Jen Dodrill's Blog

One of the many cool things about social media is that you get to “meet” authors! After I read Black Bear Alibi and posted it on Instagram, J.C. Fuller liked my post. I let her know how much I enjoyed the book and was reading the rest of the series.

I also told her I am a writer. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview her for my blog!

Let’s get started!

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra co...

Clean Summer Reads You’ll Love: Cozy Mysteries & Feel-Good Fiction for Sunny Days

I get excited thinking about what I’ll read in the summertime, and I love a story set at the beach. There’s something about summer reading that just feels good. And, whether I’m stretched out on a beach towel, relaxing on the deck with a glass of sweet tea, or sneaking in a few chapters before bed, the right book can make the season even sweeter.

If you’re looking for clean summer reads—stories full of hear...

Mary Ann Featherston is a new-to-me author that I met via Facebook! I’m excited to get to know her and learn more about her writing.

Let’s dive in!

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jen – Hi, Mary Ann! Tell us about yourself!

Mary Ann – I was born in Dickson, Tennessee. When I was twelve, my daddy’s job took our family to H...

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I love cozy mysteries.

Small towns. Strong women. A touch of humor. Some adorable animals. A mystery that keeps you guessing—but still lets you sleep at night.

My first books, the Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series, have been such a joy to write. Peg, Hazel, the birding group (don’t forget Marcus & Shortie!), small-town secrets… those stories feel like home to me. And if you’ve read them, I hope they’ve felt that way to you too.

So when I tell...

I’m excited to have my writing friend, Linda Dindzans, back on my blog to tell us all about her newest novel – A Certain Mercy, book 2 in the A Certain Future series. Linda is a Scrivenings Press author, and just a joy to spend time with!

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jen – Hi Linda, I’m so glad to have you on my blog. Tell u...

Hello, New Year — And Hello to Everything Ahead

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. Honestly, I had a bit of the holiday blahs, but January got me going!

As a pantser, this year feels like a story that’s about to unfold. I love this quiet pause between what was and what’s coming — a moment to breathe and reflect.

Just to be clear – I don’t make resolutions. But I knew last year that this year would be a bit different. This year feels especially exciting, even though in some ways, I’m slowing down.

I’m stepping into 2026 with more gratitude than ever before. Last year, I finished writing book 3 in my cozy mystery series and a novella! Lots going on, and I’m so grateful for my publishing journey with Scrivenings Press.

This year, well, it’s about releasing, growing, and inviting you even deeper into the worlds I love creating.

So let’s kick off the new year together.

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Big Year for Books

This is shaping up to be my busiest and most exciting publishing year yet. I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be releasing three books in 2026!

One of those is Finding Ginny (up for preorder now!), a heart-tugging family drama about addiction, forgiveness, and a grandmother’s fight for custody. This story has lived in my heart for a long time, and watching it finally come to life has been incredibly meaningful. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories come from the most painful places — and that hope can grow even in broken soil.

Preorder Finding Ginny now!

In addition to self-publishing Finding Ginny, I’ll also be releasing two more books this year through Scrivenings Press, including the last installment in The Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery series. No Egrets will be up for preorder soon! If you love charming small towns, clever sleuths, and mysteries with heart (and just a hint of danger), you’re in for a treat.

Late in 2026 – October 6th – Bedlam in Bridal Falls will come out! It’s book 2 in the Second Chances: Romance & Mysteries series. (You can find book 1, Trinity Sands Beach Club here.)

And as if that weren’t enough…

A Brand-New Cozy Mystery Series

I’m also deep into developing an entirely new cozy mystery series. I really hadn’t planned to write a new series, but it’s been bubbling in my imagination for months, and I can finally say: it’s happening.

New characters – mature, older adultsA brand-new setting – sorta. Still in Pensacola, but a totally different environment.Fresh secrets – always!Plenty of twists – oh yeah!

There’s something so fun about creating a new fictional world — choosing the setting, dreaming up the residents, planting the seeds for future mysteries. It’s like opening the doors to a place that doesn’t exist yet and slowly watching it come to life.

I can’t wait to introduce you to this new series later this year. If you love puzzles, small-town charm, and sleuths with big hearts, I think you’re going to feel right at home.

Looking Back With Gratitude

Before charging ahead, I want to pause for a moment and say thank you.

To every reader who picked up one of my books.
To everyone who shared a kind message, left a review, or told a friend.
To those of you who have been following along from the beginning.

Writing can be a solitary journey, but readers make it meaningful. You are the reason these stories exist. You are the reason I keep showing up to the blank page day after day.

And I don’t take that lightly.

