WOW! WOMEN ON
WRITING TOUR
Don't miss the giveaway at the end of the post!
Georgia Stories
on My Mind
By
Jackie Rod
Tour Begins January 13th
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
 |
| Jackie Rod, Author |
“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:
Interview With Jackie Rod
Tell us about Jackie growing up:
I wasn’t shy as a child. I still talk to people in the
grocery line and speak to folks on an elevator. I always woke up happy and
still do. Each day is filled with joy.
When I was little I liked to sing in the
morning but was discouraged from doing so before breakfast. My neighbors and school
friends called me “goody-two-shoes,” because I wanted to do the right thing. My
brother is older than I am.
Once Mother had him helping her weed the garden. I
kept pestering him to play with me or to get attention. He swung around and hit
me in the head with the hoe. Blood gushed and Mom screamed for him to run get a
neighbor. He dashed like his feet were wings. They got me to the doctor who
took care of the wound and took a few stitches. When painted Pet Rocks became
popular I gave him one with a kid in overalls standing in the garden with a hoe
in his hands. He has kept the painted rock on an easel on his desk for half a
century.
 |
| Anthology in which Jackie Rod's story appears |
Tell readers about your family:
My prince is my greatest fan, and I would marry him again
today. I have three adult children and seven grandchildren. They are my legacy.
The word pride is inadequate to describe my feelings about my family. They are
good, kind people. Kindness is always in season.
What are your hobbies?
My favorite way to relax is reading, inside in the winter
and summer and outside on the covered patio in the spring and fall. My favorite
authors are Anna Quindlen, Lisa Wingate, and Laura Drake. My other hobbies are
traveling and antiquing. We have traveled out of the country almost every year
we’ve been married. I prefer formal antiques rather than rustic primitives.
Tell us about your writing space:
I like to write essays or poems at the kitchen table. Writing
long-hand is good therapy for me. I write lengthy stories and novels in my
office on a large screen PC. Some people like to listen to music while they
write. My preference is peace and quiet when I write. I can concentrate better.
Are you a Pantser or Plotter?
I’m a cross between a pantser and plotter. I like to outline
a story to determine the goal and flesh out my hero and heroine. However, I
don’t create a story board or roll out a long paper to chart events.
What is your writing schedule?
My writing schedule is flexible, because I’m involved in
many activities. Some weeks I write over an hour a day for three or four days.
Other weeks I may have only two days to work on a project. I rarely write every
day. I set goals if there is an absolute timeline for the completion of a
project.
Tell us something that would surprise readers:
Something that may surprise readers is that I never thought
about writing, until I retired from teaching. My husband’s job took us out of
state for four years. I didn’t know anyone in Louisiana and didn’t want to be
bored. I entered LSUS and took fiction writing from Sarah Hamer. After two
classes, I was hooked. She became my best friend and often comes to visit us in
Georgia.
What is your advice to unpublished writers?
You are unique and have a story in you that only you can
tell. Join a writing group. I belong to five writing groups: RWA, Atlanta
Writers Club, Georgia Romance Writers, Walton Writers, and NOLASTARS in LA. There
are advantages and drawbacks to large and small writing
groups. You will quickly become friends with a small group, but you may find
more advanced writers in a large group. Learn the writing craft—take classes,
attend workshops, and go to conferences. Take advantage of the free videos and
seminars online. Invest in quality online classes. You can never learn enough
about writing.
 |
| Jackie Rod and an author friend at her booksigning |
Who are your greatest supporters of your writing?
My family and friends have encouraged me each step on this
journey. They are my cheerleaders. My critique members have been kind enough to
read my work and show me where it can be improved. I have three special
cheerleaders who read everything I write. Early in my writing years, I was
invited by a fledgling publishing company to write with newly published authors.
We put together six anthologies. Then other groups asked me to write stories
for anthologies. I wrote lengthy short stories for three other groups before I
decided to publish a book of short stories about small towns in Georgia.
What do you hope your writing brings to readers?
My wish is that my readers will find a thread of connection
to the wonderful characters inhabiting the pages in my stories. These are
heartwarming stories of relationships: mother-daughter, father-daughter,
grandmother-granddaughter, twin sisters, and lovers. In the end, love is the
glue that holds them together, heart to heart. Love is the glue that holds all
of us together.
Blog Tour Dates
January
13th @ 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Jackie Rod will award a book to one person who leaves a comment today!
6 comments:
Love this interview with Jackie. She always surprises and while we're great friends I've learned a few things about her I didn't know! Her writing advice is always excellent and she is a member of our Walton Writers. Her stories always warm the heart!
Barbara, Thanks for the kind words. You are a great cheerleader for other writers. Your book, the Unfaithful Widow: Ten Years Later, is delightful. Every time I sit down and read a section, it leaves me smiling. I'm glad you enjoyed my heartwarming stories. I like characters who walk off the page and touch my soul.
Hi Jackie, I loved reading your interview. I am so glad I was able to meet you last year. I loved your book Georgia Stories on my Mind. Looking forward to seeing you and talking with again.
Connie Thompson
It was a wonderful day when you walked into my classroom. I made a best friend forever that day!
I'm so proud of you, your writing, and all you do!
Love you!
Connie and Sally, I am soooo glad we are friends.
Connie, you are a keeper. I've registered to be one of the authors for the Sweet As A Peach Conference. I'll see you there, if not before.
Sarah, you're forever and always. You are my fiction teacher, mentor, and role model. We were meant to be in each others' lives.
Caroline, I'm delighted with the post. Your interview questions were so thoughtful. You can definitely add me to your list of blog fans. I looked at your books on Amazon, and the Lydia cover blew me away. Her eyes are all knowing and hauntingly beautiful. Thanks again for having me on your blog. You rock!
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