Jodi's Morning Musings

Back to Wide Open Spaces

2009-09-17T15:14:00.000-05:00

Last week I traveled over several states. First, I went to Searcy Arkansas to speak at the White County Creative Writers Conference at Harding University. Beautiful campus and warm wonderful people. From there I flew to Las Vegas and met Debbie Macomber, a dear friend who I admire greatly. We had breakfast, as always, talked books. Then we talked at the Henderson Public Library with Robyn Carr leading the discussion. Both are such grand ladies I was honored to spend time with them.
After Vegas I went to San Antonio to the National Federation of Press Women Conference. The group was smaller than I expected but big in quality and talent. I enjoyed the wonderful discussions.
On Saturday Julia (my sister-in-law, friend and assistant) and I drove home. After seeing all the beauty of Arkansas and the lights of Las Vegas and the charm of San Antonio the open spaces of the Panhandle sure looked good. Sometimes I look out my window and marvel at how lucky I am to live in the open spaces.
I’m hard at work getting ready for the Lone Texan to be released on Oct. 6th. Watch for the new book video to be up next week. To my fans, you’re going to love Sage and Drum’s story.
Best to you all,

Normal Doesn't Run in my Family

2009-08-13T10:52:00.001-05:00

This has been a great week for writing. I’m in the middle of a scene, my hero is shot and bleeding all over an old buffalo hide, and I have to stop and go eat lunch with friends. Sometimes this is a hard-hearted job. I can almost hear him yelling at me to just write a few more lines before I go.

I guess that’s what all writers have to put up with, their characters following them around. I may be trying to cook supper, but one of them is yelling inside my head that she’s not going to do something, or I go to a movie and one follows along complaining about what a pickle I got them into. I sit in church and one character tells me he’s an atheist. I go for a walk and an 1865 cowboy comes along telling me he’d rather be a poet than a rancher. We get in an argument and I have to go home because people mistakenly think I’m talking to myself.

I would get worried, but normal doesn’t run in my family, so I think I’m safe. Some say writing is a lonely job, and it is, but most of the time I’m traveling through life with a crowd in my head.

Have a great week,

The Waiting Game

2009-08-06T14:49:00.001-05:00

I’ll finally sleep tonight. I’ve been waiting to see what my editor and agent thought of my new book. They’ve both called in to say they loved it. My editor suggested changes that I’ve already started on. Once in a while someone is surprised that I have to do rewrites. They say something like, “After 30 books I’d think you’d have it right by now.” In truth I need an editor as much as ever. I see writing as a team career. I might be able to write alone, but to have a winner I need both my editor and my agent.

As a reader I see many books I think are perfect. As a writer I always wish I had one more day to make it better. I think most writers feel the same. A friend of mine always worries about my writing on deadline, but it seems I always have. Even before I sold I’d give myself deadlines. I’m one of those people that if it wasn’t for the last minute I’d never get anything done. I fuss with the first chapter sometimes for weeks and then write the last chapter in a night. In that first chapter I have to find the character and sometimes he or she doesn’t make it easy.

Have a great week end. For my friends in England---I’ll trade one of those rainy days for one of our Texas days at over 100.

Write On!

2009-07-30T16:46:00.001-05:00

Today in an interview someone asked me, “What would you change in your life if you could go back and change something?” When I was young I think the list would have been longer. Now, I realize some of the choices and problems I got into might not have been great, but they made me a stronger person. Usually I say I’d want more children because the two sons I have were so much fun to parent, but if I’d had more that would have changed me and them as well.

Those questions about what would you do or change are always interesting. My favorite is when someone asked Isacc Asimov (author of hundreds of SF books) what he would do if he knew the world would end in fifteen minutes. He answered, “Write faster.”

So this week I’m wishing I could write faster. I have a story running in my head right now that is keeping me awake and I can’t get it on paper fast enough.

There's No Place Like Home

2009-07-23T14:51:00.005-05:00

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged because I’ve been busy...

First, the West Texas Writing Academy in June was great. I couldn’t believe the talented people who signed up for my class. Within a few hours I realized I was looking at authors I would be reading in print.

