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 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..
You are the most wonderful Author I have met on Facebook :I say that having this Facebook I get to meet Authors of books I read: You are so kind and caring to your readers: You are a wonderful book writer: love seeing your post on your walks. God bless you and your family and friends.
I am always telling my family. Guess what I met a Author on Facebook and they even answer us fans: My family laughs at me about my excitement lol. What I read from Authors it must be a very stressful job to do. Just know you get million of readers reading your amazing books.
Oh my such a pretty quilt/pillow, would look great on my couch. Thank You for the chance to win it. Would love the book too.
Good luck in the giveaway, Lanore!
Kate
I am humbled by your generous comment, Tammy. I get to meet some amazing readers on FB whom I also consider friends. You are obviously a kind and caring person to write such an uplifting note and I thank you for it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Happy New Year Kate! Hoping to be the luckiest Facebook Friend next Tuesday – Pauline Stillman http://www.poetrypoem.com/polyanthum
I am an avid reader. I have loved reading for as long as I can remember. One thing I have always wanted to do is write a book. I have no idea how to start or what to do. My favorite genre to read is Amish fiction. Love vacationing in Lancaster County. My family and I have been vacationing there for over 30 years. Love your books and would love to win!!
If writing a book is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, I encourage you to plunge in and give it a try. Do you Journal? I highly recommend it for anyone as a good way to clear the clutter out of your head, but for a writer it can be invaluable. You don’t need a fancy journal, good handwriting or spelling, or even an idea about what you want to journal about. You can even write: I don’t have a clue what I want to write about. If something is bothering you, go ahead and put it on the page. A book might present itself. Or maybe you already have an idea for a book, and journaling is a great way to jumpstart it. Do not be your own worst critic. Keep your journal in a private spot if you don’t live alone. Some people re-ead their journals, but I never have. If I have a question in a book I’m working on, I often journal until it comes out, even if it means writing What happens next? and then writing down as many crazy possibilities as I can think of. BTW: Many authors start by writing short pieces, such as articles. Apparently, I’m long-winded, as you can see from this reply. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to read. I read around 3 books a week. I love reading about the Amish. They are so interesting in their simplistic way of life. The quillow is beautiful. It would be a nice addition to my reading chair.
I am the slowest reader in the world, Dawana, and wish I could read that many books in a week. If I really enjoy an author’s writing style, I will go back and re-read the page and perhaps underline. I might even turn around and re-read the whole book. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Loved A Letter from Lancaster.
So glad you enjoyed it, Ola. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
That is beautiful. I would love to win the quilt and signed book.. Love your Amish books.. Thank you so much for the good clean reading…..
Thank you for leaving your generous comment, Janice. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am intrigued by reading about your interesting life adventures! Now planning on reading 1 of your books
Wonderful, Joyce. I hope you enjoy reading one of my books. The public library is always a good resource … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
One of the things I really enjoy about you is the fact that you respond and seem to care about all of the people who write on your page sometimes even keeping conversations going for days, it has been awesome getting to know you, your likes, and the way you think about things
I have enjoyed getting to know you and your wife, Richard. I do enjoy conversing with my on FB. You could do me a huge favor and check one of my books out of the library. If they don’t carry it, make a request. It’s really women’s fiction but many men enjoy reading my books. Then, we’d have even more to talk about … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
You’ve had an incredible adventure in life so far WOW! I totally enjoy your books! Was so glad when I first found your books. Blessings!
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog post, Jan. And also for your kind compliment on my writing. Big smile here. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I use to make quillos and sell tbem. I love these give aways especially with all the Amish sguff. But the nooks are the greatest and I love your books Kate. Thanks for the opportunitu to try to win this. AWESOME!!
Thanks for stopping by to enter the giveaway, Pamela. Good luck!
Kate
You are one author I see that quite active and interact with your readers. I have never seen an author that that interacted. Best of luck and thanks for the fun and staying interacted with readers.
I truly enjoy interacting with my readers, Lindsay. Readers like you are the reason I write. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I Would love a willow but more I would cherish the books. Amish fiction is the best and these are books I have yet to read. How exciting it would be to read these books and then once done with them, read all your other books. Thank you for considering me for the honor of receiving the willow and books. Happy New Year!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and entering the giveaway, Pamela. I do hope you get a chance to read my books. If money is an issue the public library is a great resource. Also, sometimes Amazon gives discounts without informing me. Happy New Year to you!
