Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Author Jody Hedlund ~ And a Six Author Giveaway!

Today I'm welcoming Jody Hedlund, author of the new release, Rebellious Heart. Jody is the first of six authors I will host on my blog every Wednesday for the next six weeks. At the bottom of this post I'll tell you how you can win a fun gift basket from these six authors!
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Gabrielle: Welcome to my blog, Jody. I'm so happy to have you as a guest today. I don't know if you know this, but you were one of the first bloggers I came across when I started to pursue publication. I saw you on a Bethany House Book Banter and found your blog soon after. I quickly read all of your books and have been a huge fan ever since. Thank you for the invaluable knowledge you share on your blog and the beautiful way you craft you novels! Both make me a better writer.

For readers who might be "meeting" you here for the first time, can you give us a quick history lesson on your publication journey?


Jody: Like many writers, I’ve been writing since my childhood days. I always loved telling stories. However, as I began my college years, I quickly realized that creative writing wasn’t a career track that would help pay the bills. For a time, God moved me into social work.
                                                                       
While I was working all those years, I was still writing and submitting manuscripts. I took a seven year break after my twins were born. Then when my youngest was a baby, I finally started writing again. The first book I wrote after my hiatus was The Preacher's Bride.
 
During the time that I began querying The Preacher’s Bride, Rachelle Gardner was a fairly new agent (I think she’d been an agent about a year). When my query came in, she liked my story and sample chapter and subsequently requested to see the full manuscript.

Like most unknown writers, my manuscript went into the TBR slush pile where it languished. However, while waiting for her to get to it, I didn’t sit around idly twirling my thumbs. I worked hard during those months and went on to write another book.

After two manuscripts finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest (one of them The Preacher’s Bride), I re-contacted Rachelle to let her know. She pulled my manuscript to the top of her slush pile, read it, and offered me representation within a couple of days. She went on to land me a three-book contract within a few month’s time.

Gabrielle: The Preacher's Bride was the first book I read by you. I know many of your novels are inspired by real life characters (I personally think those are the best kind!). Rebellious Heart is modeled after John and Abigail Adams' story. Did you always know you wanted to write historical romances and tell these stories? 

Jody: I've always loved history. And I've always loved reading historical romances. But it wasn't until I began homeschooling my children and teaching them history that my imagination turned on and I began to see story possibilities in everything we were reading and learning.

During the course of our history lessons, I began to learn a lot about some of the great heroes of the faith. I was particularly fascinated by the wives of these great heroes, especially those who were long forgotten by our modern world, women who had stood by their husband’s sides during dangerous times and had helped shape those men into the heroes they became. I wanted to bring these women to life for our modern generation.

Gabrielle: I love that you've found a way to tell their stories. There are so many men and women who have shaped the history of our faith. One of the things I admire most about your writing is that you travel to many different time periods and settings to tell these stories. Your first novel, The Preacher's Bride, was set in England in the 1600's, and your latest release, Rebellious Heart, is set in Massachusetts in the 1760's. How long does it take you to research a new novel? When do you feel you have enough information to start writing?

Jody: Yes, since I write historicals set in various places and time periods, research is an integral part of my writing process. With many of my books, I'm starting from scratch and having to collect all new research on a new time period (like I did with Rebellious Heart set during the colonial era). With those books, I usually have to spend a little more time on my research, anywhere between 6-8 weeks reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book.

I start writing once I have a really good feel for the setting, characters, and plot. I may not know all the details of the time period, but it's alive in my mind. Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research, particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase.

Gabrielle: As you know, I also write historical romances, but besides writing we have many other things in common. We both live in the upper Midwest (you in Michigan and me in Minnesota), we both have a set of twins (although yours are teenage girls and mine are three-year-old boys) and we both homeschool our children. I love that you are a full time mom and writer, living your dream out in front of your children. Could you share with us a peek inside a typical day in the Hedlund house? And what is your best piece of advice for other moms out there who are pursuing publication?

