Hello! With me on the blog today is the amazing Jill Weatherholt, who has three publications to discuss: her latest Love Inspired novel, A Mother for His Twins; her novella, An Apple Orchard Reunion in the Autumn Hearts anthology, and “A Labor Day Reunion,” a short story in Woman’s World Magazine—just in time for Labor Day, the holiday that just passed.
Jill is represented by Jessica Alvarez. After Jill and I talk, stay tuned for a giveaway announcement.
El Space: Four quick facts about yourself?
Jill: 1. I’m afraid of heights and will not ride on an escalator, but I’ve always wanted to go skydiving.
2. When I was twenty-years-old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.
3. I once won a limbo contest while vacationing in Key West.
4. I love cayenne pepper and I put it on most foods.
El Space: Jill, so much is happening for you. A Mother for His Twins just released. Your novella, Autumn Orchard Reunion also debuted in Autumn Hearts. And you have a short story in Woman’s World. You’re very committed to romance and happily ever after stories. Please tell us why this is so and why you see stories like this as important today.
Jill: When some people think of romance, they often associate it with a Fabio-type hero and heroines who are helpless or weak. For me, writing romance and happily ever after stories is a way to unplug from the 24-hour bombardment of news stories that are often tragic and can leave me feeling hopeless. People say you should write the book you want to read. When I read, I want to escape from the pain and suffering going on in the world. I want to have faith that things can get better and good things can happen, even when it feels like all hope is lost. When I read that last page, I don’t want to be left feeling sad or depressed. I want to be reassured there is still good in the world.
El Space: What were the challenges for you in producing your third novel for Love Inspired?
Jill: As you know, through our email exchanges, A Mother for His Twins was the most difficult book for me to write. It was a challenging time for my family. Distractions and worries kept me from maintaining my focus. At times I felt physically and emotionally drained. I wondered how in the world I’d ever meet my deadline. I questioned my ability. I felt like I was sinking in quicksand. Thankfully, through prayer and the support from those who care about me, I could press on and get the book done.
El Space: Family members have inspired some of your characters. Who, if anyone, were the inspirations for Joy and Nick in A Mother for His Twins?
Jill: That’s true, in some of my short stories, family members have been my inspiration, particularly my mother. Joy and Nick weren’t really inspired by anyone I know. I developed these characters through journaling from their point of view and I allowed them to surprise me as the story unfolded.
El Space: How did the opportunity to write a novella come about? How did you decide what to write?
Jill: A fellow author and friend presented the opportunity to write a novella for a collection with four other writers. I’d never considered self-publishing, but I thought going in with a group might be a good way to get my feet wet. Since the collection was autumn-themed stories, I decided to write a reunion story that revolved around an apple orchard.
El Space: What advice do you have for would-be romance writers?
Jill: Study the craft, write, and always keep an eye open for contests.
El Space: What will you work on next?
Jill: I’m currently working on my fourth Love Inspired book and continuing to write short stories. I have a new aspiration that I’m working towards. . . . Time will tell.
Thank you, Jill, for being my guest!
Looking for Jill? Click on the icons below:
Looking for A Mother for His Twins or Autumn Hearts? Click here for Jill’s website, which has a link to retailers. Looking for Jill’s short story? Check out the Woman’s World at your local grocery store!
One of you will receive a signed copy of Jill’s novel in the mail. Two of you will receive a download of Autumn Hearts. Just comment below! Winners to be announced sometime next week.
The book club agreed that A Mother for His Twins is a great book. Reading about snow and cooler weather has Royal Bee and Neonlicious totally craving hot chocolate.
Book covers from Jill Weatherholt and Goodreads. Author author photo courtesy of Jill Weatherholt. Fabio photo from theguardian.com. Quicksand image from thepandorasociety.com. Apple orchard from abcparish.blogspot.com. Other photos by L. Marie. Neonlicious and Royal Bee OMG dolls are products of MGA Entertainment, Inc.
