Jodi's Morning Musings
Email your Questions to Jodi
4/7/2008
My blog has moved. Read my newest entries.
3/25/2008
One week to go before Twisted Creek comes out. This book was wonderful and hard for me to write. The characters came to me almost as if they sit down at my desk and helped me write the book. I feel this is a story everyone will enjoy because it’s about life. The good, the hardships and the confusing. My wish is that readers will laugh and cry with my characters until the end, then they’ll buy a copy for a friend.
Check out my schedule, I’ll be traveling in April and would love fans and friends to stop by for a visit.
Jodi
1/8/08
Welcome to winter! I love cold days when I can stay inside and read, but these are few and far between.
I'm excited about a short story collection coming out February 1 that I did with three dear friends. GIVE ME A TEXAN will keep you warm on a cold day.
I'm starting to book autographings for April. Because TWISTED CREEK is such a special book, I'm planning to do lots of small groups like book clubs.
12/18/07
Hello everybody! Even with a broken wing, I've managed to finish Teagan's story, and I think you'll love him. The story was great fun to write even if I did have to go slow. It will be out in November 2008. No title yet! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
10/30/07
Guess what! I am going to be on web TV starting November 5 at www.romancenovel.tv. I loved visiting with these ladies. It was just like sitting around the living room having coffee with neighbors.
Please watch my calendar for my "Heart of Texas Tour," and if I'm near you, I would love to see you.
10/23/07
Good Morning! I've been traveling, visiting wonderful writers in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and a great group of romance writers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My arm is doing well. I'm in torture treatments called therapy. I hope to be out of the sling by the time I start autographing November 3 and 4 in Austin, Texas.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas is giving me a reception November 14 and the public is invited. If you'd like a personal invitation, send me your address. Send addresses of all your friends too.
10/4/07
Just wanted you to know that I am recovering well. Thanks for all your prayers. Be sure to catch my blog Saturday, October 6 on www.petticoatsandpistols.com. Have your questions and comments ready.
9/27/07
Dear Friends,
I'm sorry that I haven't been in correspondence lately. I broke my arm while talking to students on the WT campus. The GOOD NEWS is that I broke my right arm and I am left-handed. The BAD NEWS is that I am on pain medication and I am not writing this week.
I am part Irish, and my brother tells me when things happen like this, it's called Irish Luck and to look for the good in something bad. I have been overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and help from everyone. Thank you all for your care and concern.
8/30/07
This past few weeks have flown by. At night, I'm deep into working on Teagen's story and having fun. He's played the big brother for two books and now it's time for him to have his share of trouble. It comes in the form of a widow and her three daughters.
During the day I'm working at my office on the campus. For me the year always starts in September. I guess after years of teaching the beginning will always be when school starts and never January. I'm writing several articles and lining up talks. Plus, of course, talking to lots of students.
Question: 1. The question I get asked all the time is, Where do your ideas come from?
I always want to say, Where did yours go? because stories have played in my head since I can remember. It's a hard question to answer. I usually say, "I was blessed with a loose grip on reality.
In truth, anything can bring on a story. One line from a song, something I see, something I hear someone say. Once a story starts to simmer in my mind I'll go back to it again and again as if putting the pieces together. Often I think the story is there, I just have to find it.
2.What do you see after Whispering Mountain?
I have an idea of what I want to write but it needs a great deal of thought before I say anything. But, there are many more historical romances in my head, so don't think I'm leaving that period.
3. Do you ever put real people in books?
No. But people think I do. Once I wrote a story about a prostitute who went straight and married a rancher in a small town. I happened to be autographing in a small town months later and about five people came up to me and told me they knew who I was writing about and that she still lived in the town.
Sometimes I use the names of people. The first one was Don Lawson, a programer friend of my husband. Don was in a wheelchair and an all around nice guy. When I asked him if we wanted to be in a book, he said sure but make me a hell-raiser. And I did. He loved it.
8/15/07
Here in my office we are into full swing in putting a tour together for the November book TEXAS PRINCESS. As of right now it looks like the towns I'll be hitting will be Austin, Lubbock, Amarillo, Plainview and Dallas/Fort Worth. If anyone lives in those places please watch my calender and make sure you're on my list. I'd love to see you when I come to town.
