Update: This giveaway has ended! Thanks!
As many of you know, I really enjoyed The Laws of Harmony by Judi Hendricks [review]. I loved the setting, the characters seemed very genuine to me and I was so happy to participate in Book Club Girl’s Blog Talk Radio show with Judi. If you happened to miss it, you can hear it here.
Since I panicked a bit over not getting the book I actually ended up with two copies. Along with the two copies were two, beautiful pashminas (shawls) to go along with them! I asked Book Club Girl if she wanted me to send the extra set back but instead, she suggested a giveaway and a Q&A with Judi!
Book Chatter and Other Stuff is pleased to welcome Judi Hendricks. Welcome Judi! Thank you for taking the time to answer some of my questions.
BCAOS: I felt that the structure of the novel really helped define the direction that the story was going in. It reminded me very much of a play, in that it was written in three parts or “acts” so to speak. When you began work on the novel, did you know up-front that it would be written in three parts? Or did that sort of happen as you the story developed?
JH:I tend to write in scenes and not necessarily in chronological (or any other) order. After I’ve written what I think might qualify as a first draft, I spread all the scenes out on the dining room table and start moving them around to figure out the order of events and what transitions I need. With The Laws of Harmony, I didn’t know how the story would eventually play out, and even what I thought I knew ended up changing drastically. So the structure had to evolve organically, along with the story. When I looked at what I had, it seemed to fall naturally into three roughly equal sections, with Part One being the set up, Part Two where Sunny takes action to change her life, and Part Three where her life does, in fact, change—but not exactly in the way she had envisioned.
JH: When I think of a story, I almost always see it happening in a particular location. To me, setting informs the story and the characters in so many ways, both obvious and subtle. New Mexico is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s beautiful, but it can be harsh. At the beginning of the book, Sunny isn’t strong enough to survive there. I love your image of her “blossoming” in the Pacific Northwest. I think of that sort of climate as being fertile. Gloomy, yes, but it almost suggests the darkness of the womb. Clearly this is an atmosphere where growth and change are not only possible but inevitable.
BCAOS: I’d like to know about your experience with motorcycles. Do you ride? I really enjoyed the part where Sunny is learning how to ride a motorcycle from Piggy. There was just enough description to really get a feel for the bike that she was riding and it provided another side to Piggy. I don’t ride but I had a lot of fun reading that section.
JH: Learning to ride a motorcycle was a way of allowing Sunny to learn independence, to find out just what she was capable of. It gave her a different way to relate to Piggy, who’s one of my favorite characters in the book. And it was also a good excuse for me to take a motorcycle riding class. I don’t own a bike, but it was definitely the most fun part of the research.
BCAOS: The actual “laws” of Harmony are mentioned throughout the second and third parts of the book. Where did you get the inspiration for them? I found them to be quite charming.
JH: The book’s title just came to me in a moment of inspiration when I was somewhere in the middle of the second draft. I didn’t know why it had suddenly appeared, but I usually take those kinds of flashes seriously. I decided that if The Laws of Harmony was supposed to be the title, there must be a good reason, and I should figure out exactly what it meant. After mulling it over for a few weeks, I decided that it had to do with Sunny’s search for structure, a framework around which to construct her life—something that was lacking in her commune childhood and also in her somewhat haphazard existence in Albuquerque. She finds her answers—her “guiding principles” in Harmony.
BCAOS: I was discussing the book with another book blogger and we wanted to know how you interpret the cover of the book. I love the cover. The colors are cool but also warm, very much like the New Mexico/Pacific Northwest location but it occurred to me that the woman depicted on the cover may not be Sunny at all, but perhaps Gwen. As this is a book about strong women, I thought that perhaps this could be a possibility. What are your thoughts?
JH: I love the cover, too! It’s kind of mysterious and yet the colors are so inviting. I can say that without bragging, because I had nothing to do with it. I don’t know what the designer had in mind when she came up with the art, but to me, it’s Sunny. And the beautiful pashmina/shawl she’s wearing suggests the old afghan that belonged to her mother Gwen. It’s symbolic of the past, the memories and the somewhat problematic relationships that Sunny eventually learns to embrace.
BCAOS: For my last question, I’d like to know what you are working on now. Is there a sequel in the works?
JH: I’m currently working on the third book in the Bread Alone series. It’s been intriguing to revisit those characters after so many years, and I find myself surprised at what’s been going on in their lives. As for a sequel to The Laws of Harmony, it’s hard to see beyond the next book, but I admit the idea is appealing to me. I love writing about mothers and daughters, and I think there’s still a lot to discover about Gwen and Sunny and Willa.
Judi, thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate the time it took to answer my questions so thoroughly. By the way, I am going to have to read Bread Alone now that you’ve mentioned it!