El Space--The Blog of L. Marie 
L. Marie, a lovely interview with Jill and after years of knowing her here on WP it’s great to learn even more about this delightful author.
Jill, congratulations on all your literary success this year … you are covering all the publications formats within romance in twelve months! 😀😀 You’ve done brilliantly, particularly in the midst of personal trails and I’m sure many of us can relate to the quick sand feeling of life now and then. Your resilience is incredible and an inspiration. ❤️🌺
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words, Annika. I appreciate your friendship and support over the years. Enjoy the weekend! ❤
Thank you, Annika! Like you, I’m very proud of Jill. It’s so cool that she has three out at one time! So glad to see this after all she’s been through.
Thank you for all of your support, L. Marie! ❤
Thank you for inviting me over to your blog, L. Marie. You’re a wonderful hostess! I’ll be back this evening to chat. Enjoy your day! ❤
Jill, you are always welcome on the blog! So glad to celebrate you!
❤
An honest interview. I share Jill’s fear of heights but no way would I have ever entered a limbo contest
Hi, Derrick. I know what you mean! I’m not overfond of heights! But I entered a limbo contest many years ago. Didn’t win. 😀
🙂
So you entered a limbo contest too, L. Marie? Maybe I was the won who beat you…LOL!
Yes, I entered a contest. It was mandatory at the beach party I attended in Jamaica. It would be funny if you were the one and we met years later. 😄
LOL! Well, I’ve never been to Jamaica. My contest was in Key West. 🙂 We can just pretend it happened!
I’m willing to pretend!
We’re writers…we can pretend! 🙂
😄
LOL! That was good, Derrick. I wasn’t aware you had a fear of heights, too. Thanks for stopping over. I hope you and Jackie have a great weekend!
🙂
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere and commented:
A fun interview to end the week on. Impressed by the cayenne pepper fact.
Thanks, Charles! 😀
You’re welcome
😀
Thanks for the reblog, Charles. Derek wrinkles his nose when I sprinkle cayenne on the food he’s cook, but I love it. Try it in some hot chocolate…you’ll enjoy it. I appreciate your visit. Enjoy your weekend.
You’re welcome. I have tried spicy hot chocolate before. Not sure if it was cayenne, but I liked it. Enjoy your weekend too.
Thanks! I bet it was cayenne, Charles. Try it…you’ll love it! 🙂
I like hot chocolate with cinnamon.
It’s fun to read so much about Jill–who is amazingly prolific. Wow! Best of luck with all these literary ventures.
I add hot crushed red pepper to many foods. 🙂
Hi, Merril! Yes, Jill is prolific. It’s great to celebrate her new publications!
I like crushed red pepper on pizza. 😀
🙂
Yum! Me too! 🙂
Hi Merril! Most of the time I don’t feel very prolific, but speaking of, you’re a musing machine, not to mention a great photographer. I love hot crushed pepper flakes, too. It’s great for your arteries. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks, Jill! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too.
(If you like even hotter, a clerk at Penzey’s gave us some Dundicuts, a traditional hot pepper of Pakistan. You can crush them over your pizza, too.)
Thanks, Merril! Oh yum! I bet that is delicious.
Yes–unless you don’t like hot! 😉
LOL! I’ll have to look for it. 🙂
Hello Jill and L. Marie! It’s always fun to learn more about you, Jill. I’m inspired by your hard work and upbeat perspective. I agree it’s important to get away from the negative events and stories in the world and create our own positive worlds. Thanks for hosting Jill, L. Marie. She’s a great guest 🙂
Hi, Book Club Mom. Yes, Jill is a great guest. Glad to celebrate her in this way. I also love her perspective. So glad she’s writing the stories she writes. 😀
Thank you, L. Marie! ❤
You’re welcome! 😄
Hi Barbara! Thank you for your kind words. For me, much like reading, writing is the perfect escape. I appreciate your friendship and support. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the first NFL Sunday!
