Jody Hedlund - Interview and Giveaway

I'm excited; author Jody Hedlund is visiting us today! She's also offered to give away a copy of her latest book, The Doctor's Lady. Check out  giveaway details below.

Karen: Welcome to Write Now, Jody! I’m thrilled to have you back. Congratulations on your latest book, The Doctor’s Lady! I thoroughly enjoyed the story and getting to know Priscilla and Eli. What was your inspiration for this book?

Jody: This book is inspired by the true life story of Narcissa Whitman, the first white woman to brave the dangers of overland trail and travel west. In 1836, she married Dr. Whitman, and then the next day left her childhood home and would never return so that she could help start a mission among the Nez Perce natives.

It was my hope in this story to bring Narcissa Whitman to life. This heroic woman has often been ignored and at times even disparaged. In reality, she exuded incredible courage to attempt a trip many proclaimed foolishly dangerous. It was called an “unheard-of-journey for females.” Because of her willingness to brave the unknown, she led the way for the many women who would follow in her footsteps in what would later become known as the Oregon Trail.

Karen: Are there any characters in your books (The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady) that you identify with more than the others?

Jody: In The Doctor's Lady, I probably relate the most with Eli. I'm incredibly independent like he was, and I think I can do a lot in my own strength. I have a hard time asking others for help but have been learning to rely on others (especially my husband) during these past few years of juggling a writing career, homeschooling, and mothering. 

Karen: How much time did you spend researching before you wrote each book?

Jody: Each book tends to be slightly different in the amount of time it takes me to research. The Doctor’s Lady took me approximately eight weeks of reading, plotting, and understanding the time period before I was finally ready to write. My first book, The Preacher’s Bride, took me longer—closer to twelve weeks—simply because the time period and the setting were more foreign.

Karen: As a wife, homeschooling mom, and writer, I imagine that spare time is hard to come by, but when you have a moment, what do you enjoy reading?

Jody: I always enjoy reading historical fiction of all different eras. In fact, I recently read Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran which is set during the time of ancient Rome. I also branched into a young adult series that my daughters were reading, River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren.

Karen: If you could offer one tip on time management, what would it be?

Jody: Be intentional. The one thing that has helped me the most over the years is setting a daily word count goal and sticking to it. I started with only 500 words a day during my earlier books. Eventually I moved to 800 words, and now I’m at 1000 words per day.

I think it’s important to find what’s manageable but then challenge yourself just slightly above that. At the minimum, I think most writers can squeeze in 300 words per day. Consistent writing day in and day out will eventually lead to a completed book.

Karen: Okay, I must ask, what’s your favorite writing snack?

Jody: My favorite non-sweet snack is nachos and cheese.  My favorite sweet snack depends on my mood. Of course I like chocolate! But I also occasionally like pie (particularly Apple, Blueberry, Cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company which is just around the corner from my house!).

Karen: I can’t wait to read your third book. Can you give us any hints about it?

Jody: I’m really excited about my next book because it’s set in my home state of Michigan. It takes place during the 1880’s at a time in history when the lumber era was at its height. Although the story isn’t inspired by a true person the way my first two books have been, I do include several real people, particularly a real villain by the name of James Carr who was notorious in central Michigan for his violence and for introducing white slavery into the state.

The heroine of the story is a young woman, Lily Young, who is looking for her sister who’s caught up into the degradation of lumber camp life. While Lily searches for her missing sister, she fights against the evil that runs rampant around her, and she fights not to lose her heart to the lumber baron who turns a blind eye to the lawlessness of the lumber business.

Karen: Thank you so much for spending a little time with us today. I wish you all the best with your future writing endeavors. :)

Jody: Thank you for having me!

Visit Jody at her website or blog. I am sure she'd love to see you!
 

 Book Giveaway Details

• You must be a follower and leave a comment, with email address, on this or Monday's post.
• Gain bonus entries by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please include link with your comment.
• Open to residents of the United States only.
• Deadline to enter is noon EST, Saturday, October 15, 2011. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, October 17. 

What exciting things do you have planned for the weekend?

Have a great weekend,

Karen