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!

• Annie's Writing Blog
• Annie's Amazon Author Page
• Dear Helen Hartman Blog
• Twitter 
• Facebook
   

 
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!