Everyone loved the week. I started by saying that the one week of writing would change their life and by Friday not one person disagreed. We learned and grew together, then best of all became friends. The writers who attended were pioneers willing to step into something new and unknown. This course had been in my mind for years and thanks to the instructors: Tim Lewis who taught beginning writing, Dusty Richards who taught writing the west, and Dian Curtis Regan who taught children’s writing, it worked.

We’re already planning next year’s and as soon as the date in June of 2010 is set, I’ll post it on my website.

Three days after the writing academy, I left for Europe and have been exploring for a month. I had a great time seeing wonders I’d only read about in books, but I have to say that the best days of all were the three I spent at RNA (Romantic Novelists Asso.of Great Britain) What a wonderful group of talented ladies and gentlemen. I was a duck out of water most of the time dealing with food I didn’t know and train schedules I didn’t understand, but when I get to the writers’ group, I felt like I was home.

I don’t know when I’ll get back ‘over the pond’ but when I do, I’ve many friends I’d love to see again.

While I was in flight returning, my editor was in D.C. picking up awards for two of my books.

I won the National Readers Choice Award in Mainstream fiction with romantic element for Twisted Creek and the National Readers Choice Award in Historical Romance for Tall, Dark, and Texan. Because my phone was dead, I didn’t find out until Saturday morning. I’d already had my sad party thinking I didn’t place. I was so excited when I heard the message. If I’d been there I know I’d have been too choked up to say more than, “Thank you. You’ve paid me a great honor by reading and loving my work.” This means a great deal to me because it is the readers who’ve kept me writing so many times by their encouragement and notes.

Writing Academy Success!

2009-06-20T13:20:00.001-05:00

Last week I reached a goal I'd set years ago when I first starting going to conferences. I wanted to be part of a team that put together a week long writing school where students focused on Writing to Sell. So often writing is taught as an art and teachers forget that some of us are out there trying to make a living off our writing.

West Texas A&M's first Writing Accademy was a great success. Friday morning when I woke up, I realized, I'd done it. Thanks to a hardworking faculty, a great continuing ed staff, and wonderful students wanting to learn, we had the kind of conference I'd always dreamed of.

The wonderful thing about writers is we don't eat our young. We nurture them so that they can go on to write more powerful stories than their teachers.

As soon as I get some rest, I'll be ready to start planning next year.

The funny thing about goals---as soon as you reach one, it's time to set another.

Have a wonderful week,

P.S.

This pic was taken at a Writing Academy outing to Palo Duro Canyon to see the play "Texas."

Off the Road... Finally

2009-05-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

I was starting to feel like a homeless person living in my car. I’ve been on the road giving talks and autographing every weekend for a month. My back seat has layers from travels but I had a great time.

From Guymon, to Arlington and Plano , the Carrollton Library and the Red River Museum in Sherman then Wichita Falls ---I had a ball and met the nicest people.

Last week I went to OWFI---Oklahoma Writers Fed. Inc. My first and favorite conference. Marcia Preston (check out her new book at www.marciapreston.com/women.html ) and her team put on the perfect conference. For writers thinking about entering contest, I recommend owfi.org. as a site to watch for deadlines and a conference to attend the first week in May every year.

I’m working on my class at the West Texas Writers Academy coming up on June 8, 2009. Everywhere I travel people tell me they want to learn to write or they wish they could attend my class on writing.

Well, I’ve been working hard to put together a five day, all day, workshop that will be an entire course on how to write. Now, all those people who want to write have to come.

I remember a line from Lolly Anderson’s book How My Magic Refrigerator Sent Me To Paris Free. 7 Rules To Make Dreams Come True. (check it our on www.readerhook.com )

She said, “If you could take three steps to make your dream come true---would you?” For those willing to make their writing dreams come true, take the first step, call 806-651-2037 and sign up.

I’m also working on my story set in Harmony, Texas and loving writing it. I think it’s so much fun when the characters take over. I also love it on those rare nights when I sit down to write and the characters tell me the story.

I’m going back to fiction now.

