In celebration of her latest release, Jordyn has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (print copy). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends August 5, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!
A Word from Jordyn...
The beginning of Fractured
Memory was actually inspired by a television murder mystery show (Dateline or 48 Hours) where police showed up at a woman’s door one morning and
told her a hit had been put on her life and she needed to leave with them right
then and there. Can you imagine? Putting your life in the hands of an utter
stranger? Of course, I had to come up with my own plot with some medical
thriller action thrown in.
Q & A with Jordyn...
Q: How did you start writing?
A: I've always had a love of writing. I started writing short stories when I was in elementary school. One of my very first stories was about a rabbit who had to go to the "hoppyital" because I couldn't spell "hospital." I guess I was always destined to be a nurse who writes medical thrillers.
Q: I love that! Hoppyital :) What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general? In relation to self-publishing?
A: Hard question but an intriguing question. I'll boil it down to this. I think the most successful authors are consistently doing a lot of the same things. They both traditionally and indie publish. They write in different genres (fiction and non-fiction) and explore different niches within their own main genre (such as a thriller author doing romantic suspense and cozy mystery). They also write and publish novels of varying length — full-length, novella, and short story. James Patterson's recent release of a multitude of what he calls "BookShots" is a testament to this. Many successful authors are co-authoring books. These are my goals moving forward.
Q: You certainly make some good points! I have seen Patterson's "BookShots," but I haven't picked one up… yet :) What advice do you have for new authors?
A: The first draft is your own. Do little editing. Just get the words on the page.
Q: What is your favorite writing-related book?
A: Hard question but an intriguing question. I'll boil it down to this. I think the most successful authors are consistently doing a lot of the same things. They both traditionally and indie publish. They write in different genres (fiction and non-fiction) and explore different niches within their own main genre (such as a thriller author doing romantic suspense and cozy mystery). They also write and publish novels of varying length — full-length, novella, and short story. James Patterson's recent release of a multitude of what he calls "BookShots" is a testament to this. Many successful authors are co-authoring books. These are my goals moving forward.
Q: You certainly make some good points! I have seen Patterson's "BookShots," but I haven't picked one up… yet :) What advice do you have for new authors?
A: The first draft is your own. Do little editing. Just get the words on the page.
Q: What is your favorite writing-related book?
A: I pretty much soak up anything by James Scott Bell and Donald Maass. I also thoroughly enjoyed Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and have gifted it to several other authors.
Q: I haven't read Gilbert's book yet. I will definitely have to check it out. What can you tell me about your next project?
A: Currently, I'm working on my first indie novel called The Cipher's String that I hope to release before the end of the year. The plot surrounds FBI CARD agent Arabella Wright, whose job is to find lost children. When her own daughter is kidnapped by a serial murderer, everything in her life unravels. Of course, who is behind these crimes and why has some medical thriller thrown in.
Q: Ooh, that sounds really good! I look forward to reading it. Fractured Memory is your first book with Love Inspired Suspense. How different was it writing this book than your previous ones?
A: Very different. I came to Love Inspired Suspense via the Blurb to Book contest, which is set up in three stages. I didn't continue to write on the novel until I knew I made it through to the next round, so finishing and editing the book in about eight weeks was a challenge. Also, I don't consider myself a natural romance author, so I had a lot to learn. Still do.
Q: I think you did a great job with the romance angle in the book! Now for a few fun questions. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
A: I love to cross-stitch to relax.
Q: Is there a book you wish you'd written?
Q: I haven't read Gilbert's book yet. I will definitely have to check it out. What can you tell me about your next project?
A: Currently, I'm working on my first indie novel called The Cipher's String that I hope to release before the end of the year. The plot surrounds FBI CARD agent Arabella Wright, whose job is to find lost children. When her own daughter is kidnapped by a serial murderer, everything in her life unravels. Of course, who is behind these crimes and why has some medical thriller thrown in.
