It’s
definitely not easy to manage my busy household of five children and squeeze in
time for writing. But fortunately my husband is very helpful and pitches in to
help wherever possible. We really work together as a team to support each other
in our pursuits and work.
For example,
when he's home he often takes over the household responsibilities, runs kids to
activities, and pitches in with homeschooling so that I can have concentrated
blocks of time to write.
We've also
simplified our home life and outside commitments as much as possible. We expect
our children to shoulder responsibilities around the home. And last, but
certainly not least, I rely upon my mom for lots of help too. She helps
homeschool, cook meals, and even runs my kids to activities.
2. Do you ever get writer's block?
How do you work your way past it?
No,
fortunately, I rarely get writer’s block. I give myself a daily word count of
how much I need to write, and I stick to it as best as I can. Whatever amount I
miss one day, I try to make up on another day of that week. Having the
daily/weekly goals helps keep me going even when I’m not in the mood. However,
if I ever get into a slump, I put in my earbuds and listen to music. The steady
rhythm helps me block out distractions, inspires me, and often evokes strong
emotions deep inside me.
Since I write historicals, research is an integral part of my writing process. I usually spend anywhere between 4-6 weeks on initial research, reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book.
Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research, particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase.
4. How do you name each character?
The process of coming up with
names is quite complicated, and I generally take a lot of elements into
consideration. I keep a running list of all the heroes and heroines of my books
and try not to duplicate anything too closely to a name I've already used.
I also take into consideration
names used doing the time period and the ethnicity of my characters. For
example, in my first lighthouse book, Love
Unexpected, I chose Irish names that were commonly used during the 1800's
because both of the main characters had an Irish heritage.
Sometimes I consider symbolism for
names. Other times, particularly in my inspired-by stories, I try to pick a
name that is similar to the character from history that I'm portraying.
5. What essential ingredients
do you strive for in your novels to ensure an authentic love story emerges?
I always try to incorporate the elements that I like to see in the
romances I read. That includes deep emotions that are birthed out of a
character's past. I also like to have a relationship that evolves organically
throughout the book. I try not to have my characters being antagonistic to one
another the whole book and then finally falling in love in the last chapter at
the last minute. I want the couple to move from friendship to falling in love
gradually and to have a growing attraction (with the sparks flying!) throughout
the book.
At the same time, however, I don't like to have the love relationship
resolve too early in the book. Readers don't want the
"happily-ever-after" moment to come until the end. So while the
relationship is developing, it's important to find ways to keep the couple from
being fully together until the end.
6.
What stands out in your mind about what has made you grow the most as a writer?
If I had to narrow down one specific
thing that has helped the most in my quest for publication, I’d have to say
this: My careful, ongoing, and thorough study and practice of writing
techniques has been the single most beneficial aspect of my writing career.
In other words, I read writing craft books, studied fiction-writing basics, and then put what I learned into practice. All the studying has been the number one thing to help me in my writing career.
In other words, I read writing craft books, studied fiction-writing basics, and then put what I learned into practice. All the studying has been the number one thing to help me in my writing career.
7. What Scripture verse has
inspired you in your writing?
Among many,
here’s one I aspire to live by: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all
your might. (Ecc. 9:10) I believe in working responsibly and hard with the
gifts we’ve been given.8. What do you do to get away from it all?
READ!! I absolutely love reading! When I find a really good book, I have a hard time tearing myself away from it to get to sleep.
9. Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have
four big (and I do mean BIG) cats by the names of Petunia, Patriot, Toby, and
Liberty. They are incredibly spoiled and well-loved by all members of the
house. And I have one dog, a Golden Retriever named Annabelle.
10. What is your family up to these
days?
My husband
and I are celebrating 24 years of marriage this summer! Yay! My oldest son is
graduating from high school and will be attending a private Christian college
in the fall, Cedarville University in Ohio. My twins will be turning 16 during
the summer and getting their driver's licenses. Since they are involved in SO
many activities, I'm looking forward to them driving themselves places! My
youngest two children have completed 4th and 6th grade and are in an Adventures In Odyssey phase. I think
they've listened to just about every episode that's ever been made!
Jody's Bio:
Jody
Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and
happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and
five children. When she's not writing another of her page-turning stories, you
can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
Contact Jody:
Or you're welcome to email
me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com
No comments:
Post a Comment