Interview with Jody Hedlund

Please join me in welcoming author Jody Hedlund! Jody's here discussing her latest book, Unending Devotion. She's offered a copy to one of my readers, so be sure to check out the giveaway details below. :)

Welcome to Write Now, Jody! It’s great to have you back. Congratulations on Unending Devotion! The story had me from beginning to end.  Can you share a little about how this story came about? 

I live in central Michigan in an area that was once filled with towering white pines and that played a major role in the lumber era. I decided I wanted to explore that era, especially since it happened right in my backyard, so to speak. 

During my research for the book, I ran across stories of young women who were abused, exploited, and even enslaved. I was heartbroken to learn of these lesser known evils of an era that is usually quite glamorized. Unending Devotion is inspired by one of those women, Jennie King. She rode a train into central Michigan in answer to a newspaper ad for a job. She expected to work in a hotel. Instead she found herself enslaved in a brothel. She fled, but was recaptured and beaten. The brave and desperate woman escaped again, wearing only a nightgown, and this time gained help from a local family. The brothel owner tried to get her back again, but the family helped smuggle Jennie out of town and to a safe place.

      I can see how Jennie's story caught your eye. There are so many "stories behind the story" that that we never hear about. I'm glad you decided to highlight this part of Michigan history. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the book’s characters. What tips do you have for writers to create original characters? 
    
 For starters, I use an extensive character worksheet that I've made available on my website for free. I fill out the worksheet and really take the time before writing to get to know my characters inside and out. I try to find original quirks, hobbies, and personalities.

 Several other things that I do to create original characters is know their past history and how it's shaped who they are as the story opens. I also define their strengths so that readers will be able to care about the characters right away. But then I make sure to give them a weakness too, something they will need to work through as the story unfolds.  

I like the way you think! What a great way to get to know your characters, as you said, before the story unfolds. I can see where you are mentally "busy" all the time. You wear many hats – wife, mom, author, homeschool parent, etc. How do you manage to find time to write? 

It's definitely not easy. I feel like I have two very full time jobs as an author and a teacher! But like any other writer trying to balance dual careers or multiple responsibilities, I've had to look for ways to make it work. I've scaled back on outside commitments and simplified home life as much as possible. I also stick to a very strict writing schedule when I'm in first draft mode. I block out writing time and don't let myself go to bed at night unless I get in my daily word count.
  
Do you ever combine your research with your children’s field trips?

Sometimes I try! But I like to linger and read all the details, and they get annoyed with me for taking too long! So when I really need to research, I usually go places with my husband. Although this fall, I'm taking my twin daughters and my mom to Mackinac Island in northern Michigan for a research trip for the book I'm currently writing. While I'm hoping to have a fun girls' weekend, I warned them that I would probably bore them at times with all my researching. 

Sounds like a good way to combine a little work and fun. Have a great time! Tell us, what is your favorite writing snack? 

That's easy! Coffee and chocolate! 

I figured that chocolate might factor in there! :) I know that Unending Devotion was just released, but is there another book on the horizon? Can you give us a peek?

Yes! My next book, A Noble Groom, is releasing in April of 2013. Like Unending Devotion, it's also set in Michigan, but this time among a German immigrant farming community. The story starts with the recently widowed Annalisa Werner believing that her husband was murdered but she can’t prove it. Alone with her young daughter, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He’s been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn’t commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he’ll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa’s farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor.

Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He’s gentle, kind, and romantic–unlike any of the men she’s ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love–but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

Sounds interesting! I'll look forward to reading it. :) Thanks so much for stopping by to see us this week. Wishing you all the best!

You are welcome! It's always fun to come and visit. Thank you!

Feel free to visit Jody at her blog, website, or Facebook page. She'd love to see you!


My Review 

It is 1883, and Lily Young is desperate to find her younger sister Daisy. Daisy ran away, and Lily believes that she is still somewhere in Michigan. Thankfully, Lily’s work as a traveling photographer’s assistant provides opportunities to keep her eyes and ears open. 

Connell McCormick runs the Harrison, Michigan branch of his family’s lumber business. As far as he is concerned, Harrison’s social ills are just that – an unpleasant entity that isn’t worth fighting. His responsibilities keep him occupied full time; he must prove to his father that he can shoulder his portion of the business.

Lily and Connell’s first meeting is a tangled mess. Literally. Lily’s headstrong personality and lofty principles cause a stir in Harrison, and she hasn’t even been in town 24 hours. Connell admires Lily’s drive to find her sister, but he witnesses how it clouds Lily’s common sense, causing problems not just for Lily, but also for those around her. Both Connell and Lily reap the unfortunate results of Lily’s impulsive behavior. 

Lily’s story illuminates the widespread abuse of young women in a pivotal time in America’s lumber industry. It was common practice to promise women jobs at hotels and such, when in reality, they were forced into prostitution. Does Lily find Daisy? Will Connell choose to take a stand against depravity in Harrison?

Jody Hedlund shares a wonderful and engaging tale packed with conflict, romance, and forgiveness. Her characters’ goals collide at every turn, it seems, generating a roller coaster ride of adventure through an icy Michigan winter. This emotional story offers hope and redemption that is relevant even today. I give it two thumbs up!

 
Giveaway Details

• You must be a GFC follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include link with your comment where applicable.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is 5 pm EST Friday October 5, 2012. 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 8, 2012.

Do you have any questions for Jody? What kind of fictional characters do you enjoy?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen