I recently had the opportunity to interview author, Jodie Wolfe. She writes Christian Historical Romance novels. She has a new book that will release on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020.
Q: How long have you been a published author, and how long did it take you to publish your first book?
I’ve been a published author since May of 2016. My first book was indie published, and I wrote it earlier that year.
Q: You have quite a few books published and available on Amazon: a two-book series–series title, “Twins and Needles”; an anthology entitled “Let Love Spring: A Historical Spring Collection”; a Christmas anthology entitled “The Hope of Christmas”; and “To Claim Her Heart” which came out in 2018. You also have a nonfiction title: “Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society”. What was your first published book, and what led you to write the nonfiction Mrs. Wigglesworth book?
My first published book was Hearts Tightly Knit.
Mrs. Wigglesworth’s Essential Guide to Proper Etiquette and Manners of Refined Society came about because her sayings are at the beginning of each chapter in my book, To Claim Her Heart. Readers so enjoyed these quips that I decided to offer an ebook with more of them.
Q: Your fiction stories are historical fiction. What led you to decide to write this particular genre?
My love for historical fiction developed as a little girl, reading and watching Little House on the Prairie.
Q: I read and reviewed, your last release, “To Claim Her Heart”. I enjoyed that story. You create such interesting characters that draw your readers into the story and keep them reading. You also include some great historical facts about the places you write about. I enjoyed reading about the “runs” in order to purchase property in “To Claim Her Heart”. That story was set in 1893. Your upcoming release, “Taming Julia” is set in 1875. What is it about the 1800s that inspires you to write about that time period?
I love that time period – the styles of clothing, the simplistic life, as well as so many things were being discovered, created, etc.
Q: Also, both “To Claim Her Heart” and the upcoming “Taming Julia” are set in the Old West. What is it about the Old West that draws you to write about it?
Part comes from those Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and also part developed years ago when my in-laws were living in the country and my father-in-law was the pastor of a tiny church. I had the opportunity to visit many areas of interest that spurred ideas for stories.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer and what gave you that desire?
My desire to be a writer happened in grade school after a school assignment to write a poem. I wrote about my absolute favorite thing at the time – Snoopy. Soon after I was creating little stories… I was hooked and knew I wanted to be a writer.
Q: You are a member of both ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America). Can you tell us a little about these organizations and why you find it valuable to be a member of these groups?
Each organization has something special to offer. ACFW is a great network for learning about current trends in publishing, encouragement, courses, etc. As for RWA, my main reason to be a part of that is because of the group within RWA – Faith, Hope, & Love https://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/. They are a great resource for asking questions, providing support and ideas, etc. I recently joined Compel Training https://compeltraining.com/home-member/ through Proverbs 31 Ministry. They provide weekly teachings, online support/learning groups, critique groups, etc. Each of these groups has been helpful in my writing journey.
Q: Your new book, “Taming Julia”, will release on Friday, February 14, 2019. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Here’s the back cover blurb:
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.
Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
Q: Your female characters are strong and independent. Why do you choose to write them in this way? Do you base your female characters on yourself?
I think those type of characters are fun and provide lots of opportunities for struggles and conflict within the story. As for basing the characters on myself, there’s always a tiny bit of me in each one, but I don’t know that I would call myself strong and independent. 🙂
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
While the majority of the story takes place in Kansas, there’s a portion that is set in Texas. I had the pleasure of visiting my husband’s aunt and uncle a couple years ago to see the area they helped me write about. We had the chance to go on private property and view the spot I wrote about that causes bad memories for Jules. I’ll let it at that so I don’t ruin the story for you. 🙂
Thanks for having me here today, Kelly.
You’re welcome. Thank you for being here and giving readers a little glimpse into you’re writing life and your wonderful stories. I look forward to reading “Taming Julia”.
Q: Where can readers find you and connect with you online?
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Purchase Links for Taming Julia:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-julia-jodie-wolfe/1136004491?ean=9781522302711
Be sure to get your copy of “Taming Julia” on February 14th. I will be reading it soon and will post a book review here on my blog.
Kelly F Barr 