Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Interview with Jody Hedlund and Giveaway!!


Today I have an interview with Jody Hedlund. She has also offered to give one of my readers a copy of her book, The Preacher's Bride. So please read to the end for details on the giveaway.

Thank you for being with us today, Jody!
How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

I was born holding a pen in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. And when I was toddling, I chewed on erasers and books. J Seriously, it’s been a life-long aspiration.

Can you tell me a little bit about your book?

The Preacher’s Bride is a tale about finding true love amidst hardship, discrimination, and persecution.

This book is inspired by Elizabeth Bunyan, the second wife of John Bunyan who was author of Pilgrim’s Progress. As I was reading a biography about John Bunyan, I ran across a small excerpt about Elizabeth. I loved the brave way she defended John during one of his trials when he was under arrest for his “unlicensed” preaching. Her strength to face a court of persecutors and her determination to faithfully support her husband touched me so deeply, that I decided her little-known story needed to be told to the world.


When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?

Sometimes God will lead us down a difficult path or ask us to do hard things and he doesn’t want us to avoid them for the easy way. Ultimately he uses those difficulties to shape our character and deepen our love for Him.


Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?

Every time I’m writing a book, I want to go visit the location of that particular book. But because of the busy nature of my life, raising five children and homeschooling them, I have to satisfy myself with visiting my story settings via the pictures of those who’ve already been there. I LOVE the internet and the way that it allows us to virtually walk almost anywhere in the world right from our kitchen tables.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

John and Elizabeth Bunyan, the characters that inspired The Preacher’s Bride. I’d love to see what they think of my fictionalized tale of their romance! I have a feeling we’d have a good laugh together over my glamorized attempt to portray their story.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?

I would love to stand next to Elizabeth, a mere peasant woman, on the day she acted as “lawyer” for her husband, John Bunyan. I would have cheered her on as she stood in front of a room full of pompous and rich judges in her incredibly brave attempt to get her husband released from prison.

Do you have a favorite hobby?

I love going to used book sales—especially the ones my local library has a few times a year. I’ve found wonderful treasures there—especially books I’ve been able to use in my research.


Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

I’m a coffee and chocolate addict. Oh wait, most already people know that about me. J Actually, I’m an open book. If you want to get the low-down on the cookies I eat for breakfast or all the funny things my 4 year old says, follow me over on Twitter or Facebook!

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

Dream big, work hard, never stop learning and growing. Oh, and visit my blog—browse through old posts. I’ve chronicled my writing journey there and given my two cents on a lot of writing topics.

Any last thoughts for your readers?

My next book, releasing in 2011, is also an “inspired by” story. I won’t say who it’s about yet. You’ll have to get your hands on the book to find out! It’s my deepest desire readers will be inspired and encouraged by the lives of these incredible women of the past.


And how can they connect with you?

Website: JodyHedlund.com

Blog: jodyhedlund.blogspot.com

Email: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

Question For Readers:

If you’d like to sign up to win a free copy of The Preacher’s Bride, please tell us your favorite kind of chocolate! And don’t forget to leave your email address.

Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

She’s represented by agent Rachelle Gardner and her debut book, The Preacher’s Bride, is currently available for order on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, and other internet sites. It’s also for sale in most bookstores.

READERS-Did you see Jody's question above? That is how you will be entered in this giveaway!! You must answer her question. And please leave your email. I cannot reach you if you win, without an email.

This giveaway will end 10/6. Winner will be chosen through Random.org. They have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

32 comments:

apple blossom said...

Any chocolate is my favorite, but dark is wonderful

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Katie Marie said...

Ohhh! That's an easy one! I love milk chocolate - it's SO creamy!! But my all time favorite kind of chocolate to eat is one with carmal in the middle! YUMMY!!!

legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Ariel Wilson said...

I love white chocolate :D
pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

Elyssa said...

Ok, this is definitely an easy question! lol. My favorite kind of chocolate is dark. =)

lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennifer said...

My favorite chocolate is definitely Dove- any kind!

jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

Keli Gwyn said...