Eagles vs Redskins – what are you going to do? Will there be turmoil at your house? 😉
I know, right! Well, fortunately neither game is televised here since the Panthers play at 1:00. Derek is debating whether to go to the local sports bar or just listen to it on his computer. Me…I’ll be writing and actually routing again my Redskins. Shhh…don’t tell. It’s makes for a more peaceful household. 🙂
Congratulations, Jill! 🙂 You are doing so well in spite of issues going on. As you say, sometimes we just have to press on.
You rock! 🙂 ❤️
She does indeed, Lynette! 😀
Thank you so much, Lynette! What else can we do but press on, right? You’re a shining example of that yourself. I appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend!
Thank you! 🙂
Jill . . . you rock.
As do you, LM.
Write on!
Thank you, Nancy. 😀 Have a good weekend!
Thanks, Nancy! I agree, L Marie rocks! Thanks for popping over. Enjoy your weekend. By the way, you rock too!
Awww. Thank you! 😄
Yes, indeed, you both rock! Jill, I love that you put cayenne pepper on almost everything 😉 Many congratulations on all your publications! You are proof positive that hard work, patience, persistence and positivism pay off (wow, that’s pretty alliterative 😬) L. Marie, your interviews are the absolute best! Happy Friday!
Thank you, Marie. 😀 Yes, Jill is very inspiring. Good on you for that alliteration! 😀 Have a good weekend!
You too 😀
Thank you! 😀
Thanks so much, Marie! I appreciate your friendship and support over the years. You’ve worked hard yourself and have the published articles as proof. I agree, L Marie’s questions really made me think. Thanks for coming over today. I hope you guys have a great weekend!
Love learning more about you Jill! I didn’t know you are afraid of heights. Me, too. Love your stories and look forward to reading each one. We both love hummingbirds, too. 🙂
Wow. A lot of people have a fear of heights. And of spiders, I’m finding.
Hummingbirds are wonderful. I love seeing them. 😀
Great to see you here, Melissa! I’m petrified of heights. I can’t even go on an escalator. I know you love your hummies, too! This evening Derek had to rescue a little hummie who had flown into our garage. He was way up toward the ceiling trying to get out through the window…it was so sad. He finally flew out with the aide of a ladder and broom, but fell to the ground. Derek fed him by hand and the little thing got enough energy to fly to the nearest branch. He stayed there until dark, so we’re hoping come morning he’ll be okay and feed again. Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I’m happy you made it through Dorian. Enjoy your weekend.
Hi, Jill! I enjoyed your post and learning more about you. Cayenne pepper? Wow! As a writer, I found it interesting you had your characters journal their thoughts. What a good way to get into their heads. Thanks for the tips!
Congratulations on all your publications! As you know, I especially loved A Mother for His Twins. (L. Marie, I agree with the craving for hot chocolate while reading this story!) I just read the sweet reunion romance Woman’s World. Autumn Hearts is next up on my Kindle! I’m looking forward to your next Love Inspired book. Blessings!
Hi, Sherida. 😀 I also love the aspect of journaling to discover character. Such a great idea! So glad you are enjoying Jill’s stories. 😀
Hi Sherida! You should try some Cayenne pepper in your next cup of hot chocolate. I think you’ll enjoy it. Yes, journaling from the character’s POV helps me to discover new things about my character. I went in depth with Joy’s journal entries since she had a lot of emotional layers to unpeel, as you know. Thank you so much for your friendship and support. I also appreciate you taking the time to write reviews, too. When your book is published, I’ll be the first to write one for you! I hope you and your husband have a great weekend. Maybe a nice hike? Enjoy!
Jill is one of my most favorite persons, L. Marie. I enjoyed this interview and was surprised to learn she was afraid of heights. Jill impresses me as someone not afraid of anything. (Evidence = cyanine pepper and limbo) Congratulations on all your success, Jill
So glad to hear that Jill is beloved, John. I’m glad to see her so celebrated. 😀
That’s sweet, L. Marie. Thank you. ❤
She is the best.
