Happy New Year!

by KateLloyd | Jan 3, 2018 | get to know me, giveaway, Holidays | 403 comments

Another twelve months have flown by. Although I’m eagerly awaiting the release of my next book, Starting from Scratch, on April 3rd. I want to savor each day until the auspicious occasion. And soon, another Amish quilt to giveaway!

For me, the start of a new year is a time of reflection. I scroll back through my memories and recall my accomplishments and my defeats—opportunities to learn, don’t you think?

Some might see my life as a roller coaster ride. My professorial father was appalled when I bought and was sole proprietor of a restaurant. Especially since I’d studied art in college and my mother was a portrait sculptor. (She did not want to be called a sculptress.) At one time, she was President of Pacific Northwest Sculptors.

Our sons’ clay portraits reside atop our piano. Mom cast most in bronze.

Our sons’ clay portraits reside atop our piano. Mom cast most of her work in bronze.

My dad was equally flabbergasted when I sold cars at several dealerships. At that time, I may have been the only female car-salesman in Seattle. Okay, I’ve always been a bit of a risk-taker.

I adore singing on stage in a dress tailored just for me.

When I became a Christian in my 30s and started attending church, I realized I couldn’t sing worth a hoot. Determined to sing well, I found the best vocal teacher in the PNW to give me lessons. She kindly took me on. Singing was so much fun; I auditioned and performed for several musical theater groups and also sang in productions at the University of Washington.

I admire people who grow up knowing exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Like my husband, who wanted to be a chiropractor at age eleven. He wants to be the best chiro Melbourne who can provide relief to everyone.
Yet even he had to switch vocations after suffering a nasty ski accident. He became a consultant and has a thriving business. But he continues to take on new challenges, such as publishing his own book and becoming skilled at shooting videos.

I recently asked a respected orthopedic surgeon if it was easier to get into medical school or get a book published, something he wishes to do. He said medical school. So, why would I begin the arduous task of writing and being published? My first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite, seemed to emerge from my morning journaling. Being a wee bit OCD, I continued to write and write until it was finished, and then began the process of rereading and editing, sending out query letters, joining a critique group, and attending writing conferences. Not for the weary at heart.

A young Amish man driving home from church service in Lancaster County.

Writing Amish fiction has been no easy feat. I mean, really writing about them in as close to a factual way as possible. All of my endeavors have required tremendous study and research, but none more than my desire to write about the Amish of Lancaster County.

What have you been procrastinating and would like to complete? What is one undeveloped talent you are willing to explore—or wish you had? Is it ever too late to finish a project or start something new?

A lovely and ingenious Amish-made Quillow sewn in Lancaster County!

Please leave a comment to enter to win this Amish-made Quillow from Lancaster County, plus a signed copy of either A Letter from Lancaster County, or one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy – either CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.

Winner has 3 days to respond. USA and Canada entries only. Winner will be chosen at random and announced next Tuesday..

403 Comments

Newer Comments →

kathy Persons on 01/03/2018 at 4:24 am

Love your books~ and Lancaster County
- Shirley Milbourn on 01/03/2018 at 5:35 am
  
  Love your books and dearly love to win this beautiful quillow.
  - KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:49 am
    
    I appreciate your lovely compliment, Shirley. Good luck in the giveaway!
    Kate
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:49 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathy!
  Kate
- Cheri Hoffman on 01/03/2018 at 7:01 am
  
  Love your books.. Would love to win the pillow so I could use while reading
  - KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:47 am
    
    Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cheri!
    Kate
- Jeniann farr on 01/03/2018 at 7:10 am
  
  Love your books. This is the first quillow I have seen. I would love to own this awesome creation! Hope you have an amazing year writing and thanks for the opportunity to win!
  - KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:48 am
    
    Thanks for your kind compliments and well wishes, Jeniann. Good luck in the giveaway!
    Kate
Sue on 01/03/2018 at 5:01 am

Love your books. I would love to see the pillow that makes a quilt.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:51 am
  
  Quillows are ingenious, practical, and cute, Sue! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Mary Jane Ferrell on 01/03/2018 at 5:02 am

I wish you a successful year for your writing!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:51 am
  
  I appreciate your well wishes, Mary Jane! Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Annette Eldridge on 01/03/2018 at 5:08 am

I want to learn some new recipes to cook and try to sew myself a dress. Love your books and can’t wait for the next one! 🙂
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:53 am
  
  Good for you, Annette! Learning to make new things keeps the brain alive, not to mention the benefits of your endeavors. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Betsy Miller on 01/03/2018 at 5:08 am