Talk with you soon,

WT Writing Academy

2009-04-30T11:15:00.003-05:00

I've heard it said that once you're a teacher, you are always a teacher. I think I believe that. It seems like since I stopped teaching in 1990, I've been teaching writing. Writer in Residence gives me the platform to continue teaching.

The first student who came into my office at the university was angry. He'd taken all the classes, almost had his second degree and still couldn't get anything published. I took one look at his novel and saw the problem. It was in the wrong format, single spaced, and easily twice the word count of any two books on the mass market shelves.

He wanted to make money writing, he'd spent almost 6 years learning to write, but no one had ever talked to him about how to sell. I don't remember, but I think I must have smiled about that moment because I'd found a place I could be of help writers. Knowing how to write and knowing what sells are not the same thing.

It has taken me 7 years and I've had lots of help from great writers-----finally, we've put together a one week academy that will pass along the SECRET of Publishing. West Texas Continuing Education did the hard work of put together the academy from June 8-12 on the campus. I believe this week will change the lives of writers attending. Multi-published writers, who make their living publishing fiction, will be working together to make magic happen.

So, if you know someone who is thinking of writing, or working on a book in the late hours, please let them know about this one week academy. You can check out the details on my home page, or the website of my dear friend and fellow lecturer, Tim Lewis. Encourage them to take action. We can help them save years of time.

Nothing tickles me more than opening a box and finding a book from a writer who once was a student. Once a teacher, always a teacher, I guess.

Become One with the Water...

2009-03-19T10:59:00.001-05:00

Sometimes life drifts along like a slow river. Sometimes it rages. Seems like right now my life river would have white caps. The story I’m working on is coming fast, which is great. I’m working on a story set in Harmony, Texas , an imaginary town just west of Twisted Creek. The people are coming alive and I’m loving how they all relate to one another. Every evening I step into this world and feel like I live there. I’m always surprised when I glance up at the clock and find it’s after midnight.

I went to a workshop where the instructor kept stopping the lecture to have us all meditate. I didn’t learn much from the workshop except I can’t meditate. Thinking of nothing but breathing just doesn’t work for me. About the time I was about to give up, she said some people meditate as they walk. Now that I can understand. To clear my mind I left the lecture and went to Wal-mart. For an hour I just walked and thought of nothing. A hundred dollars later I felt much better. I’d meditated and bought groceries, makeup, plant food, an extension cord and socks. Next week I think I’ll meditate at the mall.

I'm no Poet...

2009-03-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

Last week I went to a poetry workshop, thinking I would grow as a writer.

I learned a great deal. I’m not a poet, will never be a poet, it fact, I should not be allowed to ever hold a book of poetry. I feel sure if the teacher of the workshop could have kicked me out of class she would have done so in rhyme.

I’m counting the days down until REWRITING MONDAY comes out. I like my hero in this book. He’s not perfect, in fact he doubts himself most of the time, but he cares deeply about the people around him and the town.

This story has two heroes. Very different men who work together.

Tonight I’m going to a rodeo as I do research on the new book I’m working on. The stories never stop. As soon as I finish one, another is waiting to be born.

One little surprise kept me away from my work this week. Ella moved back to town. (Her parents came with her) She’s only 6 months old, but she’ll call me Gram one day.

4 1/2 Stars, High School Rodeo, & My Intern...

2009-03-04T15:54:00.000-06:00

Exciting news today, Romantic Times gave REWRITING MONDAY 4 ½ STARS. The book will be out April 7th but the reviews always come out about a month early. I also have an article in this month’s issue. I’m interviewing Robyn Carr. I wouldn’t have known about all this except my friend called me. I swear, some days the world could end and I’d miss it.

Right now I’m in the world of my new book and having great fun writing it. I’m doing research on high school rodeo for one character. When I was in my teens I rode in the rodeo every year when I stayed with my Uncle Leroy and my Aunt Dixie (anyone who doesn’t know me will think I made up those names) I thought I was something, riding in the parade and every night in the Grand Entry. The last day of the rodeo I was riding out to the pasture and, after living in the saddle for four day, got tossed off. To this day when my leg hurts I tell everyone it’s the old rodeo injury.