Jody: During the school year, a typical day consists of doing school from 7:30 to about 2:30. Then my kids have afternoon activities which this fall includes football, soccer, swimming, dance, music lessons, youth group, and more. Between the five of them, I'm usually running someone somewhere! (My oldest just got his driver's license and is able to drive himself to his work and activities, so that helps a little!)

I try to squeeze in writing in the afternoons after we're done with school (when I'm not driving to an activity!) and then in the evenings after my youngest are in bed. I'm also able to carve out  some writing time a couple of mornings a week when my husband is home and does the homeschooling (and my mom also comes over once a week in the morning to help). And then of course, I try to work most Saturdays when I'm not at a football game or another of my children's activities!

My encouragement to moms pursuing publication is that it is possible to juggle being a mom and writer. It’s NOT easy, but it is possible! We should try to set aside a little bit of time to write every day (even if it's not at the same time every day). We may have to write in small spurts. And we can't let interruptions derail us. Even if we only write 300 words a day, it's something. Before we know it we’ll have completed the first chapter, then the first half of the book, and finally we’ll have a finished book in front of us.
Gabrielle: Thank you for your advice. I agree, juggling all our responsibilities and dreams is not easy, but it's possible.

On a lighter note, summer is quickly fading into fall, bringing with it a wealth of new activities and events. I'd love to know: What is your favorite season of the year, and why?

Jody: Since I was born and lived most of my life in the Midwest, I love each season in its own time. I savor every single second of summer. But by the time it's is done, I'm ready for the glory of fall. And then when we get our first snowfall and bitterly cold weather, I'm eager for the beauty of winter. But of course, by the time spring rolls around, I'm anxious for the first glimpses of green and warmer weather.

Gabrielle: Thank you for taking the time to visit with us today, Jody! Jody has graciously agreed to give away a free copy of her new release, Rebellious Heart, to one of the blog readers who comments on this post between now and Tuesday, October 1st at 11:59 p.m.

A QUESTION FOR MY BLOG READERS: What is your favorite season of the year, and why?

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From the Back Cover:
 
Massachusetts, 1763

A Love That Would Shape History Forever

Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.
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Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances. As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.
  
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 Six Authors, One Grand Prize!

The Grand Prize:
A $25 Amazon eGift Card (not pictured) from Gabrielle Meyer
A stationary and notepad set from Jody Hedlund
A handmade jewel bookmark from Laura Frantz
A multi-colored peacock necklace from Wendy Paine Miller
A copy of the movie Christmas in Connecticut from Melissa Tagg
Book one in the Cadence of Grace Series & a worship CD from Joanne Bischof
A black & brown scarf from Heather Day Gilbert

Over the next six weeks I will be hosting six authors on my blog. Each author has agreed to offer a free copy of their newest release, as well as an item for a grand prize drawing at the end of the six weeks! To be entered to win a free copy of each book, all you need to do is visit my blog weekly and comment on each author's post. A random winner will be chosen each week. To be entered to win the grand prize, visit my Rafflecopter below and follow the instructions. If you do each thing listed you'll earn 45 chances to win the grand prize! Don't forget to visit here each Wednesday to earn more chances!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

65 comments:

  1. Yay for fun guests! Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors by far.

    As for my favorite season, by far it's fall. But like Jody said, I love changes in seasons. I don't think I could live somewhere long-term where there weren't four distinct seasons. Near the end of one season I'm always eager for the next.

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    1. I agree, Melissa! I love the four seasons in Minnesota. It would be strange to live somewhere that didn't experience the changing colors, or the lack of snow for Christmas, or the budding leaves in spring. I'm always eager for the next season when I come to the end of one. Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be sure to stop by your blog and check out the Classic Movie Gush!!

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  2. This is such fun! Love Jody Hedlund!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by today, Patti! I'm a huge Jody Hedlund fan too! I hope you'll come back to meet the other authors in the coming weeks and enter the grand prize drawing.