I would love to win that Quillow . It’s BEAUTIFUL <3. I live near Spartansburg Pa. we have many Amish families that live there and their quilts are GORGEOUS.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:54 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Betsy. Good luck!
  Kate
Karen Bertke on 01/03/2018 at 5:11 am

Love your books! They are always a nice little escape!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:55 am
  
  I appreciate your lovely compliment, Karen. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Kailey Bechtel on 01/03/2018 at 5:12 am

I have always wanted to play an instrument, but I have no musical talent whatsoever. Thanks for the giveaway!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:58 am
  
  It is not too late to learn to play an instrument, Kailey. It does take practice and perseverance, but never too late if you truly have the desire. Gymnastics may be another story … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Melissa C on 01/03/2018 at 5:14 am

Oh how sweet, thank you for an opportunity
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 5:58 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Melissa!
  Kate
Vickie on 01/03/2018 at 5:18 am

I want to someday write a self help book -finding the time right now is the problem!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:00 am
  
  That is a problem all writers have, Vickie. What would happen if you wrote one page a day? I highly recommend journaling and writing out your thoughts. Use a pencil and don’t correct spelling or grammar. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Rose Ward on 01/03/2018 at 5:18 am

I do love Amish books and Amish things
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:01 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Rose!
  Kate
Kate on 01/03/2018 at 5:18 am

A new year also deserves doing something nice for one’s self! (A new concept for 2018). The quillow is too darn cute and would bring a smile to my face while reading your books! Thanks for the chance!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:09 am
  
  I hope you do something nice for yourself, Kate. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
  Kate
Margaret Stone on 01/03/2018 at 5:19 am

I visit Lancaster county often!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:10 am
  
  I love visiting Lancaster County, Margaret. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Kat on 01/03/2018 at 5:20 am

Thank you for the chance to win something exceptional – the Quillow AND one of your books! Much happiness to you in this New Year!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:11 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kat. Wishing you happiness in the new year too!
  Kate
Perrianne Askew on 01/03/2018 at 5:22 am

I think procrastination may be my middle name! I’ve never seen a quilt like that. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:14 am
  
  I often procrastinate,Perrianne, especially in the cleanup/put-away arena. Thanks for leaving a comment and in doing the giveaway!
  Kate
Peggy Banchor on 01/03/2018 at 5:23 am

Happy New Year.Hope the New Year’s is great and more great new Amish stories I enjoy so much.Thank you.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:16 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Peggy. Hope you enjoy my next Amish book!
  Kate
Janet on 01/03/2018 at 5:23 am

Just bought a home in Lititz, PA and I would love to see this beautiful Quillow on my sofa!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:16 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Janet. Good luck!
  Kate
Paula Jeffers on 01/03/2018 at 5:25 am

Love your books
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:16 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Paula!
  Kate
Deborah Gaskins on 01/03/2018 at 5:25 am

Love your books ! You are very talented . Thank you also for the opportunity to win this quilt . I work for a home Health care provider and I know a client that absolutely love this . She has a heart of gold , her Health is failing her , if I win it will be going to her who has given so much for so many years to so many .
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:20 am
  
  You are very generous in your praise for my books and obviously toward others, Deborah. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Cherese Akhavein on 01/03/2018 at 5:27 am

Love this look into your life Kate, whenever we learn a little about our beloved Authors I believe it helps us connect to them more when we read their wonderful books. I look forward to your new book coming out as well.
For me I would love to learn to sew and quilt, my mother tried to teach me so many times and I could never get it now that she has passed I’m determined to learn and make something in her name. I gave a bunch of her old clothes to my Amish friend to make wall hangings for all my siblings and children but I would love to make even a quilted potholder myself.
And no I don’t believe your ever to old to learn anything! I believe we should strive to learn something new until the day the Good Lord calls us home! God Bless and Good Luck All
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:27 am
  
  I love your attitude, Cherese! Starting with a small quilted potholder makes sense rather than a huge quilt. At this very moment, I am sitting under a quilt made of patches of old fabric and clothes. (In photo above) I agree with you: You are never too old to learn anything that doesn’t require tremendous strength and agility. Best wishes in the giveaway!
  Kate
CONNIE LYNCH on 01/03/2018 at 5:27 am

Kate you are so sweet and generous. I enjoy the friendship we have found and I enjoy your work and I enjoy the way you interact with your readers and fans. Thank you so very much.
Connie
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:30 am
  
