Featuring Amy Lillard, author of "Saving Gideon" and "Katie's Choice" which releases May 1st

Interview with Amy Lillard ~

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am a wife, a mother, and a bonafide Southern Belle. I grew up in Mississippi, but moved to Oklahoma just after high school. Two short years later, I met and married my husband. We’ve been together ever since. We have an awesome son, two ‘sweet’ cats, and a lazy beagle.

How did you become interested in writing?

I had to write a descriptive paragraph in the 7^th grade. The teacher praised my use of alliteration, and I was hooked! Of course, at the time I had no idea what alliteration was and had to look it up, but I was tickled all the same. I knew that I had found the one thing in life I wanted to do most.

What compelled you to write Saving Gideon?

I started Saving Gideon at the suggestion of my agent. Am I glad I listened!  Saving Gideon is a composite of many of my favorite types of stories. I love a tortured hero and the idea that love can heal all. Take that concept and mix in the ‘fish out of water’ story of a Dallas socialite, add the sheer charm of the Amish way of life, and that’s Saving Gideon.

How did Katie’s Choice come about?

Katie’s Choice had originally been planned as the third book in the series. But when I starting digging into the stories I knew that hers needed to be told first. (No, I can’t really explain why without giving away too much about Gabriel’s Bride).  But keep in mind that I’m a romance writer first and foremost. When looking at finding a beau for Katie, I knew I needed the “love triangle”. And what better way than for her to have the love of two very different men: Zane Carson, worldly  reporter used to living life on the edge, and Samuel Beachy, the bishop’s son returning after a very extended rumspringa in order to finally take his  place at Katie’s side.

What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your books?

Love heals all wounds. But isn’t that the theme to most all romances? Okay, so love heals all wounds, and God will be there to show you the way to love. Even when you think you don’t need it (or deserve it) at all.

Now for the fun questions - quirky facts about Amy Lillard:

Birthday? September 20

Favorite color? Purple…no wait, green. No, pink. Purple, definitely purple. What was the question again?

Favorite animal? giraffes

Siblings? 3 sisters and brother

Favorite drink? Diet Dr. Pepper

If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? My favorite is Buttered Popcorn, but I would be raspberry creme

Favorite dish? Anything Mexican

Ice Cream flavor? Anything but strawberry

Favorite Season? Summer

Dream Vacation? Anywhere with a beach

Favorite Place to Write? Wherever I happen to be

Cat or Dog? Both!

Favorite Candy Bar? Heath Bar

Favorite guilty pleasure? Brownies and ice cream

What books are currently on your nightstand?

Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman and True Grit by Charles Portis

Favorite vacation spot or place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet?

I want to go to Lancaster County one day and I’d love to visit the Amish in Holmes County. And there’s always the Eiffel Tower. I’ve been obsessed with it my entire life. J

What’s next for you?

I just signed a three book Amish romance series that takes place in Oklahoma, this time in a Beachy community. I’m really excited to showcase this order of the Amish which is the classification for the Amish that currently live in Oklahoma.

Where can we find you on the web?

www.amywritesromance.com

Twitter: @AmyWritesRomnce

Facebook: Amy Lillard ~ Author

Blog: www.amywritesromance.com/blog/

Describe your writing in three words.

Hope, humor, and grace

What has been your highlight of your career to this point?

Seeing my name of the cover of a book that I love is a thrill that is not easily topped.

What has been your favorite fan letter or fan comment ever?

I had a reader put me in league with Beverly Lewis. *That* was a great moment for me, but I am continually amazed at the depth of devotion from the readers of Amish fiction. Everyone has been so gracious and supportive. I love my readers!

Thank you, Amy, for taking the time to answer some questions about yourself. I've enjoyed working with you on your Street Team for "Katie's Choice," and I wish you all the best!