Debut Author Jody Hedlund, Interview & Giveaway!

I have the privilege and honor to interview Jody Hedlund today at The Writer's Alley. I met Jody when I was first getting started in writing. We both were writing medievals at the time and swapped a few chapters. It didn't take long to realize that Jody was way out of my league. She is an excellent writer, able to capture you from the very first, and I am thrilled to be able to share a little bit more about her and her debut book, The Preacher's Bride.

Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest in Historical Romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

Now, to the fun part....

Jody, do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

In my mother’s womb.  She consumed chocolate during pregnancy and therefore passed along to me the essential chocolate-loving trait that shapes every writer. With such a significant foundation, I was all but destined to become a writer! 

No, seriously. I think my desire to tell stories was written into my genes by God himself.

When did you first consider yourself a bonafide writer?

When I got my first rejection. Every writer knows they’ve graduated into bonafide writership once they’ve gotten their first rejection diploma.

How many manuscripts have you written and which is your favorite?

I’ve honestly lost count of how many books I’ve written—probably somewhere around ten.  And I have to say, I fall madly in love with each one while I’m writing it. Usually I think each one is God’s gift to mankind—until reality slaps me across the face!

Most recently I turned in Book 2 to my publisher thinking it was THE best book I’d ever written. They returned it to me asking for some pretty significant rewrites, letting me know just how subjective my love affairs are.

How many manuscripts did you have under your belt before you began shopping for an agent?

Many.  But The Preacher’s Bride was the first book I wrote after coming back to writing after quite a few years off while I was busy having babies.

You obtained the coveted agent, Rachelle  Gardner. Tell us about your "call".

Originally Rachelle had requested the full of The Preacher’s Bride. But because she was so busy, my manuscript sat in her slush pile for nine months. After I finaled in the Genesis contest through ACFW, I emailed her to let her know. Of course, that perked her attention. She pulled my manuscript from the slush pile, read it, and called me the next day.

You have shared the joys and hardships of your publishing journey on your blog. What would you say was the most shocking discovery you made on this journey?

By far, the most difficult aspect of the publication journey has been the rewrite process.  I’m learning that most publishing houses ask their authors (even well-established authors!) for significant changes during the editing process.  I had to make major changes on The Preacher’s Bride during the early editing stages. And as I mentioned, I just had to make some fairly big changes on Book 2 as well.

I hear a writer's life changes drastically when they get published. How are you handling the changes and juggling all the aspects of writing and publishing?

I joined the circus and had the master jugglers teach me how to toss plates and knives into the air through hoops of fire. That has helped me the most!

Okay, so not really! Seriously, I struggle every day to balance the new demands.  I try to set personal deadlines ahead of publisher ones so that I’m not running behind. I also keep myself on a fairly strict writing schedule. I block time into my day and stick to it. I give myself daily word count goals or number of chapters to edit, and I work hard to meet my goals.

What advice would you give writers who are still on the journey to publication?

Keep striving to learn more about the craft of writing. Write a book. Then read a couple books about fiction-writing. Practice the techniques in the next book.  Learn, learn, learn. Write, write, write. Repeat ad infinitum.

The Preacher's Bride is releasing next month. Are you going to have a release party? Celebrate with family? Friends?

I’m celebrating over at my blog all of September with a countdown, first-sighting pictures, and weekly giveaways! Come over and join in the fun! And I’m having a Book Release Party at the end of September at a local bookstore to celebrate with all my real-life friends and family.

From reading your blog, I know you are REAL. You share your heart…your joys, your fears, your life. Are there any fears running around in your head in regards to the release of your book?

I’m scared sleepless. Literally! My mind has a hard time quieting down at night anyway. And now with the book releasing, my thoughts run wild in anticipation of what this whole experience is going to be like. Fortunately, I’ve been getting some positive early reviews that have quieted some of my anxiety!

Tell us a little bit about The Preacher's Bride and how you came to write it.

The Preacher’s Bride is a tale about finding true love amidst hardship, discrimination, and persecution. In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher—whether her assistance is wanted or not. She’s determined to save a family. He’s determined to preach the truth.  Neither expect to fall in love.

This book is inspired by Elizabeth Bunyan, the second wife of John Bunyan who was author of Pilgrim’s Progress. As I was reading a biography about John Bunyan, I ran across a small excerpt about Elizabeth.  I loved the brave way she defended John during one of his trials when he was under arrest for his “unlicensed” preaching. Her strength to face a court of persecutors and her determination to faithfully support her husband touched me so deeply, that I decided her little-known story needed to be told to the world.

Now for a little fun…tell us 3 FUN facts about yourself that you don't think anyone knows. It doesn't have to be writing related, but a funny writing quirk would be FABULOUS!

It’s hard to think of things people don’t know because I’m such an open book on my blog, twitter and facebook! But here are three things that I’ve kept secret and am only now revealing today! J

1. I eat pie for breakfast. Yep. Anytime there’s pie in the house, I indulge myself in a piece for breakfast, especially if it has fruit in it of any kind because then I’m getting a couple servings of fruit.

2. I’m a fast walker. My kids usually have to run to keep up with me everywhere I go.  I’m sure it looks quite comical to see me, the mother duck with my five youngun’s trailing after me, tripping over themselves!

3. Writing quirk? While I write, I stick bananas in my ears to block out the noise of my children. Okay, so not really. But I do wear headphones and listen to Pandora a LOT during my writing time.


Jody, thank you so much for letting me interview you! It is such a joy to follow your journey!

JODY'S GIVEAWAY

Jody is graciously offering up a copy of her debut book, The Preacher's Bride to a lucky commenter. If you want to be considered for the drawing, please leave your email address in the comment section .... sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com.... and you will be entered for a chance to win. The winner will be announced Sunday, September 19, here at The Writer's Alley.

To Learn More About Jody

Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

Blog:http: //jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/

Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Email: JodyHedlund@JodyHedlund.com

Sherrinda