My Goals for the New Year

A new year isn’t just about what I want to release — it’s about how I want to live and create. So here are a few of my goals for 2026:

1. Publish Three Books

This is my biggest professional goal of the year, and I’m committed to making each one the best it can be. That means staying disciplined, honoring my deadlines, and giving every story the care it deserves.

2. Grow My Cozy Mystery World

With a new series launching, I want to build a world readers can truly escape into — the kind of place you want to visit again and again. My goal is to create characters that feel like old friends and mysteries that keep you guessing.

3. Write Consistently

Some days, the words flow. Some days, they have to be wrestled onto the page. This year, my goal is consistency over perfection — showing up even when it’s hard, trusting the process, and remembering that every page brings me closer to the finished book.

4. Connect More With Readers

I want to share more behind-the-scenes peeks, more updates, more glimpses into the writing life. Whether it’s cover reveals, sneak peeks, or progress updates, I want you to feel like you’re part of the journey.

5. Make Space for Joy

It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and to-do lists. This year, I’m making it a priority to protect my creative joy — to read more, spend more time with my family, dream more, and remember why I started telling stories in the first place.

Here’s to New Beginnings in the New Year

The start of a new year always feels like a promise.

A promise of fresh stories.
New adventures.
Unexpected twists.
And beautiful moments we can’t yet imagine.

I’m stepping into 2026 with hope, excitement, and a heart full of gratitude. Thank you for being here, for supporting my work, and for loving these stories as much as I do.

Here’s to cozy mysteries, heartfelt fiction, brave characters, and happy endings.

And here’s to a year filled with wonderful reads — together.

Happy New Year.

Read Meet the Characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for almost 40 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 2024, and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 2025! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Looking ahead to the new year appeared first on Jen Dodrill Writes.

Dawn Ford is a fellow Scrivenings Press author who writes amazing middle-grade and young adult fairytale fantasies! I’m not much of a fantasy reader, but her Band of Unlikely Heroes series caught me and kept me reading. I can’t wait to get to know her better!

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jen – Hi Dawn! I’m so happy to have you on my blog. Will you tell us a bit about your background before we dive into you as a writer?

Dawn – Sure! I grew up on farms in Western Iowa along the Loess Hills. Besides a few stints of living outside of Iowa, I have lived there all of my life. I am a small-town girl at heart. I have been blessed with wonderful church families along the way wherever I’ve lived.

One church in particular, the church of Christ in Yankton, SD, has a special place in my heart for supporting me and my family when my husband and I moved there to run a business. We’d purchased an old bank building that had been turned into a restaurant. It was my husband John’s dream, which didn’t end quite as we’d hoped when we ended up bankrupt from the experience. After having weathered several blizzards with a faulty furnace that was a money pit, our church family helped support us through it all. They were truly an example of Jesus to us that I will never forget.

Dawn Ford’s journey as a writer

Jen – You can’t beat an amazing “family” like that! What about you as a writer? How did that start?

Dawn – My journey in writing started with writing non-fiction, but quickly turned to fiction stories after my best friend, Lorna Seilstad, encouraged me. I settled on fantasy stories after several agents and publishers mentioned how much more my fantasy stories attracted their attention. It would take more than a dozen years to find a home for my stories when I sent the first of my Firebird series, The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, to Linda Fulkerson of Scrivenings Press after I’d finished a major overhaul of the manuscript. I was so blessed that Linda loved the manuscript enough to offer me a contract. The rest, as they say, is history. I would not be where I am without Linda taking a chance on me and publishing my strange tales of twisted fairy tales.

Jen – Linda is a blessing! She took a chance on me, too, so I understand what you mean and I’m forever in her debt. Here’s something I always ask writers – are you a plotter or a pantser?

Dawn – Truly, I am a panster when it comes to writing. However, once you have contracts and deadlines, you learn quickly to become a plotter. I will never be a true plotter, but I have learned quickly that it’s better to have a plan, especially when it comes to series where all of the threads have to be tied off in the end. 

Jen – I agree. I’m a pantser pretty much all the way, but I’m working toward at least having the major plot points established.

Dawn Ford’s bio:

Winner of the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award, the 2024 Scrivenings Press Speculative Award, and Finalist in the 2023 Carol Awards and 2024 Realm Makers Realm Awards, Dawn Ford has been recognized for her published and non-published works.

As a child, Dawn often had her head in the clouds, creating scenes and stories for anything and everything she came across. She believed there was magic everywhere, a sentiment she has never outgrown. Nature inspires her, and her love for the underdog and the unlikely hero colors much of what she writes.

Dawn adores anything Steampunk, is often distracted by shiny, pretty things, and her obsession with purses and shoes borders on hoarding. She lives in Iowa with her husband, a chef and food service business owner.

