WELCOME JEN DODRILL!
Deb: Hi Jen, I enjoyed reading your two cozy mysteries–Birds Alive! and Where’s the Quetzal? One thing I loved about them is that both books contain a little romance. Book one sets the stage for potential romantic relationships and book two develops them. You had us guessing which man Peg would choose–the birder or the detective. It was touch and go there for a while. They all had unique, definitely not run of the mill, relationships, which made the books a hoot to read. Peg’s feisty mother-in-law, the parrot, and the dog had me laughing out loud. Many times I stopped reading to relish their antics. And your mysteries are well developed with detailed clues. Kudos for a great job. I also enjoyed the romantic elements. Would you ever want to write a romance?
Jen: I don’t write romance, but my own real-life romance is 39 years strong, which I say is because my husband is even more stubborn than I am! Finding joy in whatever brings you joy is a precious thing and not to be taken for granted. My husband and I have very different interests, but our love for our family brings us close each day.
Deb: I can relate to having a stubborn husband, LOL. Thanks for your romance tip. Many couples don’t have a lot in common, but you’re right, having something huge that unites both of you with joy, such as your love for family, organically creates a relationship that will last, plus you have Christ in common, and that is the strongest bond you can have.
Changing the subject– some of my readers are writers. Is there a writing tip you’d like to share?
Jen: If I could tell new authors one thing to do, I’d say join up with other authors. Whether it’s at writing conferences, critique groups, or just chatting with other authors, do it. You will learn more than you can imagine. One extra tip – pay it forward. Bless those authors by supporting them, encouraging them, writing reviews, hosting them on your blog (thanks, Deb!), or whatever else you can think of.
Deb: Thanks, Jen. Great advice.
About Cozy Mystery Writer, Jen Dodrill
Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together.
How bad can a birder be?
Peg Howard has planned the perfect baby shower for her oldest daughter. But the return of Estelle and Roger Keaton disrupts her peace, reigniting old mysteries.
A chance discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives.
With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried.