From the Front Porch: Episode 526 – Ordinary Time: Behind the Scenes

In Episode 526 of From the Front Porch, hosted by Annie Jones of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, listeners are treated to an intimate exploration of the journey behind the creation and publication of Annie’s debut book, Ordinary Time. Released on April 24, 2025, this episode delves deep into the nuances of writing, editing, and the often mysterious world of publishing, offering invaluable insights for aspiring authors and book enthusiasts alike.

Book Release and Celebration Events

Annie begins by celebrating the official release of Ordinary Time, sharing exciting news about her upcoming book tour. She invites listeners to join her at various locations across the South:

• April 24th: Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, Florida – A conversation with bookstore owner Sally Bradshaw.
• April 28th: Little Professor in Birmingham, Alabama – A discussion with small business expert Carrie Rollwagen.
• April 29th: Garden District Bookshop in New Orleans.
• May 5th: M. Judson in Greenville, South Carolina – Featuring readings complemented by cocktails and mocktails.

For those unable to attend in person, Annie announces a virtual event on May 8th at 7 PM Eastern via Zoom, featuring an interview with her friend, Hunter McClendon. Tickets are available for $10 through The Bookshelf’s website, anniebjoneswrites.com.

The Writing and Publishing Journey

From Idea to Book Proposal

Annie recounts her initial foray into writing, emphasizing that her desire to author a book predated her role as a bookstore owner. Inspired by John Green’s words, “When you write a novel, you are alone in it. But when writing, there is always for me a hope that I will not be alone. Not in this work and not in this world.” (00:35), she transitioned from journaling and newsletters to crafting a formal book proposal during Lent 2023.

With guidance from her business and creative coach, Emily P. Freeman, Annie developed a proposal centered around themes of staying put and finding faith. Utilizing online templates, she diligently wrote every day, laying the groundwork for what would become Ordinary Time.

Finding an Agent: A Fortuitous Connection

An essential turning point in Annie’s journey was meeting agent Jonathan Merritt through a family connection facilitated by Jamie, a podcaster and her aunt. This serendipitous introduction (28:50) led to a pivotal meeting where Jonathan offered constructive feedback and ultimately agreed to represent her, provided she made specific tweaks to her proposal.

In a swift progression, by November 29, 2023, Annie secured a book deal with Harper One, marking a remarkable achievement within a year. She credits this success to the supportive network at The Bookshelf, her creative team, and the collaborative spirit fostered within her community.

Balancing Writing with Business Responsibilities

Establishing a Writing Routine

Managing a bookstore and hosting a podcast while writing a book posed significant challenges. However, Annie attributes her ability to balance these roles to a dedicated team at The Bookshelf and a well-structured schedule. She outlines her writing days—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—dedicating specific times to focus exclusively on her manuscript (35:10).

Recognizing the importance of flexibility, Annie incorporates activities like walking or driving to stimulate creativity, ensuring that her writing process remains fluid and responsive to inspiration.

The Editing Process: Collaboration and Growth

Annie sheds light on the collaborative nature of editing, highlighting the instrumental role her editor played in refining Ordinary Time. Initially working with an editor who later transitioned to a different publishing company, Annie adapted by partnering with a new editor who provided invaluable feedback through detailed discussions (42:15).

She reflects on the editor’s role not just as a gatekeeper but as a creative partner who helped crystallize the book’s central themes. This partnership underscored the importance of having a supportive editor who can navigate the complexities of publication alongside the author.

Consulting with Friends and Family

Understanding the delicate balance between personal narratives and public storytelling, Annie discusses her approach to consulting with loved ones. For sensitive chapters related to her faith and marriage, she sought input from her partner, Jordan, ensuring that shared experiences were portrayed respectfully and accurately (50:05).

While she initially considered obtaining permissions to use real names, her editor advised against it to prevent confusion and maintain the narrative flow. This guidance led Annie to adopt pseudonyms, preserving the authenticity of her stories while respecting privacy.

Choosing the Title and Designing the Cover

The Significance of Ordinary Time

The title Ordinary Time originates from the liturgical calendar, representing periods that are neither Advent nor Lent, Christmas nor Easter—a metaphor for the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Annie explains that the title encapsulates the essence of her book, celebrating the beauty found in the mundane (1:05:20).

The Evolution of the Book Cover

Annie shares her experiences with the cover design, initially reluctant to feature her dog Sam prominently. She recounts how feedback led to a vibrant, green-themed cover that aligns with the book’s title and themes of growth and spring (1:10:45). Collaborating closely with her designer and relying on feedback from family and friends, Annie achieved a cover that visually represents the heart of Ordinary Time.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Cultivating Writing Habits

Annie candidly addresses the pervasive challenge of imposter syndrome, emphasizing her strategy of acknowledging its presence without allowing it to hinder her progress. She advises turning down the volume of self-doubt and focusing on continuous improvement, viewing insecurities as fuel for growth (1:25:30).

Her lifelong dedication to writing, from childhood journals to consistent blogging since 2008, has ingrained a natural writing habit. The accountability of maintaining a newsletter and the supportive community around The Bookshelf have further reinforced her commitment to writing regularly, despite the multifaceted demands of her business and personal life.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort

Annie concludes by expressing deep gratitude to everyone who supported her journey—from her team at The Bookshelf to her readers and the broader community. She underscores that writing and publishing a book is never a solitary endeavor, but rather a collective achievement made possible through connections, relationships, and unwavering support.

Echoing John Green’s metaphor from Everything is Tuberculosis, Annie likens her book’s release to sending out a message into the world, hoping it resonates and finds its way into readers’ hearts.

Notable Quotes:

• “When you write a novel, you are alone in it. But when writing, there is always for me a hope that I will not be alone. Not in this work and not in this world.” – John Green (00:35)

• “If you're a published writer, your experience might have been quite different. This is just how it went for me.” – Annie Jones (1:30:15)

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence and Support: Annie’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the vital role of a supportive network in achieving literary success.

• Structured Routine: Establishing a dedicated writing schedule while managing other responsibilities can lead to productive outcomes.

• Collaborative Editing: A good editor acts as a creative partner, helping to refine and enhance the author’s vision.

• Embracing Ordinary Moments: Celebrating the mundane can reveal profound insights and beautiful narratives.

For those eager to embark on their own writing journey or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes process of book creation, Episode 526 of From the Front Porch offers a thoughtful and inspiring roadmap. Through Annie Jones’ transparent storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication, collaboration, and heartfelt passion that breathe life into a book.