1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m a Georgia girl married to a New Yorker. I have three children and seven adult grandchildren. After I retired from teaching thirty-one years, my husband accepted a promotion that took us from Atlanta to Shreveport, LA. I didn’t know anyone and did not want to be bored, so I enrolled in LSUS and took Fiction Writing from Sarah Hamer, who inspired her students to write. I was hooked.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Ambition? Every writer wants to write a book someday. Three years after I stepped into my first writing class, I was invited to join eight other writers and publish an anthology of short stories based on one theme and location.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The message in my book is that everyone has issues to overcome. My characters work through those obstacles and find resolutions. Often it is a matter of finding and knowing their own strengths.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’m a fan of literary work rather than commercial fiction; therefore, my stories do not fit into the cookie cutter patterns of one genre, such as fantasy, mystery/thriller, romance, or science fiction.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
If I could ask one of my characters a question, I would ask Misty how she felt on holidays and her birthday all those years after her father disappeared?
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook has been a helpful media site, because most of my readers are active on Facebook. Some are not active on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
My advice to novice writers is: write most days, read in your genre, learn your craft by attending workshops, stay positive, join a critique group, get feedback, leave your ego at the door, and find a good editor. Write on!
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Future? My life will continue to center on my family, friends, and writing. I have two book on the horizon—Bittersweet, and Driven.
Book Summary
Come visit Georgia within these pages as you read heartwarming stories shaped by local traditions and legends. The characters live life to the fullest through joys and hardships. Inhale the essence of Georgia’s revitalized small town squares while eating hand- scooped ice cream on a park bench. Each town has its own magic. Sometimes the most real things in life are things we cannot see but those that deeply touch us, as the folks in these tales learn. Share smiles and shed tears as you travel the curving road of life with these Georgia characters. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience of hope, faith, trust, reconciliation, and love?
Print Length: 259 Pages
Genre: Short Story Anthologies
Publisher: Touch Not the Cat Books
ASIN: B07FXVRZGG
Georgia Stories on My Mind is available to purchase on Amazon.com.
About the Author, Jackie Rod
“A good book transports me to another time and place. It lets me feel the sensation of heroes and heroines— dark loneliness, deep passion, a father’s pride and a mother’s grief.” Jackie Rod is a fiction writer, loving wife of a legal beagle, and mother of three children who has blessed her with seven fantastic grandchildren. After Jackie retired from teaching, her love of words and stories led her to begin writing fiction. Reading and traveling enrich her life and she jumps at the opportunity to teach a workshop or attend a writing conference. She belongs to five writing chapters/groups. Jackie’s work can be found in twelve published books on Amazon, in several Metro Atlanta libraries, and independent bookstores.
You can find Jackie at:
www.LinkedIn/com/in/jackie-rod-32bba255 www.Pinterest.com/JackieRod
www.Instagram.com/jackierod039
— Blog Tour Dates
Today @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us as we celebrate the launch of Jackie Rod’s blog tour of her book Georgia Stories on My Mind. You can read an interview with the author and win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
January 14th @ Lori’s Reading Corner
Visit Lori’s blog today and read author Jackie Rod’s guest post about editing. You can also enter to win a copy of her book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
http://www.lorisreadingcorner.com
January 15th @ Cathy C. Hall’s Blog
Visit Cathy C. Hall’s blog today and read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
January 16th @ Caroline Clemmons Blog
Stop by Caroline’s blog today and you can see a spotlight of the book and an interview with author Jackie Rod. Also win a copy of the book!
http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/
January 18th @ A Day in the Life of Mom
Visit Ashley’s blog today and you can read Jackie Rod’s guest post about how time is limited and precious. Plus, you can enter to win a copy of the book!
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
January 20th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Make sure you stop by Kathleen’s blog today and read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind. You can also win a copy of the book!
January 21st @ Amanda Diaries
Visit Amanda’s blog today and you can read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
January 22nd @ Look to the Western Sky
Stop by Margo’s blog where you can read Jackie Rod’s guest post about being a cheerleader for others. You can also win a copy of the book Georgia Stories on My Mind. Don’t miss it!
January 22nd @ Cathy C. Hall’s Blog
Visit Cathy’s blog today and reading Jackie Rod’s guest post about being a homegrown Georgia peach.
January 23rd @ And So She Thinks
Visit Francesca’s blog today where you can read Jackie Rod’s guest post about the value of critique groups and writing groups.
https://andsoshethinks.wordpress.com/
January 24th @ Coffee with Lacey
Come by Lacey’s blog today and read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
http://www.coffeewithlacey.com
January 25th @ Bookworm Blog
Stop by Anjanette’s blog today and you can read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind. Enter to win a copy of the book as well!
http://bookworm66.wordpress.com
January 26th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog today and read Jackie Rod’s guest post about precious moments.
January 27th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog and read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
January 28th @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra at her blog today where you can read Jackie Rod’s guest post about the importance of conferences.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
January 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog today where he will be spotlighting Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories On My Mind.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
January 31st @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again where you can read his review of the book Georgia Stories On My Mind and you can win a copy of the book!
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
February 1st @ Ali’s Bookshelf Reviews
Come by Ali’s blog today and you can read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind. Plus you can win a copy of the book!
http://alisbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/
February 3rd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog where you can read an interview with author Jackie Rod and read her guest post about family and friends.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
February 4th @ Ali’s Bookshelf Reviews
Visit Ali’s blog today and read author Jackie Rod’s guest post about how reading changes your life.
http://alisbookshelfreviews.blogspot.com/
February 6th @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Stop by Kathleen’s blog today and read Jackie Rod’s guest post about the joys of life. Don’t miss this one!
February 7th @ The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn’s blog today and you can read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind. You can also enter to win a copy of the book!
February 8th @ Bookworm Blog
Stop by Anjanette’s blog again and you can read an interview with author Jackie Rod and read the author’s guest post featuring writing tips. Don’t miss!
http://bookworm66.wordpress.com
February 9th @ Leonard Tillman’s Blog
Visit Leonard’s blog and read his review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
February 10th @ Madeline Sharples Blog
Visit Madeline’s blog and read Jackie Rod’s guest post about marketing on social media.
February 11th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog again and you can read Jackie Rod’s touching guest post about wisdom. Don’t miss it!
February 12th @ It’s Alanna Jean
Visit Alanna’s blog where you can read a guest post by the author about faith, hope, and love.
https://itsalannajean.wordpress.com/
February 16th @ Joyful Antidotes
Visit Joy’s blog today and you can read her review of Jackie Rod’s book Georgia Stories on My Mind.