Q: Ooh, that sounds really good! I look forward to reading it. Fractured Memory is your first book with Love Inspired Suspense. How different was it writing this book than your previous ones?
A: Very different. I came to Love Inspired Suspense via the Blurb to Book contest, which is set up in three stages. I didn't continue to write on the novel until I knew I made it through to the next round, so finishing and editing the book in about eight weeks was a challenge. Also, I don't consider myself a natural romance author, so I had a lot to learn. Still do.
Q: I think you did a great job with the romance angle in the book! Now for a few fun questions. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
A: I love to cross-stitch to relax.
Q: Is there a book you wish you'd written?
A: I would actually love to do a non-fiction book on teaching kids the necessity and importance of failure. That failure is not something to be feared.
Q: That is a much-needed topic for a book. Which is harder: writing or nursing?
Q: That is a much-needed topic for a book. Which is harder: writing or nursing?
A: Both are hard in their own way, to be honest!
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors to read?
A: Dean Koontz, Lisa Gardner, Harlan Coben, and Linwood Barclay
Q: Good choices! Finally, what's something about yourself that would surprise your readers?
A: I'm a definite pen fanatic. Take one of my pens and your life could be in danger! If your dying wish is to have my favorite pen — I might eventually have to stop and think about if I will give it to you. Isn't that terrible? :)
Not at all! I totally understand. I have a few favorite pens myself, and I have accumulated many pens over the years :) Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm sure my readers will enjoy the chance to get to know you a bit better.
Not at all! I totally understand. I have a few favorite pens myself, and I have accumulated many pens over the years :) Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm sure my readers will enjoy the chance to get to know you a bit better.
Link to my review...
(I rated it 4/5 stars.)
Amazon link for purchase...
About Jordyn...
Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood's Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Her first two medical thrillers, Proof and Poison, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal. Proof was shortlisted for the 2012 ForeWord Review's BOTY Award, 2013 INSPY Award, and the 2013 Carol Award. Poison shortlisted for the 2014 INSPY Award and the 2014 Selah Award. In addition to her novels, she blogs regularly at Redwood's Medical Edge and the WordServe Water Cooler.
Readers can find Jordyn online at:
Redwood's Medical Edge blog: http://jordynredwood.blogspot.com/
WordServe Water Cooler blog: https://wordservewatercooler.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordynRedwood
Email: jredwood1@gmail.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fun interview, Jordyn and Leslie! I enjoy getting to hear about new (to me) authors, especially in my favorite genre of romantic suspense. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it! I love getting to know authors a little better, too :)
DeleteYou're very welcome. Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
Thanks for leaving a comment, Jerusha! What a great name. Might have to steal that for a future character.
DeleteJordyn, good to see another of the Medical Musketeers here. Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks, Leslie, for this interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Dr. Mabry, and you're welcome! I think you're really going to enjoy this book (and look forward to her next one).
DeleteI believe I've had all of the Medical Musketeers on here, correct? If not, please let me know so I can remedy that as soon as possible :)
Hi, Richard! I don't know-- has Candace stopped by yet?
DeleteJordyn,
DeleteCandace was here in February :) Here's her link:
http://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/search/label/%23CandaceCalvert
I like the suspense and I usually learn something. I have read one by Richard Mabry. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteHi, Jan! I'm glad you stopped by to enter. Dr. Mabry has a number of great books! This is one of my favorite genres to read.
DeleteGood luck!
Nice to see you here, Jan. I love Richard's books, too.
DeleteMedical suspense is interesting because it is almost always intense. After all, people had a serious situation which landed them in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteDianna
I think great medical thrillers ask a what if, ethical type question. Robin Cook was great at that. That's what I strive to do as well.
DeleteOoh, I love Robin Cook!
