The Book Lover's Giveaway is winding down with our final author in a very wonderful line-up. In case you've missed your chances, you can still comment on all of the previous authors' posts for your chance to win a very big box of books! Just scroll down and comment on any of the posts and learn about some of my favorite authors!
Today, I am excited to introduce you to another amazing author, Jody Hedlund. Jody is also incredibly generous with her knowledge, and as a debut author this year, I frequently found myself on her BLOG soaking up the wisdom...(Thanks for all you share, Jody!)
Now, read on for a little more about this fabulous writer and don't forget to comment for your chance to WIN! (Winner will be selected Friday.)
Courtney: Where'd you get the idea for your book?
Jody: 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.
Courtney: Do you have any "rituals" you do when you write?
Jody: I always have something hot to drink, usually coffee in the mornings and not tea in the afternoons. Otherwise, I'm fairly flexible with my routine. Sometimes I listen to Pandora and wear headphones to block out my kids' noise. Other times, I write standing up at the kitchen counter so that I can better able multi-task other responsibilities. And there are rare moments of absolute quiet that I cherish!
Courtney: Favorite writing snack and/or beverage?
Jody: As mentioned, I usually have my hot beverage in hand. And of course I also have my sweet treat (that usually involves chocolate in one form or another!).
Courtney: How would you describe your writing style/books?
Jody: I would say my writing style tends to be on the more intense side. My books aren't quite the traditionally sweet romance since I tend to tackle some tougher more mature issues in my books. However, readers often tell me my books are passionate, page-turning adventures.
Courtney: Something people don't know about life as a writer?
Jody: One of the most surprising things to me as a writer has been the delight that I find in hearing from readers. It really brings me great joy to hear how readers have enjoyed my stories, especially when something in the story touches them on a deeper level.
To find out more about Jody, visit her website or head over to amazon to purchase her books for yourself (books make wonderful gifts!)
For your chance to WIN Jody's latest book and all of the other books we've been chattinga bout this past week, simply leave a comment on this post.
For extra chances to win, Blog, Facebook, Pin or Tweet this giveaway and come back and leave comments for each one you do. Lots of chances to win as I'm pooling together all the comments on all of the posts starting with last Monday! This is a HUGE prize!!
I hope you win. :)
