Monday, March 25, 2013

Interview and Giveway with Author Annie Jones

Annie Jones is an award winning author who has dozens of books to her credit. She has a knack for creating heartwarming stories with fun and memorable characters.  I've had the privilege of meeting Annie, as she lives in north central Kentucky too. She is one smart and talented writer! :)

Annie's newest book, Bundle of Joy, just hit the shelves. In addition to graciously answering my questions, she's offered a copy for a giveaway, so be sure and check out the details below.

Welcome to Write Now, Annie. Congratulations on the release of Bundle of Joy!  

Thank you!

The cover is so cute! How much input do you have in the design of your covers?
Actually none. We do fill out forms giving details of characters and scenes for the art department but the rest is out of the author’s hands.
I was reviewing your book titles on Amazon. You are one prolific and inspiring writer. What's your secret for coming up with so many great story ideas? Do you keep a specific writing schedule?
I have so many stories in my head I actually have to keep track of them in notebooks. Most of my ideas come from situations that grow. I think of something  - like what if there was a baby on left at a public place, (as in Bundle of Joy) then ask who would be the two people who would be least likely to want to help but who would benefit the most from getting involved?
I used to have a schedule but now I’ve started working with my family business full time and I tend to write whenever I can grab a minute.
In addition to being a fan of your writing blog, I enjoy your other blog, Dear Helen Hartman. I like how Helen offers "Timeless Advice for Modern Problems with a Vintage Twist". She has such a great sense of humor! How did this modern and vintage combo originate? 
Thanks! I had wanted to write a story about an advice maven called Helen Hartman for years. When I started it and some editors were interested I started a blog to give Helen a presence. I discovered that many other people loved vintage style and images as much as I do. I was having so much fun, and it just took off with a life of its own. That book is half done and I do plan to finish and epub it…when I get the time!
I hope you epub it soon. :) Will we see Helen in future books? I'd love to see her in a series.
I have one book about Helen herself that’s more of a ‘drama-dy’ and one that’s a set up for a series set in the 60s. At least one of them will be showing up in ebook form.
Sounds great! Keep us posted, okay? When you aren't writing, what do you like to read?
I read nonfiction to relax. When I read fiction all I can think is how I would have done it, or why it’s so much better than mine or why did this book get so much more support than mine or…you get it. So non-fiction takes me away from all that. I do read fiction but not as much as I wish I could. 

Yeah, I do get it. For the record though, I've read a good handful of your books and they were great. They stand up to everything else I've read. You're a wonderful storyteller. Thanks so much for stopping by, Annie. Wishing you much success! 

Thank you, and thanks so much for having me! 

Here is Amazon's description of Bundle of Joy:  

Never, Ever Trust A Cowboy...Like the wind, Jackson Stroud plans to blow through Texas ranch country and never look back…proving Shelby Grace Lockhart's motto correct. But the former Dallas detective doesn't walk away from ladies—or infants—in distress. So when he discovers an abandoned newborn and a woman looking for a fresh start, Jax knows he came to this special town for a reason. Shelby Grace is just as determined to learn why someone left a baby on her doorstep. As their quest leads in surprising directions, Jax starts to believe he's finally found a place to belong. What will it take to convince Shelby that this is one cowboy she can count on? 

Bundle of Joy is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book sellers.

Stop by and visit Annie at the following links; she'd love to see you!

 
The Giveaway 

Annie's giving away a copy of Bundle of Joy to one of my followers. Here are the details:
 
  • You must be a Google Friend Connect 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 links with your comment.
  • Open to residents of the United States.
  • Deadline to enter is noon EST Friday, March 29, 2013. Winner will be chosen by random.org, notified via email, and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, April 1, 2013.


Do you have any questions for Annie? Do you have any famous writers in your writing group?

Happy writing,

Karen 

P.S. Congratulations to last week's giveaway winners! Gift #1 went to Barb Snyder and Gift #2 went to Jeanette Levellie. Thanks to all who participated!


23 comments :

  1. Thank you for introducing us to Annie Jones. Hew newest book is one I'll have to put on my reading list. I looked up her "Dear Helen Hartman" blog and I love it!

