Jane Kirkpatrick Books

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Jane Kirkpatrick is an American author who writes inspirational fiction. Jane was a late bloomer, publishing her first book in her 40s. She traces the origins of the memoir to the death of her husband’s oldest son. The tragedy was unexpected, and it jolted the couple from their stupor.

At the time, Jerry was a contractor. Jane worked with Deschutes County’s mental health services. The death of her husband’s son reminded the couple that life was short. Jane, who was 37, was afraid to wake up decades later only to realize she was too old to pursue her dreams.

She did not want to sit around as an 85-year-old reminiscing about everything they almost did. So, the couple sold their home and planted roots along the John Day River. The location had neither electricity nor irrigation.

And yet, Jane and Jerry were determined to turn 160 acres of land into a thriving cattle ranch. Their plans were derailed when Jane took up flying lessons. She was piloting a small plane with her husband when the worst came to pass.

They crashed. The couple sustained serious injuries that severely hampered their plans. Two broken ankles forced Jerry to rely on a walker. Meanwhile, Jane was in a cast, and metal pins kept her shattered wrist together.

The couple had every reason to abandon their dreams. But then a miracle happened. Their neighbors poured onto the ranch in the truckloads and picked up the slack. The author was at a loss for words. She remembers telling one of the farmers that she could never pay him back.

Keith Thompson, the farmer in question, encouraged the couple to pay the community’s generosity forward. Jane, who felt helpless because she had to sit on the porch in her cast, watching as her community worked, was touched by Keith’s comments. They unlocked her imagination and compelled the author to write her story in a memoir.

She maintained a slow, steady pace, penning a thousand words at a time until the memoir was done. Then she submitted the manuscript, and to her shock, a publisher came calling. ‘Homestead’ came out in 1991, changing the trajectory of the author’s life.

That first book sparked even more ideas for stories. Fortunately, her editors wouldn’t stop pestering Jane for more books. So, she decided to get serious about writing. Her hard work continues to pay off.

Jane’s bibliography has dozens of novels set in Central Oregon, the coast, and other locations in the West. She writes about the past and the present, faith, community, relationships, and more.

Most of her writing happens between five and seven in the morning. Jane doesn’t obsess over the word count. Her only objective is to write for two hours in the morning. The most astounding aspect of the author’s life is her habit of driving for hours to attend book signings.

The sacrifice is worth it for Jane. She loves meeting her fans and inspiring them to tell their own stories. She wants them to realize that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams. The author is living proof of the philosophy, having written her first book in her forties.

Jane Kirkpatrick Awards

Jane has won the WILLA Literary and Carol Awards.

Best Jane Kirkpatrick Books

The author is prominent on the speaking circuit. She uses her writing workshops to encourage aspiring storytellers. Jane’s best books include:

The Daughter’s Walk: Helga Estby was brave. Rather than shrink from a wager, she undertook a journey from Spokane in Washington to New York City. She would earn ten thousand dollars if she made the 3,500-mile trip within seven months.

Desperate to save her family farm, Helga began the trek with her eighteen-year-old daughter in tow, following the railroad tracks to her destination. When she returned home a year later, Clara, the daughter, kept walking, beginning an adventure that would keep her from the only life she’d ever known for two decades.

All Together In One Place: Madison Bacon was happy. She had everything a young wife could desire, including a loving marriage, a tidy home, and a healthy garden. But then her husband upended their existence by revealing his decision to take the family West. How will Madison fair now that the comfort and predictability she knew are gone?

When Does The Next Jane Kirkpatrick book come out?

Jane Kirkpatrick doesn't seem to have an upcoming book. Their newest book is Beneath the Bending Skies and was released on September, 6th 2022.

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