Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Susan May Warren is Wilani Wahl! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome Kate Lloyd in the spotlight! To win a copy of her new book Pennsylvania Patchwork (David C. Cook, 2013) , leave a comment on this post.
Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?
Thanks for inviting me, Suzanne! I’m a happily married woman with two grown sons, and two precious grandkids, age two and four. My only jobs are keeping house and writing. Luckily, my husband isn’t a neat-freak, because when I’m swamped I put off chores. He’s very supportive and even reads my books. He’s almost finished with Pennsylvania Patchwork and loves it. What could be better?
And share something about your writing. What’s your genre(s), your areas of interest…
Leaving Lancaster and its newly released sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork,David C Cook, are contemporary Amish fiction novels with unique characters, romance, subplots, and unexpected jogs in the road—what I like to read. I prefer writing about women, relationships, second chances, and the Amish, so I’m in heaven! Not that I haven’t labored hours, make that months and months, researching the Amish before and during the writing process. As I craft the third of the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy, my research on these fascinating people continues.
How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?
Many years ago, I typed a romance novel. But I got distracted with life and didn’t write again for years. In the meantime, I made up stories, songs, and poems for my kids, but didn’t start writing in earnest until a decade ago.
After you started writing seriously—how long was it before you were published?
I received a mountain of reject letters for my first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite, the story of a Seattle painter who reclaims her artistic passion after her son leaves for college. But I persevered. I honed, rewrote, and resubmitted until my lovely publisher, David C Cook, purchased it. Although not about the Amish, it has many similarities: the story is about a woman, relationships, and second chances.
Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your “brain cylinders” firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?
Ah, I do enjoy my morning java, with a splash of heavy whipping cream, as I settle on the living room couch in solitude and silence. I start writing first thing, often journaling. I’ve told my husband I’m writing in my head all the time. I’m thinking about my characters and plot even when putting in a load of laundry. I walk almost every day and bring my mini recorder with me in case inspiration strikes. I’ve learned to write almost anywhere, but prefer home sweet home.
What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers’ conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?
Writers’ conferences and my incredible critique group, composed of published authors, who kindly and lovingly tell me the truth. It pays to have a thick skin because their opinions are like gold.
What are your biggest distractions?
Facebook and Facebook. But I enjoy Facebook and the people I’ve met!
What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?
One of the best moments was learning that Leaving Lancaster was a CBA best seller! I can’t think of a worst moment off the top of my head; I must have squirreled it away in the recesses of my mind. Sometimes it pays to have an iffy memory.
If you could create a perfect day for yourself, what would you do?
I’m enjoying such a day. The sun is shining on my back as I sit at our patio table with my trusty laptop.
If you could cook one meal for us, what would it be?
Lunch on the deck of our beach cabin with my husband manning the BBQ. I enjoy eating outside, but sunshine in the Northwest is not a given. We enjoy every moment we have!
What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?
Worst would be Deadlines (notice the capital D) because I’m a punctual person who prefers to be early. But deadlines keep me chugging along. What I like most is the people I’ve met through my writing, including other authors and fabulous folks at David C Cook, my publisher.
Why do you write?
It’s fun! I’d write whether I was a published author or not. I plain old love to write.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I wouldn’t be a best selling author without the help and guidance of my present agent, the incomparable Sandra Bishop, or my past agent, highly respected Les Stobbe.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Write whenever you can. Even if you think you’re writing badly; you can go back and edit later. Learn to make rewriting your friend. Do your homework before you attend writers’ conferences and send out query letters. Don’t give up!
Pretend I’m a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.
Set in the heart of Amish country, Pennsylvania Patchwork is a compelling and sometimes humorous tale about old grudges and secrets exposed, newfound family and love, and forgiveness.
What’s on the book horizon for you?
I’m working on the third novel to the Legacy of Lancaster County trilogy.
Last question, how can readers find you and your books?
At bookstores or online. Available in print and all e-book formats.
Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)
Thanks for having me, Suzanne! PS: I love hearing from readers.
Thanks for sharing with us Kate. I also live in the Northwest and can’t wait to read your books. I’m also loving the sunshine that we’re having here in WA.
I would love to read this book.
I love all books amish, especially if they involve quilts. Thank you for a great giveaway babscorbitt@ gmail.com
Thank you for the giveaway – I would love to read Kate’s book
Love Kate Lloyd’s books! Would love to win!
I would love to win.
