There's No Place Like Home

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

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...

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!

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!

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.