Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Jodi Thomas Talks Texas, Then and Now.

by Suzanne

One day I was pushing a cart full of groceries through the store, ignoring my three children argue about which items they could add to the cart, feeling very mommish and worn out. As per my usual habit, I cruised through the book/magazine section looking for something new to read. There was this Western Historical Romance by an author I'd never heard of before, Jodi Thomas. Thinking, "why not?" I threw the book into my cart.

That began my love affair with Jodi's books. (I've read them all!)

So imagine my thrill at meeting her at an RWA conference. Then seeing her again at the Richardson, Texas annual "Buns And Roses Tea" last fall. And to top it off, get to invite her to join us on today's blog!

Suzanne: Jodi, thank you for taking the time to visit with us. You are the Writer In Residence at West Texas A&M University campus. What does that position entail and how are you enjoying it?

Jodi: I enjoy being writer-in-residence. Once a teacher, always a teacher, I guess. I have an office in the library and most afternoons you'll find students visiting and reading their work to me. I teach one short class each year for the continuing education program and am very excited to be teaching in the West Texas A&M Writing Academy from June 8-12 www.wtamu.edu/oce. or phone for information: 806-651-2037. I feel like if I'd had a working writer to talk to I might have saved a few years struggling, so in June four multi-published writers plan to meet in Canyon, Texas on the campus of WTA&M and spend a week working with people who want to be published in fiction. So please tell any future novelist to pack their lap tops and book a room in the dorm for a week. They'll love the workshop and they'll experience a taste of my beloved Texas.

Suzanne: I'd like to do this virtual interview either in your campus office or your favorite spot on campus. If you could describe it to me, we'll try to give your readers a casual glimpse into that spot.

Jodi: I'll do better then that, I'll take you on a walk in my world. My office is on the second floor of Cornette library. My window overlooks a small campus. Last Thursday I sat out in snowy weather and watched a rodeo, today I plan to drop by the baseball game. Walking across campus I see students who look like they just climbed out of bed and headed to class. (I swear they still have their pj's on) and I see cowboys in their hats and boots climbing out of their pickups. (Some drive a hundred miles round trip a day from their farm or ranch to attend here.) I live in a place where men still hold doors and tip their hats in hello. If the wind is blowing over 30 mph. we think it's a calm day. I work among librarians, who I've decided are the kindest people in the world. My favorite spot on campus is the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum where I often walk and think.

Suzanne: What a fascinating place to visit. As a RWA Hall Of Fame Author for you Western Historicals, you've taken your readers into the world of the Texas cowboy. What do you find so romantic and enduring about these characters?

Jodi: I love setting my stories in Texas History. Between 1830-1890 Texas was a wild place where strong people carved out lives. I like to write men who are strong and try to do the right thing. They live by a code of doing what is right. I like to write characters like this because I know men who live by such a code.

Suzanne: Your most recent western historicals were the anthology, GIVE ME A TEXAN and the single title, TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN. Can you tell us about those stories?


Jodi: GIVE ME A TEXAN was about a man who'd always thought he was ugly, but he had a gift for listening. When he offers marriage to the prettiest girl he's ever seen, he does so after hearing what she truly wants. After one meeting, they board the train and head to Amarillo. GIVE ME A COWBOY-a story about early rodeo days, followed TEXAN in February 09. Check out the short look at a video of GIVE ME A TEXAN AND GIVE ME A COWBOY on my website, http://www.jodithomas.com/

TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN is a Whispering Mountain story about a man, Teagen McMurray, who had to grow up at 12. He takes over the family ranch, holds it in turmoil and raises his little brother and sister. In so doing, he hardens by 30 to a man who doesn't know how to talk to anyone. He has one friend he corresponds with by mail-a bookstore owner in Chicago. The book opens when the friend wills Teagen his wife and three daughters. And, Teagen, who has feared nothing in his life suddenly finds himself afraid of a little widow and her daughters.

I loved writing this story. I think it's one of the most tender love stories I've ever written. The reader will laugh and cry with my characters in this touching love story about a hard man who learns to be tender.

Suzanne: A few years back you stepped out of the past to write contemporaries set in West Texas, the first of which was The WIDOWS OF WICHITA COUNTY How did it feel to work in a new genre after being so successful in the historical market?

