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Friday, September 15, 2017

Interview and a giveaway with Jodie Bailey!







We are thrilled to welcome suspense author Jodie Bailey! Comment to win a print or digital copy of her newest release...Christmas Double Cross!

Tell us a little about yourself and your newest book.

So this question always throws me for a loop. I’m a Jeep driving, beach loving, Carolina bred, Army wife who’s a mom, a writer, and a high school yearbook adviser (although my teaching heart lies in middle school literature). And I’m still looking for a hobby since writing is now my career. Who’d have thought? The latest book is Book 2 in the Texas Ranger Holiday series I was privileged to write with Elizabeth Goddard and Sharon Dunn. My part of the story involves Ranger Colt Blackthorn, who is protecting Danielle Segovia, a dead ringer for the sister of a ruthless cartel leader who is out for revenge. Colt believes he is responsible for his brother’s death years ago, so when Danielle’s brother is thrown into danger, Colt has to fight his own failings as well as rescue Danielle and her brother.



Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

Colt is a Texas Ranger and a former soldier. He has a fierce protector streak that is born out of his past failings. Since his brother’s death years ago, he’s fought to keep others safe, particularly kids walking the gang line the way his brother did. He’s always kept his emotions locked up tight, but when he encounters Danielle and her brother, his whole world is tilted.



What are you working on at the moment?

I am SO EXCITED about this latest series I’m working on. It’s set in the fictional small town of Mountain Springs, North Carolina. Book one involves a female firefighter and a soldier who were once secretly married but are now divorced. They find themselves pushed back together when a killer comes after the spouses of the soldiers in his unit. These are some very intriguing characters to write, because she’s a grown child still dealing with an abusive parent, and he’s a soldier who needs to deal with childhood abandonment as well as a serious incident that nearly wiped out his team overseas. When this outside danger gets thrown at them, it blows everything in their lives wide open.



What is the hardest thing about writing?

Sitting still by myself. I can be very social. Too much time to myself and I’m trolling Facebook like my life depends on it, just to see what everyone else is up to. I’ve had to put an app on my computer that locks me out of the internet while I’m working. Sad, but true.



What is the easiest thing about writing?

Coming up with characters. I love getting to know them. They are so complex and there is so much backstory to them that never ends up on the page. It’s creating these people who have so many stories and hang ups and habits… Allen Arnold wrote an amazing blog post and prayer about what a privilege it is for writers to share in the work of creation with our Creator. That’s amazing!



Anything else you'd like to share.

If you’d like to visit, I’d love to see you at www.jodiebailey.com! You can sign up for the newsletter and get links to social media where I sometimes ask you for story input and give away prizes! Thanks for letting me hang out today! This was fun!

38 comments:

  1. Just like in the movies, I don't like reading about perfect characters. So I'm glad to know your characters have hangups and issues too. You would be a new author for me and I love suspense so I'd be privileged to read your book. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. Thanks, Gail! I love writing flawed characters. They are more fun to work with. ;-) Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

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  2. Your book and new series sound fantastic! I am intrigued if the app really works to keep you off the Internet. Since you could go change the settings, right? I work from home & do communicate with many parents and students during the day, but still miss the in-person communications some. The positive is when it is bad weather outside and I get to stay home. :)

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    1. There are so many GOOD things about writing from home. Coffee and God time in the morning in the quiet is chief among them. ;-) The app has a "hard core" mode that keeps me from interfering with the settings while it's activated. Once I start it, it's on for however long I set it, though you can build in break time if you need it. It's at heyfocus.com. I don't get any kind of kickback for sharing it, I just understand how hard it is to focus when you're alone sometimes!

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  3. I haven't read your books but would love to because romantic suspense is my favorite. I also love Christmas. Thank you and God bless.

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  4. This sounds like a really good book. A Texas Ranger and Christmas. What could be better?

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  5. Good morning Jodie. I just signed up to receive your blog and giveaway. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and this giveaway. I look forward to reading Christmas Double Cross and my thoughts are jumping ahead to the holidays. Three months and 9 days till Christmas Eve...not that I'm counting :-)
    Blessings!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)vom

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    1. OH wow. That sounds so fast. Thank you for connecting! I can't wait for cooler sweatshirt weather and then... Christmas! Good luck!

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  6. Welcome Jodie. Loved getting to know you and your writing. Will be visiting your blog.

    rebunting@yahoo.com

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  7. Your book and the new series sounds so good! And I'm off to look at heyfocus! :-)

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    1. Focus saves me some days! Thanks, Patricia! I'm honored to be here visiting with you all!

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  8. I always love reading new suspense books.The majority of my book collection is Love Inspired Suspense :)

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  9. I can't wait to this book! Great interview!
    duellonlysis(at)aol(dot)com

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  10. We'll, you certainly piqued my interest. I love suspense! Thanks. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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  11. Welcome. It is so lovely to 'meet' another new author. Looking forward to reading your books :)
    bettimace at gamil dot com

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  12. Loved the synopsis of the story. An ex-couple joining forces leads to a very intriguing book.
    jhdwayne@peoplepc.com

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    1. I'm having fun with that story. Can't wait to see how it plays out. :-) Good luck!

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  13. I love reading Love Inspired books! It sounds like Colt has his work cut out for him in keeping Danielle and her brother safe. Thanks for the giveaway and interview. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It was fun to twist and turn with this one... I had fun working with Elizabeth and Sharon!

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  14. Sounds like a great book! Thank you for the interview and insight into the book.

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

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  15. Great interview, friend!

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    1. Thanks, Josie!!!! (Every time I try to type your name, I type mine and have to go back and fix it. LOL)

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  16. A great post thank you. I do enjoy Christmas reads.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  17. Look forward to reading your book. Haven't had the pleasure of reading any of your material. But always looking to read author s I haven't read before. Have a great weekend

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    1. Thank you Lisa! Good luck, and I hope you find something you like!

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  18. I have this latest book on my review list.
    It is a priveledge being on your street team.

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    1. And it's a privilege having you!!! Thanks for coming by!

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