In Fort Worth we are planning a tea as a signing and I can't wait. Great fun.
In Amarillo the fan club is planning a lunch at the tallest building in Amarillo with gifts and prizes. I have a great fan club. The ladies always surprise me with all the wonderful things they do.
I'm also looking for help in finding bookclubs. I'm going to have a new kind of book out in April. It's women's fiction and I think it would be perfect for bookclubs. So, if you know a bookclub, send me how to get in touch with them. Sometimes an idea for a book comes to me that isn't historical western romance. That doesn't mean I don't still love writing historicals. I just have this story idea and I need to write it. WIDOWS OF WICHITA COUNTY was the first story that wouldn't stay out of my head. Now, in April, I'll have TWISTED CREEK.
I've sent in more pictures for my Photo Gallery. I have lots of pictures but I always have trouble figuring out how to get them in the right place. I've been writing on a computer since 1986 and still most of the time I don't think we're on speaking terms.
Until next week take care, Jodi
8/06/07
After all my travels I'm finally back home. Sometimes I think the best part of traveling is returning home. I loved meeting all the wonderful people and seeing all the new places, but it feels good to see the world today from my own window.
I spent the weekend playing around with an idea for a book that has been simmering in the back of my mind for a long time. I've met the characters and know the place, but I'm not sure where they plan to take me. I think that is the surprising thing about writing--it's a journey you go on with the readers. Many nights I write a little longer just to see what happens.
Today, or more like tonight when I start writing, I think I'll go back to Whispering Mountain. Teagen's story is filling my brain. I plan to have great fun with him and the little ladies in his life.
Today I spent the day planning the November book tour. Can't wait to see TEXAS PRINCESS on the stands. Someday I'll write a nonfiction called, What happened to me on the way to an autographing. No matter how much I plan there is always the unexpected. Watch my 'Where's Jodi' to see where I'm heading. If I come near, stop by and say hi.
Until next week, Jodi
7/24/07
Hello from Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas! I'm here for a week teaching a class on creative writing. I've got a great group of creative folks to work with!
I love teaching and wish I could do more, but then I love writing too. Part of me will always be a teacher. I'm like a race horse--every September I get ready to run.
This part of Texas is different than any other. The quiet beauty of it takes your breath away sometimes. The silence of it allows you to feel like thoughts come clearer here.
I'm working on the third Whispering Mountain book. By the time TEXAS PRINCESS comes out, I'll be finished with the third one. I'm getting to know these characters so well I wouldn't be surprised if I set a place for them at the dinner table. :) I've loved Teagen through two books. He's so hard and set in his ways. I knew he'd be fun to write and I love turning his world upside down.
Until next week, Jodi
7/18/07
I'm back in Texas, tired and full of stories to tell. I've had a wonderful five weeks of travel and met great people. My first stop was Austin, Texas, at the Agents and Editors Conference, then on to Houston to TESA. (Texas Educational Secretaries Asso.) These are one great group of ladies who adopted me years ago so that every year when I see them it's like coming home to family.
June 25th I left for England. I had this fear that I'd get off the plane and spend hours just standing around at the airport wondering what to do. But somehow, it wasn't all that hard to get around. I've heard it said that when you travel abroad it changes you forever and I think that must be true. We found ourselves walking the streets seeing so much history and loving it. We also noticed that we didn't talk much when out, I think because we wanted to be a part of them.
The only day I felt homesick was July 4th. I missed celebrating. It's always been my favorite holiday. In England we didn't think they'd like it much if we partied, so we bought take out at Victoria Station and went back to our room at the hotel.
The writing conference in Leicester was grand. I meet many warm and friendly writers. Even though we talked different we were very much alike. I'll always remember how friendly they were and hope to stay in touch.
The night after we got back from England I met with my editor in Dallas about the book I just turned in. As soon as we settle on a title for this one I'll be talking about it. I'm excited.
