A Close-Up of Author Laura Hilton

On Tuesday, Laura Hilton shared with us about how she did some of the research for her latest release. Today she's back to talk about her writing life in general.

1) Have you always wanted to be an author? If not, what made you decide to write, and how long have you been at it?  

I have always wanted to write – ever since I was old enough to read. I played at writing all the way through school, had some poems published in middle school. I wrote and rewrote and rewrote my first book (Shadows of the Past, Treble Heart Books, out of print) so many times trying to learn the craft. 

2) Are you a plotter, a pantser, or a combination?  

I am very much a pantser. If I plotted the story out I would lose all interest in telling it.  That said, I do let the idea simmer in my head awhile before I start writing. I know the characters names. I know the basic blurb, and then I start. With a lot of prayer and wonderful critique partners, when I finish the first draft I’m finished with the book – no rewriting, other than editorial changes, which so far haven’t been major. 

3) Wow, I'm impressed! My first drafts aren't fit to show anyone, let alone submit to a publisher. So do you write full time, or do you work it in alongside a full-time job? 

I’m a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, a home school mom, a book reviewer… so even though none of the above are paid, I work full time.  

4) I'd say that's a full-time job, yes! What do your kids think about your being a writer?  

They say they like it. They like the research trips/field trips.  And my oldest son says “fully supportive.”

5) What a blessing! When you're writing, what’s your favorite method for keeping a story’s middle from sagging? 

An unexpected twist. 

6) Do you write every day? What does your typical writing day look like?  

I try to write every day, but it depends on life.  I get up, I make the bed, I sort school for the girls, I start a load of laundry, eat breakfast, promote on Twitter and Facebook whatever is on my blog, and then do a little marketing on my book – such as promoting this interview. Then I answer reader emails and letters, help the girls with their school work and write a word here and a word there the rest of the day. 

7) Do you like to listen to music when you write?  

No. I’d prefer silence. But in a busy family of seven that doesn’t happen!  I am pretty good at blocking out general noises, so unless my son puts on country music  full blast and jars me out of the zone, I’m good. 

8) Do you have any rituals you like to go through before you start writing, such as make yourself a cup of coffee or tea? Do calisthenics to get the blood flowing? Lock yourself in a room and warn your family not to disturb you upon pain of death? Read something inspiring? Pray?  

My ritual is pretty much described in question six. But, that said, McDonalds makes some great iced coffees. And with some trial error, I have learned to make it at home. So every morning I have a glass of iced coffee (Almond Joy flavor) and I pray about what I write, that the message in the book is what God wants me to say. Also I have devotions.

9) Writing is a sedentary occupation. What do you do for exercise?  

Not nearly enough.  I have an exercise bike in the middle of the living room (which is also where I write. I don’t have an office) and on nice days I go for a walk around the block. 

10) Do you have any pets? Do you own them, or they you?  

We have a dog named Nanook. He is a Siberian Husky and he’s a member of the family. No one owns anyone.  Well, technically, he is my son’s dog, but it is my lap he thinks he belongs in during thunderstorms.  And  he’s  a big dog for a lap.  

11) What fun fact would you like your readers to know about you?  

I love winter. I love snow. I love lighthouses and have visited most around the Great Lakes. 

12) Nice to know I'm not the only winter-lover in the world. People think I'm nuts, but I completely agree with you on that. Have you ever had a funny experience connected with being an author? For instance, has someone ever overheard you discussing the merits of one murder weapon over another or caught you shooting at a can of gasoline to see if you could make it explode? 

Well, no. Not like some people have. But I don’t write murder mysteries or suspense.  I am accused of stalking Amish though. 

LOL - just don't stalk them with a camera. That's frowned upon. Thank you, Laura, for inviting us in to observe you in your natural habitat!

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. And the Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love. Surrendered Love releases April 2013, and the third book will release September 2013. A nonAmish book The Appalachian Ballad Quilt will release November 2014 from Abingdon

Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

Stop by tomorrow and enter to win a free copy of Surrendered Love:

Janna Kauffman loves grocery shopping for the homebound in her Amish community. When Janna’s sister washes her hands of her rebellious daughter, Meghan, and sends her to live with her Amish relatives, Janna is spending less time shopping and more time explaining Meghan’s actions to police officer Hiram “Troy” Troyer. Formerly Amish Troy becomes a regular part of Janna and Meghan’s lives as Meghan continues to act out due to her Englisch mother’s rejection. Could God tame a headstrong teenager and help Janna and Troy find love in the midst of it all?