Want to have some fun check out the the Cowgirl Hall of Fame website!

Happy Trails,

P.S. This is my new intern here at West Texas A&M University, Carmen Hamilton, holding copies of the international versions of THE SECRETS OF ROSA LEE...

Quartz Mountain Inspiration

2009-02-26T17:28:00.000-06:00

I went on a virtual little vacation this week. My son and his bride of two years slipped over the border into Oklahoma for a few days stay at Quartz Mountain Lodge. They sent pictures of their days thanks to her iPhone. What fun. I’ve made that trip several times and felt like I was along for the ride with them as they climbed and listened to the sounds of the water.

Quartz Mountain is really only a hill in southwest Oklahoma but it was the seed planted, thanks to Kirkland family reunions in my childhood, of a mountain that would later be the spark for Whispering Mountain—a five book series I will be finished writing this year.

When people ask me where my ideas come from, I’m usually clueless, but sometimes I know where the spark started. I remember climbing that hill and setting on top with Tom and thinking I could see forever from that spot.

Maybe it’s because I write historicals. Maybe it’s because I love history, but sometimes I feel like the past walks beside me.

The kids also visited Quanah Parker’s and Geronimo’s graves at Fort Sill.
A touch of my history: I had an Uncle named Dolan Parker who’s ancestors came from Parker’s Fort, the place where Cynthia Ann Parker (mother to Quanah) was captured.

In the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, a walk across campus from my office, Quanah Parker’s headdress is on display. I’ve heard people who visit it say they can still feel the power of the last great Comanche chief coming from his war bonnet.

Rainy Days and Thursdays

2009-02-12T17:31:00.000-06:00

I'd like to thank everyone who came out to my autographings this weekend. Autographings always frighten me a little. Before i ever sold a book I used to dream about them and think I'd love them. I always thought I would wear a strange hat and look very intelligent behind the table, but little of that picture came true. No hat. The look is usually tired, not intelligent and myhand hurts from signing. The only great part of the autographing is meeting friends and fans. I love knowing they are out there reading and encouraging me.

It is almost raining in the Panhandle today. I love rainy days, but I live in the wrong part of the country for them.

I'm into the new book and having a great time. Problem is, I don't want to stop writing long enough to write a proposal. That always happens to me. I love meeting the characters. They've been dancing in my head for months now.

Cowboys, A Cover Sneek Peek and New Beginnings...

2009-02-05T17:33:00.000-06:00

This will be a busy weekend for me with three autographings of GIVE ME A COWBOY. The three other authors, DeWanna Pace, Phyliss Miranda, and Linda Broday will be joining me for each event. We think by having three in Amarillo, we’ll have time to visit with everyone, and of course each other. Because of my writing and speaking schedule, I’m not able to travel to autograph this one, but it will be with me on every table when I’m autographing REWRITING MONDAY in April.

Thought you might like to see the cover of REWRITING MONDAY...

Watch for a video preview in a few weeks.

The beginning of a new book is always so hard for me so this week has been lots of pacing and not much writing. I’ve put together characters and the opening to their stories, but knowing who to start with his hard. So far I’ve written about twenty pages this week and tossed 15 of them in the trash. If only the first fifty pages were as easy to write at the last 50.

Icy Roads... Warm Hearts

2009-01-30T17:36:00.000-06:00

Its been a wild week. Ice hit the area and I stayed home one day reading. I also put together an author on author interview with Robyn Carr. What a great lady and so much fun.

The wonderful thing about finishing a book, I have time to catch up on my reading. Sage and Drummond’s story is finished and I cried saying good-bye, but I’ll see them again in the next Whispering Mountain story. I’m calling it Duck and the girls. It will take place ten years after Sage’s story and Teagen’s girls are all grown up. I think it will be a very tender story.

Monday I’ll begin a new story set in today’s time, that I hope will be a series about a small town near Twisted Creek. I’ve been putting together characters for months. The pots been on the back burner and it’s finally time to bring it to center stage. Someone asked me today if I was looking forward to the weekend and I laughed. Writers don’t have weekends. The story follows us wherever we go.