Kate
LOVE your stories- I have read the Lancaster series! Loved them! Have a Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Kimberly. Hope you enjoy a marvelous New Year too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your books . I have read the series , I have just begin to make quilts nothing fancy but enjoy sewing. Have a Happy New year and Thank You
I thank you for your kind compliment, Brenda. Music to this author’s ears. Congratulations for learning the art of quilting. Many would like to quilt but don’t take the first step … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I want to work on my crocheting and cross-stitch hobbies. Thank you for the giveaway. If i win it will be the first opportunity to read one of your books!
I certainly want to give you a chance to read my books, Rachel. If money is an issue, you might try the library. I’m so impressed that you crochet and cross-stitch. I’m sure your creations are lovely. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve wanted to write a book for a long time. Can you give me some tips on how to do it? Thanks,
How wonderful that you want to write a book, Bobbie! You didn’t say whether you wanted to write fiction or nonfiction. Each person is so different, but I encourage you to read and to journal about any old thing. Buy a cheap notebook and write for several pages whatever comes to mind be it ever so dumb or trivial. No worries about handwriting, spelling, punctuation. Just write without judging yourself. If you wanted to write a book for a long time you might even have a plot in mind or a location. No matter if you don’t. Many authors have a general plot in mind … and maybe even know the ending, and are quite surprised by what their characters do. They often take control. And I mean this seriously. Might as well give journalling a try. (yes, by hand) There are some super books about how to write, but I would urge you to just dive in. Some writers start with an outline. Each is different. Joining a writing group would be great, if you can find one. Good luck in the giveaway!
I would love to go to Nursing School or Pharmacy School.
Those both sound like wonderful goals, Karen. Each is challenging and rewarding. Wishing you the best of luck with your pursuits and this giveaway!
Kate
Love to protect people so I’m going to try finish up my last year of law school at the age of 64 I love reading your books I read all the time
I’m so impressed, Earnestine. Not that I doubt for a moment that a 64-year-old woman could finish law school. I would much rather an attorney with life experience represent and counsel me then someone fresh out of college. Wishing you the best in your exciting new career and in this giveaway!
Kate
One trait that I wish I had… I want to learn how to knit! I love cross stitching quite a bit but really want to knit. Oh, and want to learn tatting simply because it’s rapidly dying out and becoming a lost art.
What is stopping you, Tanya? I doubt people are born with a trait, but rather a desire. Same goes for tatting. If you wish to learn, I encourage you. I am always amazed that adults assume they must do everything perfectly when they learn a new skill. We would never expect a child to be an expert without training and practice. I hope you do take lessons, go on YouTube, stop by a shop and ask for help. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
There are alot of things that I love to do. I would love to learn to quilt, I have a couple of daughter’s who are willing to learn. So now to find someone to teach us.
I can’t think of anything more fun, Lisa Ann. Taking quilting lessons with your daughters sounds fabulous. It’s times like this I wish I had a couple, not that I don’t love my sons … Good luck to you in finding a teacher, and in this giveaway!
Kate
I have tried to do all I wanted, and now at age 70 , I find time to read, which is my favorite. I think the Amish are so interesting and stories about them are great. We visited the Amish community in Ohio and I learned a lot from that visit. Thank you for the chance to win.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Carol. One of my best friends died several years ago at age 98. She was very active both mentally and physically until her final breath. Same with my aunt, who died at 99. They both would’ve considered 70 young. Glad you have time to read and enter this giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
So interesting that you continue to learn and explore new ventures,you hubby also..I always wanted to teach and taught my kids,nieces and granddaughter when I could..I alwYs read to them and gave books as gifts..so I have taught the love of reading to many.
The love of reading is a fabulous gift, Rory. I taught both of our sons to read before they started school, because they wanted to learn. You have given your family an invaluable gift, which I hope they pass on to their own children. Thanks for leaving this up-lifting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this contest,such an adorable pillow.You ask what each our dreams or desires that we never started or finished.Lately,I have been wanting to do some type of art.I know I am really to old bit for some reason,I can’t, get it off my mind. Thanks for offering this bit of news for us!
If you can’t get the desire to do some kind of art off your mind, Linda, please don’t let your age stop you. You might be surprised how many people your age are taking art classes, or simply buying the supplies and practicing at home. Painting, drawing, and all other kinds of art, are fun if you allow yourself to play with it as a child would and not expect perfection right away. I’m sure many consider Picasso’s paintings childlike, but he didn’t let that stop him. Good luck to you, and thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am so bad about putting things off…I get lazy, but suppose we all think time is endless!!