Dawn & research

Jen – What about research? If you write fantasy, is there much research to do?

Dawn – Research is important for many aspects of my stories, but I rely mainly on my imagination to craft a deeply rooted story world and characters. My Band of Unlikely Heroes story has a big element based upon an old Norwegian fairy tale, Katie Woodencloak, which lent a basic detail to the series: the woodencloak. All of the characters are twisted versions of fairytales, Horra Fyd after Snow White, who was the fairest in the land; however, Horra is not so fair—she’s green and warty. Glory Toppenbottom is the reverse of the fairy princesses since she’s vain and selfish. Rowan is the Pinocchio wood boy of the story, but instead of telling lies, he only tells what he knows to be the truth. And Grendel Largeness is the beast in the Beauty and the Beast, only she’s cowardly, a real scaredy cat. I love twisting what is expected into the unexpected.

Jen – I love Horra! She’s amazing and my hero! Let’s talk about your series – Woodencloak (book 1), Mossycoat (book 2), Tatterhood (book 3), and Shadowcape (book 4) is your latest! Tell us more about that.

Dawn – Here’s the blurb for Shadowcape:

Four heroes. One dark enemy. A battle that could change the Wilden Lands forever.

After the Erlking’s latest attack, Queen Bearer Horra Fyd searches desperately for a way to end his evil schemes once and for all. But when the rats destroy the hidden books that may hold the answers, hope begins to slip away.

An experiment gone wrong throws their newest ally—Grendel—into chaos, just as children begin to vanish and the elves abandon their secret kingdom. Shadows gather. Secrets surface. And time is running out.

Now Horra, Rowan, Glory, and Grendel must summon courage greater than their fears and faith stronger than their doubts. If they fail, the Erlking and his wicked minions will seize the Wilden Lands—and destroy everything they love.

Fans of epic sagas like The Lord of the Rings will be swept into this breathtaking world of magic, peril, and unlikely heroes.

Will the band rise to face the darkness … or will their world fall into ruin? Read this exciting series conclusion to find out.

Dawn Ford’s goals

Jen – I can’t wait to read it! It’s such a fun series. I know you have another series too – The Firebird Series, beginning with The Girl with Stars in her Eyes. I haven’t started that one yet! What would you say your goal is with your writing?

Dawn – My goal is to reach children and teens who love fantastical stories like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series with a story that gives them hope and inspiration. I grew up in the 80s and read VC Andrews at way too young an age, though I’m unsure if any age should read her Flowers in the Attic series. It was horrific to my young mind. As a mother and now a grandmother, I want good stories for children and teens to read that will enlighten and not darken their mindsets. And if I can point them toward our Creator with my words and stories, my mission is complete.

Jen – I so agree! Our world, our society, needs GOOD books to read – ones that offer hope, peace, and God’s love. What do you enjoy reading?

Dawn – I love to read and seem to go through genre cycles. I am currently reading mainly Victorian Romances. I love historical fiction, but don’t know that I could ever write it. The work these writers have to do to get the details correct is beyond me. It’s easier for me to create a world than try to recreate the finer details and get it correct. But my true love is for fantasy stories. The quirkier the better! One of my favorite authors and a friend of mine is Carrie Anne Noble. She writes some amazing fairy tale spin-offs. I absolutely adore the Hansel & Gretel tale with her Gingerbread Legacy series! It’s so adorable and fun.

Keep in touch with Dawn

Jen – How can readers find you?

Dawn – Anyone can find me on Facebook and Instagram. I also have a Pinterest page. All of my books are listed on Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads, and you can find me on Barnes & Noble as well. I send a newsletter out, which readers can find on my website. I’m not a spammy newsletter sender, but I do offer giveaways from time to time.   

Social Media Links: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads 

Bookbub, Website, Amazon author page

Dawn’s favorites

Jen – Okay, time for my last questions! Give us all of your favorites – drink, Scripture, animals. Tell us more about you!

Dawn – I cannot live without my espresso-strength coffee each morning. Mornings are not my time of day, as I am a night owl. Summer is my favorite season, though Spring is a close second. Though I am an Iowan at heart, someday I hope to have a nest in the south to hibernate in when Winter comes to call.

Psalm 46:10 is one of my favorite scriptures, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s also a song I sing to myself all the time. I have found that in the most turbulent times of my life, just to stop and be still. Then I will feel His presence and know that I can trust Him with what I am going through.

If I were to choose between dogs and cats, it would definitely be dogs. My beloved beagle passed away two years ago, and I still grieve his passing. I do like cats, but from a distance.

