Blog Post

My New Friend

| Amy

What a great weekend I’ve had! I’ve got a new friend. Her name is Sarah and she lives in Inola. She bakes, sews, and works outside her home. I met her at the flea market when we went ‘junking’ this past Saturday.

Sarah is Amish.

Why am I so excited? Because I’ve tried to talk to other Amish women and get to know them better, but they can be understandably guarded. The outside English world can be very judgmental. These women who go out of the community to make money for their families are brave and must protect their image and beliefs. But with Sarah, something clicked. We chatted about books and Amish authors, recipes and her bakery. I could have stood there and talked to her all day long.

We’ve already made plans to return next weekend to see if she’s there. I’m going to take her a copy of Saving Gideon and try to talk to her some more. All I can say right now is thank you, God, for that impulsive decision to ‘run down to the flea market’ and see what was going on. I had a great time with my family, found a couple of Christmas presents, and made a great new friend. Happy weekend!

Charmed, I’m sure.

| Amy

Seven weeks in and I’m still not sure about the the TLC show Breaking Amish. I have to admit that it’s not about all the wonderful things that I admire in the Amish. It’s not…charming. I’ll go one further and admit that most Amish fiction is heavy on the charm. But that’s what I love about writing it and reading it. The Amish offer me a real escape from my own reality. A place filled with God fearing  neighbor-loving people who are taking life at their own pace.

But what about shows like Breaking Amish? I find it like a train wreck, I know I shouldn’t stare, but I can’t take my eyes off of it. Even if it lacks the charm of my fiction of choice.

Have you watched the show? Do you love it? Hate it? Or like me, does it male you want to dig  out your copy of The Shunning to watch again?

Could You Be Amish?

| Amy

I’ll admit that I spend a great deal of time thinking about the Amish. Even when I’m not writing. And naturally the question comes to mind, “Could I make it in the Amish world?” Could I live without electricity computers and all the other modern conveniences that we have today. My honest answer is a definite maybe. LOL

After the ice storm of ’07 when my family lived without electricity for seven–yes, that’s *seven*–days, I know I can survive without electricity. Not having a phone in the house could be tolerated. I could even give up my cell phone. I don’t watch television all that much and I know I would miss the internet. I love nail polish and shoes, but what would be the hardest thing for me to give up? Books. That is to say being able to read whatever I wanted when I wanted. Losing that freedom would be very hard for me.

What’s the one thing it would be the hardest to give up if you were to join the Amish faith?

Celebrate Pink

| Amy

I’m turning my website pink for the month of October.

How fitting that Saving Gideon is released in October since it is dedicated to my mother who is a breast cancer survivor.  Ruth Fisher, Gideon’s mother, battles cancer through the book and series. So here’s to all who have been touched by breast cancer.

Release Day!!!

| Amy

I really can’t tell you how excited I am! Today is the release day for Saving Gideon!!

It’s also the last day to enter to win one of three copies of Saving Gideon. Just leave me a comment. Tell me how excited you are that it’s October. Or who your favorite football team is. I don’t care.;) Just let me know you stopped by.

Happy Release Day, everyone!

4 Stars from RT Book Reviews

| Amy

Just received word that Saving Gideon received 4 stars from RT Reviews!!! Here’s a quote:

“A sweet love story with characters who are grieving for different reasons but are brought together by chance and, in the process, help each other get over their pain and deepen their faith in themselves and God. Amy Lillard is a wonderful writer and honors the Amish and their faith with her novels.” RT Book Reviews

Yep. You got it. I’m walking on clouds!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

| Amy

Yes, today is my birthday. But you get the present. Right now I’m in Dallas at the wonderful ACFW Conference and the fantabulous book signing that has been set up for 10 writers of Amish fiction. How I got included in this all-star mix is definitely a miracle, but I’m accepting this blessing for what it is and driving on.

But in honor of my birthday, I’m giving away a books! All you have to do  is leave me a comment here and like my Facebook page between now and October 1 (the official release day for Saving Gideon). After the 1st, I’ll use a random drawing to determine the three winners*. Fun, huh?

So leave me a comment and head on over to my FB page…https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Lillard-Author/177732292332322 and get entered to win. :)

Mine favorite birthday treat is brownies and ice cream.

What’s yours?

*Only US and Canadian residents can receive print books. If you live outside of the US and still want to enter, you may and then receive an ebook as your contest prize. :)