We were lucky to catch up with Jodi Bowersox recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jodi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I’m going to walk you through the process I went through to create my latest book, Time Agents: Alterations. The previous book, Time Agents: Deceptions left my Time Agent, Oliver Nilsson and his lover, rogue time jumper, Muriel O’Hanlon at odds. You see, Oliver was trying to get the evidence on jumpers who were stealing the gold from Cripple Creek’s Mollie Kathleen Goldmine in 1909, while Muriel had been given the job to distract him. Once he found out about her lies, well, let’s just say they didn’t part on the best of terms. But I had to finish their story. So how do I get them back together in both space AND time? I would need Muriel to be a part of some big change that would have repercussions through history—something that would need to be addressed by the Time Agents.
I looked at events like Woodstock and people like Elvis, but nothing really felt right until I thought of Henry VIII.
I’ve had an interest in Henry and his six wives since I took an English History class in college. I wrote a paper on Anne Boleyn. Slipping my lovely Irish Muriel into his court right when he was trying to get his marriage undone from Katherine of Aragon and before Anne Boleyn really caught his eye seemed perfect. And Muriel was a baker to boot! Perfect for a man who loved his rich foods. Another happy coincidence was Oliver’s height and red hair. His similarity in appearance to Henry become an important plot point.
So much of what most people know about Henry is from his later life when his health declines, his weight increases along with his paranoia, and he becomes a tyrant, killing and divorcing wives, breaking free from the Catholic Church and destroying monasteries. His earlier life, however, was much different, and that’s what I wanted to show in this novel.
It’s always tricky to take on a famous historical figure, which is why I didn’t spend much time “in Henry’s head.” There’s no way to know if I got it right, but from my research, how I’ve written him certainly seems reasonable for this stage in his life.
I got much of my information from _Henry VIII_ by Allison Weir, an incredibly detailed look at Henry and his court.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve been a writer all my life, and I started publishing around 20 years ago with a couple of children’s picture books. Now I have a total of 8 books for kids with age ranges of 0-10 years old–some of which I’ve illustrated myself. I didn’t try my hand at writing a novel until 2011, and oh boy, did it become an immediate obsession. Time Agents: Alterations is my 21st novel.
My children’s books, written under the pen name J.B. Stockings, tackle issues like personal care, responsibility, diversity, unconditional love and just plain fun.
My novels span genres from faith fiction to suspense to time travel to sci fi, with small town, big city, and interplanetary settings. Known for my twisty mysteries and page-turning action, even my faith fiction books are full of suspense. And last year, I jumped into something completely different: medieval fantasy romance with The Terror Roan.
All of my books are available on Amazon, with the exception of Cats, that can only be purchased in my Etsy shop.
I think something that sets my novels apart is the attention I give to characters. I strive to create the kind of depth that makes the reader remember them long after they’ve put the books down.
I never really “moved on” from sewing, and I also have some cool things in my Etsy shop: monster scarves and women’s vest made from men’s ties. Check them out at Pikes Peak Unique on Etsy!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I like to say that writing is my joy, my obsession, and my therapy all rolled into one. It’s a journey that I love–not just the end result. And yes, the ultimate goal is to have my writing valued enough to be paid what it’s worth, but dang, those great reviews go a long way too!
My books have won a number of awards inside Colorado and out. That’s a bonus!
My latest award was from the Colorado Authors League for my children’s book, Cat & Rabbit, and adorable little story if I do say so myself.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have “pivoted” numerous times in my life. My original plan was to be an actress. That didn’t really mesh, however, with my aversion to big cities. I had a talent for sewing so for a while, I made draperies, shades, formals, and wedding dresses! I used that Theatre degree to direct kids productions and skits (most of which I wrote) in my church and homeschool group. Then came the day I put my fingers on the keyboard with a tiny spark of an idea for a novel, and I have never looked back. Also, during this time, I picked art back up and practiced watercolor. So in addition to a novelist, I am also a pet portrait artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jodibowersox.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodi.bowersox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PikesPeakUnique
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jodi+bowersox
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PikesPeakUnique
Image Credits
TBMcQueen Creative is the creator of all my book covers. tbmcqueen.com
The image of Young Henry VIII was created by Royalty Now Studios.