Advice for new authors

Jen – Dawn, what advice would you give new authors?

Dawn – My advice for new authors is to keep writing and surround yourself with a strong circle of writing friends. The outside world will not understand the internal struggles we as writers go through. Having friends who can empathize helps to remain focused and know you are not alone in your struggles. And when you build a strong base of friends, it’s easier to network, which can be the difference of getting a foot in the door when you might otherwise be passed by.

There were many things along the way that helped inspire me to write. I think God gifted me with it before I was born—Him being omniscient and everything. He gave me vivid dreams and such an active imagination that I had to be creative. Writing is one way I express this gift, but I also love to do crafts and other creative things. However, writing is one way I can plant seeds of hope and belief in God. That’s truly incredible.

Thank you, Dawn Ford!

Jen – It truly is! Thank you so much for being on my blog and telling us more about you and your books!

Read Meet the Characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024, and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 17, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Meet author Dawn Ford appeared first on Jen Dodrill Writes.

Today, Yvonne Morgan is on my blog! She is a new author to me, so let’s dive in and learn more about her! 

Jen – Hi Yvonne, tell us about yourself.

Yvonne – Thanks, Jen, and I’m so happy to be part of your blog. Well, I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We immigrated to Canada when I was one year old and stayed in Canada until I was twelve. In the US, I’ve lived in Michigan, Florida, Texas, Virginia, and now in Oklahoma. My husband and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary this year, and we have five children and five grandchildren. 

A situation that increased my faith happened many years ago. The youngest child, William, was born in 1993 and died nine days later. Our lives changed forever that day. Fast forward a few years, and I went on a mission trip to Haiti and worked with vulnerable children. When I came home, I knew God was calling me to something. Over the next few years, the calling became more defined to working with orphans in other countries. We started a charity that we still run today. Along the way, God also called me to write about the experiences, and that is when my writing career began. 

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Yvonne’s books

 Jen – I do believe God uses our most challenging times to grow us. Tell us about what you’ve written.

Yvonne – I started writing about ten years ago, and my first book was a memoir about the mission work with the orphans over a twenty-year period. Since that time, I’ve written seven more books. All of them are Christian works. Three are non-fiction works, three are children’s books, and one is fiction. All my books are available on Amazon and other online retailers. You can find lots more details about me and my books on my website, https://yvonne-morgan.com.

Yvonne Morgan’s bio:

 
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian author, blogger, and storyteller with a passion for inspiring faith and compassion through her writing. She is the author of heartfelt children’s books, including Mary the Missionary: A Kenyan Adventure, as well as Christian devotionals and inspirational works for adults. Drawing from her experiences in global mission work, Yvonne weaves stories that encourage readers—both young and old—to live with purpose, kindness, and a heart for serving others. When she’s not writing, Yvonne advocates for orphans and vulnerable children through Orphan Relief Effort, sharing God’s love across cultures and generations.

Writing habits

Jen – Do you have a certain time of day to write? Do you follow an outline? Are you a plotter or a pantser? I want to know all of the writerly things!

Yvonne – Most of the time, I write in the morning on my laptop. I’m a pantser in my writing. And I do lots of praying before I write so I can stay connected with God and let Him direct my thoughts and words; then I dive in.  

I keep a file on my phone, and when an idea strikes me for a blog or a book, I make a note about it. And that is where I get many of my ideas. My children’s books came about once the grandkids started showing up. I wanted to make sure they had some Christian-based resources. I wrote my fiction book because I thought it would be fun to try my hand at it. 

What kind of research does Yvonne Morgan do?

Jen – Did you have to do research for your story? If so, what did you find most interesting? 

Yvonne – Since my blog and several books are based on Christian nonfiction works, lots of my research revolves around the Bible. I love digging into verses, the story behind them, and the context in which they were written. I’ve learned so much from all the studying. In fact, I put it to work and created a self-published book with lots of my research from the Old Testament.  

Jen – That’s exciting! Lots of work, but well worth it. What are your goals for what you write? 

Yvonne – The main reason I write is to share Christ with others, whether it’s showing how He worked out problems in my life or lessons He taught me. I believe God gives us stories so we can share them with others and to help strengthen their faith. 

Book Yvonne loves to read

 Jen – I think that’s true too. I love how He does that! What are your favorite things to read?

Yvonne – I love to read and mainly read fiction works. I loved Francine Rivers’ book Redeeming Love and Ahoti by Eva Marie Everson. Most of the nonfiction works I read are based on true-life stories or ones that help me dig deeper into my faith.  

For my writing skills, I attend Christian writing conferences to improve my skills, but I use The Emotion Thesaurus often to help me strengthen my word usage.  