The next morning we headed back home. At the first gas station, I fell hard. For a moment I just lay there thinking I had to have broken something as bad as I hurt. But, I'm fine, just bruised from head to toe. I walked past a librarian this morning and said, "I'm back from England." She took one look at me and commented, "Must have been a hard landing."
Until next week, Jodi
7/03/07
For everyone who knows I'm traveling, I am safe.
We left London this morning, traveling northeast on a rainy day--correction, I've stopped writing "it rained" in my journal! Plan to add a note when it doesn't rain. Now I know why the Brits don't ever say "love your hair" to each other!
There is some trouble in England. We're on high alert here. But, like the Brits, I'm keeping a stiff upper lip--long lines in train depot and looong wait at airport. This morning they made all cabs park about a block from train station and we had to walk with luggage through check points.
I'm loving the people here and can't get enough of the history. Tom and I are already starting the list for next time!
6/05/07
Sorry I haven't written lately. I have been working on an idea that's my most original ever. I just sent it to my editor and agent. I'll be letting you know more about it as months go by.
I've just seen the cover of TEXAS PRINCESS, which is next in the Whispering Mountain Series. I hope you like it when it comes out. It's very exciting.
This summer I have a writer from England staying with me, her name is Sally Vaughan. She's a delightful houseguest.5/29/07
I'm updating my web page and I am very excited about the changes. Please look for some fun things to come! Wish I could write more, but I'm heading to a brainstorming meeting about my next release TEXAS PRINCESS.
11/13/06
Today I seemed to be fighting to stay awake. Wrote way too late last night. I'm deep into Tobin's story and loving the writing.
I had a great autograph party Saturday. The fan club had coffee and cake before the party. It's funny, but I think the fan club is made up of people I'm a fan of. I love and care for them all and they make me feel great just showing up to say hello every time I have a book come out. I think the fans and readers sometimes don't truly understand how important they are to the writer. I wish I could tell all my readers that, "We're a partnership. Without you, there wouldn't be me."
I got a note from my editor this morning that says I will be on B&N's bestseller list this week. I'm number 48 out of 50. It's the bottom of the list, but I'm on. I remember the first time I was on the USAToday list. I think I was 149 out of 150. I was showing it to my young son and saying, "I'm not very high on it." He didn't see it that way at all. In fact, he said, "Mom, you should call that writer at 150 and say, "Hello, I'm kicking your butt." Of course, I'd never do that, but it did make me laugh.
Until next Monday....
Question of the week from Mariana: Who do you love to read?
Answer: If a book takes me away I love it. I don't really have a favorite auther...more like a hundred. Writers are readers and every time I good to the bookstore I find another one I love.
Question from Gayle: From TEXAS RAIN Series: Will Sage have her own book?
Answer: I've done this before and enjoyed it. Sage will play a part in all three of the brother's stories, first Travis, then Tobin, then Teagen. But my plan is as of now to have a fourth book all about Sage.
11/6/06
Good morning. This is an exciting week for me. The first book in my new series comes out tomorrow. I've been waiting for this book to be born for a year and I can hardly wait to see it on the stands. I'll only be doing one autographing this time. I'll miss doing the tour, but I have another book due Jan. 1 so I'm pretty much locked in my study. This weekend I went back to Texas Tech. We had a great time watching my brother get a much deserved award on Friday night and then Sat. we when to the game. Loved all of it. At one point Tom and I were walking ahead of everyone and we smile and started running. Almost as if we could run hard and fast enough we could get back to being 21 and students again. The weekend was one of those rare times you wish you could freeze and keep forever.
Until next Monday
10/26/06
Monday came a few days late this week. That happens now and then.
I'm deep into the second Whispering Mountain book and I have to stop next week because TEXAS RAIN will hit the stands Nov. 7th.
Autographing frightens me a little. I think most writers feel that way. We like watching, or talking one-on-one. I love meeting the fans and seeing friends who always come to the parties, but the crowd makes me uneasy.
