Interview and Giveaway with Author Jessica Nelson

Today I'm excited to introduce a very special guest to you! Jessica Nelson is the debut author of Love on the Range, a book releasing this month right along with my debut novel Sanctuary for a Lady. Jessica has graciously agreed to give a copy of her book away this week, so make sure to leave a comment with your email address below to be entered into the giveaway.

Needless to say, there are a lot of fun things about having another author debut with me, one of which is getting to interview each other on our blogs. Here's what Jessica had to say:

Tell me a bit about your family. How many children do you have, and if they still live at home, how old are they?

I have three little boys, ages 7,5, and 4.

Why did you choose to work from home rather than find a job elsewhere?

I quit banking to stay home when I had my first child. Then I took up writing. Now I do work at a bank twice a week but the rest of the time I’m home. I decided to stay home because 1. I was able to and 2. My kids are only little once and I wanted to be there for that. Thankfully that was possible.

How fortunate you were able to do that and stay home with your kids most of the time. You must really love that! And wouldn't you know it, I took up writing after I had my first child as well. What is the most challenging aspect of working from home while raising children?

Finding time to write without interruptions and without being exhausted.

Ah, I hear you there. Did you ever get your children involved with your home business? What advice would you give mothers thinking about having their children help with their business?

They’re involved with chores. That’s their business. Actually, I think it’s a great idea for kids to be involved and have a stake in how the family survives and thrives.

I'm grinning here. Love the idea of giving my boys more chores. Not to give myself less work so much as to teach them responsibility. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently? What would you do the same?

Yep, I would. I can’t see that I’d do anything differently.

It's always nice to look back and have no regrets, isn't it? Is it worth it? What keeps you home instead of having an outside career?

Yes, it is. I’m with my kids a lot and know them so well. I’m one of the biggest “voices” in their lives and I think that’s great. I enjoy being with them, talking to them, taking them places…

Thanks for your time being with us today, Jessica. This is such a special month for you, and I'm so glad you could take time to be on Making Home Work. If you're interested in being entered in the giveaway for Love on the Range, leave a comment with your email address below. The giveaway ends at midnight on Saturday, April 21. Jessica will be back with us on Wednesday, sharing a favorite recipe with us. Until then, here's a little more about Love on the Range:

Any other socialite would view being packed off to a remote Oregon ranch as a punishment. But Gracelyn Riley knows that this is her opportunity to become a real reporter. If she can make her name through an interview with the elusive hero known as Striker, then she'll never have to depend on anyone ever again.

Rancher Trevor Cruz can't believe his secret identity is being endangered by an overly chatty city girl. But if there's one thing he knows, it's that Gracie's pretty little snooping nose is bound to get her in trouble. So he'll use her determination to find "Striker" to keep an eye on her…and stick close by her side.