Jen – I also use The Emotion Thesaurus. Recently, I found out about a book called Dialogue Descriptors to Build On that sounds very helpful too!

 
Gypsy for God by Yvonne Morgan

An Unexpected Purpose for Life
Kathleen is a middle-aged woman who loses her job, which leaves her doubting herself and fearing the future. This event sends her on a journey to find purpose and meaning in her life. She flourishes in a new career as a travel agent, but fear and doubt keep her from experiencing all life has to offer. Finally, an unexpected encounter changes everything as God begins to reveal His plans to Kathleen. Each new country she visits brings her closer to finding her real purpose. This story offers hope for readers seeking meaning in their lives regardless of their situation or age.

Where to find Yvonne

Jen – Where can readers find you online?

Yvonne – I am on all the main social media platforms, and the readers can connect with me through my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com. 

I blog weekly, and there is a tab for it on my website where readers can sign up for the Wednesday post.  

Fun facts & advice to new authors

Jen – One thing I love to ask authors is for some fun facts about themself!

Yvonne – A fun fact is that I love to travel. I’ve been to all 50 states and 45 countries. One goal is to hit 50 countries before God calls me home. So, in my free time, I travel as much as possible. Luckily, I’m retired from the business world, so I have more free time than I did in the past.  

My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” And I have seen this come true in my life repeatedly. 

Jen – What advice would you give to a new author?

Yvonne – Don’t give up. Writing is hard, and getting something published is even harder. I almost gave up when I got my first edits back on my first book. The number of edits and comments felt very discouraging, but once you learn they want to make your book the best it can be, you realize it is a necessary evil, lol.  

Why Yvonne Morgan began writing

Jen – One last question, what inspired you to start writing?

Yvonne – I never expected to write professionally. After many years of short-term mission work, I felt God nudge me to write stories about my experiences. My age and lack of writing credentials made the idea seem comical. The nudge didn’t stop. I ask God to confirm the nudge through my husband. About a month later, Bill and I watched TV. He looked over at me and asked how my book was coming along. I cried, and he asked me why, and I told Bill the story. “I guess you’re writing a book,” he said. 

Jen – Thanks, Yvonne, for being on my blog! It was fun to get to know more about you!

Read Meet the Characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024, and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 17, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Meet author Yvonne Morgan appeared first on Jen Dodrill Writes.

Mistletoe and Malice, what a great title! I’m excited to have my writing buddy, Lori DeJong, back on my blog to tell us all about her newest novel. Let’s dive right in (I have so many questions!).

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jen – Welcome back, Lori! Tell us all about your newest book!

Lori – Mistletoe and Malice is my first romantic suspense and the first in my new Guarded Hearts Series. My first three novels were strictly contemporary romance. But I had such a great time with these characters. It’s a story featuring a strong, independent heiress-slash-defense attorney who’s become the target of an unknown threat, and the reluctant bodyguard assigned to protect her who isn’t thrilled about spending his days with a spoiled society princess. Their views of the other begin to change as the days turn into weeks and the danger circles closer. When an attempt on her life almost succeeds, Colton has a tough choice to make, one that could change the course of both their lives. 

Jen – I love the title! Romantic suspense is quickly becoming a favorite genre to read. It’s a fantastic cover too. Christmasy plus suspense. Check it out!

Mistletoe and Malice:

He’s sworn to protect her . . . but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge.

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper … and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again … before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

Lori and ideas for her books

Jen – As a fellow writer, I always want to know how other authors come up with ideas.

Lori – I’m kind of all over the place. I love to people-watch, especially at the airport. So many possibilities! Where are they going? Where have they been? What is their relationship to the person they’re with? I also like to touch on current cultural themes that delve into some deep places. I get a lot of ideas from hearing other people’s true stories of overcoming addiction, breaking free of abuse, healing from abandonment, among others. If I find it inspiring or compelling, oftentimes a loose story concept or plot will start to form in my mind. 

Jen – I love people watching! And, I really enjoy writing and reading stories of people overcoming things. So encouraging.

Questions on writing style

Jen – My next question – do you plot your novels? And question #2, do you do a rough draft?

Lori – I don’t. At least, not the full book. I usually have a loose plot in mind, then start my character development. I’m a very character-driven author, and as I’m fleshing out my protagonists, the plot will usually fill out. I’m not a plotter, but I’ll identify the five main plot points of the story and then write intuitively (by the seat of my pants) from plot point to plot point. My first draft is pretty rough, then during editing, I add the layers of emotion, setting, description, the senses. That’s also when I determine if something isn’t moving the story forward. I don’t think I’ve had a book yet where I didn’t pull out entire chapters because they weren’t compelling. That’s painful, but it’s necessary to keep the story engaging. 

