JERRY: I would like to thank you for having me today. It is an honor to be here.
A Maple Valley Christmas is a story of hope that true love could be just around the next corner. It also gives the reader a look into a small-town Christmas.
My hometown was part of the inspiration for this book as I grew up in a town with a population of 2000 people.
LAURIE: And is this the first book you have coming out with Anaiah Press?
JERRY: Yes, it is.
LAURIE: So, what led you to publish with Anaiah Press?
JERRY: I was looking for a reputable Christian publisher and I heard lots of good things about Anaiah Press. I liked the fact they got me to strive for more of a God element in my book.
LAURIE: What draws you to writing romantic suspense as opposed to straight up romance or romantic comedies?
JERRY: I love the fact romantic suspense gives the reader a separate plot line to go along with the romantic element. I enjoy the added element of not just wondering if the girl will get the boy or the boy will get the girl.
LAURIE: Are there any authors who’ve influenced you in your writing? Do you have any favorite authors?
JERRY: Nicolas Sparks is a huge influence on my writing as well as Nora Roberts. I love the way they can weave the romance through the story.
LAURIE: How long has it taken you to get published?
JERRY: I’ve been writing seriously for about 5 years.
LAURIE: What advice would you give to other writers trying to break in to the Christian market?
JERRY: Don’t give up. Let God direct you where to go and what story to write.
LAURIE: What hobbies do you like to do when you’re not writing? Anything else you’d like our readers to know about you and your work?
JERRY: I love to read. If I’m not writing, I have a book in my hand.
LAURIE: Where can your readers find you on social media?
JERRY: They can find me on Facebook and I would love to make some new friends, or they can find me on Instagram or on Twitter @todtjerry.
LAURIE: And finally, how long do we have to wait for your next book?
JERRY: I have two more that are finished. So hopefully not long.
LAURIE: That’s great news! And now, here’s the gorgeous cover and back blurb of A Maple Valley Christmas. You can buy it on Amazon.com here: http://a.co/d/1ATRH8L
Love has never been on her Christmas list, though. And who can blame her? After a number of disastrous dates, she realizes that finding the man of her dreams is unattainable for a career-focused woman like herself. But Zach is charming and persistent, and she quickly becomes enamored with not only him but with the small town and its friendly residents. When she discovers a shady clause hidden in the back pages of the contract, she becomes emotionally torn between doing what her boss wants and what she knows is right. Now, she must decide if a shot at true love is worth throwing away the partnership she’s worked so hard for.
Author Bio:
Jerry Todt lives in Central Virginia with his wife and three daughters. A soon-to-be first-
time grandfather to identical twin boys, he is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and has worked in sales most of his life. Jerry fell in love with books at a young age, when his mother would take him to the local college library to check out books over the summer. The stories would transport him to faraway places and foster the desire to write his own books and give the gift back he received so many times as a child. You can check out the latest from him on Twitter (@todtjerry).