Jodi: I love historical fiction, but every now and then a story came to mind that didn't fit in the past. WIDOWS OF WICHITA COUNTY was like that because it's based on an oil rig accident. My husband tried to get me to make it fit in a historical, like change it to a stage coach accident, but I couldn't. The learning curve was huge on that book. When I finished, I told him to shoot me if I ever wrote another multi-viewpoint book again because it was far too hard. About six months later I called his office and told him to go home and lock up the guns, I was starting another one. I'm now working on my sixth contemporary, (and by the way, we have no guns in the house). I have to admit that I love writing in both styles and when I'm working in one time period, I'm thinking about what I'll do when I get back to the other. For a list of all my books click
http://www.jodithomas.com/
Suzanne: TWISTED CREEK was one of my favorite books last year. Can you tell our readers a little bit about it?

Jodi: TWISTED CREEK is about a woman who believes bad luck follows her and when good things start to happen, she doesn't think any of them can be true. She loves one person, her Nana and her grandmother is growing old and forgetful. This book is a journey into seeing people through someone else's eyes and learning to love. Readers will fall in love, not only with a place, but with the nesters, the people who stay at the lake after everyone else leaves at summer's end.

Suzanne: Your newest release is REWRITING MONDAY. It takes place near TWISTED CREEK, doesn't it?

Jodi: It does take place near TWISTED CREEK. I plan on writing a series of books set around a cluster of small towns.

Suzanne: At first glance your hero and heroine are ordinary people. What twist do you give them?

Jodi: I enjoy taking ordinary people and showing how they, just like all of us, sometimes stand as silent heroes in our lives. Pepper is a type A personality who never slows down, never backs down, and never commits in a relationship. Mike is a shy man who does his job as editor of a small town paper, not because it's the life he would have chosen, but because it's where he's needed. When they meet, she's on the run from a mistake she made that may end her career as a reporter. He feels her come into his life like a breath of fresh air, unaware that his past is about to destroy all the peace he's known.

For me this story also came to life with the secondary characters, a couple who loved one another and was separated by so much time they weren't sure they could ever get back to where they once were. REWRITING MONDAY is a story about last chances, first loves, and the longing we all have from time to time to rewrite a moment in our lives.

Suzanne: What is in store next for your fans? A historical or contemporary western?

Jodi: My next story will be set in the historical time period. THE LONE TEXAN will be the next book set in Whispering Mountain. It will be out in October. The hero was a wild kid with no one to care for him, the heroine was a cherished sister with three big brothers. Sage is a doctor returning to Texas after being widowed and Drummond, a young gunfighter who's loved her since he was a boy, is the last person she wants to run into. Their love story is as wild as Texas in 1859.

Suz: Thanks for being with us today, Jodi! It's been a great pleasure to chat with you. So, readers, which are you? A contemporary or a historical fan? And if you could go back to any time period, what and where would you go? Me? Definitely western america.

Jodi has agreed to give away an autographed book and a tote bag as a prize package to two lucky winners.

**don't forget, click on any book cover to order Jodi's books, or any on the sidebar to order the Bandit's newest releases!**

80 comments:

Unknown said...

Mine again!

limecello said...

Congratulations, Virginia!

Hi Jodi - thanks for visiting with us, and what a great post! Your books sound really interesting - and as for the questions... I do both. I love contemporaries and historicals equally. While I don't read many westerns I find them enjoyable, and am always looking for more :)
I'm going to add your books to my wishlist :D

Unknown said...

Hi Jodi, glad you could join us here at the Lair. First let me say I love your books. I have read Give Me a Texan and Give Me A Cowboy and loved both books. I have never read any of your single title but would love to, because I loved your stories in these two books.

As for your questions, I am big into historicals all the way. I do read some contemporaries but mostly historical, love the western ones. I would love to go back in time to the time periods you write about, but only for a visit. I don't think I would want to stay long because I love modern things, like my computer.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Virginia, way to go on the chook! Congratulations! He must have had a good time with you yesterday!

Jodi and Suz, what a great interview. Jodie, your books sound fantastic and as if they really cut deep when it comes to emotion.

Have you any hints on writing emotion?

Pissenlit said...