Jen – That sounds painful!

Dealing with writer’s block

Jen – What is the hardest part for you in writing a book?

Lori – Sticking with it when your characters go silent. Otherwise known as writer’s block. It’s tempting to just put it away and come back later, but when you’re writing on deadline, you don’t have that luxury. You have to keep going even if you’re not sure where you’re going. I’ll often just do a non-essential scene where I ask my characters some questions or put them in a situation outside of the story to see how they react. That sounds odd to a non-writer, but it really works to get those voices going again. 

Lori DeJong

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori’s debut novel, Love’s True Calling, released in 2023, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, released in June 2024, was also a Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure, released in June 2025, won second place in the Angel Awards, and Lori’s Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of “A Match Made at Christmas” novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist and placed first in the Angel Awards.

Readers can subscribe to my monthly newsletter and/or follow me at the following links: On my Website or Community, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, GoodReads, and Bookbub.

Lori’s writing career

Jen – Were there pivotal moments or challenges in your writing career that helped define your path? 

Lori – I actually quit writing in 2009 due to some upheaval in our personal life. My husband was laid off, I couldn’t continue to pay dues for my writers’ groups, and I had to go back to work. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted through that and just simply didn’t have the mental bandwidth for creativity. It wasn’t until 2019 that I met a woman at church who is a writer, told her I used to write and was considering starting again. She invited me to her local ACFW group, and the fire started burning again. I spent 2020 re-educating myself because so much had changed in the years I lost, but the biggest blessing out of all of that was that my debut novel, that released in 2023, came from homework for an online class I did on plotting using your characters’ motivations. I hadn’t planned on writing it, but those character voices I mentioned wouldn’t stop jabbering at me to write their book. So I did, and here we are, four books later. God has been very good. 

Jen – Yes, He is!

Rejection and criticism

Jen – How do you deal with criticism or rejection? 

Lori – You mean after I have a good cry? Haha! Actually, that’s not far from the truth. I cry easily, and I’ve had my share of good cries over rejection, bad contest scores, even bad critiques. I have the most wonderful critique partners, so I know if they’re pointing out something, then it really is something that isn’t working. But after getting the frustration out, I just dig back in, ask God to guide me, and start writing. You always have to get back up, or you’ll never know what you could’ve accomplished. 

Jen – That’s good advice. If you don’t try, or keep trying, you’ll never know.

What comes after Mistletoe and Malice?

Jen – What are you working on now? 

Lori – The Quiet Watch is book two of the Guarded Hearts series and features Trevor from book one. I threw him into a tailspin from the first page, which has him retreating to the little town and family ranch where he was raised but left sixteen years before. There, he reconnects with Kinsley, the little sister of his boyhood best friend. She’s a large-animal veterinarian, and it’s not long before he realizes somebody’s trying to run her off her land. She refuses his offer to call in help from the security services company he works for, so he decides to covertly keep an eye on things, without her knowledge. What he doesn’t anticipate is how quickly she works her way into his heart, and at the worst possible time, when he’s not sure what his future holds. 

Jen – I can’t wait to read it!

In Lori’s “spare” time

Jen – My last question – What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Lori – I love watching competition shows on Food Network. The holiday baking shows are my favorite, along with Guy’s Grocery Games.  

Jen – Those are so fun! I’ve been watching the British Baking Show. Great distraction from writing! I’m happy you were on the blog today and shared more about Mistletoe and Malice. It’s already on my TBR!

Read What is a Cozy Mystery, then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024, and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 17, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

The post Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong appeared first on Jen Dodrill Writes.

Maryruth Dilling is a new author to me! Let’s jump right in and get to know her.

Jen – Hi Maryruth! Tell us a little about yourself.

Maryruth – I grew up in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, the oldest of three girls. Back in 2002, I decided to take off with my youngest son. I told my family I was heading to the hills of Kentucky, but a few days before we left, I did the finger thing on the map and ended up heading to Butte, Montana. We were going to Kalispell. However, by the time we reached Butte, my son was tired of being in the car. We stayed right there. We were there for three weeks before I told my family where we were.

This changed my life in ways I never imagined.

After 2 ½ years, we moved to ID. I became myself while living in the North ID; I came into my own, as many would say. I found a deeper relationship with God, I found healing, I found friendships like never before, and I discovered my calling.

**This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I or Maryruth Dilling may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More about Maryruth

Jen – I love that you found who you are in God.

Maryruth – Yes, the event that increased my faith in God was when I was totally disabled due to Lyme disease. God blessed in amazing ways. I had to give up control of my life to Him. Over the past ten years, He has restored my health and led me to help others.