Stay warm and think of spring!

A New Year... A New Story

2009-01-15T17:37:00.000-06:00

Welcome to 2009. I’m back at work in my office at West Texas A&M where the sun is shining on the leafless tree outside my window.

I spent most of the month during the Christmas break working on Sage and Drummond’s story. After having them as secondary characters in the last three Whispering Mountain books, I really looked forward to telling their story. A character I hadn’t expected showed up as the story progressed and I think my fans will enjoy him. I love that when it happens. Its almost like writing and reading a story at the same time because I’m not sure where this character is going. When I wrote the last chapter this week, I felt sad saying good-bye to them. The hard part is, I have to keep the story all to myself for 9 months before the book hits the stands.

Whenever I get close to the end of a story, another plot always starts playing in my head, demanding I move on to it. So, I’ll take a weekend off and start all over again with a new group of imaginary friends who live in a place in my head.

I wish everyone the best for 09.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-20T20:20:00.000-06:00

I’m on the road again, in Arlington and Tyler this next week. I feel like I’m hotel hopping across Texas. This time, while I’m not autographing or speaking, I’ll have my imaginary friends traveling with me. Sage’s story is going great. All I need is a few hundred hours to spend with the story.

Of course, I’ll take off on Thursday to have Thanksgiving. This is the first year all my family will not be together but that doesn’t mean I won’t be thinking of them.

On a side note...
Go Tech!!

This is my nephew Brian, his lovely wife Amy and their two precious daughters Kourtney and Macy showing their colors!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Travel and "The Boy King!"

2008-11-14T20:22:00.001-06:00

I’ve had a busy week. I was in Dallas last weekend doing stock signings. Meet some great book people. Had a grand tea with readers who really know romance books. I had time to spare Sat. night, so I went to see King Tut. Here’s me with my Mummy.

This weekend I’m going to Lubbock to talk at Texas Tech on Friday and then on Saturday, I plan to have lunch with some beautiful Red Hat Ladies and then we’ll be off to a signing at Barnes and Noble from 5-7.

The next week I’m heading down to Dallas for a signing at in Arlington. Sometimes I think I should have a page on my blog that says, “Where in the world is Jodi?”

In all the free time when I’m not driving, signing, or sleeping, I’m working on Sage’s story and having a grand time.

Have a great week!

TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN is Here!

2008-10-30T20:25:00.000-05:00

Tuesday my new book hit the stands. TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN. I’ve been waiting a year for everyone to see it. Kathy Baker at the Legacy Bookstore in Plano called to tell me she loved it and thought it was my best. That meant a great deal to me. Writers, no matter how many books always worry about each book.
Now, the frightening part, stepping out of my office and into the world to autograph. I love it when friends come by to visit with me during an autographing. I also love it when readers stop by to talk about my work.
What frightens me are people who just happen to come by, usually drinking a cup of coffee while their children or spouse shop, and look at my books. They ask questions like, ‘What’s going on here?’ or ‘What’s this book about?’ or ‘How’d you get this published.’ They are not buying, they are just passing time. After I tell them about the book, they put it down and say, ‘Let me tell you a real story…” This is about the time I feel trapped. But, I can’t run. It’s my party.

I had a great weekend at a Writers Retreat in Red River, New Mexico. This is what I saw as I drove home.

The Perfect Day

2008-10-23T20:26:00.000-05:00

I had a perfect day of writing this week and one day sometimes is all I can get. It’s amazing how good a writer feels when for a few hours they step out of the real world and into fiction. I got in a bar fight, landing on the coast in 1859 and was bit by a snake—I’m not sure what kind yet, I’m still looking at pictures.

When the writing comes, you forget all about what you have to do or what time dinner is or where your back hurts. Once in a while a writer just writes and on those rare days I know why it is I do this for a living.

Two Weeks and Counting

2008-10-15T20:27:00.000-05:00

I had a great time in Richardson at the Buns and Roses Tea. There is truly no better place for a writer to be than with readers. We may be writers, but we’re readers also and just as nuts about finding new books as any reader.

