Her awards include five RITA’s, National Readers’ Choice Awards, Booksellers’ Best Awards, and she’s been inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In addition, she has been named a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, Thomas also served as Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.
So, tell me how it all began.
When I began my journey as a writer, I was surprised by the fact that it’s not just sitting in front of a computer to try and think up stories. Much of it is walking or driving across the land. Or exploring. I’m like the Indiana Jones of research.
My boys tease me about my fascination with what happened at any place in the past. When they were little, they would yell from the back of the van, “Why does this car have to stop at every historical marker in the world?”
When I moved into women’s fiction I thought I’d do less research. But I’m still wandering around looking for the spark.
For me, it’s like I’m an archeologist digging for my story. Over and over the location makes my story come alive. Sometimes it’s the weather or the people or the time in history.
Once I opened a book with an oil drill bit being tossed through a window. When I mentioned it at lunch one of my friends said she didn’t think it was possible to toss it from the street.
Next morning there were several rusty old drill bits thrown from the street and not one made it to my porch. So, research. My whole family went outside and started tossing drill bits across the yard.
There have been times in my life I’ve wondered why my neighbors didn’t vote me out of the neighborhood.
I just love how stories and plots get written. You never know what you'll discover when doing research. Now let's get an update on your latest book, PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY
I'm very happy PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY is finally coming out. I wrote it while it seemed like I was locked in my house, alone for months in 2020 and the only company was my imaginary friends. 😀
I found, as the story unfolded, that I put more of a mystery and lots more action. There were times the characters wouldn't let me sleep and I wrote all night long until my people were in a safe place.
Now, the world is starting to open up a little and my friends from the book will be stepping out April 27. I may still have to wear a mask, but they'll be going wild, with bar fights, running for their lives, and of course falling in love.
If you'd like to learn more about this book or her many others, here are a couple of links.
So, tell me how it all began.
When I began my journey as a writer, I was surprised by the fact that it’s not just sitting in front of a computer to try and think up stories. Much of it is walking or driving across the land. Or exploring. I’m like the Indiana Jones of research.
My boys tease me about my fascination with what happened at any place in the past. When they were little, they would yell from the back of the van, “Why does this car have to stop at every historical marker in the world?”
When I moved into women’s fiction I thought I’d do less research. But I’m still wandering around looking for the spark.
For me, it’s like I’m an archeologist digging for my story. Over and over the location makes my story come alive. Sometimes it’s the weather or the people or the time in history.
Once I opened a book with an oil drill bit being tossed through a window. When I mentioned it at lunch one of my friends said she didn’t think it was possible to toss it from the street.
Next morning there were several rusty old drill bits thrown from the street and not one made it to my porch. So, research. My whole family went outside and started tossing drill bits across the yard.
There have been times in my life I’ve wondered why my neighbors didn’t vote me out of the neighborhood.
I just love how stories and plots get written. You never know what you'll discover when doing research. Now let's get an update on your latest book, PICNIC IN SOMEDAY VALLEY
I found, as the story unfolded, that I put more of a mystery and lots more action. There were times the characters wouldn't let me sleep and I wrote all night long until my people were in a safe place.
Now, the world is starting to open up a little and my friends from the book will be stepping out April 27. I may still have to wear a mask, but they'll be going wild, with bar fights, running for their lives, and of course falling in love.
If you'd like to learn more about this book or her many others, here are a couple of links.
Website: https://www.jodithomas.com/shop
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Thomas/e/B001HCU40G/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Great job, Christine!
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