If you’d like to learn more about Judi Hendricks and her work, click here to visit her website.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Courtesy of Book Club Girl and Harper Collins I have one paperback copy of The Laws of Harmony as well as a pashmina (shawl) to go along with it! You can wrap it around your shoulders while you read the book! I didn’t want to take it out of the package so forgive the pic. It’s beige with fringe!
This giveaway will run until Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8pm (PDT). The winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday, April 27, 2009. I will contact the winner for his/her mailing address so be sure to include a way for me to contact you. Good luck!!!
Book Chatter 
Please don’t include my name in the drawing (since I already have the book and enjoyed it too). I just wanted to compliment you on an interview well done!! I hope you don’t mind but I’ll probably link to your interview when I post about The Laws of Harmony at the end of May.
Stephanie, thank you! I would love for you to link to me!
Loved how the title just popped into her head, it’s always fun to read about how authors write and where they get their inspiration from. Good interview, sounds like a good read:)
No need to include me. Just posted about this on Win A Book.
I loved that she took up motorcycle riding as part of the research for the book — that’s very neat!
marielay@gmail.com
Great interview! What I found most intetesting was how she puts the story together; first by writing the scenes, then putting them in order and filling in. Very interesting technique. I would LOVE to win this book. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Such an interesting interview…I love the part about Sunny “blossoming.” I feel that way about where I live; so different than my previous location. I was going to go out and buy this book; thought it “might” be a sign when I came upon this giveaway. Please enter my name. Thank you.
cyeates AT nycap DOT rr DOT com
I like how she talks about writing in scenes instead of in order. I might try that with some pieces I’m working on. I’d love to read this book
jaymewhitson@gmail.com
Tweet tweet! Reposted on my twitter.
jaymewhitson@gmail.com
That’s cool how the title just popped in her head. I have trouble naming things.
Good interview!
jaam121388 at yahoo dot com
Re the interview, I thought it was a riot how she took motorcycle lessons as research!
Good interview!
Please enter me!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
Don’t enter me – I have the book. I loved the interview. It was interesting that the author took a motorcycle riding class a research!
Great interview, Ti! No need to enter me in your contest, I already have the book.
I thought it was very interesting and cool that she put so much thought into her settings and that the setting of the story really drives the plot. It is interesting that she says that Gwen is not strong enough to survive in the harsh climate of New Mexico – I have visited Santa Fe and thought it was absolutely gorgeous and I felt so free there. I did not think of it as harsh at all!
Please enter me 🙂
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I thought the image of all the scenes scattered around the kitchen table while she figured out what order to put them in was really interesting. I would have never thought of putting together a book that way.
Iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com
This is a great interview. I like that you asked such detailed questions, particularly your discussion of the structure and comparing it to theater.
i thought that the message that the cover portrays is wonderful thanks for the giveaway
I love your question and her answer about the motorcycle! That just sounds like fun. Great interview Ti! I would love to win a copy of this book.
joannelong74@gmail.com
I loved hearing about how she tied personal experiences (like the motorcycle driving) to the book! Great Q&A!
I sent a Tweet here:
http://twitter.com/easagredo/status/1528791587
I loved reading in your interview the plot development from the author’s point of view!!
thanks
baggypants
What a great giveaway, Ti! I am drooling over the shawl, but I already have a copy of the book, so please don't enter me. I am on Judi's upcoming tour in May. I can't wait to read it after your review and this wonderful Q&A! I feel like you have asked the questions I would want to ask.
What a treat to help me make it through the rest of the week. 🙂
Fascinating! I’ve lived in two places (Michigan and Pennsylvania) that would be considered lush and green– and two (central CA and CO) that are more dry and brown. I would love to read this book to see how much of it I can relate to!
Ti…Great interview with well thought questions.
Her answers to two of your questions were particularly interesting. Especially since I haven’t read the book. It sounds really great.
When she said she spreads the scenes out on her table and then puts them in order, that was fascinating.
I also liked your question about the motorcycle and her answer that she had an excuse to take a motorcycle driving class. That takes nerve.
Thanks for the great job and giveaway.
Wisteria
tekeygirl at gmail dot com
I love the way she thought of the title. I just am not creative enough to come up with titles like that. Oy.
danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com
I am so excited to hear about the book she is currently working on. I would love to a sequel to this book too! Very talented author!!
bsyb100 at gmail dot com
GREAT Q&A! You really put a lot of thought into the questions. I enjoyed learning a little more about this book and Judi Hendricks. Well done!! 🙂
I really dig how she said the title just popped into her head, I can’t think of titles to save my life.
thanks for entering me,
jakewoodworth(AT)gmail.com
I enjoyed reading about taking a motorcycle class. That sounds like a lot of fun (if I weren’t such a chicken).
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I find the search for structure really interesting! And I also have a need for structure and rules. So I like the idea of the principles.
Don't enter me! I've read it…and loved it.