I came home Sunday night and read over the rewrites I was working on. Finished Monday afternoon and put them in the mail. I hope readers like REWRITING MONDAY as much as I do. We’ll see in April 09.

Tall, Dark, and Texan will hit the stands in less then two weeks. I can’t wait. The reviews are starting to come in and I’m very happy. It’s time to start working full time on the next story.

Autumn in New Mexico

2008-10-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend in New Mexico. After spending so many hours in front of a computer it was delightful to relax and look at nature. Good friends, good food and a killer view.

The double rainbow was unbelievable against the stormy sky.

The changing leaves were so grand it looked like some of the trees were brushed with gold dust.

Three more weeks until TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN hits the stands. I can’t wait. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve loved characters so much. Teagen is going to make you laugh and cry and dream.

Love and Laughter,

Music and Books

2008-10-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the West Texas Book and Music Festival in Abilene. Great fun!
I enjoyed Don Graham's remarks at the luncheon. If I lived near Austin, I'd take his class at UT on Texas Culture.

Several readers have asked what I listen to when I'm writing. Often nothing.
I enjoy the silence when the story is coming to me. Just like I always face the wall when I'm first creating.
Then, when I'm rewriting and polishing, I turn out the world and listen to music. The music changes by what I'm working on.
Sometimes, a line from a song inspires an entire scene or even book.

Here I am speaking at the festival...

And here I am with friends and fellow authors, Jeffery McClanahan & Pam Cumbie

YoYo-ing Through Rewrites

2008-09-25T20:31:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I visited a delightful group of writers in Tyler. It’s always fun to be around so many creative people. I remember when I had far more questions than answers and believed I’d make a million on my first book. The journey so far has had many highs and a few lows, but all in all I wouldn’t trade for the ride.

I’m finishing up the rewrite of the rewrite on REWRITING MONDAY due out on April 1, 2009. Each polishing makes it better but I think I must have jinxed it for rewriting because of the name. Maybe my next book should be Fast Writing Tuesday.

My editor made me laugh. When she read about a character introducing himself as Bob Earl she asked if Earl was the last name. No southerner would ever ask that.

*****Stars to Natalie Bright for her story on the history of the yoyo in http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org. She’s a great speaker and a gifted writer. Check out her site at http://www.nataliebright.com.

A Veritable Smorgasbord

2008-09-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

This week is the Tri-State Fair in the Panhandle of Texas. Just saying the words makes me want a foot long corn dog. I love the fair, not for the rides or the food but for the people. It’s fun to find a corner and watch all the people go by.

I’m in the process of finding characters. It’s not easy. Once in a while a character just walks up to me fully developed. When that happens I feel more like I’m just meeting them, not creating them. Some characters reveal themselves slow like people do in real life. I love it when I start out writing someone I think I’m going to hate or at least not like, then all of a sudden he does something I didn’t expect and I end up caring about him.

O’Henry once said something about if a writer is ever blocked he should change his environment. For me, I’d like to just stay in the same environment to get the story on paper.

Turn, Turn, Turn...

2008-09-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

It is currently raining. I love the dark and gloomy days. I can sit down at my desk with no thoughts of having to weed the garden, or carry out the trash. Instead I can throw myself into the world I'm writing about. Days like this were made for writing.
Summer has quickly come to a close.

Just last week I was down in Palo Duro Canyon celebrating Labor Day with my family. It was hot, sticky, sunny, bright and beautiful. The views were (as always) spectacular and the colors were amazing!
It is easy to see why so many artists choose to make it a subject. The New York Times even ran an article on it recently. I highly suggest taking a trip to see Palo Duro Canyon if you ever get a chance. It is one of my favorite places to be.

Today marks the 7th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. My thoughts are with all who were touched by the tragedy. Our world will never be the same...
My heart also goes out to all those who are in Hurricane Ike's path. I hope beyond hope that this current threat will leave little mark on those in his way... my prayers are with you.

Autumn Cometh

2008-09-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

With school starting I always think it is fall and this year the weather seems to be falling in with my plan.

