Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I write inspirational fiction. My blog is called Love Colored Glasses, because I hope to encourage folks to look at life through the love of Christ. I have a degree in All Level Music Education, which has served me well as a public school teacher and private studio lessons. Writing has always been a part of my heart.
My 5th grade class was assigned a poetry challenge. The Charlie Brown comic at that time often featured a “Happiness Is…” theme. I wrote a poem called Happiness Is and the piece was chosen as winner. Can’t remember anything about it except that the last phrase was “and at school work, doing your best.” I remember getting to go to the office and draw the poem onto poster board. It was displayed in the foyer of the school. The feeling of having made some kind of impact, whether I understood it at the time or not, really stuck with me.
I have three published works: a self-published poetry collection, a Bible Study called H.E.A.V.E.N. – A Handle for the Storms of Life, and Washout Express, which released from Harbourlight Books/The Pelican Group last June 2013. I’ve a handful of other books that I’ve not attempted publication for. They were written early in my journey. I’ve learned so much since then that they will have to be rewritten. I’ll get to it someday:)
My husband and I have raised six children, and have 11 grandchildren so far. I work in Administrative Services/Interlibrary Loans/Music Director at our public library.
I’ve numerous poems and articles published in various magazines, online and print.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Washout Express. I was traveling home from East Texas Christian Writer’s Conference in 2011, oozing with excitement and inspiration. I passed a sign that said Washout Express. I began to wonder and dream about someone who might feel completely, expressly if you will, washed out. The story was born. By the way, Washout Express is a chain of washing facilities for large trucks. The company granted me permission to use the name.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual, but since I have a full time job, I have to get up with the chickens. I try to get two solid hours of writing in before I have to go to work at 8:00. My goal is 2000 words per day. No editing, researching, marketing, or social media allowed during that time. Just writing. I can get bits of time to edit throughout the day. I try to review before I go to sleep at night what I’ve written, so my brain can work on it while I sleep. I’m off on Fridays, and I try to make my writing an all day priority.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been a life-long reader. I didn’t discover Anne of Green Gables until I was grown and married with children. Montgomery’s writing inspired my soul, and I wanted to influence people the same way. Jan Karon has a huge impact on me. Her Mitford series struck me the same way as the Anne books. They made me want to be a better person, and to inspire others. First, and foremost, the greatest book ever written, the Bible, is my largest influence.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Washout Express is under review with my publisher, and I’m working on the third installment. I have a Boomer Lit story brewing for after that, and then a historical based on the history of Fort Stockton, Tx, where I live.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all the social networking sites to promote my books. Still new to the game, so not sure yet what’s working best.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a critique group, in person or online. Go to conferences. Above all, just write. Talking about writing is not writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t submit a blank page.
What are you reading now?
Just finished H. L. Wegley’s Moon Over Maalaea Bay. Loved it. Just started Bonnie Doran’s Dark Biology.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just planning on learning as much as I can, writing as much as I can and getting it out there. I’ve started filling out applications to go for a MFA in Creative Writing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Anne of Green Gables (Montgomery), In The Company of Others (Karon) , and something by Dickens, I believe.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jody Bailey Day Website
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