Q and A with Laura and then be sure to check the end of the post for how you can get entered into the prize drawing.

How has being published changed your life?
Well there’s a lot of administrative stuff that I didn’t know about beforehand. And a lot of things that take me out of my comfort zone. I’m naturally a shy quiet and private person, and suddenly I have to be more willing to talk about what I’m doing.

What is your current work in progress?
I am starting the third book in the Amish of Seymour series, which will be Becky’s friend, Annie’s story.

What would be your dream vacation?
Oh, well, I would love to spend a month or two in Michigan (our whole family loves Michigan and we missed it when we moved away) and just poke around the lighthouses, waterfalls, etc. that make the state great. Also, if I ever have a chance to go overseas, I would love to see Big Ben and visit some of the European castles. Also, I’d love an extended stay at an Amish bed and breakfast.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Well, most Amish books are set in Ohio and Pennsylvania because that is where the largest communities are. I chose to set mine in Seymour, Missouri, because there is an Amish community there. Missouri is an untapped setting for Amish stories, and it was close enough for me to drive up there for research.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Oh, Beverly Lewis. When I grow up I want to write like her. I’d love to talk writing with her.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
My most difficult obstacle was trying to write in the living room with five children! I’ve gotten pretty good at blocking out noises though. Unless the children are fighting or crying I can work through it

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Laura is giving away this fun prize package for $50 to one reader. I'll draw the name of one of my readers on June 17 and send that name on to the final drawing. One of my readers won once, so let's hope it happens again!

Grand Prize Giveaway: Amish Gift Set * 1 apple mug * 1 apple scented candle in decorative tin * 1 small packet of Starbucks coffee * Amish made rose petal soap * Beverly Lewis' Amish Cookbook * Simple Joys of the Amish Life by Mindy Starns Clark * $5.00 McDonald's Gift Card * Amish Popcorn * Autographed copy of Patchwork Dreams  To enter, leave your comments below answering one of these two questions: Who is your favorite Amish fiction author? Do you have Amish in your community? How have you noticed their "culture" differs in your area from that which you read about in fiction featuring other communities?