Author event and giveaway: Joshilyn Jackson
I had the pleasure of meeting Joshilyn Jackson at a recent event at Malaprop’s Bookstore and let me tell you, she is a delight! Joshilyn originally hails from the panhandle of Florida, but lived in Chicago for a while after college. When she “fetched up pregnant,” she told her husband she needed to be closer to her mama, so they returned to the South, and now call Georgia home.
Joshilyn said she enjoyed her time in Chicago and feels that it improved her ability to write about the South because it gave her a “narrative distance” – seeing the South from a distance gave her a better feel for its qualities. Joshilyn and her husband feel that it’s very important to raise their children (they’re 13 and 8, and both like to write) with an awareness of the world, so they searched for a culturally diverse neighborhood, and happily, they were able to find one.
With a background in theater, Joshilyn has written many plays, but she says she gives far too many stage directions and is better at writing novels, so, luckily for us, she has decided to stick with books! She gets together with several friends to write – they each set goals and then go to their own little corner to work and can’t come out until their goals are met. No one wants to be the last one done! It takes Joshilyn 18 months to 2 years to complete a book, and believe me, they are well worth the wait!
The characters in Joshilyn’s books may not always be likable, but they sure are interesting! She says she’s interested in identity, redemption and what makes us who we are – she wonders how far we can go. Here’s a short video of her talking about her newest book, Backseat Saints:
Since Backseat Saints is a companion piece to Gods in Alabama, I had Joshilyn autograph one of each book to give away. She signs each of her books differently and these two are signed with different color inks. To enter to win an autographed copy of GODS IN ALABAMA and BACKSEAT SAINTS by Joshilyn Jackson, simply leave a comment on this post. Contest is open worldwide. I will use random.org to determine the winner. Contest ends at midnight EST Saturday, June 26, 201o. Winners will be announced on Sunday, June 27, 2010.
Her books sound pretty interesting though it characters are likable.I would like to give it a try ;p
I would like to enter this giveaway!
darlyn225 at gmail dot com
thanks!
oh, I would love a chance to win!
Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Pick me! Pick me! I’d love to win these books. She made the new book sound so interesting and good.
You are so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet her. I love her books. I can’t believe I haven’t read GODS IN ALABAMA, especially considering how much I’ve enjoyed her other novels.
Sounds like such a good read – definitely enter me in the giveaway! And I think its so cool that you got to meet Joshilyn Jackson – wow!
I haven’t read either of these books and would love to win them. Please enter me for the giveaway.
Thanks
Arch
How exciting! After seeing reviews of Backseat Saints I really want to read it, so thank you for doing this giveaway! I would love to be entered
I always enjoy finding new authors and wonderful new books. Thanks for the introduction. Wishing Joshilyn much success.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
What an interesting sounding person! I would love the chance to win these book and give her work a try, so please do enter me in your great giveaway!!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
Thanks!!
I haven’t read anything by Jackson yet so I would love a chance to win these books. Thanks for hosting the contest Kathy!
I haven’t read either one but would love the chance!
please enter me.
melmccurdyATsbcglobalDOTnet
I had no idea Backseat Saints is a companion piece to Gods In Alabama! Don’t include me in the giveaway, my book arrived yesterday
There is nothing like hearing an author describe her book. Wow! This sounds like a great plot. Can’t imagine what will happen to this woman. Does she end up killing her husband because of another party tells her about the threat? Well, gun is in hand doesn’t mean a shot will go off, I don’t think. Would love to read it.
Ooh, I’ve been wanting to read her work for years now. I’d love to win this great giveaway! Thanks for sharing her visit with us, as well!
Throw my name in the hat, please. Great giveaway!
Thanks for the intro to this new author.
I have yet to read anything by her, although all I hear about her books is positive.
carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com
I would love the chance to win signed copies of these books. Thank you for the chance, Kathy!
I would love to win Backseat Saints. I have read most of her other books and loved them.
I have Backseat Saints on my wish list, I love Joshilyn Jackson’s books.
I appreciate the chance to win, thank you.
Count me in! I haven’t read either book by this author (yet!).
I would love to win! Great contest… as usual!
amusedbybooks@gmail.com
Hey Kathy, count me in. Both books sound great.
bookventuresbookclub AT gmail DOT com
I would love to enter! Thanks.
Kathy, you introduce me to so many new authors! Please enter me in this giveaway–thanks!
suko95(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved, loved, loved Gods in Alabama, but because I listened to it I don’t have a copy of the book. I have been wanting to read Backseat Saints for a while now, so Yes! Please enter me in the drawing.
Jackson sounds very personable. You are so lucky to have attended the event!
Thanks for the chance to meet her here. You were lucky. Hope I might be too. sdeeth at msn dot com
I haven’t read either of these books but they do sound interesting. I’d love to win them. Thanks for the giveaway.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
It’s terrific that you had a chance to meet Joshilyn Jackson! I’m also happy to hear you really enjoy her books. I am anxious to read them! Please enter me in your awesome giveaway! You and Joshilyn are so generous, Kathy!
Thank you!
~ Amy
Aimala127@gmail.com
would love to read these novels….thanks for the chance
I loved The Girl Who Stopped Swimming so please enter me. Thanks!
