Author Jody Hedlund...and a book giveaway!!

 I'm having so much fun getting to know these fanastic authors...I hope you are, too!  Today I'm featuring Jody Hedlund, award-winning historical author of the best-selling book, The Preacher's Bride.  She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work.  Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children.  Her second book, The Doctor's Lady, released in September 2011.  Her third book, Unending Devotion, releases in September of this year. 

Jody is also a homeschooling mom, so I wanted to ask her some questions about balancing life between writing, family and teaching.  I also have one of Jody's favorite recipes...another yummy one that includes a girl's best friend--chocolate! : )

1. What prompted you to want to homeschool?

When my oldest child was in preschool, I had some friends who were thinking of homeschooling. Their interest and enthusiasm prompted me to begin learning more about it. The more I learned, the more excited I grew about the possibilities that homeschooling provided not only for the many educational options, but also for the character growth and training that I could do with my children.

After a great deal of prayer and research, my husband and I felt like we were being lead to step into homeschooling. So, we began our adventure when our oldest was in kindergarten and have continued ever since. Next year he’s going to be a sophomore in highschool!

2. How have you been able to balance home life, homeschooling, and writing?
It’s definitely not easy. I feel like I have two very full time jobs! But like any other writer trying to balance dual careers or multiple responsibilities, I’ve had to look for ways to make it work. I’ve scaled-back on outside commitments and simplified home life as much as possible. During the day while I’m teaching, I focus on the kids. Then when we’re done in the afternoon, I write for a couple of hours. I give myself a daily word count goal and don’t let myself go to bed at night until I get it done.

3. Has being a published writer been what you expected? Is it a dream you've always had?
Yes and no. Yes, it’s everything I’ve dreamed because I love telling stories and feel blessed that I can do something every day that I’m passionate about. I especially like the feeling that comes as I near the end of the book when everything looks hopeless, the characters are in big trouble, and somehow I’m able to wrap up the book in a satisfying way. The writing process itself brings me incredible satisfaction and joy.

But no, the life of a published author is definitely not as glamorous as I once believed. In today’s publishing industry, authors have to work incredibly hard, wear a lot of hats, and shoulder a great deal of responsibility. Building a readership takes time and effort. And the monetary compensation takes time as well.

4. What your favorite dessert recipe?
O’Henry Bars
4 cups oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup melted butter
½ cup white Karo syrup
6 oz. chocolate chips (half a bag)
½ cup peanut butter

Mix the first 4 ingredients. Press into a well greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350° and cool slightly. Melt together the last 2 ingredients. Spread over warm bars. Refrigerate. These freeze well.

5. Can you tell us a little about your upcoming release, Unending Devotion?
My next book, Unending Devotion releases Sept. 1, 2012. I’m really excited about this story because it’s set in my home state of Michigan. It takes place during the 1880’s at a time in history when the lumber era was at its height. Although the story isn’t inspired by a true person the way my first two books have been, I do include several real people, particularly a real villain by the name of James Carr who was notorious in central Michigan for his violence and for introducing white slavery into the state.

The heroine of the story is a young woman, Lily Young, who is looking for her sister who’s caught up into the degradation of lumber camp life. While Lily searches for her missing sister, she fights against the evil that runs rampant around her, and she fights not to lose her heart to the lumber baron who turns a blind eye to the lawlessness of the lumber business.

6. Where can readers find you?
I hang out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
Find me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com

I don't know about all of you...but that O'Henry bar recipe looks amazing!  Anything with oatmeal, chocolate, and peanut butter ALWAYS tastes good!  : )  I will definitely be looking forward to Jody's new release.  I've read both The Preacher's Bride and The Doctor's Lady and I had a hard time putting either one of them down until I finished. 

Jody's book, The Doctor's Lady, is the story of Priscilla White, a young woman determined to be a missionary to India.  Dr. Eli Ernest is equally determined to minister to the Indians of the west.  Unfortunately, the mission board has formed a new rule that singles may not go to the mission field unmarried.  In an effort to fulfill their dreams, Eli and Priscilla agree to marry...in name only.  They set out on their perilous journey across the country, facing hardships and a turning of their hearts.  I have read this book and it was filled with adventure and just the right touch of romance.  One thing I loved about Jody's first two books is that they are based on real people.  I could imagine being on the journey with the men and women who were committing to be missionaries in the wild western United States. 

Jody is giving away a copy of The Doctor's Lady to one blessed (I won't say "lucky" : )) winner!  All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog, along with your email address in the comment, and I will pick one of you on Monday, June 25th.  I will contact the winner and Jody will send you an autographed copy of this book!  Don't miss out on this opportunity! : )

Thanks, Jody, for a great interview, a delicious recipe, and the book giveaway!  Readers, send in those comments! : )
God bless~Stacey