The Answers to Everything!

For those of us that just can't  get enough of best-selling author Jody Hedlund, I am posting the answers to the questions you left for her in your recent comments. Some of the questions you asked were addressed by Jody in her interview  with me back in August. In order to save a busy author/mother-of-five a bit of time, I have reposted her answers to those questions. Jody revealed quite a bit about herself in that interview as well as her 'secrets' post. I encourage you to go back and read these to get to know her better. Also, Jody has spent the past month visiting many blogs, sharing other secrets you'll want to know! Please visit her website to find links to these posts under BLOG TOUR for Unending Devotion.

Three of you had questions about the research required for writing historical novels: Writing about three different eras would take a lot of research! How much time do you spend researching for each book? What are your resources for your search? How long does it take to do the research on a book before you start writing it?  Here is the question I posed to her about research for writing historical fiction, followed by Jody's answer. 

I've mentioned in my past posts that, thanks to your book The Preacher's Bride, I am now a fan of Historical Fiction.  What draws you to write Historical Romance?  Are you a history buff, or do you just drown yourself in research for the books?

I’ve always loved reading historical romances and losing myself in past eras. And yes, I'm a big history buff, but I also have to immerse myself into the research specific to each book. I usually take a couple of months to read biographies, books on the time period, and everything that pertains to the story. Before I start writing the first draft, I have to feel like I could walk into the setting of my book and be mostly comfortable with that time period.

 I sent the rest of the questions to Jody, and here are those questions, with her responses.

Where do you get the ideas for your books?

 I usually get the ideas for my books from researching and reading. Whether I'm reading biographies or time-period related books, I usually keep a running list of ideas that interest me or that I could use in a story. Then when it comes time to start writing the first draft, I narrow down my brainstormed list and pick the most original, interesting, or provocative ideas to use in the story.

Do people in real life inspire you to write about them as historical characters?

Generally, I base most of my main characters on people that I've read about in biographies. But I do draw character traits from real life people. Usually I don't imitate one particular person, but pick unusual or stand-out traits to attempt to replicate in my characters.

When I'm at my desk, I have to have iced tea and most of the time a small bag of peanut M & M's. What are your must haves when you are writing?

My must-have is a hot beverage. In the mornings, I drink coffee. And then in the afternoon I usually switch to hot herbal tea. There's just something about having a hot mug in my hands that is inspiring and comforting!

From what I've gathered, it can be very difficult to have your first novel published. How did you go about seeking the publication of The Preacher's Bride?

Like most aspiring writers, once I was ready for publication, I began to query agents. The Preacher's Bride was rejected by every agent that I sent it to, except for one. Only one agent requested to see a full manuscript. With great excitement, I sent the manuscript to this agent. But then I didn't hear back from her for months!

In the meantime, I wrote another book and entered a national fiction writers contest for unpublished writers. I was fortunate to have both of my books final in that contest. After that I contacted the agent who still had my manuscript to let her know about the contest final. Three days later she offered me representation. Three months later she was able to sell my books!

What makes this "Christian" fiction? That's definitely not a section of bookstores here in Spain and I'm curious!

Unending Devotion, like all of my books, has a spiritual message woven throughout the story. In the characters' struggles to grow, they have to work through faith issues. For example, in Unending Devotion, the hero, Connell must learn that he's been complacent about the social ills that run rampant around him. Throughout the book, he changes from a man who turns his back on evil, to being a man willing to stand up for what's right.

Your first three books are set in three very different time periods. If you were an era, which one would you be?

Oh that would be really tough! I personally prefer the comfort of my modern conveniences! :-) But if I could go back in a time machine just to visit, I'd love to go back to the 1600's since it would be the most different from our time. I'd love the chance to experience the sounds, scents, foods, homes, and everything first hand.

How many more novels do you have in the works?

 I have two more completed novels that will be releasing next year in 2013. A Noble Groom releases in April (and is already available for preorder!). And then I'll have another book releasing in September of 2013. We're just now deciding on the name for it and starting to develop the cover. I'm currently writing the book that will release in 2014.

 Are you staying with historical fiction or will you be doing any contemporary fiction in the future?