I agree Tracy, many of us put things off. My downfall is in the area of housekeeping, but eventually I force myself to tackle the job. Time may be endless, but our lives are not. I plan to make use of mine as long as I can. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win in this contest.Lovely pillow! Thanks for this chance to win!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Linda!
Kate
Kate, thank you for making writing a career choice too! I enjoy reading your books so much! I enjoy writing Christian poetry, but I’ve never been brave enough to try and have them published.
Looking forward to your next great story! ❤
Thank you for starting my day off with your lovely compliment, Anita. I’m not sure you need to be published to be a poet. One thought is to send out queried notes to magazines, but you could print them off your computer and give your poetry as gifts. Poetry seems so difficult to this verbose author. I admire you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful pillow thank you for the chance
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Margaret!
Kate
I so enjoy the interaction opportunities that you regularly post. I enjoy your books and I enjoy YOU. I would take this quillo..curl up in a corner of the couch with my laptop ( so I could see if there were any qestions you are asking) and the book ( so I could read all cozied up..the wood stove humming and a cup of hot chocolate and perhaps indulge in a cookie)
You are very kind, Paula. You’ve painted a lovely picture that I most appreciate. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Love your books. Hope I get to meet you in Sugarcreek, if possible. I would love to win this. I am a big fan of quilts, so this is a newby for me.
Thank you so much for your kind appraisal of my books, Glinda. I wish I could make it to Sugarcreek, but it’s not possible. I love quilts too, but I am happy to let others make them. Wait until you see the marvelous Amish quilt I’m giving away as a prize when my next book releases in April. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to read one of your novels
I would love it if you read one of my novels, Kelly. If money is an issue, you might try your library. You’d be doing me a favor if you ordered a copy should they not carry it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
This is the most amazing, beautiful prize. I must start reading your books also. Praying I’m chosen. Thanks for the opportunity.
Reading my books would be a gift to me, Karen. If you don’t win this giveaway, you might check at your local library or on Amazon, where they are sometimes discounted. Thanks for entering and good luck!
Kate
This is beautiful and would look great in my brand new living room of the house we were blessed to get…thanks for the chance to win it
Very exciting that you have a brand new living room in a house you were blessed to get, Patti. How cool is that? Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading Amish books congrats on your latest release.
Thanks for writing, Bev. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to have the patience to learn to crochet, knit, or sew. I have read many of your books and haven’t read one I didn’t like. I would love to win this pillow.
Thanks for leaving your kind comment, Linda. I bet you do have more patience than you think. I hope you take the plunge and learn how to crochet, knit, or sew. Start small and don’t expect perfection. I know when I see other people’s knitting I often feel inadequate. But sewing is something I’ve done often, enough to sell garments on consignment when I was young and needed money. (They always fit me just in case they didn’t sell, but they did.) Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I read and write Amish fiction, too. Would love to win the quillow and book!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susan!
Kate
Beautiful! Many projects to be finished… Lol
I have been milling around this idea for some time. I would love to open a cat rescue. Provide medical, housing and rehome. In this area it seems there is a big need and no one to step forward for the poor animals who often go unnoticed and get pushed aside.
I once lived in an area where many people dropped off their unwanted cats, Chrissy. Very sad, and I already had two big dogs in my tiny abode. I wish you good luck if you proceed with your idea. Let me know how it works out. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
What an interesting read. I have never heard of a quillow…but I love the picture. You are a new author to me and I am anxious to read your books.
I would love you to read one of my books, Bonnie! Maybe you’ll be the winner of this giveaway. If not, they are for sale in bookstores (Walmart too) and online. If you’re short on funds, there is always the library. Thanks for writing!
Kate
My friend bought a quillow once while in Lancaster. I regretted not getting one, too. My Amish dolls would be so cute with it. My motorhome is decorated with Amish decor. I love your books, and your contests. Thank you always for the opportunity.
I bet the interior of your motorhome is darling, Debbie. Thanks so much for your kind words about my books and contests. Good luck in this giveaway!
Kate
Thank you for continuing giveaways! What an awesome and generous gift!
You are most welcome, Julia. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is so nice. Would love to win.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Fern!
Kate
I love the flow of your books. They grab me right at the beginning. Can’t wait for the next one!
I hope you like it, Nancy. Thanks so much for giving me words of encouragement. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Always looking for your next book to come out just as I am with “Starting from Scratch”.
I think it’s so interesting that you have had so many opportunities to explore your talents.
I love to bake and would love to be able to do it on a larger level than baking for friends. However, when you live in a very small, rural, below poverty income level area both access and means limit you. When I’ve tried to establish a clientele to see if it could be feasible, I was met with “that’s too expensive” and I was barely charging to cover expenses. As much as I love it, I can’t do it for free and get nothing for my time and efforts. It’s still in the back of my mind and never giving up, but for now it’s just on the back burner.
