Jo Huddleston's "That Summer"

Title: That Summer, Book One in the Caney Creek Series
Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing
Cover blurb: The Great Depression brings devastation toThe Southern Appalachians but love’s triangle survives. To escape his poppa’s physical abuse and their dirt-poor farm life, Jim flees to an imagined prosperous city life where he can make his own choices, ignoring God patiently knocking on his heart’s door. Settled in town, Jim strays from God and the way of faith his momma taught him. He meets a girl and loses his heart … and meets another girl and loses his willpower. Jim wrestles with social and moral dilemmas as he makes a choice beside Caney Creek that will alter the lives of five people.

1) How did this story come to you?
The setting of That Summer is the Southern Appalachians of East Tennessee where my ancestors and I were raised. I’ve listened to the older generations tell their stories about time before telephones and automobiles. Their stories fascinated me and caused me to want to write about a time before I was born.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This book began to percolate in my head in the late 1990s. In 2001, I had health problems that prevented me from writing either by hand or by computer (this was before voice to type). My writing ability vanished for seven years. Then I was “normal” enough to put this book on paper and to begin my search for a publisher.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I chew my ice cream.
2. I fear being in the dark.
3. I played high school varsity basketball.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on book #2 in the Caney Creek Series, Living Beyond the Past. My publisher has scheduled Book #2 and Book #3 to be released, separately, by the end of 2013. So next for me will be beginning Book #3 and edits on Book #2.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me on your blog. I’ve enjoyed my visit with you and your readers.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers. They can find me at http://www,johuddleston.com. They can connect with me by clicking the Contact tab there.