Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Jody Hedlund!!
Jody and I met online a few years ago--she was one of my first followers, and she generously helped me feel welcome to the blogosphere. We're fortunate to live in the same state and, trust me, she's as inspiring in person as she is online. In fact, this weekend we were able to catch up at the debut meeting/conference of Great Lakes ACFW, a new chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. What a blessing!
Let's get to it!
1. Beverage of choice?
Most definitely Starbuck’s Dark Roast coffee. Very strong. No cream. No sugar.
2. Any pets?
Pets by choice: 2 enormous, over-fed but very friendly cats
Pets because I love my kids and I’m too weak to say no: a Golden Retriever & 2 hamsters
3. Dream vacation?
England and Germany to visit castle ruins. And of course to do research for future books!
4. What are you listening to right now?
Pandora. I have several stations that match my moods. And I usually land upon a new station for each new book that I write.
5. What's for dinner?
Whatever my husband or daughter decide to cook! No, really I’m not a gourmet cook. In fact I tend to make rather simple, kid-friendly meals in large quantities. Tonight: A double batch of tacos.
Thank you, Jody, for participating today! I'm shaking my head in horror at the thought of not adding a healthy dose of cream and sugar to coffee, but I'm nodding in complete agreement with your vacation choices. I would love to head to England and tour the countryside. We could road-trip it and stay in any number of cool castles on the National Registry! Oh, and on the pet front, we have a guinea pig for the kids' sake--what's the average life span again? :) Thanks again, Jody!
Jody's award-winning, debut novel, The Preacher's Bride, is available now, and her next book, The Doctor's Lady will be available in September!
So tell me--what are your Easter plans?
Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest. 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.
She’s represented by agent Rachelle Gardner and her debut book, The Preacher’s Bride, released in Oct. 2010 and is available online and in most bookstores. Stop by her blog, Author, Jody Hedlund, where she chronicles her journey to publication and dispenses more of her two-cent writing wisdom. Also, for more information about Jody and her books, stop by her website, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.
I don't know my Easter plans yet. Kind of feel stressed thinking about it. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteGreat questions! Coffee without cream or sugar? *shudder* It's always fun learning more about Jody. Thanks for sharing, ladies!
Two gorgeous gals! Y'all look like you were having so much fun!
ReplyDeleteCoffee black and hamsters will probably keep me up with nightmares tonight. Easter plans? This is the first year we aren't going back to my hometown. It's just me my immediate family. But we're together. :) Great to get to know you, Jody.
Ahhhh, what a fantastic picture, girls! It makes me want to hug you both.
ReplyDeleteJody, dark roast, strong black coffee? How did I not realize that about you?
So excited for your newest book coming out!!
Thanks, Jill!
Kid friendly meals nightly is my favourite meal too. And I could see the two of touring castles! Nice to get to know Jody better. Our book club will be reading Jody's newest next year, once it is available in Canada again. And beautiful picture ladies! Colouring eggs with the granddaughther, church, and hopefully going for a 'photo' walk are on my Easter weekend agenda. Happy Easter Jill and Jody.
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteJessica N: It is stressful not knowing how to celebrate the holiday--especially if multiple people invite you over! Glad to see we're on the same page about coffee. Cheers!
Jessica P: Ha! No nightmares! Sorry you won't be making the trip back home, but I'm sure you'll have a special holiday regardless!
Heather: I'm excited for her next book, too! Only, what, 5 more months??
Lynn: You could "photo walk" to the castles with us! :) Have fun coloring eggs--good times!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jody,
ReplyDeleteNot even kidding...toddling around castle ruins in England and Germany were some of my first memories. I grew up there from ages 2-6.
It's been so wild and thrilling to see all that's happened with your career. I know how hard you've worked for it!
~ Wendy
Congrats on your book release, Jody! And, Jill, I *knew* you were a closet interviewer all along!
ReplyDeleteOur Easter plans are made, thanks to my ultra-planning husband and MIL...should be a fun weekend. :)
Jill, these interviews are such fun.
ReplyDeleteJody, I hope you get to tromp around some castle ruins in Germany someday. When Gwynly and I lived in Bavaria, we saw many, along with some beautiful palaces. You'll be in for a real treat. Deutschland ist wunderbar.
Our Easter plans include our worship service followed by a BBQ with our church family and an egg hunt for the kids.
Wendy: I'll bet you were adorable! I'd throw my kids in lederhosen. Yeah, I would. :)
ReplyDeleteKristi: Ha! You know I'm going to rope you into one of these at some point, right? Consider yourself warned!
Keli: Ooo, Bavaria sounds amazing! And your Easter plans should be fun!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
My Easter plans are just to leave my house at some point, and Jody's book was so good. I hope she gets to England and Germany to do more reserach.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you both together. Two awesome writer friends. Ever notice the link between writers and cats? Oh, for listening give slacker a shot. I prefer it over pandora. Great Q-n-A!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your success, Jody! - Can't wait for book #2.
ReplyDeleteI learn so much from you and Jill. Both blogs of your blogs are fun and full of valuable information for writers at any stage in the game. Hats off to you both! Love the picture!
Easter is going to be spent with the family.
oops - that should read - "both of your blogs..." Tricky fingers today. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. We have a cat that adopted us... and I'd really like to get a rabbit (for the kids) but I know it'll only be one more thing I'll have to deal with. I want Gerbils. They're really easy to look after. Just trying to think where the cage can go...