Aw…that’s so sweet, John. You know you’re at the top of my list too. My list of fears is pretty long, but heights are my worst. LOL! That limbo contest was way back before I had two back surgeries…wait…could that have been what messed up my back? Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you and the family have a great weekend!
Surgeries could be the cause of a messed up back for sure. 😀
I was referring to my wild “limbo days” being the cause, but you’re right about the surgeries, John. 🙂
Ha ha ha. I knew that just thought I would pull your leg.
I should have known! ❤
😊
Great interview, Jill. I wish you lots of success with your books and other writing.
Me too! So happy for Jill!
Thank you so much, Anneli. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. Wishing you and the Captain a fantastic weekend!
This is fun, knowing both of you, and seeing the kinds of questions you, L. Marie, ask and the answers Jill comes up with. I’m pleased that Jill has been able to write books that contribute to the happier side of life. I agree with her that after so much negative news, we all deserve a few happy stories.
I enjoy these interviews, Ally. The creative process is very fascinating to me. 😄
BTW, I’m tempted to take for the third time that test you had on your blog awhile ago. I enjoy tweaking my answers to get a different result. 😄
L. Marie, you are a hoot! Quiz away, my dear.
This time: I AM A
FREE SPIRIT
BE BOLDLY YOU.
Your wandering spirit can’t be contained, but it can be reflected in your personal space. You’re unique, daring and always excited by new possibilities. You won’t apologize for your individuality. This is you. This is your Color ID.
You know the thing about all those results is that, like generic horoscopes, the copy is positive and plays into everyone’s ego. That being said, do you like this description of yourself better than the previous ones?
It makes me laugh. We’re all complicated beings. None of us is just one thing. Many descriptions are appropriate, sometimes depending on my mood. 😄
L. Marie, you crack me up retaking these quizzes! 🙂
Hey A-Bean! Yeah, L. Marie put my brain to work with her great questions. Yeah, I can’t resist a happy ending. Speaking of happy, I hope your weekend is a happy one. Thanks for popping over!
Congratulations, Jill! The new book sounds like a fun and satisfying read. I’m currently reading a novel that involves a family with twins and would love to read another one.
It’s a good one to read, Lyn.
What book are you reading?
Thanks so much, Lyn. We have a few sets of twins in our family, so it’s enjoyable to read about them. Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have a great weekend!
Hey L.Marie – isn’t it something that we can say, “I knew blogger Jill Weatherholt before she was a published author?”
😎
Hey Jill, congrats on another milestone!
Yes, Laura! I love being able to say, “I knew her when.” 😄 And now look–three publications at the same time!
Thank you, L. Marie. It’s still a constant struggle filled with self-doubt.
Bouts of self-doubt are normal! I don’t know any authors who aren’t going through that!
It’s exhausting! 😦
Thank you so much, Laura. Funny you say that, I was thinking yesterday about the first blog post I published. I sat there waiting to see if anyone out there would respond…sadly, no one did. I’m so relieved you made it through the storm okay. Thanks for popping over. Enjoy your weekend!
I’ve read and reviewed Jill’s 5-Star, A Mother for His Twins, but not Autumn Hearts yet. Maybe I’ll win that one.
Jill debunks the idea that writers, even romance writers, live starred-studded lives. They often have huge challenges to overcome during the writing process. In this case, Jill made her deadline, and so we reap the benefits! Thanks, L. Marie for sharing Jill’s work here! 🙂
Yes, we do, Marian! Hooray!
By the way, I emailed questions to you for the blog interview. 😃
Thank you for your sweet comment, Marian. I also appreciate you taking the time to read and review A Mother for His Twins. I know what a busy time this is getting ready for your book launch. Trust me, my life is far from “starred-studded.” Most of the time, I’m paddling to keep my head above water. Thanks for visiting our sweet friend L. Marie’s blog. Enjoy the weekend.
