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Happy Holidays Everyone...with pictures :)

12/22/2016

You ever notice people look better when they're looking up at the camera? That's what I wanted. I didn't get it. Because my husband thought I was nuts and wondered why I was crouching down in the snow. My children, however, are easily amused as you can see. Thanks mom, for capturing the moment :)

Three days. How did this year fly by and what's changed? In January of this year, I had three books scheduled to come out. Jaded Love with my co-writer, Kara Leigh Miller. Our second and last book for Aniah Press. Falling for Home from Penner Publishing, my first with them and my first chance to hold a book I'd written all on my own in my hands. Damaged came out next...a story I wasn't sure I'd get to share, but am so glad I did.

Since those releases, I signed a three book deal for the Kendrick Place Series with Entangled. I've gotten to work with my wonderful editors, Stacy and Alexa, on two of those books now. The first, as you may know, More than Friends, released this month. Through that release, I met my publicist, (I just really like to say that) Lisa, who is beyond fabulous. In total, including Falling for Kate, I've released four books this year. Next year there'll be three more releases for sure.

Another highlight of 2016, I MET my agent. In real life. She was adorable and completely "New York", which I loved. I queried Fran for the first time in 2013. And now we're on this journey together. A journey which may include some more good news for readers, but we'll save that post for the new year.

I wrote another book. I won a couple contests. I started a NEW book. I met a bunch of truly awesome people online and started The Romance Chicks with my pals Christina, Dylann, and Renee.

Believe it or not, I have a life outside of writing. It's a good one, too. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by so many people that are kind and funny and supportive. My family and I are really enjoying the holidays. My husband and I are both teachers which means we get all of the same vacations. Being paid to stay home and snuggle my girls while watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel is one of my favorite things ever.

We've also managed some festive outings, including a beautiful light maze in Vancouver. We found all nine reindeer, in case you were wondering. The rest of the holidays include writing, more movies, family time, lots of food, and seeing friends.

I'm one of those people who absolutely loves the holidays, but it also makes me a little weepy. It's a reminder that life goes so fast and the years seem to be skipping by. I both love looking forward to things to come and hate saying goodbye to anything that is over. It's a strange contradiction and Christmas/New Year's kind of highlights that bittersweet feeling. I have so much to be grateful for and I never take that for granted.

I hope that you and your families have a magical holiday season. I know that it isn't magical for everyone and for some, it's not even a favorite time of year. But still, I wish everyone a safe and happy rest of December. Thought I'd share some of my photos from our holidays so far. Merry Christmas everyone.

Mistletoe Blog Hop: Naughty or Nice?

12/15/2016

Hi! Welcome to my blog. I'm excited to be taking part in the Mistletoe Blog Hop for 2016. I'm a contemporary romance author. Whether I'm reading or writing, I absolutely need the happily ever after ending. I love characters who make me smile and sigh so those are the kinds I try to create in my own work. It's always fun to get to know new people online and learn about great books and authors. The question we were asked to answer for this year's theme was: Were you naughty or nice? Should I give you a minute to try and guess?

Did you guess nice? I think you're right. Maybe I should have taken a poll, but I'm going with my gut here. Some days, I'd really love to say naughty, but it just wouldn't be true. BUT, that's what friends are for, right? So don't think nice girls don't have fun. We find a way. How about you? Were you nice or naughty this year?

Also on the nice list? Gabriella Michaelson & Owen Burnett

Gabby and Owen are the characters from my new book, More than Friends, which is the first of three in the Kendrick Place series. Here's the back cover blurb:

Owen Burnett planned on a quiet, easygoing Christmas, hanging out with his best friend and neighbor, Gabby Michaelson. So when his mom pressures him to come home for the holidays, he tells a little white lie…that he’s spending the holidays with his new girlfriend. But when his family shows up unexpectedly, Owen pulls the best friend card and asks Gabby to play his fake girlfriend. Gabby’s been hopelessly in love with her best friend Owen for what feels like forever, but playing his “fake” girlfriend when the entire boisterous Burnett clan visits is easier said than done. The more she tries to deny the attraction between them, the more obvious their chemistry becomes. But even though she’s not the only one feeling it, putting their friendship on the line is a risk she can’t take.

Gorgeous Teaser made by Tanya Baikie

You can read the first chapter of More than Friends by clicking on its cover right below.

Thanks again for stopping by. Would you like a chance to win one of my other Christmas stories? Leave a comment telling me you signed up for my newsletter (leaving easy sign up button right below for you) and let me know one thing you're excited about for this Christmas. I'll randomly choose one person from the comments to win a Kindle copy of my October release, Falling for Kate. Don't for get to check out the other stops on the hop.

Jody's Newsletter

The best gift this Christmas

12/8/2016

Including my two self-published Christmas titles, More than Friends is my eighth book release. It has been the best one yet. This is likely for a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest ones, I think, is the fact that people have read (and enjoyed) some of my other work.

We're told, as authors, to build a platform and you never really know what that means while you're hanging out on Twitter and Facebook, joining book groups, and adding to your TBR pile on Goodreads.

The cool thing about releasing this book, More than Friends (other than the amazing support of a truly fantastic publisher, editors, publicists, author friends, and so much more) is that there were people (other than my mom and best friend) who were excited to read what I'd written. They were waiting for my next book. The way I wait for the newest release from an author I like. That is and was such a cool feeling this week.

Every bit as cool, were the number of reviews that said it was their first read of mine, but wouldn't be there last.

The absolute greatest thing out of all of this is the fact that readers are connecting with Owen and Gabby. It makes me so happy that people are falling into the story, caring about the characters, and enjoying the words.

I often say this quote to my daughters. It's about doing things because they mean something to us, because they matter. We don't need validation to make something worth it. But when you put a story out there and share pieces of yourself-- especially when you've created this fictional world with people you care about-- it's really awesome to know that it touched people in the way you meant for it to.

And really, we all need validation sometimes. We need to know that what we're putting out there into the universe is reaching someone. It makes us feel connected. Books and words have an amazing power to lift people up, bring them happiness, escape, and joy. It has been an amazing week, knowing that More than Friends brought happiness to people, that it mattered or made them smile. I'm so grateful that I get to share my books. It is the kind of gift you can't put a price on.

Happy Holidays Everyone...with pictures :)

Mistletoe Blog Hop: Naughty or Nice?

​Also on the nice list? Gabriella Michaelson & Owen Burnett

The best gift this Christmas

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Also on the nice list? Gabriella Michaelson & Owen Burnett