Jodi Artzberger Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I was born and raised in PA. In my early twenties, I moved to CA, then went on to live in Las Vegas for a number of years where I met my husband. We moved to the mountains of Arizona, adopted our boys, and now we live in the Colorado Mountains close to family.

While in Arizona, I was the director of Women’s Ministry for our church. I love studying God’s Word and teaching others how to inductively study as well. Teaching is something I love to do!

I enjoy spending time in my kitchen playing with my latest gadget. My favorite gadget is my Instant Pot.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I was in the eighth grade and I had a friend who loved a certain movie series. I started writing a story with her and the lead character from the series. Our English teacher loved it. He was my editor. I never finished it and I wish I knew where it was today. It would be fun to read and look back on.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I entered a few contests and received some feedback. Some of it was extremely helpful, some not so much. I submitted to one publisher and they rejected the manuscript but asked me to submit again in the future. I finished that manuscript and self-published it after making some recommended changes. As tough as this industry can be, I love it!

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release “Don’t Give Up on Me”?
A: It is a story centered around the Gospel – God’s forgiveness and redemption.

When Cragge Automotive Group’s heiress, Amanda Cragge is left for dead, the only man she’s ever loved finds her. As the threats continue, will she accept help from the man who left her eight years ago without explanation?

When Ryker Scott returns to Otter Bay, he is brought face to face with his past. He thought he could handle coming back but he might have been wrong. As a trained Army Ranger, he’s going to have to use his skills if he wants to keep the only woman he’s ever loved alive.

Will unforgiveness that has left Amanda bitter and alone and hurting, cause her to harden her heart towards Ryker and God?

Will their past become their future or will their futures be destroyed forever?

Redemption changed him. Redemption calls her.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for “Don’t Give Up on Me”?
A: I was sitting in front of my computer one night playing around with different story ideas and it just tumbled out. Nothing too dramatic or exciting but when you’re focused, good things can happen.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: The Gospel is for everyone. No one is out of God’s reach. With His forgiveness, redemption is possible for everyone.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. I love a good story, especially one centered around Christ. I want to share that with others. My prayer is that what I write honors to God.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I am finishing up the second book in my Otter Bay series. Then one of my characters from the Otter Bay series will be getting his own series.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. I enjoy hanging out with my family, studying and going to Bible study, playing with my kitchen gadgets, trying new recipes, fighting the urge to adopt another rescue dog, and lots and lots of reading. I’m a bit of a binge reader.