ReplyDeleteAs for meeting fellow writers, next week I'm meeting for the first time an internet friend who got me into writing. She lives in Newcastle (UK) and is meeting me in Bristol - excited and nervous all at the same time!
Patti: I love the way you think! Research! And The Preacher's Bride IS an incredible book. Have a wonderful Easter.
ReplyDeleteP.W.: Absolutely--writers and cats belong together! I'm writing your music suggestion down... :)
Loree: Heh-heh! I correct myself all the time too. ;) Thank you very much for the compliment!
Teresa: Welcome! Bunnies can be lovable--and boy are they cute! And isn't it great when cats adopt us? Oh, and you'll have a great time meeting your writer friend!! Congrats!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hey Everyone!!! LOVE being on Jill's blog today!! She's such a sweetheart not only here in cyberland, but even more in person. I'm really blessed to be able to occasionally get together with Jill--she is such an encourager and inspiration! Thank you for having me here today, Jill! And thank you for the kind words about my book, everyone! Have a wonderful Easter!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed following both of your fine blogs for some time now! Thank you both for all the time you put into your blogs and for the good information you share!
ReplyDeleteWe got our Golden "for the kids" and now he's my sidekick. :)
ReplyDeleteFun interview!
Jill:
ReplyDeleteI won a copy of THE PREACHER'S Bride. I loved it.
Easter plans for me involve Maundy Thursday services at one of our sister churches.
Friday- putting detail lines on the backdrop for our Easter drama on Sunday.(Might have to skip the Good Friday services.)
Saturday- Having a dress rehearsal for the Easter Drama.
Sunday- two services with the drama starting off both services with an Easter brunch between the services.
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ReplyDeleteTwo of my favorite ladies in one place! :)
ReplyDeleteI love simple, casual questions like this. The professional craft stuff is always good, but these tidbits give a side we wouldn't always see. Thank you both!
Jody: Aww, thanks! And did I hear a yeehaw on the road trip?
ReplyDeleteRichard: Thank you! And likewise--your blog gives fodder for suspense twists--very appreciated!
Janel: Yeah, I hear you! We got our mini-dachshund for the kids but she became MY best friend. I'm such a sucker for animals!
Quiet Spirit: Wonderful! Jody's such a talented writer. And boy, your Easter sounds fantastic! Enjoy the drama!
Janna: Why, thank you! :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Yay! Jody is amazing! Her blog is always so chocked full of great advice. Love the interview. Though I too shudder at the thought of coffee with no cream...
ReplyDeleteI love Jody, and I live to BE Jody!!! And black coffee? Girl, you are a force, for sure. I'm extra cream, extra syrup, extra, sugar, extra everything until it tastes like candy.
ReplyDeleteMy Easter plans? Entertaining the masses. *sigh* back to cleaning.
Lisa: I agree! And you and I could be cream twins. It's sickening how much I use.
ReplyDeleteTana: That's why I love you. Extra cream, extra syrup, extra sugar, extra everything! Me too!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Fun blog, Jill! I always love to see both yours and Jody's posts. And that coffee? Bleck, Jody...just BLECK! I'm the lots of milk and a teaspoon of sugar or sugar sub girl.
ReplyDeleteEaster is going to be a juggling act for us. And I have to make three quiches!
I don't think I could have two hamsters - but as to the golden retriever and two cats, absolutely!
ReplyDeleteSo neat that you two are able to connect in real life. :-)
Easter plans include church and dinner at my house with family.
Thanks for a fun interview! Love the picture, and how cool is it that you're able to meet in the real world! Jody, I feel for you on the hamsters: for a long time, we had two rats and a half dozen mice in the house :P. I didn't mind the critters, but the smell I could do without....
ReplyDeleteCoffee with cream and sugar is no longer coffee. ;)
ReplyDeleteSunday in Michigan looks to be beautiful! We may grill outside after church. :)
Nelson: Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJenny H: Thanks! And three quiches?? They sound yummy--but a lot of work. Good luck!
Melissa: Ooo, sounds nice! I could do two (or more) cats with my puppy, but my hubby put his foot down. I would be the cat lady if I had my way. :)
Cheryl: I know what you mean about the smell. Our guinea pig cage reeks right now. I'm tired of buying bedding. We keep wondering how long the little guy's going to last. I mean, he's 4 already!
Sandra: What??? No sugar? No cream? *crying inside* Hooray for nice weather in MI--we need it!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love Jody--she is so supportive and kind, and her writing is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteCats and black coffee. What great taste you have, my dear.
Easter plans? A couple in our church is taking us out to dinner, which warms my heart, since our family is far away.
And I'll give my honey the basket from which I've only snitched once. ahahahahahaaa!!! He's in Portland this week and will never miss those 3 Dove eggs...
Jill, thanks for hosting Jody! It's fun to learn more about her. Blessings for the weekend,
ReplyDeleteKaren :)
Hi Jill -
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of you and Jody!
Our church is having a Sunrise Service, a breakfast, and then a regular service. Afterward, we'll have dinner at a friend's house.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Fun questions! Loved, loved, loved The Preacher's Bride!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is so sweet. I love that you two met online but have gotten to meet (and look so lovely together). Strong black coffee? Kind of gives me shivers. (But if that's what it takes....) It was fun to learn a bit more about Jody. Her blog page is incredible, and yours too, Jill. Always love them both!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, on Easter my plans are to remember why we celebrate this very special day, and quietly count my blessings.
ReplyDelete