Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Jody Hedlund Plus Giveaway

Thanks for showing up for this week's Meet & Greet!  What a great treat we've got in store for us today.  :o)  But first up, let me announce the winner of last week's giveaway of The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz.  Thanks to random.org, I'm very happy to say that the winner is...

Merry (worthy2bpraised@...)

Merry, you are in for a real treat with this book!  I'll be in touch with you shortly to get your mailing address.

And now, for this week's special guest.  Jody Hedlund is a fairly new author in the Christian Historical Fiction scene, but it hasn't taken her long to start making some waves!  I had the enormous pleasure to read her newest book just a few days ago, and if you don't have this book yet...you're gonna want to get a copy FAST!  Stay tuned til the very end of our interview for a chance to win a copy.  :o)

Welcome, Jody, and thanks for stoppin' by for a Southern-Style Meet & Greet!
______________________________________________

What do you like most about writing and being a published author?

As a writer, I love telling stories. I especially like the feeling that comes as I near the end of the book when everything looks hopeless, the characters are in big trouble, and somehow I’m able to wrap up the book in a satisfying way. I call it the first-draft love affair! I fall absolutely and madly in love with the story and think it’s the best thing I’ve ever written.

As a published author, I love hearing from readers. I’m always thrilled to get emails or hand-written notes from readers telling me how much my story touched them.

Have you always been interested in becoming a writer?

I’m pretty sure I was born with a pen in one hand and a notebook in the other. Since my earliest days, I loved making up stories and writing them down. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve finally been able to channel that passion into a full time writing career.

What is your latest book release?

The Doctor's Lady released September 1.

Priscilla White bears the painful knowledge that she’ll never be able to be a mother. Having felt God’s call to missionary work, she determines to remain single, put her pain behind her, and answer God’s call.

Dr. Eli Ernest wants to start a medical clinic and mission in unsettled Oregon Country. He’s not interested in taking a wife because of the dangers of life in the west and the fact that no white woman has ever attempted the overland crossing.

But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs.

Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

What message do you hope readers take away?

I hope readers are inspired to try new things and brave dangerous prospects in the pursuit of their dreams. When we go after the things that matter, we’ll have to take risks and we’ll experience setbacks and obstacles. But if we persevere, we can reach our destination and do great things along the way.

Are you currently working on another novel, and if so, can you give us a snippet about it?

In 2012, my next historical romance releases. I’m really excited about this story because it’s set in my home state of Michigan. It takes place during the 1880’s at a time in history when the lumber era was at its height. Although the story isn’t inspired by a true person the way my first two books have been, I do include several real people, particularly a real villain by the name of James Carr who was notorious in central Michigan for his violence and for introducing white slavery into the state.

The heroine of the story is a young woman, Lily Young, who is looking for her sister who’s caught up into the degradation of lumber camp life. While Lily searches for her missing sister, she fights against the evil that runs rampant around her, and she fights not to lose her heart to the lumber baron who turns a blind eye to the lawlessness of the lumber business.

I can hardly wait for this one, but I'm so happy that I can get my next Jody Hedlund book fix from your first book, The Preacher's Bride, which is patiently waiting on my nightstand.  :o)

Where can readers find you on the web?

I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com

What is your most favorite thing about the South?

The only place I’ve been in the South is to Florida to the tourist attractions. *Ducks head in shame* I’m pretty sure you true Southerners would not consider Disney World an authentic southern visit!

Sorry...I'd have to agree that Disney World is not what we'd consider a Southern visit...but it was sure nice to have you down here! :o)

If you could visit anywhere down South, where would it be and why?

I’d visit historical landmarks—including places involved in the founding of our country, the Civil War era, and beyond—anything historical because I really love history.

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Can I cheat and say I like my tea slightly sweet? Although, if I had to choose, I’d prefer it un-sweet over too sugary!

BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef?

Both are good! But recently my sister-in-law made a super easy BBQ Pork that was to-die-for. (The easy part was what really hooked me!)

BBQ Pork is soooo easy to make, especially if you cook it in the crockpot.  Cook it on high for 4-5 hours with some barbecue sauce, and you'll get loads of compliments at dinner, I promise!

Potluck dinner or restaurant dinner?

Restaurant dinner. As much as I like goulash casseroles and scalloped potatoes, if I had my choice, I’d like a nice evening out (simply because they’re so rare!).

Summer or Winter?

Hmmm . . . that’s a really tough choice. I love each season in its time. But if I had to pick, I’d probably go with summer because the kids can play outside and I get a break from teaching.

Country gal or city gal?

Most definitely city gal. My idea of camping is staying in a hotel and having to share a bathroom with the whole family!

Same here.  Hubby has tried to get me to go camping a couple of times, and I've adamantly refused every time!

You, you all, or y’all?

You. Short. Sweet. And to the point. *Smile*
_______________________________________

Y'all...

(sorry, Jody...it's the Southern in me)  :o)

...if you haven't gotten your hands on this fabulous book, I may come and hunt you down!  (Naw...just kidding.)  :o)  But if you'd love the opportunity to win a copy, then, today's your lucky day.  Jody's giving one copy away to one commenter on this post.  Simply follow the rules below, and your name will be in the hat.  Easy-peasy!

• Leave a comment with your email address disguised like "yourname at yourdomain dot com" or something similar. Many people are not following this rule for their mandatory entry, and I've not been able to include them.  Please leave your email addy so I can contact you.
• All entry comments must be left by Sunday, Sept. 18.
• Contest is open to US residents only.
• Become a follower/email subscriber for an additional entry, and let me know in your comment if you're a new one or an existing one. (No need to create a separate comment for this. Combining everything into one comment is much easier.) 

Good luck, y'all, and thanks for stopping by.  Grab yourself some sweet tea and BBQ pork sandwich before you go!  There's plenty to go around.  :o)