I took my mother to an autographing once. The lady sitting next to me was afraid of crowds. My mother thought I said 'clouds' so she ran up to the woman and started hugging her telling her, "Dear, there is no need to be afraid of clouds. When I was a kid, clouds would come up all the time and my dad would make us all run for the cellar." My mother meant well, but I wonder if that woman ever did another autographing. Sometimes when the party is getting ready to start and the noise level is high, I can almost hear my mother's voice reminding me not to be afraid of clouds.
Best, Jodi10/16/06
It's totally Monday. I worked and slept most of the weekend. Loved it. The second story of Whispering Mountain is coming so fast I feel like it may run over me. The biggest problem with this book is finding time to write fast enough.
I did take time out to see a play this weekend. Marfa Lights. There is something about plays that I've always loved. I used to make my mother drive me to Canyon to watch the plays here at the university. I'd sit in the back all by myself loving every play.
My most asked question this week was: If you think you want to be a writer, where do you start? I'd have to say start with reading. Once in a while I see people who want to write who are not readers. (the last fiction they read was a high school requirement) I think that makes it hard. By reading, you pick up how a book moves. Read books in the area and style you want to write, and read books on writing. In talks I often say I checked out the section on writing at the library one summer. Many of the books offered little, but a few gave me great clues into how the writing process works. Second, I tell new writers to write every day. Start a pattern, even if it is only 15 minutes, of writing. If you have little time the writing could be an idea book of stories you'd like to get to someday. I have idea books at every desk just in case I set down and don't have anything to write one day. I keep writing in them, but I've never used a single idea to date. Other ones keep getting in the way.
Have a great week and remember: Any day above ground is a good day.
10/9/06
Good morning. It's a rainy day Monday. Rain always makes me feel like writing.
I'd like to start today talking about the questions that came in the most last week. "Where do your ideas come from?"
I wish I knew. The truth is sometimes I can't really place when an idea first drifted into my brain.
Maybe from a song, or one line from a movie, or maybe just something someone said to me. It's like a seed that starts growing. Sometimes ideas come from playing the 'what if' game. What if a woman wrote as a dime novelist under a man's name? What if a pregnant widow landed on the cost of Texas with no one to help her? What if a family believed they could dream their future? Once an idea starts growing it's like a movie playing in the back of my mind. I drift back and watch it now and then until one day, I can't leave. I have to see it through. When that happens, I start writing because I want to see what happens.
Now, to work. I've been looking forward to today for a week. I'm stepping back into the past and working on my historical. I've been away from it for a few weeks, so I'll start from the first and read. Rainy days and reading---life is good.
10/2/06
Good Monday morning. I've spent most of the morning fighting my computer. I know we should all feel blessed to have all this technology at our fingertips, but some days.
I finished reading my new short story over the weekend. I like doing short stories from time to time. I love that the story is quick and fun, but I usually end up wishing it were a book because I want to spend more time with the characters.
On a side note, I love fall. I love the leaves turning and the cool weather. For some people it may seem like the end but for me fall as always been a time to begin. Maybe it was all those years of going to and teaching school, but fall always finds me making lists and planning the year.
9/25/06
I’m hard at work in the library this morning. It seems I’ve spent so much of my life in libraries that they are a second home.
As a kid I always loved going to the library at 10th and Polk in downtown Amarillo. I’d find a book and curl up in a corner to read all afternoon. I remember feeling like I discovered a book. Like I was the first and only person to read it. From there, I think I developed a need to own books. Once I read them I wanted them near just in case I wanted to go on that adventure again. You’d think after awhile I’d have enough books, but no. I still love discovering the next one.
Writing is the same with me. I discover a plot, or character, and let them take me on an adventure. For a while, it’s a private affair I have with the imaginary people in my head. Then, as I fill pages with their lives, they grow up and don’t need me anymore. Their story begins to live in a book. Slowly, sometimes painfully, I turn them free and go on to other people with other dreams and problems. My story becomes a book, but it’s not my story, really, it’s the characters’ and when someone finds their story and tells me how much they enjoyed it, I find myself thinking, “I knew and loved those people too.”
When someone comes up to me and says, “You don’t know me, but I read your books.” I always think, “Yes, I do. We’re related.”
Have a great week,
Jodi