Monday, October 18, 2010

Jody Hedlund's "The Preacher's Bride"

We're happy to have Jody Hedlund with us today talking about her book, The Preacher's Bride. To learn more about Jody and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The Preacher’s Bride is a tale about finding true love amidst the intense discrimination and persecution that existed after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1650’s England.
This book is inspired by Elizabeth Bunyan, the second wife of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the most popular books of all times. As I was reading a biography about John Bunyan, I ran across a small excerpt about Elizabeth.
I loved the brave way Elizabeth 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.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I spent about 6 weeks reading biographies and other time-period books. I sifted through plot ideas, wanting to stick as closely to the facts as possible, but also knowing I needed to dramatize the story to bring it to life.
A large part of my planning involved the process of getting to know my characters. I used an extensive character worksheet (available on my blog for free). I try to use what history has told us about the real characters, but then I filled in the rest and made them larger than life.
Then after my characters were living and breathing in my mind, and after I had a basic plot outline, I started the actual writing. It took me about nine months of writing during my little ones’ naptimes. When I finished, I spent several months editing it.
Finally, after about a year from when I first started, I queried the book to agents. It took me another nine months to get an agent to take me on as a client (an ACFW Genesis contest win really helped me). Then my agent shopped my book to Bethany House . . . and the rest is history!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I eat pie for breakfast. Yep. Anytime there’s pie in the house, I indulge myself in a piece for breakfast, especially if it has fruit in it of any kind because then I’m getting a couple servings of fruit.
2. I’m a fast walker. My kids usually have to run to keep up with me everywhere I go. I’m sure it looks quite comical to see me, the mother duck with my five youngun’s trailing after me, tripping over themselves!
3. Writing quirk? While I write, I stick bananas in my ears to block out the noise of my children. Okay, so not really. But I do wear headphones and listen to Pandora a LOT during my writing time.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m in the editing stages for my next book, The Doctor’s Lady (which will be published in September of 2011). And I’m also working on researching and plotting a third contracted book (to be published in 2012).

5) Parting comments?
I love meeting readers! Please stop by my Author Facebook Page and introduce yourself! I’d love to connect!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.jodyhedlund.com/
Blog: http://www.jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
Email: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

23 comments:

  1. Wow! That sounds interesting!

    Count me in!

    carol at carolmoncado dot com

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  2. Ohhhhhh I want to read this book SO bad!! LOL! I'd love acopy *wink*

    That is SO cool that you eat pie for breakfast, lol...my mom would not let us do that. I suppose if my college ever put out pie for breakfast everyone would be doing that *wink*

    Thanks for this chance, Jody!!
    Hannah
    hccelie[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. Sounds wonderful!
    langford7(at)cableone(dot)net

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  4. Jody Hedlund is a new writer to me as well as her work. Imagine the research Jody needed to put in writing this book. She mentions Paul Bunyan's wife Elizabeth as an influencing character to her story. I enjoy historical novels and think this is a very romantic read. Thank you for the interview and giveaway and the chance to win this great book. I hope I do!

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  5. I saw this last week at Books-A-Million and instantly fell in love with it. It is now on my wish list!

    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

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  6. This book sound special. Would love to win it. If nothing more, can add to my wish list. Juanita W
    whisper97304@yahoo.com

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  7. I keep hearing great things about this book so I want to check it out for myself. :)

    joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

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  8. I'm a subscriber. thanks for the giveaway.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  9. The Preacher's Bride sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway. augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.Thank you.

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  10. Hi Joy, I would love to read this book. I love the story line and know it will be a great book to read. Thanks for stopping by to share with us today.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  11. Me, enter me in the contest!!! All the books look so great to read :D

    Linda Ortiz, strgth4yu@hotmail.com

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  12. Please enter me, it sounds like the kind of book I love! Can't wait to read it.

    Gail
    bookwurm70 at gmail dot com

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  13. Thanks ladies. What an interesting conversation. I haven't seen any interviews with Jody before, and I admire the challenge of fictionalizing a historical figure's life. I'd love to win this book.

    I had a great uncle who ate pie for breakfast. He said that you never knew when you might get called Home with the Lord so you shouldn't put off eating dessert for later in the day!

    Thank you!
    debraemarvin (at) yahoo

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  14. Please enter me!!!!!

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  15. I was also very interested in Elizabeth's story and when i researched her there really isn't much written about her.. I am so glad to see this book.. I just read some great reviews on your book and really want to read it..Its not in my area yet but I plan on keep looking...
    Please include me in the giveaway
    Thanks
    Heidi

    heidijohnjeffAT verizon DOt net

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  16. I would love to read this book. Both my husband and I eat leftover pie for breakfast. No Problem! Please enter me in this contest.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  17. Jody, I can't wait to read your book! I'm sure it is going to be awesome. :)

    Please enter me! booklovercb[at]yahoo[.]com

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  18. I'd love to read your book. I'm a writer, but I have no time to write right now. I really miss it! God bless you in your writing.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. I love this type of book! Would love to win it!
    Please enter me.

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  20. I enjoy reading books of this nature. Please enter me in the drawing.

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

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  21. Thanks for stopping by everyone!! It's really fun to read all of your comments and to share the excitement of this adventure with you! :-)

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  22. Pie for breakfast...my Hubby likes to help me out by eating any leftover pie for breakfast. He said he wants me to make more, and didn't want this one to go to waste!
    This book is on my Must Read List!

    aleke02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  23. would enjoy reading this novel...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

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