Ooooh, I've never read anything by Jodi before but I think I might have to now. :D

I love both contemporary and historical. It all depends on what I'm in the mood to read. Oh geez, I can't pick just one time and place...there are just too many that I'd want to go visit...though I'd probably be too conspicuous to blend in thereby messing something up and triggering the apocalypse...uh, on second thought, maybe I want to stay right here... ;)

Fedora said...

Hi, Jodi! Like Virginia, I've got both your Give Me... books, and enjoyed those. Haven't read your single-titles yet, but have several in my TBR.

As for time periods, I started out reading mainly contemporaries, but have been read more and more historicals--I love mixing it up :) I love westerns, but I've enjoyed reading other time periods, too--I'm not sure I'd enjoy living them, but maybe a short visit to satisfy my curiosity would be OK. I'm a bit of a wimp and doubt I'd survive the hard work required to succeed in the old West! Plus, I'm terribly fond of indoor plumbing and running water and that sort of thing :)

I'm intrigued by Rewriting Monday--I love stories of second chances. I also love stories about ordinary folks--as much fun as it can be to read/live vicariously about lives I could never live, it's incredibly moving to witness relationships and people that I might actually know or be like. (Hm... not sure if that actually makes any sense!)

Congrats on the GR, Virginia!

Helen said...

Congrats Virginia have fun with him

Loved the interview Ladies and I love historicals but read a lot of contempories as well these days. I truly love a good western the cowboys are just so hunky and strong.

Jodi loved the description of your office and the campus it must be a great feeling being able to help all the people who want to be authors.

I have heard a lot of wonderful things about your books Jodi and have already added them to my must get list looking forward to getting to know these cowboys.

Have Fun
Helen

Laurie G said...

I'm a bit behin on Jodi's books! I did read & enjoy Texas Princess!! I will have to look for Twisted Creek and a few of the others that were mentioned.

How neat to work in a college setting!! I have 3 children attending the University of Florida. We will be going up there for the Easter weekend..I'm really looking forward to it. It takes me back to my college years, which I think of fondly.

Have you notiticed any differences in the young people that you come in contact with... interests, respectfulness, attitudes, goals, motivation?

Margay Leah Justice said...

I went through a period where all I wanted to read was historical romances, but slowly, I allowed the contemporaries back in. So, I am a STORY fan; doesn't matter if it's set in the past or the present as long as it's a good story. And if I could go back to any time, I think I'd want to go back to Regency England to find out why I have such a fascination for stories set in that era. But then again, Newport, R.I. in the Golden Age might be fun, too.

Margay

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Virginia and congrats on snagging the Golden Rooster! Any great plans for that bird today?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Limecello!

If you love the occasional western, Jodi will make you crave more. I fall in love with her characters in both the historicals and now these contemporaries! Be warned, your TBR pile really will grow!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Virginia, I too love my computer, and air conditioning...something I think I'd truly miss in historical west Texas!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Morning, Anna C.! How are things down there in Oz this fine morning?

It was great fun getting to interview one of my favorite writers! Jodi is always gracious every time I've gotten a chance to speak to her. I love authors like that, don't you?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Pissenlit!

Triggering the Apocolypse, huh? There was a movie with Jean Claude Van Dam, where he was a time traveling cop. The theory was that if you came into connection with your own matter from a past life, you would be consumed and pffttt. But no Apocolypse from that.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Fedora!

In REWRITING MONDAY, Jodi has some unique twists and turns, even though it's a story about ordinary people. I think you'd also like TWISTED CREEK for the same reason. Although you don't need to read it before REWRITING MONDAY, I'd get both!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Helen!

Good to see you this fine morning! You won't be disappointed getting Jodi's books! By the way, how long does it take to get books in Australia when you order them from Amazon?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Laurie!

Three kids in college at once? OMG, I bow in your humble presence!! Three graduating high school in six years was enough to do me in! How do you manage that?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Margay!

Ah Regency England. That would've been a fascinating time to be alived. But I have a sneaking suspiscion that I would've been the servant, rather than a member of the ton! :)

Gillian Layne said...

Jodi, after I read Tall Dark and Texan I told everyone I could how great it was, but only loaned my copy to my Mom--it was too great to let go! The romance was fabulous. I can't wait for Sage's story.