Thanks for the interview. I've read Jody's book--devoured it, actually. I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. one night to finish it because it's that good.

Please don't enter me in the drawing, since I already have multiple copies of The Preacher's Bride. (I'm a huge fan of Jody's work. Can you tell?)

I don't eat chocolate anymore, but when I did I consumed countless Nestle Crunch bars, M&Ms, and milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses.

Kathy Habel said...

Any and all chocolate except for the really really dark stuff. I love Milky Way Midnights.
bkhabel at gmail dot com

PoCoKat said...

My favorite chocolate is Purdy's which is a gourmet chocolate company in Vancouver.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Emily said...

I think I'll eat any kind, but dark is definitely my favorite.

Emreilly303@gmail.com

deb said...

Do I have to pick just one? Alright, um, I'd say Hersheys is my favorite!

Dreilly316@gmail.com

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

This is a shocker, but I don't like chocolate!! I was thinking that when you mentioned it in your interview :) I do like coffee though!! Thank you for the chance to win, I've seen the book around and it looks great!

inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

Tori said...

I like any kind of mint chocolate.
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Oooh! That's a hard one!! I really really really enjoy Lindt milk chocolate bars... mmmm SO GOOD! Aero milk chocolate Bubbles are also really good as well! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Laura H. said...

I love Godiva milk chocolate.

bornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Wendy said...

Dove chocolate. Also the nestle treasures with caramel in the middle.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I'll eat any kind of chocolate but my favorite is probably dark Lindt truffles.

joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

Wendy said...

White Chocolate is my favorite.
Thank you for the chance.
wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

Oh my Chocolate...let me describe the ways...all!! My favorite are my home made dark chocolate and deluxe roasted nuts! YUM!!
Please enter me for a chance to win this book!

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

hendy said...

I love all chocolate except dark chocolate but my favorite is white chocolate.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

Jo said...

I love the dark organic chocolate.

blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Ann Lee Miller said...

Dark chocolate! I'd love to win this book because I'm a preacher's bride. :)
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

arceli said...

My favorite kind of chocolate is milk chocolate, especially with hazelnuts in it.

a(dot)long(at)tcu(dot)edu

Carole said...

My favorite chocolate is the candy that my neighbor used to bring me from Germany every time he visited family there. I have no idea what kind it was, as the label was in German, but it had some kind of liqueur in the center and was wonderful! Other than that, my favorite would be Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

I would love to read Jody's book and appreciate the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Edna said...

dark chocolate but I love chocolate covered peanuts and cherries, but can't have anymore, because I am a diabetic

please enter me

mamat2730 at charter dot new

Renee said...

My favorite kind of chocolate is milk chocolate, especially made into some yummy candybar like a Mr. Goodbar or Baby Ruth . . .

reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Unknown said...

Love Dove's milk chocolate...just melts in your mouth and goes straight to my hips! LOL

nmjaw(at)yahoo(dot)com

Gale said...

At my local walmart they USED to sell these chocholate covered pomegranate seeds that were just amazing...but they don't anymore (boo hoo). Can't remember the brand.

ecarian at yahoo dot com

Joanne Sher said...

Milk chocolate - absolutely. Would LOVE to win this :)

joanne at joannesher dot com

Cathy W said...

Has to be milk chocolate.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

Jody Hedlund said...

Loved all of the chocolate ideas!! Thanks, everyone for swinging by! And good luck on the book giveaway!

Kristie said...

My favorite kind of chocolate is dark chocolate with raspberry. But I like all chocolate. I almost tried a truffle with spioy chilie powder over the weekend but it was too expensive. I would love to win your book because my favorite books are inspirational fiction. And this seems new and different in a good way.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

Nancye said...

I absolutely ADORE chocolate!!! I am a confirmed chocoholic!! I have to be really, really sick to not eat chocolate!! Milk Chocolate is my favorite, Hershey's, Dove, Ghiradelli, etc. etc. etc. Did I mention how much I love chocolate??

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...