I’ve experienced miraculous happenings where God protected me when I was homeless in a tent. A major windstorm was blowing tree limbs down. But everything of mine, even to the red Solo cup on my car, was not touched. When I saw the destruction and the protection of my belongings, I cried. I knew that God was there and would never leave me.

Maryruth Dilling and writing

Jen – I love when God shows up in amazing areas – well, He always does, doesn’t He? Tell us about what you write.

Maryruth Dilling – Educational curricula, health presentations, devotionals (Rabbit Trails), children’s books (Don’t Feed the Microbes, Shaboom the Teddy Bear series), and some short ebooks on health, homeschooling, and preparedness.

(I wrote monthly for a homeschool blog for five years, and I wrote for a couple of magazines (print and online). I even wrote for a small-town newspaper back in the mid-80s.)

Family Blessing Week: https://amzn.to/49p3S84

Homeschooling Children with Challenges: https://amzn.to/3X7N9yA

Steps to Health: https://amzn.to/4oCpWjO

Are You Listening, What is Your Body Trying to Tell You? https://amzn.to/3X3TJ9q

Creating a Bug-Out Group (Intentional Communities): https://amzn.to/3JDdhyn

I have several Bible studies and devotionals, along with health information, on my Patreon Channel: https://www.patreon.com/c/countrywriter7/shop (I’m always uploading more information.)

Maryruth Dilling bio:

Maryruth Dilling is a passionate educator, author, and natural health professional dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to better health and well-being. With a deep commitment to holistic wellness, she educates, challenges, and encourages people to make meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance both their mental and physical wellness.

Through her writing, speaking engagements, and hands-on guidance, Maryruth blends research-based insights with practical, natural solutions to help individuals and families take control of their health. Her expertise spans homeschooling, preparedness, and natural health, equipping her audience with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in

Whether through her books, workshops, or personal coaching, Maryruth’s mission is to inspire from a biblical worldview intentional living, resilience, and self-sufficiency, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Writing habits

Jen – I’m a former homeschool mom and lesson creator too! I always like to ask other writers about their writing habits. Are you a plotter or a pantser? When do you write?

Maryruth – I normally do my writing after my morning devotions. For my presentations, I may create a short outline. I will make a loose outline for my non-fiction works. For my fiction, I’m a pantser. I may jot down a few ideas, but I mainly allow the characters to carry me along.

Of course, this has led me to having to go back and totally change the story when a secondary character took over as the main character.

I’m bombarded by ideas daily. I do not have the time to flesh them all out. I will often create a short post to share on social media with the idea of later going back and creating a longer work.

Book Blurb – Watch and Pray: Preparing for Translation

In an age of deception, distraction, and spiritual crisis, God is calling His people to wake up, stand firm, and prepare for translation. Watch and Pray: Preparing for Translation is a collection of deeply grounded Bible study guides designed to strengthen faith, expose subtle end-time deceptions, and inspire a life of holiness and readiness for Christ’s return.

Each study unpacks key prophetic and practical topics — from the influence of Jesuit theology and modern compromise, to the true nature of sanctification, worship, and the latter rain experience. Written with clarity and conviction, these studies lead readers to examine their hearts, redeem the time, and anchor their lives fully in the Word of God.

This is more than a study guide — it’s a spiritual preparation manual for those who long to stand with the Lamb in the final conflict and be ready for translation when He comes.

Maryruth’s inspiration for writing

Jen – What inspired you to start writing?

Maryruth – I started dictating stories to my older cousin when I was 6. I cannot remember a time when I was not ‘writing.’ As soon as I learned how to hold a pencil, I started writing stories. They were not the best, but I was writing.

I remember when I was 6, we decided we were going to be famous authors. I would tell him the story. He would be my ‘scribe.’

My career goal at that time was to be a missionary to Africa and write children’s books. (I thought Africa was the only place missionaries went.) Although I was only six, many years later, through the power of the internet, I am a missionary to Africa. I have written children’s books.

Research & goals for Maryruth Dilling

Jen – That’s true! It’s so fun to see how God works those things out. Do you have to do research for what you write?

Maryruth – I do have a fiction WIP. I’m using this as a vehicle to educate about natural healing methods. Yes, I research, but most of the research has been done over decades. The Title: Returning to the Old Paths. It’s a Christian Dystopian novel.

I do a lot of research for my various health training presentations.

Jen – What are your goals when you write?

Maryruth – Why do I write? I cannot not write. It’s hard-wired into my DNA, like teaching is.

Who do I wish to reach? I know we should have one focus group, but I write on different topics. Some topics are on education/parenting. My main focus are parents who have children with challenges.

