I’ve been spending a lot (maybe too much!) time with fictional characters lately. I wonder what they are doing while I’m at work. I hope I have their nuances right and that they’re likeable. If you hang out on my Facebook page, you know I’ve been asking some strange writing questions about cats and restaurants lately. And that I recently went on a research expedition day. 🙂 And I’m happy to say I can FINALLY tell you why. I just signed a contract with Love Inspired for a three book series. They will be set in Colorado at a guest ranch and feature three siblings who run the place.
Including the final book in my Texas series that will be out next year, that’s four books total coming your way. I can’t wait for you all to meet these characters! They’re wounded and snarky and wonderful, and I hope you fall for them as quickly as I have.
I had the privilege of visiting Lost Valley Ranch to help with my research. I drove about 9 miles on a dusty, very secluded dirt road. The kind that curves through the mountains, and you have to pull over to let another car through. Eek! After I reached the edge of the side that drops off, I realized the person on the inside of the road should be pulling over, not me! Just a little advice in case you ever make the drive. 😉 My fictional Wilder Ranch isn’t quite so remote.
I stopped to take a selfie along the way when I was in the middle of nowhere.
With no cell phone reception and no one about, I sure did wonder what would happen if I got a flat tire. I may need a refresher course on how to change one! It’s been a decade or two since I had that lesson. Needless to say, it would have been a long walk. Thankfully my writer’s imagination DID NOT come true, and I reached the ranch just fine.
This was my fabulous tour guide. I can’t thank Lost Valley Ranch enough for letting me come and play for an afternoon!
Look at this gorgeous view!
More research pics and info will be popping up on my Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages, so come visit.
Thanks for hanging out with me over the years—I’m so thankful for you all and that I get to write these stories. Writing about God and grace makes my heart sing.
Hope you all are surviving the end of the school year! You know I’m limping along to the finish line. 🙂
As many of you know, I’ve been blogging over at MundaneFaithfulness.com. (That’s why I’ve been less present over here.) You can find my latest blogs here if you’re interested in catching up: MundaneFaithfulness.com
XO
Jill
Comments 9
How exciting! I’ll look forward to these books coming out. I’m so proud to know you!
Sounds great. Congratulations!
This news makes MY heart sing!! I can’t WAIT for these!! Thank you for sharing your imagination and characters with you–you are so good at inventing people, and I can’t wait to make new friends in this series. <3
I was waiting for your next book, but 4…..WOW…anxious to find out what new characters, situations, etc, will hold???
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read all your books that will be coming out!
I love Lost Valley Ranch. Have never been a guest, but our son worked there one summer and we got the privilege of experiencing a bit of it.
Your books are perfect summer reads. I can’t wait!
This news calls for ice cream.
😉
Congrats, Jill!
I am so excited to hear the wonderful news of your new books coming out. Your books are so great!
I was blessed to go on a retreat there once. The young lady I took gave her life to Christ by the fireplace late one night. I tear up when I think of Lost Valley Ranch.