Shannon here: Jordyn Redwood shares insight into her real-life romance and her writing process, plus a chance to win a twelve author Romantic Suspense collection, Don’t Blink, which includes her title, Abandoned into Darkness, along with 4 other titles in my Oct Book Bundle #1. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Oct 2nd – 18th to enter the drawing. Deadline: Oct 25th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jordyn:
Deadlines, Detours, and a Dash of Romance:
There are two types of writers. Okay, probably more, but humor me for a minute—two extremes. On one end, you’ve got the Plotter: the person who creates spreadsheets, color-coded binders, and outlines so detailed you’d think they were mapping out a moon landing instead of a love story. On the other end is the Pantser: the free spirit who sits down with nothing more than a “what if” and a cup of coffee, letting the characters run wild and hoping they behave long enough to make it to the end of the book.
Me? I’m a Plantser—a happy middle. I usually sketch out a 3–5 page synopsis, just enough to keep the train from careening off the tracks, but with enough wiggle room to stumble upon delightful surprises along the way.
For my upcoming release, Abandoned Into Darkness, I thought, “Why not?” and dove in pantser-style with nothing but a nugget of an idea and a bucketful of optimism. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well. Deadlines loomed, my characters were stubbornly silent, and my plot was as thin as hospital Jell-O.
The story is set in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, near Montrose, Colorado, about a four-hour drive from where I live. I told my husband, “We need a trip. I must see this canyon. I need to touch the rocks, smell the pine, and hear that raging river.” (Romantic, right?) Really, I was just desperate to get past my writer’s block.
Being the hero he is, my husband agreed. Soon, we were in an Airbnb, trading our to-do lists for canyon cliffs. He even played bodyguard—literally holding onto the back of my jacket while I leaned over dizzying canyon walls trying to imagine where my heroine could be held hostage. He claims it was for safety. I suspect it was also so I wouldn’t fling myself over in a fit of “creative research.”
We learned together: the river is loud—like “you can’t hear yourself plot-twist” loud. The cliffs are dizzying. And yes, it’s the perfect place for danger, suspense, and maybe just enough romance to make the darkness bearable.
So, while my novella needed more structure, that impulsive, slightly reckless research trip with my husband turned out to be the very heart of this book—that sacrificial love to drop what you want to do and help your partner out with something they need to do. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade that adventure, or that hand holding the back of my jacket, for anything.
Reader Question: What’s one time you sat aside something you wanted to do to be there for your partner, friend, or family member to do something they needed to do?
Oct Book Bundle Giveaway #1
Survival Secrets by Lana Christian and a bookmark, signed print copy, Biblical Fiction. If winner hasn’t read book one in series, New Star, they’ll receive it instead.
The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer, Dual-Time Women’s Fiction, winner’s choice ebook or paperback. USA only.
Don’t Blink by Jordyn Redwood, Romantic Suspense, e-book copy of the complete box set
To Speak His Name by Tara Johnson, Historical Romance, Print.
The Hidden Legacy by June Foster, Romantic Suspense, e-book copy.
About Jordyn: Jordyn Redwood is a Publisher’s Weekly bestselling, critically acclaimed, and award-winning author of suspense. With over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse specializing in triage, emergency, and critical care, she brings gripping authenticity and medical precision to every story. When she’s not writing thrillers, she runs Redwood’s Medical Edge, a medical blog for authors, helping writers get the details right and raise the stakes on the page. Learn more & connect:
Jordyn’s Website Jordyn’s Medical Edge Website
About Don’t Blink – Box Set:
Get ready for twelve intense, edge-of-your-seat suspense thrillers in this collection from bestselling and award-winning Christian authors. From murder in a mansion to deadly chases in remote locations, each tale offers high-stakes action and heart-pounding drama, proving that hope and faith shine through even in the darkest moments.
Jordyn’s title – Abandoned Into Darkness:
Blinded from an attack and abandoned in the Black Canyon by search and rescue, Isla Thorne must still flee a serial killer.
Can’t wait for drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Jordyn’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Come back Oct 11th for Shannon’s Book Bargains Roundup!
Thanks for hosting me today, Shannon! Excited to engage with your readers.
All the time lol
But I know they will do it for in heartbeat too!
That’s great, Natalya! Sounds like you have the perfect partnership.
That’s a really good question. I’m sure there have been a few, but they’re not coming to mind right now.
Thanks for stopping by, Kelly!
I have a winner for my Oct Book Bundle #1. Jeannie Holderfield won the drawing! I appreciate Jordyn for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.