Interview and giveaway with author Jodie Wolfe!!

 

Today we welcome Author Jodie Wolfe to the Diamond Mine!! We will be talking about her and her new release, Wooing Gertrude.

Jodie is offering an e-copy of her book, Taming Julia, which is the first novel in her present series. To take part in the giveaway drawing, at the end of the interview, click on "leave a comment"and include your email to be entered in the free drawing! 

Now we'll get to the interview, after this short excerpt from her book:

The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn’t who the deputy envisioned...

Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job.

Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness.

Will either of them ever be able to find peace?

Sounds wonderful, Jodie!

How did you get your idea for this story?

Gertrude was first introduced as a minor character in Taming Julia. In my second book, Protecting Annie, Gertrude befriends Annie McPherson. I wanted Gertrude to find love and happiness too, which is why I wrote Wooing Gertrude. As for the initial premise, I once came across an article about a man arrested during the time I write, that had swindled women of their savings.

It's so interesting where we often get our ideas from! 

What made you decide to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl. In elementary school, I started writing little stories and illustrating them. I was hooked and knew that when I grew up, I wanted to become a writer.

What do you like best about writing?

I love the writing process. Coming up with characters. Researching a setting. Finding a time to place the story and then letting the characters go. They often surprise me along the way.

Yes! There are so many wonderful aspects to being a writer. What was your first story?

My first unpublished book I wrote when I was thirteen – Laura MacKenzie and the Mysterious Kidnapping. :) Can you tell I read a lot of mysteries at the time?

Yes, I can tell!  :) 

Do you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?

I have a rough idea where I’m going, but I don’t come up with a formal outline.

Do you have any underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with

Each novel has a different underlying theme. It’s usually something either God has taught me or is in the process of teaching me.

That's so interesting! A great way to pass along encouragement.

Do your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?

Some do, but I’ll never tell what they are. :)

Smart girl!!

Do your characters ever surprise you?

All the time. I think I know which way the story is heading, and my characters decide to do something I didn’t expect.

I think it's pretty cool when that happens! And wonderfully surprising.  :)

What are you working on now?

I recently turned in the final book in this series to my publisher. Since then, I’ve been working on a new book/series set in Shippensburg, PA. The first book is set during the Civil War, which I’ve never done before, so I’ve been boning up on it. My husband and I even went to a Civil War ball recently. It was a lot of fun.

Well, this interview has been fun, too! Thanks, Jodie!!

Hey readers, I'm including a short bio of Jodie, as well as all her social and purchase links. And after that, Jodie has gifted us with a "First page peek" of Wooing Gertrude! Enjoy!

Bio:

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Wooing-Gertrude-Burrton-Springs-Brides-ebook/dp/B0CCXGB3GB?ref_=ast_author_dp

Ebook: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1635

Print:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1636

First Page Peek

Burrton Springs, Kansas

August 4, 1877

Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of her mother. In two days, she’d be opening the clothing shop beneath her apartment.

She studied the trail leading into town hoping for a wisp of dust indicating the stagecoach was on its way, but saw none. Smoothing the light blue flowered fabric of her skirt, Gertrude’s hand settled against her churning stomach. What would George Witt think of her when he arrived? Would he see past her faults and still find her loveable? Would he like the place she picked for them to live?

The many letters he’d written to her crinkled in her reticule, as she clutched it close to her heart. His last missive declared he planned to marry her shortly after arriving. Mama would have a conniption, which was why Gertrude hadn’t breathed a word to her mother that she’d marry tomorrow after the church service. Mama would try to do everything in her power to prevent it. Gertrude didn’t plan to say anything to her until they were sitting side by side in the church. No use creating a stir ahead of time.

Her dress hung from a hook in her new place waiting for the blessed event. She’d spent hours sewing it and adding yards of intricate lace she’d crocheted.