  You are sweet and generous, Connie. I imagine you have learned a great deal over the last couple years hosting Keeping up with the Amish. Could you have imagined doing it 10 years ago? Thanks for writing and brightening up my day, even though it’s still dark outside. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Karen fossett on 01/03/2018 at 5:32 am

Love the Amish they are very strong people and there homemade goods love them
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:31 am
  
  Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Karen!
  Kate
Hannah Kilpatrick on 01/03/2018 at 5:32 am

I have not been reading or cross-stitching like I want to lately. I want to do more in the coming year.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:33 am
  
  Both are worthy endeavors, Hannah. Cross-stitching is one craft I have never tried. I hope you do more this coming year. And reading too, of course. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Sandra on 01/03/2018 at 5:34 am

I love your writings! I recently read, “Lancaster” and enjoyed it so much. I passed it on to a friend. ☺
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:35 am
  
  Thank you so much for leaving your kind compliment and for passing my book on to a friend, Sandra. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Hope Moyer on 01/03/2018 at 5:35 am

I would love to win ! Thanks for the chance to win
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:35 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Hope!
  Kate
Ruth Tichler on 01/03/2018 at 5:36 am

Love Amish books and the Quillow. I made these years ago.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:36 am
  
  Thanks for leaving your comment, Ruth, Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Elaine Shorb on 01/03/2018 at 5:38 am

As often as I visit Lancaster County Amish Country, you would think that I would have a Quillow. But,it is still on my “bucket list”.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:37 am
  
  In that case, I hope you win this darling Quillow, Elaine. Thanks for entering the giveaway! Hey, what’s on your bucket list to learn this year? Doesn’t need to be a huge project …
  Kate
Rachael on 01/03/2018 at 5:38 am

I love Amish books!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:38 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Rachel!
  Kate
Linda D. McFarland on 01/03/2018 at 5:44 am

Quillows are so clever. Bought them for family members one Christmas. I want to learn to crochet in earnest this year! I get bored easily and quit too soon. Never get bored reading! Loved your blog post and thanks for the opportunity to win! Happy New Year!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:42 am
  
  I hope you do continue with your crocheting, Linda. I learned years ago. Nothing beyond a scarf, but at least I learned a new craft. Whenever I see a woman crocheting or knitting in a waiting room I think: good for her for making good use of the time. Of course, reading works too. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Margie Conrad on 01/03/2018 at 5:44 am

This quillow is beautiful, would make a great addition to our home.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:43 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Margie!
  Kate
Barbara Frayer on 01/03/2018 at 5:50 am

Love your books and would love to win this Quillow, it is just beautiful. Hope you have a blessed and Happy New Year!!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:44 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Barbara. hope you have a blessed and happy new year too!
  Kate
Diana Lynn Montgomery on 01/03/2018 at 5:50 am

I really wanted to go into art and recently I have picked up the paint brush again. But I have found I like quilting and am learning different patterns and I find it calming. I have tried my hands at different crafts. I done some sculpting. But mostly I loved being a mother and raising my sons. Now a Nana. I feel blessed. Love your blog and your books. I don’t believe I will ever be a writer but I sure love to read.
Blessings
Diana
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 6:49 am
  
  Thanks for leaving your fun comment, Diana. How wonderful that you have tried so many arts and crafts! You can share and teach them with your grandkids. My aunt taught me how to crochet and do needlework. She was a fabulous quilter and now I wish I had asked for her help, for at least a small piece. Yet if I really wanted to start quilting, I would do it and ask someone else for assistance. Right? Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
gloria hoskinson on 01/03/2018 at 5:51 am

Would love the book and quilt. Read many Amish books by many authors. Love them all.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 7:04 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Gloria!
  Kate
BJ Marley on 01/03/2018 at 5:55 am

I want to write down all the stores that come to mind. I have so many ideas though.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 7:13 am
  
  I highly recommend journaling, BJ. Nothing fancy, just a cheap notebook and pencil or pen. Write whatever comes into your head about any topic, even dumb stuff, like what you need to accomplish in the day to get dinner ready. Or maybe you’re mad about something. Write it out and get it on the page w/o correcting spelling or punctuation. Once all those thoughts are written out, you may find a specific story comes to mind and you’ve struck gold. I have written all my books partially by hand and highly recommend it. Well, journaling would be good for anyone. I encourage you to start with one story … Another thought: Something I do is jot down a storyline, title, names, on a Post-it note and file it for future use. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment and for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Linda Landreth on 01/03/2018 at 5:57 am

