Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.
Visit Jodie Wolfe online
Wooing Gertrude
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
- ISBN: B0CCXGB3GB
- Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Interview with Jodie Wolfe
Today we have the joy of getting to know Jodie Wolfe, whose newest historical romance is entitled Wooing Gertrude. Jodie creates quirky characters because, according to her, she can relate to them! She believes that God made each of us uniquely different, and she seeks to celebrate that wonderful truth in her writing.
Jodie has a soft spot in her heart for movies and books that see the hero or heroine face endless troubles but ultimately make a difficult decision not to give up on the thing they are pursuing. In real life, Jodie knows her hope is in Christ alone and that He continues to grow her to be more like Him every day.
* * * * *
Jodie, let’s talk a little bit about your newest release, Wooing Gertrude. What is the central message of this book?
We can find true peace no matter what storms we’re going through when we put our full trust in God.
That’s definitely a message we – and the whole world – could use right about now! How did you come up with the idea for Wooing Gertrude?
Years ago, I read a snippet from an old newspaper in the 1800s about a man who swindled several women out of their life savings.
Your Burrton Springs Brides series includes a couple of other titles. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Gladly! Book one, Taming Julia, is about a preacher who is given the ultimatum to marry or lose his job, so he sends off for a mail-order bride, sight unseen. He marries her by proxy, but when she arrives on the stagecoach, she isn’t at all what he anticipated. A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn’t what the minister ordered.
Book two, Protecting Annie, is a schoolmarm who shows up in Burrton Springs hoping her past won’t catch up with her. As she tries to settle into her new life, a pesky lawman continually questions her ability to adjust to the west. When her past haunts her, the sheriff must decide who he’s willing to defend. A foolhardy straightlaced schoolmarm wasn’t who the sheriff planned to rescue.
What led you to choose historical romance as the genre to convey the message in each of the books in this series?
While I didn’t enjoy history in school, I fell in love with the 19th century while reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I opted for writing romance as a means of conveying the way God pursues us – of His incredible love for us.
Now let’s learn a bit about your writing journey and process. Are you a plotter or a pantster? If you’re a plotter, what is your organization system? If you’re a pantster, how do you keep everything straight in your head?
I call myself a plotster, because I’m a little bit of both. I do a lot of research before writing and try to get a good handle on my characters – what they look like, what inspires them, etc. I plan the setting and have a general idea of where the story will go and what the theme will be, but then I let my characters loose. They often go places I hadn’t intended.
How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
My faith is just a part of my life, who I am, so it organically is part of my writing as well. Most times, the theme I choose to write about is something God has just taught me or is in the process of teaching me. I typically learn along with my characters.
That really cool that you learn along with your characters. Reflecting on your writing career, what do you see as most the significant event in your publishing journey?
That’s a tough one. I wrote Taming Julia many years ago. My agent at the time tried unsuccessfully to get a publisher to pick it up. After exhausting all possibilities at the time, I put it away for a few years. I pulled it out again and did a little more polishing before deciding to send it to a smaller traditional publisher – Pelican Book Group. I’m so glad that I did. They have been such a supportive publishing family.
You’ve told us that you consider yourself a bit “quirky.” Do you have any quirky writing habits? Maybe must-have snacks, go-to music, required beverage, or a particular writing spot?
You’re asking me to reveal my secrets. I have on occasion been known to drink pickle juice from the jar. When I eat M&M’s, I have to consume an even number. As for quirky writing habits, I can’t think of anything at the moment. I usually drink water while writing or a hot cup of tea, preferably mint. Pretty boring. Chuckle.
Jodie, it’s good to hear that the rest of us aren’t the only ones with little quirks – even if we’re not willing to admit to them. Thanks for sharing! So what is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?
This just recently happened at an author show. Another author came up to me and asked me how I market my middle school (age) books. I said I don’t have any. Next, she asked if I’ve been able to get into the public schools with my middle school books. I told her no and that I don’t write those. Before heading to the next booth, she said I should let her know if I come up with a better way of marketing my middle school books.
Listening is a dying art, huh? Glad you were able to laugh about it. What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
I write stories where hope and quirky meet. And I sprinkle in a little humor. I love reading books that feature quirky characters, which is something I try to develop into each of my stories along with the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Let’s wrap up by finding out a little more about you! Besides loving on your six fabulous grandkids, what else do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
I enjoy spending time with my husband. I like to walk and enjoy the beauty of God’s Creation. I’m also a knitter.
When this interview goes live, we’ll be in the midst of the holiday season. How do you juggle your writing, family, and church responsibilities when things get crazy?
Sometimes as we get closer to Christmas, I take a break from writing unless I have a project I’m trying to complete. I try not to make my schedule too full in order to keep my focus on the reason why we celebrate the season – Jesus!
What excellent advice, Jodie! It’s been wonderful getting to know you and how the Lord has His hand on your writing. Thank you for taking the time to share with the ACFW family.
In closing, I’d like you to finish this statement: My favorite thing about being an author is …sharing God’s spiritual truths and encouraging women in their faith.
