Jodi Thomas Celebrating Two Books!

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Netflix started the shooting for Ransom Canyon in February, and I can’t help feeling it’s come full circle. When I first thought of writing this series, I had only planned on doing six books about ranches around a small canyon. Ransom Canyon is a few miles from Lubbock, Texas, and I used to drive around there when I was in college at Texas Tech. I always thought it was a beautiful place, and I wanted to write a story about ranch life around there.

I knew I wanted to write six books, but I wanted to keep one storyline of four kids, from the time they were fifteen to when they were twenty-three, threading through the series. So, when Random House formally offered me the contract for my Ransom Canyon series, buying only two books, I turned it down. I have never turned that much money down in my life. And I was thinking, “Oh man, I could use that money.”  But I still said no.

Afterward, I called Gail Fortune, my agent, and told her I had turned down the contract. And she said, “Harlequin has been waiting to talk to you.” So, I left the office, and I went for a walk in the mall. About an hour later, Harlequin called me, a conference call with the editor in chief, an editor, and their publicist; they wanted six books and two short stories. So, I went to work on Ransom Canyon.

I knew I was taking a risk with this series because I was writing a very Western series, even though it is contemporary. It was a risk because Westerns are not as popular as other genres. But I had to write it.

To begin this series, I turned the little room out back of our house that we call the bunk house into Ransom Canyon. HQN gave me six months to put the proposals together. And during that time, I built Ransom Canyon’s world and wrote the short story “Winter’s Camp.” I did a lot of research to make the series just right, and it’s very dear to my heart. I love it because it is so character rich!

The first book of this series is called Ransom Canyon. It set up all the stories in the books to come. My main character is Staten; he is a successful rancher, an honest man, a strong man, and totally broken because he has lost both his wife and his son. He turns to his life-long friend Quinn because they both need someone. I loved writing their story, and I can’t wait to see it come to life on the screen. I always dreamed of having one of my books become a movie or TV show, and it has been so exciting to watch.

I look back on when I first started this series, and I’m so glad I wrote the story I wanted. I’ve loved this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. But before we all climb into the saddle this fall to watch the TV show Ransom Canyon, travel back with me to Someday Valley and read my new book The Wild Lavender Bookshop, coming out April 23!

For a chance to win this new book, tell me who you’re most looking forward to seeing brought to life on the screen.

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59 thoughts on “Jodi Thomas Celebrating Two Books!”

  9. I loved all the characters. Cap held a sweet spot in my heart. But then again the whole series became family to me. Thank you Jodi for clinging to your convictions and writing the whole series. I loved Ransom Canyon.

  14. I have not read this book or series either and, unfortunately, I do not subscribe to Netflix nor any streaming services. The cost is probative. I would love to read it though. It does sound like something I would love.

  15. This will be a wonderful series. I look forward greatly to enjoying it. Westerns are my favorite. Jake would be my choice.

  16. I can’t wait to see this on Netflix. It is going to be awesome. I really don’t have a favorite but so looking forward to this show. Netflix is my go to TV place.

  18. Yancy Grey and I’m so thrilled for you, an amazing thing to accomplish with Netflix! I’ll be watching for you at the awards shows!

  19. I love the series but find it difficult to pick one favorite character ?! While reading, I pulled my map to get more a feel of the location. My husband and I enjoy visiting the not terribly far away Palo Duro.

    • Catherine, Ransom Canyon is very close to me here in Lubbock and I’ve been there numerous times. It’s a very special place and it seems I can feel the ghosts of all that passed through there in the 1800s.

  26. Wow congratulatoins. This is so exciting. God really works things for the good in His own timing. May you be in His Love and Glory with this series. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

    • Becky, I really loved Yancy Grey’s character in the books. My heart went out to him and I remember when he stepped off the bus in town just newly released from prison with nothing, I wanted to cry.

  29. I’m so excited about everything you’ve accomplished, not just with this novel but every book! I’m so happy for you especially since you were my teacher , mentor, and friend. Miss you but I know you don’t have a minute to spare. Hugs.

  31. Congratulations on the filming. I am going to say Cap. As a senior. I love to see them being the older people on screen. Thank you so much for being here today. God bless you.

  32. My first thought for favorite character from this series was Yancy Grey. Then I read some of the comments here and I thought, “Oh, I loved that character, and that one and that one, too”. I’m with those that say all of them. One I haven’t seen mentioned that I liked a lot is Fifth Weathers.

  34. I love the cover and the little library in the yard.
    I miss all the good westerns that used to be on TV. It will be nice to have a series that has some good characters in it. With some of the current show, western and non-western, there don’t seem to be any good guys.
    So glad you held out for what you wanted. Your books show you know what you are doing and the readers benefit.

  35. Hello Jodi
    Congratulations on the books & series you will rock this! Thank you for sharing your amazing stories with us and hoping Netflix amazes you with following the story lines. I’m currently reading Winters Camp and leaving housework until I am finished the book. So excited and loving the storyline!!

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