Great Q&A! I'm always amazed by how fluid the writing process is for so many authors. For some reason I always think they'll say, "I start with an outline and I stick to it." Goes to show what I know! And I'm excited to hear about a third Bread Alone Book. Yay!
Again, fantastic interview Ti!
I like reading about how she selected the location of her book. I never really thought about how important that can be to the story.
hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com
Excellent interview! I’m always interested in the location of a book and I like her answer how the location can form the characters. That really makes sense. Her books sounds wonderful!
Please enter me in the drawing.
florida982002[at]yahoo.com
I love to learn about what authors are thinking about when they write a book, and I love Judi thinks of books happening in specific locations when she is writing. Wonderful Q&A!
Oh, I have this book, and can’t wait to read it!! I love that shawl 🙂 Don’t enter me though. I just wanted to come harass you to join the read-a-thon!! Oh, you would really have so much fun, you have to join in. And yes, I used my mac and your kids could surely set it up for you easily, for your vlog.
I love interviews with tidbits on the author’s writing process. I think it’s fascinating. Please enter me. Sararush at hotmail dot com
Great interview! Don’t enter me, since I’ve read this, but am excited to be hosting Judi myself in May. yeah!
HI.. I came to read the interview..and got caught up in your review. The interview was just as intriguing. I like the part about comparing the Pacific Northwest to the womb. Fantastic. I think the riding motorcycle part is cool.. (I am to scardy pants for that). I am off now to tweet about it. 🙂
Okay I tweeted and it should update to my Facebook… 🙂
What a thoughtful interview Ti! Not being an author or anything, I found her process for structuring and connecting her book together quite interesting and possible unique?
Now I really want to read the book even more and want to be entered in your giveaway & bonus.
Since I am staying far,far away from twitter, can I get extra entries the old fashioned way by blogging about it. 😉
Well done!
*smiles*
Kim
The idea of writing in scenes rather then chronological order is interesting and what I imagine writing a screenplay is more about..good interview.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I love the way the title just came to her and how she wove it into the fabric of the story. sharonaquilino(at)hotmail(dot)com
I loved that she took up motorcycle riding as part of the research for the book!! i would be too scared to do that for research! i would just imagine it!
Fun interview! I am fascinated by an author’s writing process so I loved that you asked that question. I also thought Judi’s taking riding lessons for research was fun.
waitmantwillie at hotmail dot com
I just tweeted about this giveaway on tweetdeck.
waitmantwillie at homtail dot com
I would love to win this book! What I liked most about the Q&A was that Hendricks talked about the cover of the book. People often ignore the meaning of the cover in interviews. I guess the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" is true, but covers are still important!
lostinparadise_04 at hotmail dot com
I would love to win! My favorite part of the interview was how Judi described how she write a book. How she writes in scenes and then peices them together. Soundly like a book jigsaw puzzle.
I blogged about your giveaway here:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/04/giveaways-galore_18.html
teddyr66 at yahoo dot com
I love what you two say about her blossoming in Harmony. I lived in the NW for four years, and during that time I, too, “blossomed”. I think that area really fosters self-discovery and spiritual growth. I loved that area!
Motorcycle lessons sound really fun!!
I’m 52. I hope to fully blossom when I retire.
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/sumrthyme/status/1557494097
A fascinating interview which gave me a great deal of insight into the author and her writing. It was intersting to learn about her focus on the locale. This is an important part of the story.
Thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds wonderful! As an aging hippie whose life has certainly changed…
teabird 17 at yahoo dot com
Oh I so want to read this book! Great interview; I loved the fact that you didn’t give anything away about the story (which sometimes happens in interviews). My favourite part was hearing about how she put the novel together — how the structure evolved organically, as she put it. Although maybe the bit about the laws is my favourite part! It didn’t occur to me that there would be actual “laws” in the book; now I’m intrigued as to what they might be! (I will definitely be buying this book eventually, if I don’t manage to win a copy!)
I wonder how many of us have a guiding princilple like Sunny does with Harmony. Needing something like that in our lives I think is really important. Don’t think mine is Harmony though but right now I am not sure exactly what it is. Maybe if I get a chance to win The Laws of Harmony I could dwell on those thoughts and come up with one of my own.
roylsue(at)telpage(dot)net
I actually found it pretty fascinating that the settings have such a great impact on the story. That’s kinda cool.
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/quelleheure4/statuses/1599174674
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com
I was interested to hear that she is currently working on more books in the bread series. Yay!
I liked that the author admitted she had no idea what the cover artist was thinking but gave what it meant to her anyway – nice and honest.
I love that the Q & A delved into everything from plot to characterization and wasn't the 'usual' questions. Thanks!
Yay, the book and the pashmina came today, how fun to get something in the mail that you didn’t have to pay for! Can’t wait to start reading the book too:) Thanks so much Ti!!!!!!!!!