Giveaway and Author Interview: The Preacher's Bride

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Jody Hedlund! Thank you for being with us today. 

How long did you write before you were published?

Forever. J No, really. I began seriously pursuing a writing career over 16 years ago. I wrote at least five books during those early years of growing and learning. Then I had a toddler and twin baby girls. Enough said! 

God took me off the writing path for quite a few years so that I could focus on my young family.  During those years I had two more children, bringing my total to five. Eventually, I felt God’s nudge to pick back up my pen. After my long hiatus, I wrote and pursued publication for over two years before I got a book contract from Bethany House.

When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

Gratefulness. Gratefulness to God for giving me such an awesome privilege to publish and be used by him through my writing. And gratefulness to all the people along the way who helped me, encouraged me, and believed in me.

What are you working on now?

I’m blessed to have a contract from Bethany House for three historical romances.  I recently finished editing the second book of my contract, The Doctor’s Lady. Currently, I’m researching, planning, and in the beginning stages of writing the third book.

Where can readers find out more about your books?

Head over to my website: http://www.jodyhedlund.com/.  There you’ll find links for everything—for readers as well as writers. I’d love the chance to connect with you. And the best place to do that is through Twitter or my Author Facebook Page. Stop by and say hi to me!

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

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.

The messages of this story are the lessons God has been teaching me over the past years. Through my own personal struggles, God has emphasized that he’s more concerned about my holiness than my happiness, and that I need to continue to live a life of obedience to him and walk the difficult path.

What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you?

1.  My daughters and I are nuts about squirrels (pun intended!). Last spring we rescued four newborn red squirrels that dropped out of tree in our back yard. The momma squirrel had apparently abandoned them or been hurt. Since we saved those babies, we’ve been helping out with other baby squirrels now. Our back yard looks like a mini squirrel city!

2. My dad was a pastor. That means I grew up a PK (pastor’s kid).  And yes, I did have a period of typical PK rebellion, but ultimately, my parents transferred to me a wonderful spiritual heritage for which I’m deeply grateful.

Thank you for being with us today.  Any final words for readers?

It’s my desire you’ll be inspired by the lives of the incredible women of the past that I’ve portrayed in my books. May their enduring faith encourage you to persevere in whatever circumstances you may find yourself.

Here are a few ways you can connect with me further:

Website:  JodyHedlund.com

Blog: jodyhedlund.blogspot.com

Email: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

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.

Okay readers, here is your chance to win Jody's FABULOUS debut novel, The Preacher's Bride.

Please leave an email adddress! If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win.


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And a NEW one:
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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.


Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on December 4th.