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  3. Can't wait to read all your guest posts, Gabe! I too love your books, Jody! I haven't had the chance to read this newest one yet! Fall is my favorite season by far. I love the crisp air, the rainbow of colors and soups/fires/hayrides/pumpkins. I wish it could be fall all year round!

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    1. Ahhh, the wonders of fall! I think you just listed all my favorite things, Jess. I can't wait for all my guests, either! It's going to be a fun six weeks!

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  4. I am excited about this giveaway. I am looking forward to learning about some new authors and their books

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Wilani! I hope you come back each week to meet the others. I have a wide range of authors stopping by. Some write historical, some contemporary, some are multi-published, while others are debut novelists. I also have some self-published authors and some traditionally published. It's going to be a lot of fun!

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  5. Love the scope of this--six authors and all those fabulous prizes. I knew you were an organizational genius.

    As for seasons it's long been autumn with the crisp air, blue sky, and gorgeous leaves, but spring is beginning to run a close second. I'm so glad when the days get warm again and Appalachia has the most amazing spring wildflowers.

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    1. Organizational genius?!?! I'll have to tell my husband you said that, he'll get a good laugh. :) One of my favorite Charles Dickens quotes is: "Nature gives to every season a beauty all its own." I love fall and spring, but I also love summer...and winter when it first begins. But there is nothing like the first green buds of spring after a long winter.

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  6. My favorite season of the year is fall. I love pumpkins and scarecrows, it is starting to get cooler (sort of, here in Texas). I love fall colors.

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    1. I love pumpkins and scarecrows, too, but with a household of little people I don't get a chance to do much decorating! We always put pumpkins on the front steps, but if we don't get them off in time they've been known to get snowed on and frozen to the ground for the whole winter!! :) Thanks for stopping by today, Susan.

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  7. Loved your interview with Jody!! I'm so impressed with all she does and how she still finds time for her writing career.

    Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. Though we don't have the typical fall with changing leaves, etc., there is a crispness to the air and the promise of approaching holidays. And of course, my birthday, anniversary, and Thanksgiving are all in November, so it's my favorite month! :)

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    1. I agree, I'm impressed with Jody's discipline and her ability to get it all done! That's why I asked that question...I want to know her secret! :)

      If you ever want to experience a Minnesota fall or winter you know where to come!!!

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  8. just read this book last week and loved it! i love fall, too. brings back a lot of memories from high school -cheering at football games and running cross country through the beautiful farmland.

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    1. I have a lot of great fall/school related memories, too. The first time I met my in-law's (when I was still dating my husband in high school) was in the fall. I love how the weather can bring back good memories. Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay! I hope you come back for the other author posts.

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  9. I've read a good bit by Jody and Laura, but the other authors are not very familiar to me. I look forward to the other guest post!
    I grew up in MI, so am familiar with the 4 distinct seasons, but now live in SC. We still have the 4 distinct seasons I suppose, just not as cold or as much snow in the winter...

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    1. Party, I'm so happy you'll get a chance to meet the other authors! All of them are lovely ladies with a passion for Christian fiction. I hope you'll be back to learn more about each of them. Michigan, like Minnesota, definitely has extreme weather. I've only been to South Carolina once, but I imagine it has it's own seasonal charm.

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  10. I have not read any of the writers listed above. So many to read.. Look forward to finding their books... Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Cathy, I love connecting readers with new writers! I hope you find their books and enjoy every word!

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  11. Wonderful post and fascinating to learn about the authors whose books sound captivating. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you'll return to learn more about each one.

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  12. Love Hedlund! I'll have to check out the others as well. Thanks for the opportunity! Mary at jesusbmylightATyahooDOTcom

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    1. Mary, I love Jody's books, as well! I hope you do check out the other! They're all wonderful in their own unique ways. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll return.