DeleteHi Jordyn!! I think I first heard of you over on Seekerville recently and was excited to know you are a debut LIS author with a medical twist! I love medical suspense, there's just not enough out there for my taste. I had two authors I know who also write medical suspense, Harry Kraus and Richard Mabry. Both retired surgeon's, although I read somewhere that Harry is over in a foreign country volunteering (or a missionary) his medical expertise helping care for the poor. I think I've read the majority of his books. Wonderful writers!
ReplyDeleteI think I like medical thrillers because my mom is a now-retired LPN and that career has always fascinated me. I went through CNA training many years ago, but after being treated very poorly by the nurses, I decided that wasn't for me! I loved working with the residents at the nursing home, though, and got to know them.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway chance! I'd really like this story, I'm sure of it :-)
Thanks for stopping by, Trixi!
DeleteYes, I was excited to see Jordyn with LIS, too. I've read some of her other books, and I think you'd enjoy those, too.
You mentioned one of my fave authors (Richard Mabry). I'll have to check out Harry Kraus, as I know Dr. Mabry mentioned him to me once, as well.
I'm sorry that the nurses caused you to change your mind about becoming a CNA. I've had a few poor experiences with nurses, too :( I've also met some wonderful CNA's (especially during my husband's hospital stay).
You're very welcome. Good luck!
Hi Trixi,
DeleteMan, I am bummed (like really bummed) to hear about how poorly you were treated by your fellow nurses. Truth be told, there are good and bad in every profession so if your heart is still to serve patients don't let that experience spoil it for you.
When I first decided to write for the Christian market I read pretty much all of Harry Kraus's early novels. I would call him the grandfather of the Christian medical thriller. A lot like Robin Cook in the sense of taking an ethical dilemma and branching out to some scary possibilities from that. Richard is fantastic,too! I'd also encourage you to check out my friend Candace Calvert who writes romance but with a clear medical thread. Also, you might like Carrie Stuart Parks who is, in real life, a forensic reconstruction artist.
Honestly, if you do love medical thrillers I think you'd really love the Bloodline Trilogy I wrote (Proof, Poison, and Peril).
If you subscribe to my newsletter, I can let you know when they're on sale. I have a promo coming up in the fall.
Many Blessings to you!!
Enjoyed the interview, Jordyn and Leslie! Fractured Memory sounds like a "must read." Jordyn, you said: "Can you imagine? Putting your life in the hands of an utter stranger?" I can't, but I'm glad you could. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the interview and stopped by to enter. Yes, it's hard to imagine putting your life in the hands of a stranger!
You're correct, too. It IS a "must read!"
Good luck!
Hi Laura!
DeleteI really loved exploring that angle of the story-- trusting someone when your trust was so badly betrayed in the past.
I love reading about new breakthroughs and what can happen if a drug is used wrong.
ReplyDeleteThereadmaster@me.cm
Virginia,
DeleteI love those, too :)
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Virginia,
DeleteYes, I love those books, too. I'm pretty sure Richard Mabry has done a novel along those lines.
I enjoy medical suspense.. What if's keep me reading!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Deanna! They are some of my favorite books to read.
DeleteGood luck!
Hi Deanna,
DeleteIf you're a big fan of medical thrillers I think you'd love my novels Proof, Poison, and Peril, too.
I've never read medical suspense, but would love to. TY for the chance.
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy!
DeleteThanks for being willing to give medical suspense a try. If you have a chance to read any of my books-- reach out to me and let me know what you think. I always have my e-mail inside.
You're very welcome :) If you've never read any medical suspense books before, Lucy, this is a great way to start!
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and good luck!
I do love medical thrillers!! Can't say I have a favorite, though. Maybe Fractured Memory will be!!
ReplyDeleteKelli Jo,
DeleteIt's certainly difficult to pick just one. There are so many great ones on the market. "Fractured Memory" is certainly one to be considered!
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
I love the combination of both as it keeps me on the edge of my seat! Thank you for this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and thanks for visiting my blog.
DeleteThat's one of the reasons I love this genre, too :)
Good luck!