Oh I dearly loved my library copy of Gods, and would love to have my own autographed one in addition to the new one. HEAVEN–great interview BTW.
no need to enter me — just letting you know this was posted at win a book!
http://winabook.westofmars.com/2010/06/11/backseats-saints-gods-of-alabama-by-joshilyn-jackson-autographed/
Amazing giveaway!:) I’d love to take part in the contest.
k_anon@hotmail.co.uk
I LOVE her!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
I’d love to read these two books. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
I’m in! Thanks in advance,
JHS
Colloquium
jhsmail at comcast dot net
thanks for the chance – these sound wonderful
Thanks to you, she has been on my wish list for awhile, so please enter me. You’ve written a wonderful bio for her, Kathy!
Lucky you to meet the author! Please enter me – Susan
I love to win and read either one of these stories. Thanks for the offer.
Open to all. Lovely words to hear!!! Please count me in for this giveaway. Thank you for hosting.
I do love Joshilyn Jackson and would love these signed books. (Oh, and maybe I should meet you at Malaprop’s sometime when they have a cool author there–it’s 2+ hours away from me).
whitreidsmama at yahoo dot com
Great giveaway!
Please count me in. Thanks.
avalonne83 [at] yahoo[dot] it
Yikes! What a unique plot she has for Backseat Saints. Jackson’s books are now on my TBR list.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
I would love to win this giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
What a unique approach to writing. I’ve never heard of anyone who writes with a group–well, at least not anyone who is already a successful author.
I really enjoyed Gods in Alabama. I am excited to read Backseat Saints.
Thank you!
I’d like to be included!
I would love to read both of these books! Please enter me. Thank you!
I would love to win this contest. I hope this isn’t a repeat post.
Both books sound wonderful. Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Great giveaway! I’d love a chance to read Jackson’s work.
baileythebookworm[at]gmail[dot]com
Lovely! Count me in.
kzupancic[at]yahoo[dot]com
Please enter me in this awesome contest! I love her books.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
This book store sounds lovely, the more I hear about it and the great events…I hope we can meet up and maybe attend the event on July 12th…it would be so nice to get together. Thanks for the giveaway!
Courtney
Her books sound amazing and I love the name Joshilyn
Wow another contest and the book sounds super great too. Thanks for doing this. Woo hoo!
I am in Arkansas, USA!
Cheers,
Ardee-ann
sagemoon_cottage at yahoo dot com
Joshilyn sounds delightful and I would love to read her book
Please enter me! I have heard great things about these books!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com
These sound good. Count me in, please! :0)
Thanks!
Please enter me! Thanks
I’d love a chance into this giveaway thanks!
unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com
yet again it sounds like she has created another good read. count me in on the giveaway.
I love all the personal tidbits in your interview/post with Joshilyn – “fetched up pregnant” is a new-to-me expression
I haven’t read any of her books, and, yes, I’d love to be entered into this giveaway. Thanks!
dawn [at] sheIsTooFondOfBooks [dot] com
Sounds like an author I definitely should read. Thanks for the giveaway.
–Anna
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
Pick me pick me! As I just said, I’ve read gods in Alabama, but don’t own it, and would love to read Saints!
Oh, I would love to win these! I’ve read one of her books and thought it was fantastic. Please enter me!
Carey
thetometraveller (at) yahoo *dot* com
I’ve had my eye on Backseat Saints for a while now! I would love for the chance to win. Thank you for being so generous!
jmchshannon (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to win these books. They are both on my summer reading list.
Please enter me in this giveaway!
I’d love to win one of her books. I’ve only read one of her books so far, but love her writing style. BIG FAN.
Happy summer, Kathy!
Would love to read these books. Count me in! Thanks so much!
I have not read either of these books, but they are both on my “to read” list. I would love to win them!! Please enter me. Thanks!
lovemykidsandbooks AT gmail DOT com
My book club would love this!
Please enter me.
Thanks, ruthiekb72@yahoo.com
I would love a shot at this! Thank you for the opportunity!
What a great post. I liked how being in Chicago gave her a different perspective on the south and how she is a playwrite and author (I am a huge theatre fan) finally unlikeable characters can at times be the best of characters. It also helps that these are two books I have been wanting to read quite badly despite my overflowing bookshelves (I love that her shelves are similar to mine).
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
I want to participate and hope to win! Thank you so much for hosting this, Kathy. It’s a great giveaway and I hope to win it for my American Journey reading challenge.
teh.alice@gmail.com
Thank you again!
I’ve heard really good things about “Backseat Saints.” I’d love to add these books to my summer reading stack!
Sound like you had a lovely chat with Ms. Jackson – and you’re offering a great way to get to know Jackson’s work. Thanks for the chance!
I’ve heard nothing but good about “Backseat Saints”, so even if that were the only book in the giveaway, I’d want to win it!
knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com
Both books sound just wonderful. I would love to read them. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to read these books.
‘
Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
Debbie
I’d love a chance to read these books (and I love that this is open internationally).
I’d love an opportunity to read both of these books. Thanks so much for sharing them with your readers Kathy!