Please welcome my guest, award-winning Amish author Laura V. Hilton, here to answer some questions I had after reading her up-coming novel, Amish Wanderer.
Kate: Laura, how did Amish Wanderer get started?
Laura Hilton: Romans 8:38-39. I had no idea what Amish Wanderer would be about. I knew a blurb. I knew the characters names. I knew they used to be “sweethearts” before he moved away. That is all I knew. God usually gives me the verses in the middle or end of a book and this time, He dumped it out on my lap. Romans 8:38-39. I looked it up. Read it. And I looked at it and said, “What am I supposed to do with that?” So I was driving somewhere and my daughters were listening to a cd. I don’t remember what song we were listening to. But when we got home, I knew the opening line of the story. The sky is falling and I’m searching for somewhere to hide.
Kate: Laura, how do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all?
When I started writing Amish fiction, everyone said, you need to write your family’s story. And I said no. I would never write my family’s story. It is awful. Beyond awful. No. But while Amish Wanderer is not my family’s story, it is the closest I will ever come. Ever. It ripped my heart out writing this story. I imagined myself in my Grandmother’s eyes as she went through a similar nightmare. I know—or think I know—the horror she must’ve felt, living in fear of the person who was hurting her. That she eventually came to Christ is a miracle.
Kate: Will we know what happens to your character after the end of the book?
Yes, if you know how to read between the lines. I don’t actually come out and say where they end up and do in this book, but it is very broadly hinted. And if you read my next book coming in the fall of 2017 (stand alone) there is a mention of Bethany and where she ended up. My books are all stand alone. But there might be some overlapping of characters. Just like in real life.
Kate: Laura, where do you like to write?
Oh, I have dreams of writing at Starbucks like so many authors do. Alas, I live in rural Arkansas, there is no Starbucks within a 150 miles or more, and I am a stay at home mom with five children and I homeschool – two of them. Three are homeschool graduates. I write in the living room. With my children beside me so I can help with their school work – or explain it.
Kate: How do you handle distractions?
Since it seems like I am trying to write at the busiest spot in “Grand Central Station” some days, I am envious of authors who say “I only got 5,000 words written today.” Only!? I’m happy if I get 500 words written a day. Over the moon ecstatic if I reach 1,000!
Kate: If someone else were sitting at your desk right now, what would they see?
Ha ha. They would see my three daughters sitting on the couch, watching a DVD of an old movie. We don’t have TV. They would see my to-do-list and the ARC of my upcoming book on my right, and a manuscript that I need to endorse for another writer on my left. And some sore throat spray because my youngest daughter says she has a sore throat. The medicine tastes yucky. She wants me to throw it away and buy the good tasting throat drops.
Kate: When you’re working on a project, how do you keep the immensity of it from getting you down?
If it is hard to write and depressing me, like Amish Wanderer was, I have to physically remove myself from it, read a happy book. Something that takes me away from it until I can focus on it.
Kate: Both of your lead characters have “baggage” that keeps them from wanting to pursue a new relationship. Do you think sometimes we let our past get in the way of what God has planned for our futures?
Most definitely. The Amish book releasing in the fall of next year has a line the preacher in the book says – I don’t remember the exact words that I used – but something about what if the future God has for you is wrapped up in your worst nightmares, your biggest fears? Sometimes, you have to face the past in order to move past it to a brighter future.
Kate: Do you think there’s any reason in particular some people have one reaction versus the other when something bad happens in their life?
I am not going to attempt to play psychologist, but Bethany reacted by pulling away from God and having a stand-off until He does what she wants. Silas reacted by turning to the scriptures and trying to trust God knows what He’s doing even though he doesn’t like it. That God has a reason for putting him through the refiner’s fire.
Kate: Has there been a time in your own life where you could really sense God was putting you in a situation for a reason?
Oh, so many. As most of my readers know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago. I went into it shaking, like most people do. I had a three-year-old, I didn’t have time for cancer. But someone sent me an i-pod shuffle loaded with praise and worship songs for me to listen to during chemo. I read, a lot, and God was drawing me deeper into His word. I prayed a lot. I’m not going to say that it was a walk in the park. And I am still suffering side effects from it. BUT I learned to listen to God. I grew as a Christian. I grew as a writer. And I believe God put me through it so I would become the writer that I wouldn’t have been if He hadn’t refined me.
How about you, Dear Reader? Can you relate to Laura’s characters and her real-life struggles? Have you encountered adversities that promoted personal growth? How did you cope? Leave a comment and enter to win a signed copy ARC of The Wanderer or a copy of any other one of Laura’s books. USA only. Winner has one week to respond.
The Amish Wanderer
Bethany Weiss has been fascinated by Silas Beiler since he spent a couple of years in Jamesport, Missouri, before he and his family moved to another Amish community. They hadn’t kept in touch, but she hasn’t forgotten the friendly young man who brought her lemonade and took her home once from a Singing years ago. When she finds a man sleeping in her family’s barn, like Jesus sleeping in the hay, she is stunned to recognize Silas. He’s left the Amish and is backpacking across the country. She talks him into staying, at least until after Christmas.
Silas’ family has never been happy living in one area for long, and their vagabond ways are wearing on him. He’s lived in Amish communities all over the nation, moving whenever his dad became disgruntled with the leaders, and he’s looking for some sense of stability. His intentions are to make it back to Pennsylvania and stay with his Englisch onkle and his family—and pursue an education. Will Bethany be the one to bring Silas in from the cold? Or will he continue on his way to his extended family and become Englisch?
