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 the last Author Spotlight giveaway is DONNA G.! Please email info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com with your mailing address to claim your prize.
Welcome Laura Hilton, author of A White Christmas in Webster County, to Author Spotlight! Leave a comment below for the chance to win a copy of her book.
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
The best advice I ever got was, “Put your butt on the seat and write.” Or to be more polite, “Sit and stay.”
What was your biggest break?
My biggest break was when my agent submitted an Amish proposal around and big publishers sat up and took notice. Previously I was writing contemporary romance which is not a hot genre.
I’m inspired by…
Reading a really good book.
If I could go anywhere, it would be…
On a long vacation to Amish communities from Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan ending at a cabin on Lake Superior.
Describe yourself in one word:
Quiet.
What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
When I was a finalist for the Christian Retail Awards last year.
Best Surprise:
Winning the Laurel Awards for best Amish book and best book over all (two categories) in 2012.
Best Saturday Afternoon Read:
This one is hard to answer. So many good books….
Best Way to Break a Sweat:
Gardening!
Best Advice:
I have learned that whatsoever state I’m in to therein be content.
Where can readers connect with you?
My blogs:
lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
[Tweet “What’s the best writing advice @Laura_V_Hilton’s received? Put your butt on the seat and write!”]
Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards), Surrendered Love and Awakened Love. A nonAmish book Swept Away will release November 2014 from Abingdon Press. She is contracted for another three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, begins in November 2014 with The Snow Globe, The Postcard in June 2015, and The Bird House in September 2015, and A White Christmas in Webster County (Amish) releasing in September 2014. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
I love books set in the Amish community. It’s enjoyable to read a sweet story and usually learn a little about a different way of life. Laura Hilton sounds like an interesting author and I’m looking forward to reading her books.
Thanks Suzanne, for introducing me to yet another author I’ve not yet read. You certainly are broadening my horizons. I’d love to win a copy of this novel!
Thank you for a great chance at a wonderful book. Love hearing about new authors ! Crissy
Thank you, Suzanne, for another Author Spotlight! Laura, I love your best advice…trying and ever-learning! I can’t wait to read this book! (I’m getting excited for Christmas!)
Blessings!
Thank you for this opportunity to learn about another author of Amish books. It seems that no matter how many I read, there are many more unique stories to read.
I appreciate this opportunity to be selected to receive a copy of A White Christmas in Webster County (Amish) by Laura Hilton.
I love books set in the Amish community. It’s enjoyable to read a story and learn a little about a different way of life. Laura Hilton sounds like an interesting author. Thanks for the chance to win White Christmas.
I have always been interested in the Amish comminuty and the books are great, love the series
Hi Suzanne.. thank you for bringing laura Hilton to my attention. I do enjoy the Amish fiction and Amish Christmas fiction – great !!! thank you for the chance to win a great prize !!! Blessings.. Rosemary
Thanks for the chance to win a book and finding a new author.
I love reading Amish stories and Christmas stories. I’ve read reviews of this book and would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity to maybe win a copy:)
I love Christmas books. Thank you for the chance. This book sounds amazing!
I am always looking for new authors, like so many others, and would enjoy the chance to read your book! I appreciate the chance to enter this drawing as well! I do enjoy learning more about the Amish lifestyle and love its’ simple ways. Thanks for writing!
i am looking forward to the christmas reading season. thank you for the chance to win a christmas novel.
I enjoyed reading about you. I have yet to read one of your books, so I clicked on the image of your book to read the synopsis and was surprised by what I found. I LOVE your website homepage!!! It is absolutely beautiful as well as meaningful. I even tried to download one of the pictures to have on my computer, but was unable to – shoot! I guess I’ll have to be satisfied going to your webpage…. Anyway, I did get to read the book description and it sounds really good. I would love to win a copy!
Love Laura Hilton’s books. Have you been to Lancaster Co., PA, Laura? Thanks for the opportunity to win…Linda
I do like Amish books. They are certainly mood lifters 🙂
This is a new author for me, too. I would love to win a book. Do love those Christmas books!
I haven’t heard of this author until I read this. She sounds like a wonderful person and writer. I would love to win this contest. Thanks
Thank you for the chance to win a wonderful book! I love readin g about the Amish, I had live near an Amish settlement not too long ago and it was wonderful to see how they live off the land and the power of their faith! Have wonderful day and God Bless You All!!!
Thank you for introducing another new author to me! She sounds like a great person and author. I would love to win one of her books.
This looks excellent. I am looking forward to reading this. I love, love Amish themed books and especially Christmas ones!
I love winning good books to read… <3
How wonderful…a Christmas Amish book. I’d love to read it.
I love all books that deal with the Amish. I live near both Amish and Mennonites and I so love their simple lives. I would love to win this wonderful looking book!
Hi Laura! Thanks for taking the time for this Q&A. Fun to hear about the “break through” moment for you in publishing. Inspiring to others!
Warmly, Suzanne
Another author to read. Love reading Amish books.