Minna said...

I like both contemporary and a historical.

Margay Leah Justice said...

Omg, Suzanne, you are too funny!
Margay

tetewa said...

I enjoy contemporaries more than Historicals but read them both!

Maureen said...

I like both contemporaries and historicals. I have a bunch of both of them. I live in an area with a lot of colonial history so I think that's the time period I would like to visit to see what this area looked like back then.

Gannon Carr said...

Congrats, Virginia!

Hi Jodi! Loved your interview with Suzanne. I used to read Westerns quite a lot, but it's been awhile. Your books definitely appeal to me and satisfy that "Western category craving". :)

Gannon Carr said...

Congrats, Virginia!

Hi Jodi! Loved your interview with Suzanne. I used to read Westerns quite a lot, but it's been awhile. Your books definitely appeal to me and satisfy that "Western category craving". :)

Joan said...

Good morning all!

Jodi, welcome to The Lair. I was totally drawn in just by the descriptions of all of your fine titles. And as I'm planning a trip to Borders today, now know what I'm gonna buy!

I can't imagine a more wonderful position than "Writer in Residence". The best of both worlds. How lucky you are!

What is the biggest misconception students and/or aspiring writers have when they come to you?

Oh, and since I'm flying into Texas this Friday for DID, could the fella from the "Give Me A Cowboy" meet me at DFW? Huh? Please? No...no, he doesn't have to bother with a shirt.

Note to self: Pack a bigger suitcase so you can watch as he lifts it into his truck :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for the great interview on Jodi, I am looking forward to reading some of her stories. I don't get to read to many westerns(I need a break from my paranormals;)I do love my historicals and reading differnt time periods. I would love to go back to Medieval England, give me a sword wielding knight anyday.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I'm all over the map. I cut my romantic teeth on cowboy romances. In fact, my first very real romance was "First Love Wild Love" by Janelle Taylor. I've loved Texas Rangers ever since! :)

If I could step into the world of any romance though, I'd probably either go to Julie Garwood's Scotland, or Julia Quinn's Regency London, or Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter urban fantasy world. (For a visit, of course, I don't think I have the stamina to live in any of those worlds.)

The Brunette Librarian said...

Jodi Thomas!! Without a doubt, if I'm at Wal-Mart and see your name on a book, I pick it up! :D Best westerns around. I love how you develop characters..their just fun to read. :)

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Jodi! And thanks to Suz for bringing her to the lair!

I love both historical AND contemporaries. And while I write those multi-POV contemporaries you need your husband to lock up the guns over, I have the same amount of astonished respect for historical writers. All the research, all the accuracy mavens out there going over your work with a fine toothed comb? Lord save me.

Thankfully the muse has not (as of yet) ponied up a historical idea that wouldn't go away or cross over. :-)

I love the sound of your books, Jodi. I lived in TX for a few years right out of college, & I always say it was the closest thing I've ever experienced to living in a different country. People have such an incredibly strong sense of love & loyalty to their state. You just don't find that in other parts of the union. It's a vast & gorgeous place, & after reading today's blog I have a hankering to revisit. (Listen to me, hankering. Hee hee.)

Thanks again for swinging by & I'll look forward to picking up a Jodi Thomas ASAP!

Susan Sey said...

Hey, & congrats, Virginia on snaring the GR! Make him behave. I have a feeling he's wearing his spurs today, as it's a TX sort of day in lair. You'll want to watch the upholstery. :-)

jo robertson said...

Jodi, a big hearty welcome to the Lair! Suz, what great interview questions you ask! I love the sound of all of your books, Jodi, another several to add to my list of TBR's.

I love historicals. I like the American West stories to be set right at the end of the century when the West was just changing from the old ways and being swept into the 20th century modernism.

jcp said...

I can't wait for the next historical. I loved Tall Dark and Texan. I'll have to check out your contempories while I wait...

Louisa Cornell said...

Hi Jodi. Great interview, Suzanne! I love a good Western Romance. Tall, Dark and Texan is a great read.

Jodi, is it hard to walk the line between emotional conflict and melodrama? I LOVE emotional books - the kind that explore every aspect of what two people are feeling, but some people consider it overdone. What is your take on it?