I'm definitely a historical fiction girl! I can't see myself branching into contemporary fiction anytime soon. If anything, I'd love to go back even further in time and try a story set in the Middle Ages 1400's or 1500's during the time of castles and knights.

Did you come up with the title "Unending Devotion"? If not, what was the title you had in mind while writing the novel?

I can't remember exactly who came up with the title. Usually for each title, I come up with a list of possibilities that I give my publisher. And they put together a list as well. Then they narrow down their top choices and run them by me. In the end, they have the final choice, but I do get quite a bit of input in the process.

In what era is your next book set?

A Noble Groom is set in the 1880's in Michigan very similar to Unending Devotion.

Thank you again, Jody, for taking the time to answer our questions. I know I enjoyed getting a glance into your writing habits and life.  And thank you, readers, for participating in this interview with Jody. I loved the questions you thought up!  Of course, most of you only left those questions because it gave you an extra entry into my give-away for Jody's newest release Unending Devotion.  (I don't blame you. It's a really good book!)

I promised you that today I would reveal the winner of the signed copy of Unending Devotion.

 

So now...

     the moment you've all been waiting for...

Congratulations, WINNER! I will be contacting you for your mailing address, and you're signed copy of Unending Devotion will be on it's way to you. I know you will enjoy this book!

More on the winner next post...

Jody Hedlund's Secret #13

This month, Jody has been sharing 'secrets' with readers around the blogosphere. Today she is sharing one here on my page! This post counts in my contest for the book give-away, so don't forget to leave a comment.  

P.S.  Jody will be popping in today! Leave a question for her to answer.

Secret #13: The house chore I like to do the least.

By Jody Hedlund 

As you can imagine, there are a lot of chores that come with having a large family. With seven people using bathrooms, dirtying laundry, and needing meals every day, managing all the work is almost a full time job.

Over the years, I've developed the motto, "Whoever lives in the house, helps with the work of keeping up the house." I've wanted to instill into my family that we're working as a team to maintain our house, that Mom isn't the live-in maid (or household slave).

So, to that end, I've always assigned chores to everyone. We all have certain jobs and responsibilities.

For example, my oldest son has the job of mowing the yard once a week, and he's also in charge of taking care of the dog on a daily basis. My 13 year old twin daughters take care of folding and putting away the laundry every day. My younger son unloads the dishwasher. And my six year old takes care of the many, many socks that have to be matched and put away.

I haven't given them work to do because I hate doing it myself. Because in reality, some days it would be easier and quicker to just take care of things myself. Instead, I relinquish my need to control everything and have it perfect so that I can intentionally train my children in the value of hard work, orderliness, and personal responsibility. I do it so that someday, when they leave home, they'll be well prepared for managing their own homes.

All that to say, the one chore that I like the least, that I wish I could delegate to someone else is cooking.

I realize some people love to cook and wouldn't even put it on the to-do list as a chore next to cleaning toilets. But I'm not one of those people who browse cookbooks for fun, try new exotic recipes, or have a cupboard full of unique spices. 

No, I cook to feed my hungry family. I cook in large quantities (doubling most recipes). And I make staple, fairly inexpensive meals that are mostly kid-pleasing.

Fortunately, one of my daughters really enjoys cooking. And as she's getting older, she's been able to help out more in that area. And my mom also really likes to cook. She invites us over to her house a couple of times a week for wonderful meals that she prepares.

So maybe someday, I'll be able to completely hand over the cooking to others. But for now I pitch in and do my part to make the house run smoothly.

What about you? What chore do you like the least?

Thank you, Jody, for sharing with us today. And thank you for promising to answer my reader's questions for the contest.

 Readers, don't forget about the contest. Next week I will be posting the other questions you have left for Jody with her answers. AND I will be announcing the WINNER of the book give-away! Don't forget to leave some way for me to contact you!

The Review

*Be sure to check out the book give-away at the end!

Last night, a terrible thing happened... 

I finished reading Unending Devotion.

Have you ever read a book, anxious to find out how it ends, but then wishing it didn't? Yeah, me too. And Jody Hedlund's latest novel is one of those. Christian Historical Romance doesn't get any better!

I know I said I would post a review Friday, but I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this book.