______________________
A life-long reader, LeighAnne Clifton decided to take the plunge into the writing world after more than 30 years as an engineer. Now, she writes Christian romance, upcycles junk, and teaches 3rd grade Sunday school. LeighAnne and her husband live in South Carolina with their spoiled cats (are there any other kind?). You can read her Christian living blog and find out more about her book series on her blog at https://alive-leighjourney.com/
Jodie has a soft spot in her heart for movies and books that see the hero or heroine face endless troubles but ultimately make a difficult decision not to give up on the thing they are pursuing. In real life, Jodie knows her hope is in Christ alone and that He continues to grow her to be more like Him every day.
* * * * *
Jodie, let’s talk a little bit about your newest release, Wooing Gertrude. What is the central message of this book?
We can find true peace no matter what storms we’re going through when we put our full trust in God.
That’s definitely a message we – and the whole world – could use right about now! How did you come up with the idea for Wooing Gertrude?
Years ago, I read a snippet from an old newspaper in the 1800s about a man who swindled several women out of their life savings.
Your Burrton Springs Brides series includes a couple of other titles. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Gladly! Book one, Taming Julia, is about a preacher who is given the ultimatum to marry or lose his job, so he sends off for a mail-order bride, sight unseen. He marries her by proxy, but when she arrives on the stagecoach, she isn’t at all what he anticipated. A gun-toting, breeches-wearing wife wasn’t what the minister ordered.
Book two, Protecting Annie, is a schoolmarm who shows up in Burrton Springs hoping her past won’t catch up with her. As she tries to settle into her new life, a pesky lawman continually questions her ability to adjust to the west. When her past haunts her, the sheriff must decide who he’s willing to defend. A foolhardy straightlaced schoolmarm wasn’t who the sheriff planned to rescue.
What led you to choose historical romance as the genre to convey the message in each of the books in this series?
While I didn’t enjoy history in school, I fell in love with the 19th century while reading the Little House on the Prairie Series. I opted for writing romance as a means of conveying the way God pursues us – of His incredible love for us.
Now let’s learn a bit about your writing journey and process. Are you a plotter or a pantster? If you’re a plotter, what is your organization system? If you’re a pantster, how do you keep everything straight in your head?
I call myself a plotster, because I’m a little bit of both. I do a lot of research before writing and try to get a good handle on my characters – what they look like, what inspires them, etc. I plan the setting and have a general idea of where the story will go and what the theme will be, but then I let my characters loose. They often go places I hadn’t intended.
How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?
My faith is just a part of my life, who I am, so it organically is part of my writing as well. Most times, the theme I choose to write about is something God has just taught me or is in the process of teaching me. I typically learn along with my characters.
That really cool that you learn along with your characters. Reflecting on your writing career, what do you see as most the significant event in your publishing journey?
That’s a tough one. I wrote Taming Julia many years ago. My agent at the time tried unsuccessfully to get a publisher to pick it up. After exhausting all possibilities at the time, I put it away for a few years. I pulled it out again and did a little more polishing before deciding to send it to a smaller traditional publisher – Pelican Book Group. I’m so glad that I did. They have been such a supportive publishing family.
You’ve told us that you consider yourself a bit “quirky.” Do you have any quirky writing habits? Maybe must-have snacks, go-to music, required beverage, or a particular writing spot?
You’re asking me to reveal my secrets. I have on occasion been known to drink pickle juice from the jar. When I eat M&M’s, I have to consume an even number. As for quirky writing habits, I can’t think of anything at the moment. I usually drink water while writing or a hot cup of tea, preferably mint. Pretty boring. Chuckle.
Jodie, it’s good to hear that the rest of us aren’t the only ones with little quirks – even if we’re not willing to admit to them. Thanks for sharing! So what is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?
This just recently happened at an author show. Another author came up to me and asked me how I market my middle school (age) books. I said I don’t have any. Next, she asked if I’ve been able to get into the public schools with my middle school books. I told her no and that I don’t write those. Before heading to the next booth, she said I should let her know if I come up with a better way of marketing my middle school books.
Listening is a dying art, huh? Glad you were able to laugh about it. What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?
I write stories where hope and quirky meet. And I sprinkle in a little humor. I love reading books that feature quirky characters, which is something I try to develop into each of my stories along with the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Let’s wrap up by finding out a little more about you! Besides loving on your six fabulous grandkids, what else do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
I enjoy spending time with my husband. I like to walk and enjoy the beauty of God’s Creation. I’m also a knitter.
When this interview goes live, we’ll be in the midst of the holiday season. How do you juggle your writing, family, and church responsibilities when things get crazy?
Sometimes as we get closer to Christmas, I take a break from writing unless I have a project I’m trying to complete. I try not to make my schedule too full in order to keep my focus on the reason why we celebrate the season – Jesus!
What excellent advice, Jodie! It’s been wonderful getting to know you and how the Lord has His hand on your writing. Thank you for taking the time to share with the ACFW family.
In closing, I’d like you to finish this statement: My favorite thing about being an author is …sharing God’s spiritual truths and encouraging women in their faith.
______________________
A life-long reader, LeighAnne Clifton decided to take the plunge into the writing world after more than 30 years as an engineer. Now, she writes Christian romance, upcycles junk, and teaches 3rd grade Sunday school. LeighAnne and her husband live in South Carolina with their spoiled cats (are there any other kind?). You can read her Christian living blog and find out more about her book series on her blog at https://alive-leighjourney.com/
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