My health writing: Women in their 40s-50s who are beginning to experience the negative results of their lifestyle choices and are willing to do whatever it takes to get better, and reclaim their health.

I share my experience with Lyme disease. This is to reach out and help those going through the same thing. To give hope.

My Rabbit Trails: My goal here is to reach believers who want to be prepared for the end times we are facing. Who wants to stand victorious when Christ returns.

My overall goal is to educate, challenge, and encourage people to make the needed lifestyle changes to improve mental and physical wellness. Time is short. To be able to withstand what is coming, we must do all we can to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God so He can finish the work in fitting us for heaven. (Rom 12:1-2)

What Maryruth reads

Jen – What do you like to read?

Maryruth – I am an information junkie. I’m working on thinning out the information I collect, but I read voraciously.

I used to read more fiction. I would read authors like Catherine Anderson and Nora Roberts, along with about a dozen others. Then I switched to Christian fiction only. I got hooked on Christian historical fiction. My favorite time period is the last half of the 1800s. Now, I’m very selective in the fiction I read. There are only half a dozen authors whose characters experience real spiritual growth. (I only read these if they are historical in timeline. I do not read contemporary authors.) I’ve also begun reading biblical fiction.

The bulk of my reading is non-fiction. I read about natural health, study herbal remedies, edible/medicinal plants. I read books about biblical topics, church outreach/ministry, and I read books about educating God’s method. Also, I read about improving my business and outreach.

For my writing, I’ve been involved with a couple of writers’ groups for many years now. I read books by Terry Whalin, Cecil Murphey, and other writers (Stephen King). I’m usually reading at least one writing technique book.

Time for fun facts!

Jen – I read all the time. There are so many good books out there! Okay, time for my favorite section: fun facts!

Maryruth –

Coffee or tea: Herbal tea.Favorite season – spring.Favorite Bible verse – That’s hard. I have so many favorites. Isaiah 65:24, 1 John 3: 4-10What do you do in your free time – Free time?? LOL. Read, write. I have to say that I have very little free time.Dog or cat – Dog, definitely. I do love Siamese cats.Hobbies – I know sign language. I love to interpret songs.Find Maryruth Dilling online

Jen – Tell us where we can find you online.

Maryruth – I’m more active on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/maryruth.dilling

I have two pages:
Kindling Dreams Academy https://www.facebook.com/KindlingDreamsAcademy/ (Anything that deals with children, education, and parenting.)

Kindling Dreams  https://www.facebook.com/kindlingdreams/ (Not very active anymore since FB removed videos. I’ve made my personal posts public 99% of the time because of the change in FB.)

I also have two groups:

Natural Mental Health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/457293621463212/ (I share all things dealing with mental wellness from a whole-body perspective.)

Using Foods to Heal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1568824576753661/ (Again, I share things on natural remedies, alternative medicine.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryruth-dilling/

Twitter (X): @countrywriter7

Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@countrywriter7

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithmaryruthdilling

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Countrywriter7 (My main focus at present.)

WhatsApp Group: Emergency preparedness from a biblical perspective. This is in conjunction with the free biweekly emergency preparedness class I teach on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

Website: Kindlingdreams.com

Blog: https://kindlingdreams.com/category/recovery/ (I’ve been focusing on my Patreon channel lately, so my blog hasn’t been very active.)

Newsletter: (I’m restarting my newsletter with a focus on “Weekly tips for natural living and end-time preparedness.”

**As you can see, social media keeps me very busy. LOL. It’s hard to juggle all the pieces of the puzzle.

To contact me: healing@kindlingdreams.com

Maryruth’s advice for new writers

Jen – What would you tell a new writer?

Maryruth – Write. Write something every day. Don’t worry about editing in the beginning. Just get words down on paper. It’s called ‘Butt in chair’ time. After you have something written, find a critique group. Become involved. Ask questions. Share your own thoughts with others. (Do not be selfish. Be there to help others grow, too.) Lastly, join Toastmasters.

Many years ago, my online writers’ group talked about the importance of effective speaking being linked to success. They recommended Toastmasters. I followed the advice. I’ve been a member of Toastmasters for over 15 years. I’m almost finished with my second DTM (Distinguished Toastmasters). I’m working on becoming an accredited speaker.

Thanks to Maryruth Dilling

Jen – Toastmasters is a wonderful recommendation! I’ve not thought about that before. Thank you for sharing about you, your books, and your life, Maryruth Dilling!

Read Meet the Characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series, and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024, and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025! My romantic suspense novella, SeaBreeze Obsession in Trinity Sands Beach Club, released June 17, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)

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