I read strictly historicals for the most part, but I have a number of contemporary authors who are my must reads. As long as there is a good story and a great romance count me in!

I have often said I would love to live in Regency period England so long as I was born into a wealthy family. With my luck I would end up being a chambermaid. I have dogs to clean up after in this life. I don't want to do chamber pots!

Yay, Virginia on nabbing the bird! Jodi might be making him a bit nervous. We all know what happens to chickens in Western historical novels!

If anyone gets the chance I am blogging on Romance Magicians today about the people who have helped me out on this wild ride my life has been the last three years. The Banditas get a shout out! romancemagicians.blogspot.com

Becke Davis said...

Hi Jodi -- I had seen your books on the romance shelves in the bookstore but cowboys and Texas aren't really my thing. Then I saw FINDING MARY BLAINE. What a wonderful, beautifully written book! It went straight onto my "keeper" shelf and I recommend it to my friends all the time.

I guess I'll have to try some of those cowboy books, after all!

CrystalGB said...

Hi Jodi. Great interview. I love your books. I am definitely a historical fan.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Gillian,

Don't you just love a book you want everyone to read, but are careful not to give away your copy? I did that with TWISTED CREEK and will probably do the same with REWRITING MONDAY!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Sorry I had to disappear on y'all today. I had CPR renewal to dothis morning! (such is the glamorous life of nurses!!)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Minna and Tetwa!

You guys sound like me. You love a good story, told by a great writer, no matter what time period it might be!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Maureen!

Colonial America seems like a fascinating place to me. Then you add in all the intrigue of the Revolution and spies and war...

I'd love to visit Willimasburg now-adays, just to get a feel for what life would've been back then. I love stories set in this time period, too!

catslady said...

I have to say historicals are my favorite. I do read contemporaries but if given a choice, I pick the historicals first every time. As to where - it doesn't matter. I think I like them best because they're worlds so different than today. I want to be taken away :)

Keira Soleore said...

Jodi Thomas! OMG! I was just oohing and aahing and recommending your books on Twitter earlier this morning. And here you are. The day can't get better.

My first introduction to your books was via a friend's urging about Tall, Dark, and Texan few months ago. I loved it so much, I rushed over to your website and was thrilled to see that you have a good-sized backlist. I've been working my way through your books (Twisted Creek was my latest) and have been loving every single one of them.

It goes without saying of course that I'm DYING to read MONDAY. Soon...it'll be in my hands soon...

Jodi Thomas said...

Thanks for inviting me. I've loved reading everyone's comments. And I agree with Louisa, the story is the number 1 important thing in a book. For me Texas history is such rich soil in which to put my characters.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Good morning, Gannon!

Glad to see you here today! I have to agree with you about Jodi's books satisfying that "Western craving". Hers and Lorraine Heath's early works really gave me the Texas feeling as I read them.

Keira Soleore said...

And hooray for Sage's story. The start of her story in Teagan's book is like those wild mustang horses. I just can't imagine how those two are going to come together in a harmonious relationship.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Joanie....uh...I can't promise that guy, but maybe if you talk real nice I'll bring my 6'1" 24 year old son...he could even wear his security uniform and gun if you want!!

Sigh...I do know a few cowboys, but their wives might not want me to bring them along to pick you up!

Jodi Thomas said...

I'm glad to hear so many of you love both historicals and contemporaries. I love writing them both. When I'm working on one, I'm thinking about the other. People always ask me if I get them mixed up. No. Both offer something different. I loved my hero in the historical I just finished. I watched Drum grow up through three books and
he turned into a great man. Watch for THE LONE TEXAN in Oct.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Ann Marie!

If you're looking for a break from paranormals, you really need to try Jodi's westerns and her contemporaries. I think her characters and stories are as far from paranormal as you can get!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Ms. Hellion!

If you love Texas Rangers, let me make you a little envious. A good friend of mine is married to a real life Texas Ranger. He actually does undercover work to fight cattle rustling, which is a BIG business in Texas and parts of Oklahoma!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

High-fives Rachel G!! You and me both. If Jodi's name is on it, I KNOW it'll be a great story!

Jodi Thomas said...