Hello, Jill. Your thoughts about writing happily ever after stories, being able to unplug, and not feel sad or depressed at the end is exactly why I enjoy your books so much. Congratulations and wishes for continued success with your writing. I would have never guessed about the cayenne pepper… too hot for me! I enjoyed this interview, I learned several new things!
So glad you enjoyed it! I’m so happy for Jill. I’m very glad she gets to share her gift of writing with the world. 😃
A thank you to your, too!
😄
❤
Hi Pix! Seeing you with your feet kicked up always makes me smile. Thank you for your sweet comment. I’m happy you enjoy happily ever after stories, too. I do think there is so much good in the world, we just don’t always hear it in the media, so it’s fun to create my own. I appreciate all of your support over the years. When your temperatures drop, try some cayenne in your hot chocolate…you’ll love it! Enjoy the weekend!
Loved the interview! Congrats on all you do, Jill. Thanks for highlighting our talented friend, L.M.
Glad to, Bette! Jill is awesome! 😃
Thank you for your kind comment, Bette. L. Marie asked some great questions that made me reflect on the past year. I appreciate your visit. Enjoy the weekend!
Those are amazing facts about you, Jill. Yikes–Crohn’s Disease. I’d never have guessed in any of your posts. And a fear of escalators! There must be a name for that… Congrats on your new book. I always love your writing.
Hi Jacqui! I probably mentioned the Crohn’s Disease more in comments than in actual post. Fortunately, I have a terrific doctor and one who was the first to get the disease into remission with the proper medication. Thanks so much for popping over. I’m looking forward to your upcoming release!
Yay! So glad you came to help celebrate Jill, Jacqui!
HI, L. Marie: Thank you for featuring Jill. I’m a HUGE fan! Although I regularly follow Jill’s site and work, I learned many new things about her through your interview. Great questions!
Thanks for stopping over, Donna! I’m a fan of you, too! 🙂 I loved your recent post on your camping trip. L. Marie definitely had some great questions. Enjoy your Sunday!
Hi! Thank you for visiting! 😊 I’m glad to have Jill on the blog. So glad you are a fan of Jill and support her in so many ways.
I really enjoyed reading your interview with Jill, L. Marie! Nice to find out more about Jill; her likes and dislikes and how she goes about creating her lovely books. Thank you, L. Marie.
Well done, Jill on managing to write these gorgeous books and stories despite all your family troubles and health issues. You are marvellous!
Hi, Clare! Yay! So glad you enjoyed the interview with Jill. I agree that she’s marvelous! It’s fun to see how she went from contest winner to an author whose stories debut consistently. 😊
🙂
You’re so sweet, Clare. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I think you’re pretty marvelous yourself! Thanks for popping over. I hope you had a great birthday! ❤
Thanks, Jill. ❤ ❤ I have had a lovely day with both my daughters at home xx
❤️❤️
Congratulations, Jill. You amaze me, being able to complete a book so fast and on schedule when at the same time you had family challenges. I, too, like to read books about basically good, though flawed people (like us all). And I like a happy ending. Of course, a villain or two is also fun.
L. Marie, thank you for presenting the interview. I love hearing about the authors and books you highlight on your blog.
I’m always glad to feature authors on the blog, Nicki. BTW, how is your novel coming along? You’ll come on the blog when it’s done, right?
Definitely. But it will be a while. The publisher is aiming for spring of 2021.
Thank you, Nicki! I don’t know, sometimes I feel as though I write with a snail’s pace. It is fun to have a villain pop into the story, isn’t it? I appreciate you stopping by. L. Marie is a wonderful hostess.
You’ve been busy, Jill and doing great stuff. Congrats! L. Marie: thanks for this interview with Jill.