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  13. I love hearing the inside scoop of a writer's life. Great interview, ladies! I love spring, but summer is my favorite season because the hummingbirds return to the south.

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    1. I love hearing the inside scoop on other writer's lives, too, Jill! It's always encouraging and humbling for me to hear about the sacrifices they make to follow the call God has put on their lives. And hummingbirds are such a beauty of nature! I'm always amazed when I see them.

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  14. I love the winter season. Enjoy the holidays with family. I live in Louisiana and they say wait a couple of hours and the weather will change. Each year is different as to what our seasons will be.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. The same thing is true in Minnesota, Barbara! Each year is different from the next. This year has been especially strange, weather wise. It felt like October in July and now in September it's warm again! Love the unpredictability of weather.

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  15. I love fall . I love how the season brings about a time of such amazing beauty. The leaves falling under foot into a colorful carpet, the scent of wood burning in fireplaces watching flocks of geese heading south over the lake and time with family sipping hot chocolate.
    Time to spend with reading my favorite authors.
    mcnuttjem0@gmail.com

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    1. Oh, you've set me in the mood for fall, Jackie! We love on the Mississippi River and it's always amazing to see the geese over the water. Some of the geese stay throughout the winter because the water doesn't freeze behind our house. The fall brings with it cozy, laid-back thoughts and feelings.

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  16. What a wonderful blog post, Gabe -- I've long admired Jody as a writer and, well, just as a person. And the giveaway brings together so many talented writers!
    beth(at)bethvogt(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Beth! Yes, all my guest authors are amazing! I'm excited for all the fun to come on my blog over the next six weeks. I'm sad I'll have to depart with all the fun gifts sitting in that prize basket, though! Good luck. :)

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  17. So fun, and such an honor to be included in this group of authors! And CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT! Melissa, that is SUCH a fave of mine!

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    1. And I just realized I was supposed to share fave season. I love spring (I'm a tulip ADDICT and we got married in spring), but lately winter just pulls at me. I hate driving in snow, but the beauty of those white on white landscapes with a gorgeous clear starry night just speaks to my soul.

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    2. I'm so happy you agreed to be a part of this group, Heather! I can't wait for you to be my guest the last week in October. By the way, Melissa's book, Made to Last, was inspired by Christmas in Connecticut! And I love how you've described winter. There is a crystal clear beauty about that season.

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  18. I've not read Jody Hedlund before so I would love to win one of her books. As to my favorite season, I love Fall. I love the crispness of the Autumn air, small town Fall festivals, football and hot apple cider.

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    1. Cathy, I hope you get a a chance to read Jody's books. They are beautiful stories. Good luck in the drawing! And, it seems fall is the favorite of most commenters today!

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  19. Thank you SO much for hosting me Gabrielle!! You are such a sweetheart! I love the way you're spotlighting the various authors and have put together such a beautiful prize package!

    And a BIG thank you to everyone for stopping by today! I appreciate all of the kind words!! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Jody!! I'm thrilled you took time out of your busy release season to answer my questions. My prayers are with you and Rebellious Heart. May it be a blessing to everyone who reads it.

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  20. Like Jody, I like experiencing all 4 seasons - however, my favorite is Fall. I love the crisp, cool, air; hayrides; anything pumpkin; the changing leaf colors; bonfires (with hot cocoa & smores), cider, & of course, Thanksgiving!

    Would love to read your book, Jody! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Your list sounds lovely, Bonnie! I'm starting to crave some hot chocolate and pumpkin bars. :) A bonfire also sounds like fun. I hope you get a chance to read Jody's books! Good luck on the drawing!

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  21. My favorite season of the year is spring, because I look forward to the new growth. I especially enjoy watching my cherry trees as they bloom in the spring.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Spring is especially welcomed in Minnesota, especially after a long winter! We don't have cherry trees where I live, but we have lots and lots of other trees. My favorite spring trees are the crab apple trees. They're simply gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by today, Kay!