I enjoy Amish themed books . I usually feel more peaceful than reading other kinds of books. Some years ago my husband had to go to Pensylvania on business so I went with him and we also went to Lancaster. I would like to go back or visi another Amish Community now. Books allow me to visi every day.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 7:15 am
  
  I find good sleep follows reading Amish themed books too, Linda. How cool that your husband took a business trip to Pennsylvania … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Marcy Rogers on 01/03/2018 at 5:57 am

I love your books!! This pillow quilt is very pretty and would be happy to win one!!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 7:16 am
  
  Thank you for your kind compliments and for entering the giveaway, Marcy. Good luck!
  Kate
Judy Sheridan Smith on 01/03/2018 at 6:04 am

Thanks for sharing some of your personal information; I enjoyed learning more about you.
I’ve enjoyed each of your books that I’ve read and look forward to the next one.
2018 Projects include completing about a dozen quilting projects. No more putting them off; I will work on one today!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:08 am
  
  I appreciate your comment, Judy. I was afraid this post was all about me and not of much interest. I wish you much success in completing your quilting projects. Good for you! And good luck in this giveaway!
  Kate
Fay Grace. on 01/03/2018 at 6:05 am

How exciting would it be to win the quillow. It is gorgeous. Love your books! Would love to win that also!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:09 am
  
  Thank you for your generous compliments about my books, Fay. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Lisa Ashley on 01/03/2018 at 6:07 am

Happy New Year!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:15 am
  
  Happy new year to you, Lisa! I hope this is your best year ever.
  Kate
Patti Gellner on 01/03/2018 at 6:08 am

Would love to win this beauty.I love your books Thanks for the chance,Patti
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:16 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Patti. Good luck!
  Kate
Tina Loveless on 01/03/2018 at 6:09 am

Beautiful giveaway thank you for ththe chance to win.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:17 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tina.
  Kate
Betty Hallett on 01/03/2018 at 6:19 am

I love the AMISH so much and you’re a GREAT writer. Would love to win because I love anything Amish. Thank you for the chance
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:17 am
  
  Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Betty!
  Kate
Kim Vizzini on 01/03/2018 at 6:21 am

Oh my this is absolutely the best idea ever a quilt and pillow all in one how clever !!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:18 am
  
  I’m glad you like this ingenious Amish quillow, Kim. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Marla Winters on 01/03/2018 at 6:25 am

Beautiful!! Thank you for the opportunity!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:19 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marla!
  Kate
Kaye Whitney on 01/03/2018 at 6:37 am

I need to finish a knitted sweater that I started in the ‘70’s. I would like to learn to make my crochet stitches much better. I admire quillows and I would love to read your book.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:21 am
  
  Sounds as if you have some marvelous projects ahead, Kaye. From the 70s? Yes, it’s time to finished that sweater. Thanks for leaving your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
  Kate
Pat Cory on 01/03/2018 at 6:37 am

What a beautiful quillow! Would love to win this and the book. Sounds like you have had an interesting life. Something I have wanted to learn is to play the piano. Maybe one day I will. Have a blessed day.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:25 am
  
  I encourage you to learn to play the piano, Pat. Can you read music at all? If not, you can learn. I took piano lessons as a child. Although I never played Mozart, it’s helped me in many ways. I encourage you to take the plunge. Good luck in the giveaway!
  Kate
Ronda Ferry on 01/03/2018 at 6:45 am

Really enjoy your books.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:25 am
  
  Thanks, Ronda! Good luck in the giveaway!
Pam Bodnar on 01/03/2018 at 6:50 am

Love to read your books and the quillow is beautiful!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:26 am
  
  Thanks for entering the giveaway, Pam!
  Kate
Carol Iverson on 01/03/2018 at 6:54 am

Thank you so much for doing this. Love reading about the Amish. The Quillow is beautiful.
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:27 am
  
  Good luck in the giveaway, Carol!
  Kate
Nancy Winn on 01/03/2018 at 6:54 am

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY! It’s a cold winter and a quillow and book can get us through keeping us warm inside and out!
- KateLloyd on 01/03/2018 at 8:27 am
  
  Thanks for stopping by my blog to enter the giveaway, Nancy. Good luck!
  Kate
Murna Vanderklok on 01/03/2018 at 6:56 am

Not sure if this is available to Canadian fans, but I understand if not. Best of luck to all entries!
- KateLloyd on 01/04/2018 at 4:02 pm
  
  Yes, you may and are entered in the giveaway, Murna! Good luck!

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