I’ve finished the book due out in April and am very happy with the flow of it. Now the hard part is putting together the next idea. I have a plan, it’s coming alive in my head, but making it real on paper in outline form isn’t easy.
People, who don’t write or know a writer, always think writing is easy. It’s hard work, I admit, but now and then when I get it right, it’s great fun.

On Campus

2008-08-21T20:37:00.000-05:00

As I finish up the rewrites on REWRITING MONDAY I prepare to open my office at West Texas A&M.

I love being Writer in Residence.
Every fall it's great seeing the freshmen move into the dorms.
My office is on the second floor of the library. I have a floor to ceiling window...
A campus, even a small one, is like a little city...
By September, I'll be writing at my office on Sage's story.

Sad News...

2008-08-08T20:39:00.000-05:00

On a sad note, my mother-in-law passed away on 8-8-08. She was a sweet lady who loved her family. She would have gotten a kick out the date of her passing into heaven since she was born on 2-2-22. We’ll all miss her dearly…

Back from RWA!

2008-08-04T20:40:00.000-05:00

I just got back form RWA in San Fransicso. I enjoyed being with friends I only see once a year. I saw lots of changes in the Romance field. I guess that’s the good and bad about this business, it’s always changing. Great news for my friends who read and write historical - they are coming back. (Some of us didn’t even know they left!)

I’m working on rewrites of the book due out in April. Looks like it’s going to be called REWRITING MONDAY. I complain about rewrites, but in truth, I enjoy doing them. I feel like the book reads smoother every time.

Less than three months until Teagen comes. Everyone will love TALL, DARK, AND TEXAN.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-07-18T20:41:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately, but I've spent my days traveling and my nights writing.

We had a great time in Alaska in June. Danali was BREATH TAKING! Alaska is so wild and untamed. I felt right at home... except when I visited the glacier, then I was scared to death!

In Houston I met with the TESA ladies and had a wonderful time. They really were great! I wish I could have stayed longer.

The Queen's Red Hat Cocktail Party was grand! The parade was beautiful and the people were too...

Now I'm back home writing.

I'm also working on the next book to follow Twisted Creek. I think you'll love Rewriting Monday!

Watch my calendar for dates I'm traveling this fall!

TWISTED CREEK Hits New York Times List!

2008-04-22T20:42:00.000-05:00

Today I hit the New York Times list. It felt grand. When I first started writing I bought a t-shirt at a writer’s confence that said, “NYTimes Bestseller in Training.” I wore that shirt hundreds of late nights of writing and slept in it so many times it finally wore out. I’ve hit the list before, but every time is like the first time. It’s a twenty year goal come true. I’d like to thank all my fans who gave TWISTED CREEK at try.

I was in Las Vegas this weekend and met some great people. The Henderson Library talk with Robyn Carr was great fun and I loved the Red Hat Lunch Wendy Arnold helped me set up. What a great group of ladies!

Next week I’ll be in Santa Fe.

TWISTED CREEK is Almost Here!

2008-03-26T20:43:00.000-05:00

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

Winter Days

2008-01-01T20:44:00.000-06:00

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.

Teagan

2007-12-18T20:45:00.000-06:00

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!

Web TV

2007-10-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

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.

Torture and Travel

2007-10-24T20:47:00.000-05:00

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.

I'm OK

2007-10-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Irish Luck

2007-09-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Night and Day

2007-08-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

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.

In the Swing of Things

2007-08-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

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,

There's No Place Like Home

2007-08-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

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,

Ready to Run

2007-07-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

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,

Back in the Saddle Again...

2007-07-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

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,

England Swings!

2007-07-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

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!

Delightful News!

2007-06-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

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.

New Web Design

2007-05-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

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.

Howdy Pardner!

2006-11-13T20:57:00.000-06:00

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.

Time in a Bottle

2006-11-06T20:58:00.000-06:00

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

'Til the Clouds Roll By...

2006-10-26T20:59:00.000-05:00

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,

Drop Everything And Read!

2006-10-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

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.

Rainy Days and Mondays

2006-10-09T21:01:00.000-05:00

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.

Computer Woes and Short Stories

2006-10-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

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.

My Second Home

2006-09-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

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,