I'm happy to allow Jodi Linton to take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Jodi writes the Southwest Exposure Mystery series. The Wilderness Trap is the fifth book in the series and was released last month.
By Jodi Linton
When I was trying to think about something to write for a guest blog post, I hit major writer’s block. Mostly, I found myself at a loss for words because I’m juggling so many balls in the air right now from work, school, and writing books. Don’t get me wrong, I love all three, but something your brain screams no more words. And that’s where I was until today when Lori, who put my blog tour together, emailed me with a list of ideas to write about. She mentioned that I should talk about my work and school, and I found the topic somewhat interesting. Not sure if you will, but I’m writing about it anyways. So read or scroll by, because either way you’re going to find out an awful lot about teaching writing classes and earning an emergency teacher’s certification.
I sometimes think when I’m writing my books do readers think authors sit 24/7 at a desk and write all the words. Are authors always talking to their characters? Are authors outlining book plots on cocktail napkins? Some might be. Me? Nope. I barely have enough time in the day to eat lunch, let alone create story plots. Most my writing happens at night after gym class, dinner, and schoolwork. Yes. You heard that right. I’m in school. Again. And at forty-something. Let me tell you—going back to college for a second degree while working fulltime is exhausting. However, I’m done in June and counting down the days until I can say, “School is out for the summer.” And I might celebrate with a cupcake.
You may be asking yourself how I came to going back to school. Well, I moved to a state with a major teacher shortage. Honestly, there’s a teacher shortage everywhere, but my state is bad. They offered emergency certification to professionals with degrees to teach a subject in a field they have work experience in. Naturally, I was hired as a writing teacher. So, all day I teach fourth graders how to write, format papers, and work on their handwriting skills. I give weekly spelling tests and grammar lessons. It’s been a different challenge, but a fun one. I can happily say my fourth graders can put together a typed, five-paragraph research paper without breaking much of a sweat. And through teaching writing classes to elementary students, I found an academic outlet I was missing by writing fulltime.
Now at night, until I graduate in June, my fingers fly across the keyboard typing up schoolwork and drafting manuscripts, and I wouldn’t have any other way.
I hope you found learning about my day somewhat interesting. If not, I guarantee Andie Sullivan’s job in The Wilderness Trap is more exciting. She solves crimes alongside you.
About The Wilderness Trap
Cozy Mystery 5th in Series
Setting - Bushwhack, New Mexico
Independently Published (February 28, 2024)
Print length: 164 pages
Explore nature, where the outdoors are wild, the tourists are clueless, and murder is the new adventure.
Andie Sullivan never thought her old nemesis would be running the elementary school career day. She was supposed to be discussing the wonders of nature, but when questions arise about her crime-solving side gig, some of the locals aren't impressed.
But when career day turns into an actual murder, Andie finds herself on the case. And to make matters worse, the victim is her old nemesis. With the help of her hunky boyfriend, Sheriff Zac Mars, Andie dives into the investigation, determined to find the killer before they strike again.
Can she juggle her thriving outdoor business, her budding relationship with Zac, and find an elusive killer? Or will her pursuit of the truth lead her straight into the crosshairs of a ruthless killer.
About Jodi Linton
USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Linton pens funny romances, whodunnits, and thrillers. She is the author of the Southwest Exposure Cozy Mystery Series, The Deputy Laney Briggs Series, and several standalone romances. She lives in the city with her husband and two teens. When she isn't writing her next page-turner, she teaches and hikes.
Website: jodilintonbooks.com
Sounds like a great read.
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