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Jodi I am honored to have you visit Pen to Paper today. Your books are just wonderful. So, lets get started.
Tell us something about you and your books
My pen name is Jodi Thomas. Since 1988 I’ve published 27 books and several short stories. My first love was a historical romance and I waited until I hit the New York Times and the USA Today lists before I decided to branch out into Mainstream Women’s fiction.
MY first published book won the National Federation of Press Womens ‘best novel of the year’ and thus started my career. Since then I’ve won three RITA’s and am in RWA’s Hall of Fame. I also have three National Readers Choice awards that I cherish.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes. I know the secret. It is simply write. I know a great many people who have the talent to write but they don’t put in the time. They get discouraged when they write their first book and it doesn’t sell. I think there are no failures in this game, just people who stop trying too soon.
What’s your latest book about?
THE LONE TEXAN is about the people who live at a ranch in the early days of Texas. The Apache believe that if a man sleeps on the summit of Whispering Mountain he will dream his future. Unlike most books I write, my hero, Drummond Roak, has loved Sage since he was fifteen. But, to her he’s only the wild boy they caught on their ranch. Proving his love takes them on a wild ride through early Texas.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I’m not really sure. Ideas circle in my head for years sometimes. Once, when our boys were little, we were late getting home and I said to them. “We’ve no time for stories tonight. Tell yourself a story and go to sleep like everyone else does.” My husband, the programmer, was standing in the hallway and he said when I came out, “Jodi, everyone doesn’t tell themselves stories and go to sleep.” That was the first time I knew.
What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?
I have lots of fun doing the preview videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VYq3a0NjEk
What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?
I would suggest they do their homework and make sure this person is right for them. Like most writers who have been in the game for a few years we learn that a bad agent can be far worse than no agent at all. Talk to other writers and ask them. Go the small conferences and offer to buy the agent breakfast or a drink. Then talk. Remember, you’re hiring them, not the other way around.
Are there any thing you would like to say to other aspiring writers?
I wouldn’t trade my life as a writer for any other career. It’s been fun, rewarding and challenging. But, remember, to keep balance. One of the most wonderful things about this life is the great people you meet along the way….most real and a few imaginary.
As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?
I think I always wanted to write, but I was a poor student in English. I tried other careers before I finally settled where I belong. I’m not a wordsmith, I’m a storyteller.
What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with a big publishing company?
Just keep knocking on the door.
Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.
Whispering Mountain Series
Texas Rain
Texas Princess
Tall, Dark, and Texan
The Lone Texan – October 2009
Contemporary Fiction
Twisted Creek
Rewriting Monday
Anthologies
Give Me a Texan
Give Me a Cowboy
How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?
It takes me about a year to write a book. I usually am working on the research for one while I’m writing another and editing another. Some people think that would be confusing, but I enjoy shifting.
What inspired you to become a writer?
My brother often tells people that his little sister turned a disability into a career. He doesn’t know how right he is. I’ve always daydreamed. In school I never remember a teacher telling me how talented I was. I only remember them saying ‘Pay attention, Jodi. You seem to be in another world.’
I wish I could go back and say, ‘Don’t bother me, I’m studying for my career.’
How did you go about getting published?
I tried everything. For the first few years I wrote in several areas. Read everything I could about writing, took every class, studied the markets. I sent my work to everyone in New York. Then, I heard about an RWA that was going to be in Dallas. It was a dream come true. I went to the conference, got a ten minute interview with an editor and talked her into taking a look at my work. Two months later she offered me a contract.
Where do you do most of your writing?
I’m the writer in residence for West Texas A&M University. I spend my mornings with my door open to students and my afternoons writing.
Are you working on other things, if so what are they?
I’m working on a new series set in a small town in Texas. The first book, WELCOME TO HARMONY will be out in May 2010. I’m very excited about this story. I think it may be my best work to date.
What do you enjoy most about your writing?
I love the writing. The stepping into another world, but I also love being a writer. The best part of that is the wonderful people you meet along the way. I love watching beginning writers stretch and learn to write deeper. I love spending hours talking plot. I love teaching at the Writing Academy every summer. I love traveling and meeting writers.
And then, best of all, are the readers who go along on my journey with me. I love the readers who give me a hug at an autographing party because even though we’ve never met, they feel like I’m part of the family. Sometimes, late at night, when I’m about to turn off the computer, I think about that reader out there waiting for my next book and I write an hour longer.
Thank you for inviting me. May we visit again soon and until then, I’ll see you in fiction.
Jodi Thomas
Jodi thank you for all the wonderful information you have given us today I will await for your next visit.
Walk in harmony,
Melinda
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I love your mainstream books and am very much looking forward to reading your texas historicals. After all, how can you not love a good cowboy? : )
I loved the comment in the interview about your husband explaining that not everyone hears stories in their heads. That was too cute.
I hope you keep hearing stories for a very very long time.
As for me - I’m going to start inviting agents to lunch!! lol.
Comment by chris k — December 7, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
Jodi,
I really enjoyed your books I hope to have you back at Pen to Paper real soon
Happy Writing
Walk in harmony,
Melinda
Comment by Melinda Elmore — December 9, 2009 @ 3:00 pm