About Laura
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with almost twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals or blog posts for Seriously Write and Putting on the New.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye and currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
You can find Laura at her Amazon author site, her blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
its always difficult to tackle a challenge when your faced with it, however I feel if we try to remember that God walks the road with us as we are on our journey even if we feel we are alone. At times I think we forget or don’t want to remember for whatever reason that whatever we are facing is never to big that we can’t handle it if we have faith in God
So true, Cherese. Thanks for stopping by.
I would love to win!! Thanks so much for the chance!!
thanks for entering, Molly.
thank you for sharing it sounds like a great book thanks for the give away
thanks for entering, Brenda.
Thanks for stopping by Laura and talking about the “Amish Wanderer” and offering a giveaway
Good Luck to all entrants
HI, Diane! Thanks for stopping by! Good luck to you.
Thanks for the give away. The book sounds wonderful
Thanks for entering , Lora
Loved the interview and I’m excited about the new book. I grew up in a very violent Childhood home.Through all the things I went through it made me stronger . I would not change anything from my past. It helped me behind closer to God and realize He was always there .
That is so true, Deana.
It was good to read this about Laura because I don’t know much about her nor read a book by her. I’ve wanted to but to date, haven’t. It’s time to change that!
Thanks for entering, Loretta! Good luck.
Thanks. I always enjoy discovering new authors. I also enjoyed your review.
thanks for entering, Tina
I am so looking forward to reading this book.I love your quote that sometimes we must face our past to move on to a brighter future.I thought I had faced mine but with reading this post I am not sure I have.I think deep down I have forgiven others but the I haven’t forgiven myself.Maybe this post was to set me in the right direction for my brighter future.Thanks for sharing.
Sometimes facing the past is the hardest thing to do and the most necessary to move on. Praying for you, Jackie.
I can relate to the tension of being put through “refiner fire” and wanting God to fit my expectations and ideals. It’s hard at times but through it I am learning a depth of trust in God that I haven’t experienced before.
Thank you for a great post
Thank you Ailie. And thanks for entering Praying for you.
Love to win—-Thank you
Thanks for entering Betty
I enjoyed your nlog immensely! I had a hard time as a child clear thru 9th grade and i tried several times to run away. I probably would have run as far as my grandma” house about a mile away but i knew i would be safe and loved there! My siblings were always picking on me and blaming me foreverything. I would lo e to win a signed copy of your new book to add to my collection. I have all your books. Great books.
Thank you so much, Pamela! Good luck!
Sounds like a book I’d really enjoy.
Thanks for entering Susan
I would love to win this.
thanks for entering, Patti
I would love to support another Arkansasan! Your book sounds very intriguing. My question would be that since, like myself, living in Arkansas where do you get your information about Amish lives, customs, etc.? Have you visited with Amish folks? That would be very intriguing and educational to me
Bettina, thanks for entering! Actually, there is an Amish community less than 8 miles away from my house in Arkansas. I see them regularly and am friends with some. I also visit the communities I write about. And my maternal grandparents — who’s story I will never write but the Amish Wanderer is a very fictionalized version of their story – were Amish. They actually left the Amish.
Sounds like a very interesting read. Enjoyed the blog. Always nice to learn about the author. Would love to add this book to my collection. Thank you.
Thanks for entering Mary Ellen
would love to win a copy of this book! thanks so much for giving us a chance!
It is always hard to go through difficult times. God is always with us to give us the strength and courage we need. I have often relied on Him to get me through. Yes, so etimes kicking and screaming.
I can definitely relate Laura. I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago. Though I’m now cancer free I still hold my breath each time I get a mammogram.
Mine was caught early at stage one with a mammogram. LADIES get your YEARLY mammograms, they are literally life savers!!!
Thank you for the book giveaway!
What a great interview! I’m looking forward to reading The Amish Wanderer. My adversity — I think having my husband come close to death twenty years ago was probably the biggest trial I’ve ever been through. And yet, as I was going through it, I knew the Lord’s love and comfort and support more tangibly than at any other moment in my life. It wasn’t because I prayed more or prayed harder, it was because HE poured out grace without measure on me during those days.
Praying or you and your family, Deb. Thanks for entering .
Thanks for the giveaway. The “Amish Wanderer” sounds like a good read
Thanks for entering, Diane
This sounds like another winner, Laura. Thank you for blessing us with your books.
Thank you, Carol. Thanks for entering
Great giveaway! Oh my goodness would love to win! I have a book addiction! Laura your a great author. God bless!
thank you, Crissy!
Would love to win this book. Thanks for this wonderful give away.
Thanks for entering, Juanita
Would love to win.
Winning would be fun, Valerie. Good luck!
Yes, adversity has been a part of my life. Trying to get through it is a trial but that’s when you are humbled and know that you need to have to turn to the Lord for the answers.
So true, Sonja. When things are going my way sometimes I forget He’s there. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. Good luck!
Kate
I’ve experienced trauma in my life. At times I wanted to turn away from God but knew He was the answer. With my faith and crying out to Him, I was able to overcome and move forward in life to follow His leading. Thank you for sharing. God bless.
Thanks for writing, Marilyn. Laura’s honesty hit home for me too. God bless you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoyed this post and would love to win this book! I’ve had a rough year of trials but have always felt God was nearby. I always feel I can cope when He is beside me. sonja dot nishimoto @gmail dot com
I loved your book Amish Wanderer! I read all the Christian Amish fiction I can find I have quite a collection already! I am also from Arkansas and interested in visiting Amish communities someday! Do you suggest one close to Arkansas? Maybe in Mo? God Bless you!