Join me in welcoming Jen Dodrill today as we talk about her latest release!
Christina: What is your book called?
Jen: Finding Ginny
Christina: When was it released?
Jen: April 7, 2026
Christina: Can you share your blurb with us?
Jen:
A heartwarming multigenerational drama about addiction, forgiveness, and a grandmother’s fight for custody.
Kat Johnson is a widowed elementary school teacher living a quiet life in Virginia Beach—until her estranged daughter returns after eight years, leaves behind a six-year-old granddaughter Kat never knew existed, and disappears.
Ginny is frightened, vulnerable, and desperate for stability. Kat opens her home and her heart, knowing Becky is still battling drug addiction and could come back for Ginny at any time. As summers pass and Ginny keeps returning, their bond grows stronger—but Becky’s relapses grow more dangerous.
When Becky vanishes, and Ginny is taken across state lines, Kat must fight for custody of the child who has become her world. Facing a failing heart, a painful family history, and impossible legal odds, Kat turns to her faith, her friends, and a strength she never knew she had.
In a battle between addiction and love, only one can win.
Christina: What inspired you to write this book?
Jen: As someone who loves an addict, I wanted to share my experiences, strength, and hope, but in a fiction format. This story, Finding Ginny, isn’t about me. It’s a conglomeration of the experience of loving an addict, if that makes sense.
Christina: Totally! Many of our fiction stories come from our experiences, don’t they?
What’s your favorite part of your writing process?
Jen: Editing! Sitting down to write can be painful! But I love to edit.
Christina: Can you share any challenges you faced during the research or writing process?
Jen: Finding Ginny was an emotionally intense book to write. I still cry when I read it. It touches on some deep hurts, but also deep truths, especially that there is hope for the families and friends of addicts.
Christina: How do you develop your characters? Do they come to you fully formed, or do they reveal themselves as you write?
Jen: They develop as I write. There is probably a lot of me in Kat, the main character, as far as how she processes things. But she is also different from me, and her experiences are very different.
Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to budding creatives, what would it be?
Jen: Find other writers! Budding, experienced, and those in between – make friends and learn. Only one piece of advice?? 😉
Christina: Jen, that is so true! We need other authors in our lives to encourage us!
Can you describe your writing routine?
Jen: I don’t have a set routine, like time of day or how long I write each day. Right now, I’m working on another women’s fiction and plan to be finished at the end of July, so it’s more nose-to-the-grindstone time.
Christina: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Jen: The knowledge that there is hope in life. We’re not alone and not intended to do life alone.
Christina: What has been the most rewarding part of your publishing journey?
Jen: The friendships! I love my writing community!
Christina: Now, for some fun questions! Name something quirky in your workspace. Can you give a little backstory about said item?
Jen: My workspace is filled with stuff – stuffed animals, mugs, papers, folders, and then the walls are covered in pictures of all kinds. I’m thankful to have a study in our house that I can make all mine!
Christina: What is your favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?
Jen: Coffee! Is that a snack?
Christina: Yes, I believe it is!
Tell us, what book are you reading right now?
Jen: I read very fast, but lately I’ve been reading Steven James ’ Travis Brock series. Very good!
Christina: Oh, nice.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Jen: Oh boy, could I ask several?? I’d love to have time to talk to Stephen King, Greg Iles, and James Patterson. They’re not Christian authors, but they are very experienced, and I’m sure full of tons of stories. So, I’d like a round table with four chairs, please.
Christina: Wow, that would be a fantastic table to sit at!
Okay, you’ve just won free tickets to anywhere in the world! Where are you going? And who are you taking?
Jen: Ireland and Scotland! My mom and my daughters!
Christina: What upcoming writing projects are you working on?
Jen: My next women’s fiction, Her First Goodbye, is set to release Feb. 2, 2027!
Christina: Wonderful! Since every writer gets asked this question, are you a Plotter or Pantser?
Jen: Pantser for sure. I’ve tried plotting. I want to be a plotter. It doesn’t work for me!
Christina: What are you looking forward to over the next few months?
Jen: I love summer and the chance to spend more time with my grandkids. Our pool will be open soon!
Christina: How fun! Enjoy your summer, and thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me!
Jen Dodrill brings inspiration and hope to life through the pages of her books, telling heartfelt stories that shine in both good and challenging times. A mother of five and a proud grandma, she writes cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction—fueled by her love of reading and all things coffee.
Learn more at jendodrillwrites.com
Connect with Jen on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @jendodrillwrites.
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jen-Dodrill/author/B0CSDW3CHR
Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest: @jendodrillwrites
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47887511.Jen_Dodrill
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-dodrill
Thanks for having me on your blog, Christina!