Love reading Amish books and especially ones in PA. Would love to read one of Kate’s books
l would love to win Kate’s book Pennsylvania Patchwork !
I love her writing!
I would love to win Pennsylvania Patchwork. I love reading Amish Fiction.
Like to read about theAmish. And quiliting
I love to read and I love reading books about Amish .Would Love to win please.Thank you ,Dana
I would love to read Kate’s book.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Love reading about Amish. Can’t wait to read your books.
Your book looks great. Wonderful interview!
Hi Kate, Looking forward to reading your books. I am always looking for new authors and story lines. I would love to enter the contest to win your book.
I’d love to win Kate’s book. I live in the Pacific NW, too, and it’s fun to discover local authors and enjoy their books, too!
Hi Kate, I have liked you as a person long before your great Amish books were published. (I have both) You are so light hearted and seem to enjoy life so much it is contagious. Best of luck. Carol Ellmore
I love the Amish quilting genre!
I would love to read this new book. Thank you for the opportunity to try and win it.
I enjoyed learning about this author and would love to read this book.
I would love to win her book. She is a fantastic writer. I have read some of her books in the past. Thank you.
Hi, I work full time raising two grandchildren and have my hands full. Not much time for anything else, but I do find the time to read. Love reading Amish inspirational. Would love to win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork.
thanks for sharing love your book can’t wait for new one
Hi Susan thanks for sharing about Kate and her work today, love to read the lancaster stories, good author and would love to be in your drawing to win one.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Would make a great summer read…
I would be very happy to win a copy of this book by Kate. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
Love reading all books about the Amish.
I’m honored to be interviewed on Suzanne’s blog! Thank you, all who left encouraging comments!
Always a good read when reading an Amish book. Would love to read. Would be a pleasure.
The only thing I read anymore is Christian and amish fiction. I would love to win this book and add it to my libraries collection so others can read it also.
looks like a great read! I am currently fascinated by the Amish culture
Sounds like a great read!
Would love to win one of your books Katy havnt read or find in our stores in Ohio thank
Loved your remark, Kate, about how you would write whether you were published or not. I so agree! Thanks for sharing your insights with my readers. Blessings on your work! Warmly, Suzanne
Hi, Kate,
I enjoyed reading your interview. I would love to win Pennsylvania Patchwork. Have a good day! Molly — mickinakm@gmail.com
Sounds like a great book , I would love to win it !
Sounds like a wonderfully written. Would love to read it. Thanks for a new author to look for.
This sounds like an excellent book, I’d love to read it.
Kate – – I loved reading Leaving Lancaster and I would love to win the sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork!!! Please enter me in this contest. To me, next to the Bible, the Amish Books are the best!!
judyfritz@yahoo.com
Thanks for sharing with us Suzanne & Kate!!!
Great interview!! Love to read Amish fiction. Thank you for entering me in your giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to add a new author to my list of reads. I have so many books to read right now and need to get started. Thank You for the chance to win one.
I hope, I hope, I hope I win this book!
I’ve read the first book and it was great. Would love a chance to win the 2nd book.
Thanks,
Lisa
I love Kate’s books and would love to win this one!
I would love to read a copy of this book. I really enjoy Amish fiction. Great interview.
How long did it take you to write the series of the books you write and where did you come up with the idea for the books you write how old did you started writing books. Are your Books good for teens like 14 and 15 or older and why did you started writing this book do u like writing books I’m starting to write a book it is called the 9th grade and the three learing center teacher it is so much fun.
So how do u come up with the those idea’s for the book and how do u get the names for the books you write and does it take you a long time to write those books you write….
Yes, it takes a long time to complete a book, but worth it! And rewriting is a must for me. Ideas are constantly looping through my brain … I meditate on my characters and plot throughout the day. My books are written for adults but late teens would enjoy. Deep and serious subjects are covered in a “clean” manner, with a slice of humor.
Enjoyable interview. You sold me on the description of the book. Ü
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest.
I’d Love To Win This Book.
I read Leaving Lancaster and really enjoyed it. Would love to win and read Pennsylvania Patchwork. Thanks for the giveaway.
A very nice interview, Suzanne! I love hearing about authors and their new books.
I would love to read Pennsylvania Patchwork! I guess I better get Leaving Lancaster so I’ll be up to speed. =)
Sounds like a great book and I would love to win it. Thanks and God Bless.
Love to win Kate Lloyd’s new book….Kate is such a inspiring, wonderful writer…….love Kate’s books.