No, I don’t think you ever get too old to fulfill your dreams. You are only too old if you give up, which I won’t do. 🙂
You are always so generous in your giveaways and this one is no exception. Thank you for the chance! <3
Happy New Year – I have decided I can say that until I get use to writing 2018. 🙂
Just this morning at writing group I wrote 2017, Kay. I wonder how long it will take me for the new year to sink in. I admire your desire to start a business baking, and understand your quandary. I know from the restaurant business that restaurants only get a slight discount on their food. Add that to rent, utilities, staff (should you need it) and the margin of profit diminishes. One thought would be to sell your baked goods to a catering service Or restaurant. I used to buy my pies and cheesecakes from two different women. Yummy! Thanks so much for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading your books and your blog! I got to know of you on a discussion on one of the Amish sites! I love Amish romance. Most of my reading is about the Amish! Their lifestyle just amazes me! So down to earth and no pride. The way they come together when someone is down! Just keep those books coming because I so enjoy them!
And the pillow would look nice on my couch!
You are very kind, Sandy. Many thanks for your compliments. I admire the Amish greatly, but know they struggle with the same sins that we do, such as pride. However, through their tight-knit community and dedication to their church, they are more likely to claim victory over sin. No doubt some TV and Internet are harmful to our youths. Grown-ups too. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The quillow is lovely. I would love to read your books. Amish books are my favorite.
I hope you do get a chance to read one of my books soon, Doris. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
That is such a neat pillow! I’ve been interested in doing freelance writing for extra money, but haven’t figured out how it all works. We’d like to pay off debt this year, so I thought this might be a good option that wouldn’t require more time away from home.
Have you done freelance writing in the past, Dianna? I have not, so I have no advice. I wonder how long it would take a writer to see a profit. Let me know how it goes, should you proceed. Thanks for entering the giveaway?
Kate
I am excited to meet you on Facebook and find out that you write books about the Amish. My daughter and I give each other a book about the Amish every Christmas.When my daughter was young a friend and I took our daughters to Lancaster to stay on an Amish farm for a weekend. They loved it. I have always wanted to write and have loved to read books. I am looking forward to reading your books as you are a new author to me. The quillow is beautiful as well. Thanks for the giveaway!
I enjoyed reading your fun comment, Rose. I love the fact that your daughter and you exchange a book about the Amish every Christmas. What could be better, other than staying at an Amish farm for the weekend? If you’ve always wanted to write, why not give it a try? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your books! I would be forever grateful if I Won that beatiful Quillow. I hope you have a Wonderful and Healthy 2018!
Thanks so much, Tammy. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books! My big dream was to be a wife, a mom, and a published author. (smile)
thirty years married to the same man, five children and about twenty-four books.
Love the pillow. Thanks for the chance.
You are very kind, Laura. Thanks for your encouragement. How fabulous that you are living your dream. BIG SMILE! Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your books. Something I have always wanted to learn to do is change the oil in my truck. I think I could do it. My husband just taught me hou to drive the tractor on the farm so I figure the possibilities are endless.
How cool that you learned to drive the tractor, Bobbi. I’m sure you can learn to change the oil in your truck. These days, when people pump their own gas, most don’t even check their oil levels. That is something I keep on top of. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Beautifully designed quillow that I would be honored to own. Love your books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Julie!
Kate
I love what you write. I journal almost daily, as some day I would love to write a story of my life for my grandchildren especially to enjoy. I have had many ups and downs, new experiences, heartbreaks, etc just like everyone else, but I want my family to know all about it long after I am gone. I usually take on a new challenge or two each year. It is all a great experience for me. All this being said, you inspire me even more. Thank you kindly. If God being, I look forward to a new book and or quillow from you. I believe he will make sure it is received to the person most in need. Blessings and love. Happy Day and Year!!
Love this!
I love your books. I love how the Amish live. Am close to a Amish family here. There the best friends you could have
Thanks for leaving a comment, Sandy. I imagine most Amish would make fantastic friends and neighbors. We know one couple who wants us to move next door to them, but alas that will never happen. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Writing your story would be a fabulous gift, Mary! I often wish I’d carried a tape recorder with me when my father spoke. Really wish he and my mother had written down more information about themselves, but too late now. If only one of your grandchildren read your life story (memoir) it would be worth your endeavors. Thanks so much for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway! Wishing you the best of years.
Kate