Interview and Giveaway with author Jodie Wolfe!!

 

Today we welcome author Jodie Wolfe to The Diamond Mine! She is offering a free copy of her newest book, "Convincing Lou," to the winner of the drawing. All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment with your email, and you'll be entered for a chance to win. The 'leave a comment' button is at the end of the interview and links. Here's a little taste of the book:

How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom?...

Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems.

Caleb Martin agrees to one final job as a deputy US Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn’t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’s determined to undermine his every step.

Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together?

Sounds great, Jodie!

Okay, here we go with the interview!

Jodie, how did you get your idea for this story?

Convincing Lou is the final book in my Burton Springs Brides Series. Ellie Lou has been in the series since the very first book. I figured it was time we heard her story.

What made you decide to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series. Soon after, I was writing my own little stories and illustrating them.

It's amazing how many writers loved those books. I'm definitely one of those, too!

What was your first book?

The first book I wrote was when I was a teenager – Laura MacKenzie and the Mysterious Kidnapping. :) It never made it beyond my file cabinet, but I was hooked on writing. My first book I indie published was Hearts Tightly Knit. Soon after I was picked up by a traditional publisher. 

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

I often call myself a plotster. I have a general idea of where the story will go although often the characters take over, and I become more of a seat of the pants writer as I follow after them. :)

I think a majority of writers follow a similar pattern, especially with the tendency of characters to take over!

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

I always have an underlying theme I write about, usually depending on what God is showing/teaching me or has recently shown me.

That's a wonderful way to share the things you're learning. I love that!

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

Often, they do, but I won’t tell you which ones. :)

Smart girl!! :) 

Do your characters ever surprise you?

Definitely! I’m working on a new series and yesterday when I was writing, the characters took a turn in the story that I didn’t anticipate.

Don't you just love it when that happens? It's fun!

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

My all-time favorite is from my book Taming Julia. Jules (Julia) was such a fun character to create.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a new series about prodigals. The stories will take place in Shippensburg, PA. The first one, Abigail’s Pursuit, is set during the Civil War. I’ve never written anything during this time period before, so I find myself doing a lot of research. I’ve been blessed to find a local historian who has a wealth of information/knowledge of the area, including two daily journals written during the year I’m writing about.

Wow, that's great! What a resource. I hope you enjoy your researching. It's one of my favorite parts of writing historical books! Thanks so much for the interview, Jodie!

Okay readers, here is a short bio of Jodie, along with her links. Don't forget to leave a comment and be entered in the drawing!

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, knitting, and walking. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Purchase Links:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=jodie+wolfe&sort=6d&alpha_filter_id=67

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/

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.

Interview with Author Jodie Wolfe!!

Greet author Jodie Wolfe and her new book, Taming Julia!

A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn't what the minister       ordered!  In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery's sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation's ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy. 

Jules Walker strides into Drew's life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle--more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she's not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Jodie! Your new book sounds great! Before I share an excerpt, I'd like to know more about you. What caused you to decide to write books?

When I was in 2nd grade we had to write a poem as a class assignment. I had so much fun doing so, that I soon started writing little stories and making them into books. I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. For me, it's a calling from the Lord.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

Chuckle. Most definitely. It was about my dog Ginger going to the inaugural ball when Jimmy Carter got elected.

I'd love to read that! Sounds adorable!
If you could do absolutely anything right now, what would it be?

Hire a maid to take care of the house so I could get more writing accomplished. :)

Oh, wow! Wouldn't that be great!!
Do you base your characters on aspects of real people or yourself, or are they mostly invented by your imagination?

My characters are a combination of parts of me and also parts of people I know. I'll never tell which part though. :)  Although I'll admit, some are completely made up.

That's pretty much how my characters are, too! Do you write from an outline, or by the seat of your pants?

Both. I usually have a rough outline in my head, but my characters have a tendency to take over the story and lead it where they want to go.