Love anything Amish – thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60@yahoo.com
loved the interview I found my self smiling al the way through.ms kate Lloyd sounds like a great book thanks!
I am so glad you decided to keep writing and trying until you got published. I own your book, Leaving Lancaster, and I enjoyed every line of it. I can’t wait to read this new one.
I’ve been reading about this book on all my favorite blogs in the last few weeks and would love the chance to read it, but am on a buying hiatus due to too many books sitting here that I haven’t read. LOL Would love to win it!!
Kate, I love you enthusiasm and it appears you have a zest for life. I would love to read one of your books.
I would love to win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork! Visited the Amish in Lancaster and had a wonderful time!
Sounds like a great book!
a great sounding book; I love the Amish stories and their quilting and baking, etc.
Hi Kate!
So NICE to meet you!
I’m SO GLAD Suzanne has you on her blog! This way I got to meet you, learn about your book, and upcoming ones, I’m SURE! I was just telling Suzanne in a message on Facebook that I am SO happy she is sharing you with us because there are a LOT of new Amish authors out there that I have never heard of, and I don’t know who to choose from only because I don’t know if they have done research, or really KNOW the Amish, etc. It seems like the Amish authors have ballooned tremendously, and even though I support them, the sheer numbers of new books out there is just SO confusing and very difficult to choose from. It’s almost like being out of our comfort zone, in a way. I’m so happy that Suzanne has you here and supports you! I LOVE the interview with you, and we learned a LOT more about you! I feel confident in knowing what you write will be excellent now! Thank you for that! I will always follow the advice of Suzanne, and now you, too, for new Amish authors! Can’t wait to read YOUR book! I wish you the BEST!
Thank you!
Laurie
Oh Kate, I would love to have this book to go with my Leaving Lancaster.
Glad to know you are writing a third. Thanks Suzanne for having Kate on your spotlight. Please put my name in the drawing.
MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
I like that there are a variety of authors writing about the Amish. I love reading Amish novels.
Wow, what great comments! Thank you! I am also a fan of Suzanne’s writing and of Amish Wisdom, her weekly online radio program.
Thank you for the interview, loved it! And would love to win this book, too! miaross1961@yahoo.com
ohhh I love every Amish book i read. would love to win one ! thank you for the chance to win Pennsylvania Patchwork !
Thank you for having the giveaway! Would love to win!
Great interview. I really enjoyed reading it!!
Tonjs
Pennsylvania Patchwork sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading all of your books.
I really enjoyed the wonderful interview with Kate Lloyd……..and so look forward to reading and possibly winning too…..the next book of Kate Lloyd’s ‘Pennsylvania Patchwork’……such wonderful, inspiring books……..babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom
Thank you for the chance to win this interesting book. Blessings on your day.
I love Amish books. I think Kate’s book sounds amazing. I would love a chance at winning. And an aside to Suzanne, I just finished Amish Peace this morning on the way to work. It is a beautiful book! I think everyone would benefit from reading it!
Blessings,
Sonja sonja.nishimoto@gmail.com
I love to read your books and i would love to add this one to my books . I got your Leaving Lancaster. I love to read about the Amish. God bless u and God bless Suzanne . keep up the great awesome work yall both do on your books. thanks Suzanne for having Kate on your blog. thanks ida davis email is houswife(at)gmail(dot)com
What a nice interview! Thanks for the chance to win Kate’s book.
Brittany McEuen
Would so love to win.
i would so love to win.love kate’s books.
How wonderful! I have long been a fan of Amish Romance novels. I love the sound of this book and have added it to my TBR list!
The beach cabin sounds wonderful!
Love your books! Happy 4th of July!
Absolutely love reading Kate’s books. Would love to win this one also!
Please consider me for the free book.Ilove to read her books, and have umd have up to this book! Thank you
Just finished Leaving Lancaster and loved it can wait to read the next
Yet another great author interview! This is so much fun! I’ve downloaded Leaving Lancaster and is next on my list to read. (Peeked at the first chapter, LOL!)
Please enter me in your giveaway for the 2nd book. Thanks so much!
Carol
Nice interview. Book sounds really great. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Great to learn about a different Amish author! !
Am still thinking about your book many hours after reading this. Very excited to read it- love the subject of forgiveness!
Hello Kate,
It’s super nice to read about you and your new book. Would love to win but if I don’t I will head to the closest book store. Thank you Suzanne for asking such great questions of Kate.