I would like to say yes, that writing was ingrained into my being from the first wail that crossed my lips. I would like to say the process comes simple to me and that I don’t angst over each and every word. I would like to say I know each book I release is going to garner great reviews and sell like hotcakes.

I would like to say all of that. But I can’t.

Growing up I had many career goals: pharmacist, veterinarian, pediatrician and architect, amongst others. I even started into college with a pre-med program in mind. Then I met up with a villain known simply as “physics” and his devious side-kick “chemistry” and knew that I and pre-med were about to part ways. What I didn’t seem to grasp was that following an engineering curriculum meant I would still have to defeat these swarthy scoundrels. Eventually it was to come to pass that we would meet and I would defeat them, and I would go on to find employment as a technical writer for an engineering firm.

But before that eventually point came over two decades of living, loving, and learning early on that I was an outdoor girl and all-around tomboy at heart. I grew up surrounded by farmland in Michigan’s thumb and, in the words of Barbara Mandrell, “I was country when country wasn’t cool.” Though my music tastes are as eclectic as my reading choices these days, my roots are grounded in country there, too. My roots are also grounded in such pleasurable pursuits as fishing, hunting and NASCAR—all of which hobbies have stood the test of time and make appearances in my novels when chance and circumstance afford the opportunity.

What I didn’t love, or have much in the way of roots for at all was reading and writing. Neither came easily to me and, in fact, it wasn’t until the last years of high school, when I discovered Julie Garwood, that my love for romantic fiction took hold. As a kid, I was one of those prone to injury and illness. A lot of time spent recuperating meant a lot of time for letting my thoughts roam and just as much for picking up a novel and journeying to a far off place and time.

A decade or two ago, all those injuries and illnesses were a major thorn in my side. Today, looking back, I see exactly how they shaped me into being the person and author that I am. While I am not exactly overjoyed to have been blessed with them, I am happy that they ultimately led me down this path, helped me find my love for romantic fiction and writing and reading as a whole. And also gave me some great plot fodder!

As for those old career goals...I still work as a technical writer for that same engineering firm and, while I professionally didn't become a pharmacist, veterinarian, pediatrician or architect, on a personal note, between taking care of and keeping healthy the kids and pets, and entertaining them with my Lego and Lincoln Log building abilities, I've covered the gamut.

~ Jodi