Isn't that such an interesting phenomenon? I remember how surprised I was the first time that happened!
Do you work on one story at a time, or do you juggle stories?

Most times I work on one story at a time, but there are times when I'm writing one and editing a different one.

Is writing a daily habit or do you write in bursts of inspiration?

For a long time, it was a daily habit. I need to get back into that again.

It does help to write every day if you can, though sometimes I need to take a break if a story seems to be a bit stuck.
Do you listen to music or something else when writing, or do you prefer silence?

Most times I prefer having music playing quietly in the background. If I have the radio turned up, I tend to start singing along and distract myself in the process.

I can relate to that! So I stick to instrumental and classical most of the time. It's inspiring without the distraction of lyrics!
What do you like most about being a writer?

I love being able to create characters and a story from nothing. I love to see them and their story come to life.

It's so satisfying! I love the process, too!
What do you like least?

My least favorite is the business side of writing - editing, marketing, etc.

I hear you! I'm especially bad at marketing, but I'm slowly learning some of it. What are you working on now?

I'm working on a book entitled Hannah's Quest that's set in the town where I live now. It's set in the 1870s about a girl who is searching for a place to belong.
I love writing historical fiction, too. I especially love doing the research! Thanks so much for the interview, Jodie!! It's been fun getting to know you better. Now here's an excerpt from Taming Julia for our readers to enjoy:

Matrimony News, February 6, 1875 edition

Minister bachelor aged 27, height 5 feet 10 inches seeks genteel, honest and first-rate homemaker with a desire to serve God. Must be willing to marry by proxy and arrive in Burrton Springs, Kansas by May 1.

~*~

Burrton Springs, Kansas, Saturday, May 1, 1875

            Dear Lord, please don’t let that creature be my new wife. Drew Montgomery swiped the sweat trickling a path down his neck and shoved the new hat back on his head. He squinted, taking in the lone passenger stepping from the stagecoach. At least, he thought it was a woman. He shielded his eyes from the sun, taking in the britches.

            Britches? A gun belt strapped to a slim waist. He gulped. A rifle rested on her shoulder, and she wore a Stetson situated low on her brow. The figure shifted sideways, and Drew groaned, fearing his proxy mail-order bride had arrived by the look of all the curves. He squared his shoulders and crossed the street.

            "Are you Montgomery?" Her coffee-brown gaze seared through him.

            He snapped his gaping mouth shut and nodded. "Y-yes."

            "Name’s Jules Walker." She shoved her hand into his and shook it so hard his teeth clattered. "I reckon, Jules Montgomery since we’re hitched." She waved a slip of paper in his face. "Got the paper here to prove it. So are you my husband or not?"

            Drew caught a whiff of dirt. He coughed and cleared his throat.

            She peered at him as if he were a chicken with one leg.

            "I’m Drew." He managed to choke the words out. "Isn’t your name Julia?"

            She scrunched her face, pushed her Stetson from her head, and allowed it to dangle from the string around her neck. Her brown hair scattered in disarray, slipping from a shoulder-length braid. "I can’t remember the last time I’ve been called Julia. Like I said, name’s Jules."

            "But..." Drew let the word hang between them. No matter. "Where’re your things?"

            "Got my knapsack and that there." She pointed to the top of the stagecoach. He expected to see a trunk, but a saddle rested there instead. What kind of woman brought a saddle into a marriage? What kind of woman showed up dressed like a man? No. No. Something was terribly wrong.

Wow! I'm hooked already! Sounds like a wonderful story! Readers, here's a short bio about Jodie, followed by her links!

Thanks again Jodie, for visiting the Diamond Mine!!

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. 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. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Purchase Links for Taming Julia:

https://www.amazon.com/Taming-Julia-Jodie-Wolfe-ebook/dp/B083L8MDD5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=taming+julia&qid=1578503989&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-julia-jodie-wolfe/1136004491?ean=9781522302711

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe

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