Meet author Jen Dodrill

Jen Dodrill is living out her dreams on the pages of her books, bringing readers compelling stories of inspiration and hope for good times and bad. Her family-focused novels depict her values of cooperation, connection, compassion, and community, demonstrating the importance of helping one another brave the waves of the world together. As a mother of five, family life and travels have left her with decades of stories to tell, and she cherishes the time she has now to tell them, in between her honored role as Grandma, her passion for reading, and her adoration of all things coffee.

Tell us about your newest book.

Where’s the Quetzal? is book #2 in the Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery Series and continues with the main character Peg Howard and her quirky mother-in-law Hazel. When the book begins, Peg’s oldest daughter is expecting, and on the day of her baby shower Peg finds out Estelle and Roger Keaton are back in Pensacola, disrupting her peace and reigniting old mysteries. She then learns about the discovery of a centuries-old shipwreck which sets off a chain of events, thrusting Peg and her friends into a perilous game of deception. As they unravel the mysteries surrounding a rare quetzal bird, they uncover a plot that threatens their very lives. With Detective Marcus Sharp and her mother-in-law Hazel by her side, Peg races against time to solve the mystery. But as she digs deeper, she realizes that some truths are better left buried. Peg has to confront her deepest fears and face an adversary more cunning and unexpected than anyone anticipated. She and her friends journey through intrigue and peril, where bonds of friendship and family may be their only salvation. The question is, will they uncover the truth before it’s too late, or will the past come back to haunt them all?

What inspired you to write your story?

I started book #1, Birds Alive!, when I was at my dad’s. He and his wife were avid birders, and the quetzal was his favorite bird. I set the series in Pensacola because I grew up in Gulf Breeze and went to college in Pensacola. It’s a unique town with lots of places for interesting adventures.

What genre do you focus on.

Cozy mysteries and also women’s fiction although I’ve not published my women’s fiction yet. I love cozy mysteries – the small-town setting, unique characters, and they often have pets included. My cozy series features a Weimaraner and a canary.

Why do you write?

I want to write clean fiction showing older women living a full, active life even as they’re dealing with changes – physical, relationships, children. I particularly love to share hope.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Peg Howard is the main character in my cozy series. I don’t remember how I chose her name.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

Erratic. I am not scheduled, but having a deadline works well for me. I have five kids and three grandchildren, and they and my husband are priority to me.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

Trying to do all the things – writing, blogging, social media. It’s time consuming, and it’s important to set boundaries and stay in my own lane.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Writing a book that resonates with people. Not that they all have to rave over it (although that’s wonderful), but something that touches people’s lives in a meaningful way. The opportunity to do this means so much to me.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

I love to know people. I’m not a surface person; I really want to get to know the people I’m with and live life alongside of them.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

Even though Where’s the Quetzal? is only my second book to be published, I have been writing for a while. I know I’ve learned so much and have lots more to learn. One way I’ve changed is thinking ahead of time about what I want to convey. I’m a pantser attempting to reform into a plotter.

What is your favorite pastime?

Reading! Oh, and drinking coffee.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Birds Alive! is book #1 in the series. I also have a women’s fiction book, Finding Ginny, that I’m looking to get published.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on No Egrets which is book #3 in the Empty-nesters Cozy Mystery series. Plus, another women’s fiction, Wrong Side of the Tracks.

Website: https://jendodrillwrites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendodrillwrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenDodrillWrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill