Jen Dodrill Writes

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  • Blog
    • For Readers
      • Bookish Things That Every Reader Will Love
      • Everything Cozy Mysteries
        • What is a Cozy Mystery?
        • 10 Must-Read Cozy Mystery Series for Every Mystery Lover
        • Exploring Cozy Mystery Themes: Diving into Comforting Crime
        • Cozy Mysteries with a Unique Twist: 5 Unconventional Series to Add to Your Reading List
        • Why Cozy Mysteries Are Perfect for Fall Reading
      • Monthly-themed Reading Lists
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Cozy Mystery Book Recommendations
        • Clean fall reads you’ll love (no spice, just cozy vibes)
        • Monthly themed reading list: Clean Women’s Fiction
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Clean Historical Fiction Book Recommendations
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Clean & Christian Action Novels
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Fantasy Book Recommendations
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Romance
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Science Fiction
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Nonfiction
      • Book Reviews
        • Book Review: Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans
        • Book Review: Shield of the King by MB Mooney
        • Book Review: Cake That! by Heather Greer
        • Book Review: Exercise is Murder by Bruce Hammack
      • Favorite Book Quotes
      • Candy & Books – A Perfect Pairing for Your Sweet Tooth and Bookish Soul
      • Summer
        • Summer Reading Challenges: Which One Should You Try?
    • For Writers
      • Resource library
      • Writing prompts & exercises
        • Back-to-School Mystery Writing Prompts
        • Mystery-Themed Writing Exercises for Summer
        • Summer-Themed Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts
        • Creative Exercises to Spark Inspiration and Improve Your Writing
        • 10 Writing Prompts for Cozy Mystery Lovers
      • How-tos
        • How to Serve Others as a Writer
        • Writing a Holiday Story: Creating Fiction That Captures the Spirit of the Season
        • Unpacking Backstory: How to Seamlessly Integrate It into Your Novel
        • Creating a one-sheet on Canva for your novel
        • Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board: Inspiration and Insight for Your Creative Journey
        • Designing Your Book Cover Using Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide
        • Creating the Perfect Setting: The Heartbeat of Your Story
        • Crafting Unforgettable Characters: A Guide for Authors
        • Defining your genre and audience as a writer
        • Mastering Success: A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers
        • How to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet
        • How to hook your reader
        • How to prep for writing conferences
        • How to Prep for NaNoWriMo
      • Tips
        • Branding with Shannon Leach
        • From Hook to Inciting Incident – What Fiction Writers Need to Know
        • 10 Essential Ingredients of a media kit
        • Why you should enter writing contests
        • Plot Points and Pinch Points: Understanding Their Role in Fiction Writing
        • Finding Inspiration: Ways to Fuel Your Novel Writing Journey
        • Crafting Compelling Character Arcs: The Heart of Fiction Writing
        • Critique groups: how & why they help writers
        • How do you pick your writing genre?
        • Obstacles to writing (aka writer’s block)
        • Top 10 Books Writers Need
        • Writing about conflict: tips to incorporate it in your novel
        • Writing conferences – why you should go!
      • Information
        • Sleuthing in the Sun: 8 Ways to Find Mystery Writing Ideas This Summer
        • The Power of Guest Posting for Writers
        • Top 10 Writing Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
        • Mastering Punctuation in Fiction: How to Use It to Shape Tone and Style
        • Essential Types of Editing Every Novel Needs
        • The Art of Judging Book Covers
        • Diving into Themes: A Fun Guide for Authors and Readers
        • How to choose your premise and concept when writing your novel
        • Are you a plotter or pantser?
        • Different types of point of view (POV)
        • Writing terms writers need to know
        • What drives your story – character or plot?
        • World-building – why every author must use it in their novels
        • What do you do when nano is over?
        • Authors should be speakers
        • Embracing Gratitude in My Journey as a Writer
    • Author Interviews
      • Meet author Dawn Ford
      • Meet author Yvonne Morgan
      • Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong
      • Meet author Maryruth Dilling
      • Meet author Pam Kumpe
      • Meet author, editor, & social media content creator, Shaen Layle
      • Meet author Sofia Simpson
      • Meet author David Johnson
      • Meet author Luke Seibert
      • Meet author Teresa Wells
      • Waitin’ on Paige by Mary Pat Johns
      • Meet author Jann Franklin
      • Meet author Sharon Carpenter
      • Meet author Deborah Sprinkle
      • Author Kim Banet & Just Another Dream
      • Meet author Shannon Dunlap
      • Author Jenny Carlisle and her Writing Process
      • Meet author Susan Lawrence
      • Meet author Terri Wangard
      • Meet author Elaine Cooper
      • Meet author Beth Westcott
      • Meet author Bruce Hammack
      • Meet author Jennifer Burrows
      • Author Mike Ehret and Beyond December
      • Meet author Linda Dindzans
      • Hope T. Dougherty and Forever Music
      • Meet author Regina Merrick
      • Meet author Lori DeJong
      • Meet author Shirley Gould
      • Meet author Susan Page Davis
      • Meet author Amy Anguish
      • Meet author Mary Pat Johns
      • Meet author Jenny Carlisle
      • Meet author Delores Topliff
      • Meet author E.V. Sparrow
      • Meet author Donna Wichelman
      • Meet author Betty Woods
      • Meet author Michael Ehret
      • Meet author Lynn U. Watson
      • Meet new author ~ Kim Banet
      • Forever Free by author Hope Toler Dougherty
      • Meet Heather Tabers ~ Historical Romance with Grit & Grace
  • Changing Seasons
  • Books by Jen Dodrill
    • Finding Ginny – Women’s Fiction
    • The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series
      • Meet the characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery Series
      • Research for Where’s the Quetzal?
      • No Egrets – Finishing up a Series
    • Second Chances: Romance & Mysteries
      • Behind the Scenes of Trinity Sands Beach Club
      • Trinity Sands Beach Club
  • Shop
    • Gift Guides for Writers
      • 25 Best Christmas Gifts for Writers: Perfect Picks for the Literary Mind
      • Mother’s Day Gifts for Writers
      • Thoughtful Father’s Day Gifts for the Writer in Your Life
    • Goal Setting Planner
    • Research Checklist for Writers
    • One-Sheet Templates
    • Writing by the Acts eBook
    • Writing Conference Prep Video
  • Home
    • About Jen
    • Media Kit
    • Newsletter
    • Connect
    • Guest Post Guidelines for Jen Dodrill Writes
  • Blog
    • For Readers
      • Bookish Things That Every Reader Will Love
      • Everything Cozy Mysteries
        • What is a Cozy Mystery?
        • 10 Must-Read Cozy Mystery Series for Every Mystery Lover
        • Exploring Cozy Mystery Themes: Diving into Comforting Crime
        • Cozy Mysteries with a Unique Twist: 5 Unconventional Series to Add to Your Reading List
        • Why Cozy Mysteries Are Perfect for Fall Reading
      • Monthly-themed Reading Lists
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Cozy Mystery Book Recommendations
        • Clean fall reads you’ll love (no spice, just cozy vibes)
        • Monthly themed reading list: Clean Women’s Fiction
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Clean Historical Fiction Book Recommendations
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Clean & Christian Action Novels
        • Monthly Themed Reading List: Fantasy Book Recommendations
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Romance
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Science Fiction
        • Monthly Themed Reading List Recommendations: Nonfiction
      • Book Reviews
        • Book Review: Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans
        • Book Review: Shield of the King by MB Mooney
        • Book Review: Cake That! by Heather Greer
        • Book Review: Exercise is Murder by Bruce Hammack
      • Favorite Book Quotes
      • Candy & Books – A Perfect Pairing for Your Sweet Tooth and Bookish Soul
      • Summer
        • Summer Reading Challenges: Which One Should You Try?
    • For Writers
      • Resource library
      • Writing prompts & exercises
        • Back-to-School Mystery Writing Prompts
        • Mystery-Themed Writing Exercises for Summer
        • Summer-Themed Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts
        • Creative Exercises to Spark Inspiration and Improve Your Writing
        • 10 Writing Prompts for Cozy Mystery Lovers
      • How-tos
        • How to Serve Others as a Writer
        • Writing a Holiday Story: Creating Fiction That Captures the Spirit of the Season
        • Unpacking Backstory: How to Seamlessly Integrate It into Your Novel
        • Creating a one-sheet on Canva for your novel
        • Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board: Inspiration and Insight for Your Creative Journey
        • Designing Your Book Cover Using Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide
        • Creating the Perfect Setting: The Heartbeat of Your Story
        • Crafting Unforgettable Characters: A Guide for Authors
        • Defining your genre and audience as a writer
        • Mastering Success: A Guide to Setting SMART Goals for Writers
        • How to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet
        • How to hook your reader
        • How to prep for writing conferences
        • How to Prep for NaNoWriMo
      • Tips
        • Branding with Shannon Leach
        • From Hook to Inciting Incident – What Fiction Writers Need to Know
        • 10 Essential Ingredients of a media kit
        • Why you should enter writing contests
        • Plot Points and Pinch Points: Understanding Their Role in Fiction Writing
        • Finding Inspiration: Ways to Fuel Your Novel Writing Journey
        • Crafting Compelling Character Arcs: The Heart of Fiction Writing
        • Critique groups: how & why they help writers
        • How do you pick your writing genre?
        • Obstacles to writing (aka writer’s block)
        • Top 10 Books Writers Need
        • Writing about conflict: tips to incorporate it in your novel
        • Writing conferences – why you should go!
      • Information
        • Sleuthing in the Sun: 8 Ways to Find Mystery Writing Ideas This Summer
        • The Power of Guest Posting for Writers
        • Top 10 Writing Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
        • Mastering Punctuation in Fiction: How to Use It to Shape Tone and Style
        • Essential Types of Editing Every Novel Needs
        • The Art of Judging Book Covers
        • Diving into Themes: A Fun Guide for Authors and Readers
        • How to choose your premise and concept when writing your novel
        • Are you a plotter or pantser?
        • Different types of point of view (POV)
        • Writing terms writers need to know
        • What drives your story – character or plot?
        • World-building – why every author must use it in their novels
        • What do you do when nano is over?
        • Authors should be speakers
        • Embracing Gratitude in My Journey as a Writer
    • Author Interviews
      • Meet author Dawn Ford
      • Meet author Yvonne Morgan
      • Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong
      • Meet author Maryruth Dilling
      • Meet author Pam Kumpe
      • Meet author, editor, & social media content creator, Shaen Layle
      • Meet author Sofia Simpson
      • Meet author David Johnson
      • Meet author Luke Seibert
      • Meet author Teresa Wells
      • Waitin’ on Paige by Mary Pat Johns
      • Meet author Jann Franklin
      • Meet author Sharon Carpenter
      • Meet author Deborah Sprinkle
      • Author Kim Banet & Just Another Dream
      • Meet author Shannon Dunlap
      • Author Jenny Carlisle and her Writing Process
      • Meet author Susan Lawrence
      • Meet author Terri Wangard
      • Meet author Elaine Cooper
      • Meet author Beth Westcott
      • Meet author Bruce Hammack
      • Meet author Jennifer Burrows
      • Author Mike Ehret and Beyond December
      • Meet author Linda Dindzans
      • Hope T. Dougherty and Forever Music
      • Meet author Regina Merrick
      • Meet author Lori DeJong
      • Meet author Shirley Gould
      • Meet author Susan Page Davis
      • Meet author Amy Anguish
      • Meet author Mary Pat Johns
      • Meet author Jenny Carlisle
      • Meet author Delores Topliff
      • Meet author E.V. Sparrow
      • Meet author Donna Wichelman
      • Meet author Betty Woods
      • Meet author Michael Ehret
      • Meet author Lynn U. Watson
      • Meet new author ~ Kim Banet
      • Forever Free by author Hope Toler Dougherty
      • Meet Heather Tabers ~ Historical Romance with Grit & Grace
  • Changing Seasons
  • Books by Jen Dodrill
    • Finding Ginny – Women’s Fiction
    • The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery series
      • Meet the characters from The Empty Nesters Cozy Mystery Series
      • Research for Where’s the Quetzal?
      • No Egrets – Finishing up a Series
    • Second Chances: Romance & Mysteries
      • Behind the Scenes of Trinity Sands Beach Club
      • Trinity Sands Beach Club
  • Shop
    • Gift Guides for Writers
      • 25 Best Christmas Gifts for Writers: Perfect Picks for the Literary Mind
      • Mother’s Day Gifts for Writers
      • Thoughtful Father’s Day Gifts for the Writer in Your Life
    • Goal Setting Planner
    • Research Checklist for Writers
    • One-Sheet Templates
    • Writing by the Acts eBook
    • Writing Conference Prep Video

No Widgets found in the Sidebar Alt!

  • 2025,  blog post,  Writing Prompts

    Back-to-School Mystery Writing Prompts

    / September 2, 2025 / 0 Comments

    I’ve pulled together some fun back to school writing prompts to spark your imagination, whether you’re dreaming up a charming whodunit, a lighthearted suspense, or a mystery with plenty of autumn atmosphere. Grab…

    read more
  • 2025,  Author Interview,  blog post

    Meet author Teresa Wells

    / August 11, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Author Teresa Wells is a fellow Scrivenings Press writer! I'm thrilled to have her on the blog today, sharing her new release, What Brings Us Joy, which came out in July!

    read more
  • 2025,  Author Interview,  blog post

    Waitin’ on Paige by Mary Pat Johns

    / July 25, 2025 / 0 Comments

    As my granddaughter would say, it's been a hot minute since Mary Pat Johns has been on the blog! This time, she is telling us about Waitin' On Paige, her newest book. Let's…

    read more
  • 2025,  blog post,  Writing tips

    Branding with Shannon Leach

    / July 12, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Most professionals define branding as the unique identity and recognizable design elements that tell your audience who you are. These elements can include your logos, colors, fonts, taglines, and even book covers.

    read more
  • 2025,  Author Interview,  blog post

    Meet author Jann Franklin

    / July 7, 2025 / 0 Comments

    I met Jann Franklin at a Scrivenings Press writers' retreat. She's an indie writer, and I loved to ask her questions. I had a great time getting to know her, so I invited…

    read more
  • 2025,  blog post,  Writing Exercises

    Mystery-Themed Writing Exercises for Summer

    / June 28, 2025 / 0 Comments

    These mystery-themed writing exercises are designed to spark your creativity and help you explore character, setting, tension, and plot—all with a sun-drenched, summer vibe and a twist of danger.

    read more
  • 2025,  blog post,  Trinity Sands Beach Club

    Behind the Scenes of Trinity Sands Beach Club

    / June 19, 2025 / 0 Comments

    In this blog post, we go behind the scenes of the Trinity Sands Beach Club novella collection by Deborah Sprinkle, Sharon Carpenter, and me, Jen Dodrill!

    read more
  • 2025,  Author Interview,  blog post,  Trinity Sands Beach Club

    Meet author Sharon Carpenter

    / June 11, 2025 / 2 Comments

    I'm so excited to have Sharon Carpenter on my blog today! She and I became friends at a local writing conference and then drove together to the Asheville Christian Writing Conference. Boy, did…

    read more
  • 2025,  Author Interview,  blog post,  Trinity Sands Beach Club

    Meet author Deborah Sprinkle

    / June 7, 2025 / 0 Comments

    I'm so excited to have Deborah Sprinkle on my blog! I've known her for a couple of years - we live fairly close to each other and have met for lunch, and we…

    read more
  • 2025,  blog post,  Writing Prompts

    Summer-Themed Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts

    / June 2, 2025 / 0 Comments

    Lots of people use summertime to do something they've been wanting to do but haven't had time for - write a book! Here are some fresh summer-themed writing prompts for cozy mysteries!

    read more
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