My Favorite Character (Plus a Challenge and a Giveaway)

by | Jul 15, 2013 | amish, books, giveaway, photos, writing | 21 comments

Someone asked me recently which of my fictional characters is my favorite. I stumbled for an answer because I grow very attached to my characters and appreciate all of them—even the gnarly ones, or the haughty and conceited. I’ve joked they are like good friends. I certainly spend vast amounts of time with them and know their favorite color, their idiosyncrasies, and their biggest fears and weaknesses. Truth is, although they are fictional, in a way I possess many of the same personality traits as they do. Although I try my best to be Mrs. Perfect, I realized long ago that it’s impossible for us mortals to be flawless. 
As I pondered my friend’s question—much to my surprise—I realized many of my favorite characters are male. I’m extremely fond of artist Henry Marsh in A Portrait of Marguerite. Not that I care for him more than Marguerite, but I hold Henry in high esteem. In my Amish novel Leaving Lancaster, I’m very fond of my male characters, Zach Fleming, a Mennonite veterinarian, Nathaniel King, an Amish widower, and Holly’s Amish grandfather. Zach, Nathaniel, and Grandpa Jeremiah remain favorites in my newly released Pennsylvania Patchwork, Leaving Lancaster’s sequel. Plus, I added a new male character in Pennsylvania Patchwork whom I like so much I might just bring him along to my next Amish novel, the one I’m working on now. I love that illusive fellow! 

I’m giving away a copy of Leaving Lancaster and Pennsylvania Patchwork to one lucky reader who requests the book at his or her library. To be entered, please leave a comment on this blog post letting me know what library you requested the book at and how you requested it (email, a form filled out online or at the library, etc.).


Speaking of giveaways, the winner of last week’s Amish doll giveaway is Pat Cowans! Congratulations, Pat! Please email your mailing address to my assistant, Caitlin: caitlin {at} litfusegroup {dot} com.

21 Comments

  1. Martha
    Martha on 07/15/2013 at 6:54 am

    I always request your books from my library as soon as I hear you have a new one coming out online.

    • Judy Bodmer
      Judy Bodmer on 07/15/2013 at 8:39 am

      Kate, I can guess who your favorite character is. I agree, your male characters are great guys, but your women are complex and real. They grow throughout each novel.

  2. Sharyl Brown
    Sharyl Brown on 07/15/2013 at 9:16 am

    I requested “Leaving Lancaster” a couple weeks ago from my local library in King County online. I’m currently reading it and loving it. Thanks!

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 07/19/2013 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you, Sharyl!

  3. pat cowans
    pat cowans on 07/15/2013 at 10:35 am

    I sent my address. Thank you so much can’t wait. <3

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 07/15/2013 at 11:07 am

      I’ve got it, Pat! Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered. My terrific publishing house, David C Cook, will send the books.

  4. Judy
    Judy on 07/15/2013 at 10:46 am

    Congrats Pat!

    Blessings!
    Judy B

  5. K. Lloyd
    K. Lloyd on 07/15/2013 at 11:09 am

    Thank you to everyone who has or will request my book at their library!

  6. Mary Lou
    Mary Lou on 07/15/2013 at 4:03 pm

    Kate, thanks from us libray readers. I am now going onlint to request the purchase of your books Pennyslvania Patchwork and Leaving Lancaster from Bayne Memorial Library in Pgh, PA . I am doing this online through the library network right now. thaks for this contest and I sure hope I win. I would pass these wonderful books along but also treasure them too.
    Mary Lou K flowersmarylou85@gmail.com

  7. K. Lloyd
    K. Lloyd on 07/15/2013 at 4:09 pm

    Thank you, Mary Lou!

  8. Mary Lou
    Mary Lou on 07/15/2013 at 4:22 pm

    Hi, Kate. I had some trouble getting to this site , HOWEVER, I was very successful in telephoning the librarian to see how this is done. And so now….I would love to have your two books in this contest sent to Andrew Bayne Library, Pgh, PA. I forgot the “Andrew” above. Thanks ever so much and I hope we win because this type of genre is becoming prolific and a really healthy fad for so many of us. thanks for your reply above. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Mary Lou K flowersmarylou85@gmail.com

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 07/19/2013 at 2:49 pm

      Thank you, Diana! I have a love-hate relationship with my birthday …

  10. Darlene Tonjum
    Darlene Tonjum on 07/19/2013 at 2:39 pm

    Winning your GiveAway would really be a joyful experience.
    I enjoy Amish Fiction writings so much.

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 07/19/2013 at 2:49 pm

      Thanks, Darlene, and good luck to you!

  11. MsRubyKat
    MsRubyKat on 07/20/2013 at 9:11 am

    I requested Pennsylvania Patchwork from my Lansingburgh, NY library. Hope they get it. Would love to win a copy.
    Karen G.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 07/20/2013 at 10:13 am

      Thank you very much!

  12. Kay from NY
    Kay from NY on 07/21/2013 at 3:33 pm

    I read Leaving Lancaster and I am on the waiting list for Pennsylvania Patchwork at my William Sanford Library that I requested online. Hopefully, maybe, praying, I may win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway.
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

  13. K. Lloyd
    K. Lloyd on 07/21/2013 at 6:01 pm

    Thanks, Kay! I wish you and everyone else who entered good luck!

  14. Sonja
    Sonja on 07/24/2013 at 12:53 pm

    Love your books and hope to have a chance at this giveaway! All the best in your writing career!
    Blessings,
    Sonja.nishimoto@gmail.com

    • K. Lloyd
      K. Lloyd on 08/05/2013 at 4:40 am

      This contest has found its winner already, Sonja. Thank you for entering!