Joan,hope you enjoy your trip Firday. I'll try to have that Tall Texan waiting for you. People always ask me where I find my heroes. I live among them.If you could go to lunch with me today in Canyon, Texas, you'd see men eating with their Stetson's on and spurs on their boots.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Susan! When you were in Texas, did you see those bumper stickers that say, "I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could?" That's me!

I live in a metopolitan area with lots of emmigrants and immigrants. So it took me several months of working at the hospital to meet a real life cowboy. Tall, broad shouldered, jeans, boots, plaid shirt and great big stetson...and he kept calling me Ma'am in that Texas drawl. I so wanted to follow that boy home!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Jodi, can I come have lunch there? If I leave now...oh wait I might make it for dinner!

Jodi Thomas said...

for Maureen, I wanted to comment that I just agreed to do a story about a small town in Texas set in today's times. If she liked FINDING MARY BLAINE, she'll love the new series that will be out in 2010. Doesn't even have a name yet but I've never has so much fun writing. Sometimes a work an extra hour at night just to see what happens next.

cheryl c said...

Hi, Jodi! I love westerns, both historical and contemporary. Cowboys are a real favorite of mine! ;-)

I recently read your historical TALL,DARK,AND TEXAN, and I just loved it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cheryl (aka Cheri)

Minna said...

And if you could go back to any time period, what and where would you go?
Finland, eighteenhundreds, when we were ruled by Russia.

Becke Davis said...

Jodi, that new series sounds like it will something for me. Thanks for the tip! Do you have a title for the first book in the series?

traveler said...

Loved the interview. I enjoy contemporary novels but have been reading historicals for years. Westerns which appeal to me greatly and ones set in Britain.

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Jodie!

Jodie said: "For me Texas history is such rich soil in which to put my characters."

I couldn't agree more! I love writing Texas history. And I so enjoy your stories.

Tracy G.

Helen said...

I forgot to answer the question

If I could go back to another time period which would it be? I would like to visit all the places I have read about is that being greedy I love Regency England Medievil Scotland the American west and on a pirate ship too many places I would like to visit not sure if I could stay in these places too long I would miss my home comforts too much LOL.

Suz
I get my books from a great Romance bookstore in Melbourne called Rendezvous I normally order them about the end of each month and I usually get them about 2 to 3 weeks later depending on the release dates from the different publishers. I orderd 7 on Sunday hopefully it won't be long before they arrive (although I do have a few to keep me busy till then LOL)

Have Fun
Helen

penney said...

Hi Jodi
Your books sounds great I never read your TALL, DARK, & TEXAN or your TWISTED CREEK, I will have to get them they sounds great! Thanks Penney

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Jodi! And thanks to you and Suz for such a fabulous interview *g*

I love both contemporary and historical books so I can't pick a favorite :-)

I'm also quite happy in this time period. I'm afraid I'm too addicted to modern conveniences to want to go back in time *g*

Joan said...

If you could go to lunch with me today in Canyon, Texas, you'd see men eating with their Stetson's on and spurs on their boots.

(Swoooon)I've only been in the Houston airport one time but it was memorable....I can still see the blue jeans, boots and hats....walking AWAY from me.

BTW, I've got Tall, Dark and Texan to read on the plane! I'll be all ready by the time I touch down :-)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Jo!

Thanks for the compliment. Jodi has such a unique positionas the writer in residence, that I wanted to hear more about it, and she's so intouch with the area she writes about, west texas, you can feel it come through in her characters and setting. Besides, if y'all couldn't tell, I LOVE her books!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hello Ms. Louisa!

After seeing you in that lovely gown last year at Nationals I can see you as a member of the Regency ton! No chamber pots for you. Me, on the other hand....well I might make it as a governess or cook!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Treethyme!

Isn't amazing how we'll stumble onto a book that has us falling in love with a writer's work and that makes us want to try stories out of our comfort zone just to get more of that lovely voice or great characters?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey, Catslady!

Glad to see you here today! Historicals are great for zapping us out of the here and now immediately, aren't they? I'm like you in that I like most time periods, but I think I'd like to avoid the time when the plague ravished Europe!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Keira!

Aha! Another convert! I was lucky enough to start reading Jodi's books from almost the beginning, but I have a feeling I'd be like you and read every thing on back list after reading TWISTED CREEK.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Tracy G!