I’m glad to feature Jill, Cynthia. So glad to see so many people who love her. 😊
Thanks so much, Cynthia. You’ve been quite busy yourself with lovely Myrtle the Turtle. Congratulations to you! I appreciate you popping over.
You are welcome, Jill.
Loved the interview, Jill. You must be one strong woman to write through adversity. Sorry to read you have Crohns, I have two friends with it and I know it is a challenge in itself. i hope you have yours under control.
Congrats again on your writing successes. xo
Great to see you, Jennifer! I’m happy you enjoyed the interview. L. Marie asked some interesting questions. Writing really does help me to escape the challenges going on in my life. I’m sorry to hear about your two friends. Yes, managing life with Crohn’s can be difficult. It was really hard in my early 20’s when I was so sick and trying to make it through college and work. Thankfully, I have a great doctor who has me on an infusion drug that has gotten me into remission. I appreciate you stopping over!
Oh so glad to read you are in remission! ❤️
Thank you. At least for today I am, Jennifer! ❤
Such a lovely interview with Jill getting to know more about herself and her writing inspirations, thank you so much for sharing. Jill, didn’t know you were afraid of heights and can’t use the escalator. I also am not a fan of heights and try not to stand near windows in high rise buildings. I like your advice on being a writer, especially the one of studying the craft. So important to know the different techniques within a craft.
Hi! I’m glad to feature Jill and her books, Mabel. Yes, great advice about the craft of writing. 😀
Hi Mabel! It’s so nice to see your sweet face on L. Marie’s blog. I’m happy you enjoyed reading my answers to the interview questions. I’m afraid to stand near windows in high rise buildings, too! I guess I have too many fears to list them all. 🙂 Yes, studying the craft is important, but do take advantage of legitimate contests, they can open a lot of doors. Thanks so much for stopping over today!
It was really nice to read your interview on here, Jill. I’ve never been one for contests. But who knows I might enter one one day 🙂
Wow! Yay! I hope you will!😀
Thank you, Mabel. I was never a big contest person either. I entered the Harlequin Blurb to Book contest on a last minute whim and got my first publishing contract. 🙂
Such a delightful and insightful interview, L. Marie. I’m heading out to the store in a bit and will be sure to look for Woman’s World, Jill. You are an inspiration.
Thank you! I hope you find it, Penny! 😀
Hi Penny! It’s so nice to see you. I hope you’re doing well. I haven’t seen any of your blog posts in a while. I’ll have to check my WP feed, or maybe you’re taking a break? I appreciate your kind words. If you’re not able to track down the WW, I’d be happy to mail you a copy. I know L. Marie has sometimes found back issues somewhere. Thanks for popping over!
Great interview, L.Marie and Jill. I was intrigued by the impetus to write romance and how it offers a pleasing escape while promising a rosier view of life amidst all the tragedy in the world. I tend to write darker stories reflecting that tragedy, so the contrast is worth some contemplation. I’m so glad to hear about all the publishing successes and more of them ahead!
Thank you for stopping by! Do you think you’ll try a romance now?
I’ve tried a few, L., and to be honest I have to skim all the romance parts, the lover’s tiffs and hot bods. I think I’m too old. Lol. I do like that Jill includes children in her books – that seems real to me and creates authentic tension. 🙂
I love that aspect as well!
LOL! Well, for those who pick up my books thinking they’ll get some hot bods, they might be disappointed! 🙂 These books are definitely in the sweet/clean category. My father reads my books, so I have to keep them squeaky. 🙂
Ha ha ha. My father reads mine too. How fun. 🙂
They’re are biggest fans!❤️
Hi Diana! It’s great to see you here. I appreciate your visit. Yes, writing feel good stories is important to me. My day job with the police department is often filled with tragic real life stories, much like turning on the news. When I write, I leave that world and go to my happy place. 🙂 Thanks for popping over!
I’d forgotten that you worked at a police station. Of course you need something stress free for your evenings and weekends! Yikes. Romance and happy endings sound perfect.
❤️