    Also, thank you for the book I won in your last giveaway, The Moses Conspiracy. I have a few other books I need to finish reading before I'll let myself start on it.

    Blessings Karen.
    bsnyder@maplenet.net

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  2. Sounds great! And the cover is adorable!

    Jennifer AT jennifershirk DOT com

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  3. Thanks or the lovely interview, Karen!

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  4. If anyone ever left me that bundle, I'd panic! Congratulations, Annie.

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  5. Very cute idea for a story.

    I write both fiction and non-fiction, so reading either can give me a complex.

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  6. I enjoyed the Helen Hartman column very much and left Annie a note. Thanks for all of your great ideas. The baby book sounds so cute.

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  7. Barb,
    You are very welcome on all accounts. :) Glad you like Helen Hartman too.

    Jennifer,
    I know - the cover is super cute. :) I'm looking forward to reading this one!

    Annie,
    It's a pleasure to have you along this week! :)

    Alex,
    Yes, but just look at the little face! And think of all you could teach them about writing and blogging! :)

    Diane,
    I thought so too! I know what you mean, we can't over scrutinize our work in light of other work.

    Nancy,
    Glad you enjoyed meeting Annie, or should I say Helen! lol :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  8. Hi Karen, Hello Annie!

    Great cover and book sounds interesting! Love the advice blog.

    Congratulations Annie on the release of Bundle of Joy!

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  9. Just stopping by to say hi and wish you a Blessed Easter. And to ask if I can borrow some if not all your words for my blog about Susan on Thursday. Love, sandie

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  11. Should I wait or head to Amazon to read tonight? The cover is adorable!

    Jbingaman152@comcast.net

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  12. Nas,
    This cover is great, isn't it? I suspect the rest of the book is too. :) Thanks for stopping!

    Sandie,
    Thanks so much! Hope you and your gang are doing well. :) Yes, you may use the content - that's Susan's synopsis, actually. Will email you.

    Edie,
    Nice to see you here. :) Well, you might want to wait, you never know! I know - love the cover too. Annie's a wonderful writer.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  13. Congratulations to Annie. Love her book cover.

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  14. Very cute cover. I would love to read it. I googled it and blog and twitter and facebook.
    joeym11@frontier.com

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  15. What an adorable cover. She's a bundle of joy, I bet. The book sounds great. Thanks, ladies.

    cluculzwriter at yahoo dot ca

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  16. Rachna,
    I think that's a hard cover to resist! :-)

    Diana,
    Nice to meet you! :-) Thanks so much for spreading the word!

    Joylene,
    Can't wait to read this one! Hope you get to read it soon too. :-)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  17. I resemble some of those Helen Hartman pics. LOL And who wouldn't take in a baby as cute as that guy on the cover. Great interview, Karen. So nice to meet Annie!

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  18. Wow! Congratulations to my friend, Barb, for winning Susan's book. Can't wait to hear how she likes it!

    I found it interesting that Annie won't read fiction because it's what she does. So hard, isn't it, not to compare ourselves and our work?

    As a nonfiction writer, I devour fiction. It's how my brain unplugs.

    Fascinating interview, Karen. :)

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  19. Wonderful interview, Karen! I am so glad to be introduced to Annie, and I'm going to head over to visit her blogs.

    I'd love to be entered into the drawing. I'm a follower so I think that's one entry?

    srdietze at sbcglobal dot net

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  20. Susan,
    Ha, I think I might too! LOL Thanks so much for coming by. I knew my friends would love Annie! :)

    Rhonda,
    It is hard not to compare - and I think it can be good as a means to stretch ourselves. As long as we don't beat ourselves up! Thanks a bunch! :)

    Susie,
    Thank you! Annie's a wonderful writer. :) Got you down for two entries - comment and follower.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  21. Congrats on the release of your book, Annie! I'd love to win a copy. susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com

    Yay for Barb Snyder and Jeanette Levellie.



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  22. Jessica,
    I'm thinking it is! I need to get a copy. :) Hope you get a chance to read it.

    Susan,
    Got you down, you made it just in time! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!