Not only does the MC share my name, but I can so relate to her impulsiveness--okay, bullheadedness. I, too, sometimes act without thinking it through. I, too, have had less than ideal outcomes from such actions.  

Lily Young is an orphan. Her younger sister, Daisy, has run away--to be a prostitute! Oren, a father figure to Lily, has taken Lily along as his assistant to photograph young men in logging camps in 1883 Michigan. 

The logging industry has birthed many evils, one of which is a large number of brothels. Lily's hope is, while touring the many logging camps, to search the brothels, find Daisy and rescue her from a life of prostitution. Easier said than done. (FYI: If you Google images for '1800 logging camp brothel' you will pull up the cover of Unending Devotion.)

This topic is near and dear to me.  After being enlightened to the ill of modern-day sex trafficking, I have made it a priority to educated myself and others about this problem.  Hedlund demonstrates that this sin has been around the U.S. for a very long time.

As she did in her first two novels, Hedlund took me into the logging camps and the culture of the day. She paints a vivid picture with her writing, as well as educates on a lifestyle of former times. (It's like that commercial--I DO feel smarter after reading one of her books!) If only high school History class had been this much fun...

Her characters come alive. Unfortunately, that includes the evil Mr. Carr and despicable Jimmy Neil. Neither has a conscious when it comes to young women. Carr doesn't think twice about tricking them into working for him, or holding them against their will.  Fortunately, Lily has made it her life's purpose to rescue anyone who needs rescuing!

Connell McCormick is a good man, but turns his head to the evil surrounding him, accepting it as 'part of the territory.' Lily can't understand how he can allow the evil to continue for the sake of business. Is profit the deciding factor in moral obligation?

Hedlund's minor characters, from the local paper's chief editor to the charming couple that own a boarding house, are also full of personality, becoming real to the reader.

Unending Devotion has a unique storyline, that moves well from beginning to end. It certainly fed the suspense-lover in me. And, if you're a romance fan, the relationship between Lily and Connell will please your match-making soul.

I've wondered whether or not, if I should someday become a published author under contract, I could crank out story after story while maintaining a quality tale. Jody Hedlund has proved it possible. For me, this was her best book so far. As with the first two novels, this third work crosses bookstore boundaries.  Even though Hedlund's genre is Christian fiction, this novel will appeal to all historical fiction fans. On my Shelfari page, I will be marking this one a five-star favorite!  I can't wait to share it with my bookworm granddaughter.  Perhaps I can even nudge her into writing her own review.

THE CONTEST: I will be giving away a signed copy of Unending Devotion!  To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment! (Plus some way to contact you.) Want to increase the odds in your favor? I have previously posted an interview with Jody. At the end of this interview, I explain all the ways you can enter. One reader already has 7 entries in the contest! You get extra chances with every post about this book, from the interview post until the drawing.  Good luck!

*Please, if posting a link, leave a way to find that link in the comment box, or sent me an email.  Thanks.

A Mailbox Full of Yippee!

(*Be sure to read to the end for contest info!)

Don't we all love getting goodies in the mail? I've been anxiously awaiting this package--impatiently, I might add--ever since I found out I was getting it. Saturday, my husband brought in the mail, and there it was! Yes, my preview copy of Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund had arrived.

Hopefully, things will slow down just enough this week for me to finish this story. I've read a few chapters already, and it's got me hooked. Jody really has a way of putting the reader right into the setting. 

I will be posting a book review very soon. I reviewed her debut book, The Preacher's Bride, and her last novel, The Doctor's Lady. Come back and read what I have to say about Jody's latest book. The official release date isn't until the first of September, but some bookstores have been putting them on the shelves early.

If you're not familiar with this fabulous author, check out my interview with her in my last post. Also, the last post will tell you all about the book give-away I'm having. 

If you'd like to enter, or rack up additional entries, you MUST post a comment on this page. Here are other ways to earn extra entries:

• Follow this blog.
• Post a link to this post on your facebook page.
• Post a link to this post on your personal blog.
• Leave a question in your comment for Jody to answer in an upcoming post.  

Even if you did these things from my last post, you can do them again! Make sure to tell me in your comment if you're doing that. I will not be checking, unless you tell me.

Most important: Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you...

  You just might win!