I've been on deadline all summer, but "the end" (literally!) is in sight! I always feel sorry for my poor husband when I'm on deadline. I am getting better about remaining calm, but with every book, there is a certain amount of what Ken calls "fritzing out" that accompanies getting my manuscript turned in to my editor by the deadline. (Even when I'm generously given an extra few days or even … [Read more...]
Society, Snobbery, & Newport Society (Plus 2 Giveaways!)
Jody here! Today I have the privilege of hosting fun and delightful author, Jen Turano! She has a new release this summer, In Good Company. I asked her to give us some of the inspiration behind her book which RT says is "Infused with humor, a healthy dose of romance and even a little mystery." Please join me today in welcoming Jen Turano! (And be sure to check out TWO awesome giveaways at the … [Read more...]
Coming Soon & Giveaway
2015 will be the first year I’ll have two books releasing. In July, I’ll have a new book with a new-to-me publisher. The book is called Lady Maybe. The publisher is Berkley/Penguin in New York. I am enjoying working with a new team, but I am continuing to work with my beloved Bethany House as well. They are publishing my December release (The Painter's Daughter), and I've recently signed a new … [Read more...]
When Life is Research
As I've been working on the fourth book in my Chicory Inn Novels series, I've been very aware of how much of the research for these novels, more than any others I've written, has been simply living life! So many of the scenes in these novels come from my experiences as a daughter, mother, grandmother, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister, aunt... I've truly pulled from just about every … [Read more...]
A Snowflake Party
Thirteen years ago my little story about one of our family's long-standing traditions was published in the December 2001 issue of the now (sadly!) defunct Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion Magazine, which was a huge favorite of mine. I think I was a subscriber from the very beginning to the end of the magazine's publication. I'm still a fan of Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and decorating books, … [Read more...]