Jodi Thomas, a New York Times Bestselling Author, is also a fifth generation Texan so it is no surprise that Texas, the state where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon, is the setting for the majority of her novels.

Her novels have earned her an impressive list of numerous awards from The National Press Women’s Novel of the Year category award for her first novel, Beneath the Texas Sky (1988) to three RITA awards and an induction into the RWA Hall of Fame in 2006. If that isn’t enough, Jodi is also the Writer in Residence at Texas A&M University where she inspires students to follow in her footsteps. We asked for her take on writing the Western experience. Visit Jodi's website at: www.jodithomas.com

What was the first Western historical novel you remember reading?

My father read western and my mother read Barbara Cartland. I was meant to be a western romance writer. I can’t remember the first but I think it was a book called Yankee Stranger that I found in the library when I was about fifteen.

What do you like about writing Western Romances versus other genres?

I love the great men and the strong women. I see the western man as strong and kind. When I was a kid I used to ride out after the rodeo and give out the prizes. I swear I was in love with everyone one of those cowboys and they always treated me like I was their little sister.

What part of the writing process do you enjoy most when you write—the research? creating the characters? developing the plot? providing the historical context?

I’m always getting lost in history. So I guess the research. I don’t see myself as creating characters. It’s more like I meet them and they tell me their story. I don’t really think a great deal about plot. I just go along with them on their journey.

Your Whispering Mountain Series is about three brothers and a sister who have lived isolated from the world until love comes knocking. What was your inspiration for their unique story?

I was walking through the Hill Country in Texas one day and I saw an old house propped on a small hill. There was a river between it and the road. That got me started. Also I’ve studied the battle at Goliad and always thought it so sad. I think part of me wanted to let the father who died there know that his boys made it to be men.

Tell us about Texas Princess, your latest book in the series, especially about the hero, Tobin McMurray, who surely redefines the standard for the strong, silent type.

Tobin is a product of his past. He was left for dead at six and I think that affected the way he looked at all people. He’s never come close to being in love and doesn’t know how to handle his emotions. I think readers will fall in love with him.

 If you were to choose two actors to play Tobin and Liberty, who would they be and why?

I’m not sure. I see him so clearly in my mind, he doesn’t look like anyone else. He’s Tobin.

Can you tell us a little about your next book in the Whispering Mountain Series?

The next book will be Teagen’s story. He’s the oldest brother and hard as they come. People in town are afraid to speak to him. He did what he had to do when he was twelve to save the ranch and he’s still protecting the ranch twenty years later. Then he runs into a little widow with three tiny girls and for the first time in his life Teagen knows what fear is. Readers will love watching him turn into a Papa. They’ll also enjoy seeing Drum Roak and Sage grow up.

As a fifth generation Texan, what part of your own family’s history informs your stories?

I think it helps to have an understanding of Texas history and the way Texan’s think. Also, coming from a ranching background has helped. I’ve been lucky in my life to know strong wonderful men who believe in doing what is right.

And finally, what are some of your favorite western romances by other authors?

That is a hard questions because I only read between books I’m writing and then I read a book a day while I’m off. I love so many of them. Once when I was up for a RITA, I ran down and bought all the others who made the finals. I thought they were all better than me. I love getting lost in story---mine or someone elses. I feel we have many great writers in the western market and I’d never want to forget one by listing some. Thank you for asking me to answer questions and I wish you all the best in 2008. Happy reading, Jodi Thomas

Thank you, Jodi, for being in our spotlight! 

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