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    2. Yes, I remember crab apple trees in Minnesota and making crab apple jelly. That was back in the 1970's. It makes me a bit homesick to remember those bygone days. Then again, I remember Minnesota winters and I'm perfectly satisfied living in East Tennessee!

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  22. I used to say fall was my favorite season because my birthday is in October. However, fall is now when allergies are at their worst for me, so that takes away the enjoyment. Spring is now my favorite (though there are some pollens floating around then too). I enjoy seeing the trees and flowers bud and bloom after a long winter. Thanks for the chance to win Jody's new book; I really enjoy her books.

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    1. Pam, it's too bad you can't enjoy fall like you used to! Thankfully I don't suffer from seasonal allergies, but I have family members who do and it's not fun! Hopefully this year it won't be severe. Good luck with the giveaway!

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  23. I have lived my entire life in MN and always seem excited for the next season by the time the current one is ending. But lately, I have been wondering what it must be like to live somewhere that doesn't get freezing cold in the winter. I like all the seasons, but summer and its warmth is becoming my favorite as I get a bit older. Thanks Gabe and Jody for a fun blog post and giveaway.
    Bobbi Jo Champion

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Bobbi Jo! I hope all is well with you and your boys. :) I agree, the older I'm getting, the less and less tolerance I have for winter. There are things I love about it, but by the time March rolls around, I'm more than ready for Spring!

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  24. favorite season? hmmm, used to be summer, because that was when I was free to do as I wished. Now kids' plans have taken over. soooo, fall. Because the kids go back to school, things relax, and the weather is cooler.

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    1. I have four kiddos and I'm shocked at how busy we stay in the summer! Fall and winter are also busy, but in a more structured Thanks for stopping by, Beckie!

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  25. My favorite season is either fall or winter because I love the holidays in both seasons and colder weather/snow. I can't wait to read Jody's latest book!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Yes, the holidays are a bright spot in the fall and winter months. I love Thanksgiving. It's such an awesome reminder of not only our American heritage, but all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Thanks for stopping by, Marissa!

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  26. So much respect for Jody & completely enamored with your basked idea. Honored to be included!!!

    Love,
    Wendy

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    1. I have a great deal of respect for all the moms out there who are pursuing their dreams--you included, Wendy! I'm so excited to have you as a guest in a few weeks. Thanks for being a part of this giveaway!

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  27. Great interview! I am so inspired by homeschool moms who write! Maybe someday for me!
    I like summer and fall. Winter here in MN is just too long!

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    1. Joyce, thanks for stopping by! You inspire me with all you do! Keep writing. I know God has a message to speak through your pen.

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  28. Jody is one of my favorite historical fiction authors EVER! I love the way she takes a true story and brings it to life. I love them! I can't wait to read the new one!

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    1. I agree, Janna! I love when historical authors take a real-life story, event or hero and bring it to life in a book. I hope you'll love Rebellious Heart as much as you've loved the others.

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  29. Wonderful interview. I prefer to work in quiet places and a clean space. I like everything in it's place
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. Jody has fast become one of my favorite romantic historical fiction authors! Love how she gives so much historic detail but still provides a romantic story. I loved Rebellious Heart, but my favorite of hers so far is A Noble Groom! Thanks for the in-depth interview, love it!

    Beth

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  31. I would have to say that Fall is my favorite season. Cozy Hot drinks, warm pumpkin Muffins, warm biscuits, crocheting and quilting... Colorful leaves and wonderful sunsets here... Loved the interview and feel blessed to know you Jody !
    Love ya
    Linda

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  32. My favorite season of the year is summer. I LOVE the warmer weather! Playing outside with my kids, and heading to the beach on our bikes.
    mandaandtom (at) gmail (dot) com

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  33. Fall is by far my favorite season! And I absolutely love all of Jody's books! Such a talented author!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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