Glad to see you here and can't wait to see you on Friday!!!! You'll be getting some Texas soil fix this weekend, huh?

Christine Wells said...

Hi Jodi! Welcome to the lair! We're so happy and honoured to have you here.

Wow, working on that campus sounds like it must be great for eye ca... um, I mean, inspiration. Your Texan men sound wonderful. I love the idea that you alternate between contemporary and historical. I'd like to do that some day but for now I'm concentrating on historicals. It sounds like you finish a historical completely before you go on to write the contemp. Do you have to get into a completely different mind-set to write each? Is there anything in particular you do to help that transition (ie watch movies, collaging etc)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hello Penny!

Welcome to the Bandit Lair. Is this your first time visiting with us? (I work nights so sometimes I miss commentors.) I think you'll love both TWISTED CREEK and TALL, DARK AND TEXAN when you get them.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Beth!

One of the best parts of being a Romance Bandit is getting to interview great writers, isn't it? And bringing new books to our readers. (Well that and all the zaniness that happens when the Bandits get together!! Nationals is less than 4 months away!)

pjpuppymom said...

Hi Jodi! Thanks for being here today. I adore your books! I've heard so many good things about Rewriting Monday. I can't wait to pick up a copy of my own!

~PJ

Pissenlit said...

Suzanne - Ha! Time Cop! I think I've seen that Van Dam movie! Well, since I'm unlikely to trigger the Apocalypse, then I think it might be okay if I give time traveling a try. But it'd have to be with the Doctor in his TARDIS. He'd be able to fix anything I mess up. :D

Louisa Cornell said...

Aren't you sweet, Suzanne! Everyone looked so great at Nationals. That's one of the things I loved about it. It gave me the opportunity to dress like a real woman instead of like a Wal-Mart robot. (Khaki and navy - shudder!) Only four months! Man, I need to start that diet QUICK!

And don't discount the governess, honey. She's the heroine of my GH book this year and she gets her man! And what a man! Tristan is HAWT!

Kammie said...

I enjoyed reading your interview and it was so neat to hear about your office. I would love to go back to the western days, although I'm not sure I'm fit enough to survive. lol Or, possibly the medieval times, but I would need a strong man there, too, to help me. You have some of the best covers that say "pick me up" when you see them on the shelf.

Pat Cochran said...

Hi, Miss Jodi,

I have read Texan and Cowboy and loved them both. Tall, Dark And
Texan sounds great, can't wait to
get a copy in my hands!

I enjoy both historicals and contemporaries, don't think I could
choose one over the other! I just
love to read! A visit to the Wild
West would be nice, but like Miss
Virginia, I love all my modern
technological conveniences!

Pat Cochran

Unknown said...

Great interview!

Caffey said...

Hi Jodi! What a joy to chat with you here! My first introduction to your books is when you wrote the Wife Lottery series and I was taken in so emotionally with your hero of Bailee. I still can picture him sitting in the rocking chair fingerspelling from remembering communicating with his parents. I've had the joy too of reading a couple from your Whispering Mountain series and must check which I missed. I'm looking forward to reading more of yours.

I was picturing where you work and I'd love to be looking out your window too! I remember going out to the cafe in my PJ's in college! LOL. Sounds beautiful there! I can picture your inspiration with those in their cowboy hat and all visiting! Great interview to read!

tbranxiety @ yahoo . com

Cassondra said...

Jodi, I'm so sorry I'm late to the party, but welcome to the lair!

Your books sound wonderful, and some day I'd love to hear more about your near-suicide going from historical to contemporary, as I'm about to take the opposite leap. Of course, I don't have readers to please yet--but still, the differences are daunting.

I have to say....the bare back is going to be the next trend in covers. Oooooooo la la! You know how men will say, "I'm a _____man" meaning I'm a butt man, or I'm a...ahem...breast...man? Well, I've always been a forearm, hand, and shoulder girl.

But that is ONE FINE back on that cowboy on that cover. Gives a whole new meanin' to "Baby Got BACK!" Ahem...okay...searching for my sense of decorum....

Okay, somebody fan me....

Leaving now...gotta get water.

I see the fail of the bare chest/torso on romance novels and the upswing of the well-muscled BACK.

I'm just sayin.