So, who a I?
If you made it to this page, thank you; your support is appreciated.
I think it’s about time I introduce myself to you all. I am Jordyn Griffin, author of ‘Least Expected’ a Hockey Romance/Thriller novel. Now, Jordyn Griffin is not actually my real name, but it is a nod to those who have impacted my life for the better and it was a way to acknowledge them.
Let’s break the name down:
Jordyn is the name of my niece (just spelled differently)- her timing coming into this world was solely based on how stubborn she is and how she will continue life playing by her own rules; something that I can appreciate and love.
Griffin, is my mothers maiden name and the name that represents two amazing people who are not with us anymore. My grandparents loved with all their hearts, helped so many people and supported my brother and I during the time we were given with them. They never once doubted
our goals and dreams, instead they were our first set of cheerleaders, pushing us to do our best.
So, Who am I?
The magic question for those who do not know me. I am a California born and raised girl who grew up on a small cattle ranch tucked away into the foothills of California. I spent countless weekends horseback and many days working hands on with livestock. The western lifestyle allowed me to grow my skills, provide me with many experiences as well as teaching me about hard work and earning my way.
Once I graduated my tiny high school, I made the jump to a California State University which provided me with so many more opportunities to chase my dreams and goals. I had started college as a Communications and Journalism Major- my passion for writing and reporting fueled me to pursue a career where I could be creative and allow me to shine. Within the first two years, I had changed my major to Education after finding a love for working with students. Education is where I have stayed for the last 7 years- I was able to help so many students find their calling in life.
It was during this last year of teaching that I realized that I had put some of my dreams and goals on the back burner-and sadly teaching had burnt me out. I had turned to writing to bring me back to the girl I once was- I would write for hours, edit and even delete everything and start over; it was then that ‘Least Expected’ had been born.
So, why Hockey?
Great question, I found a love in the sport of Hockey only recently (as I was never into watching sports growing up and we didn’t have any hockey programs around our town). Hockey allowed for me to focus on something other than real life and work. When I had a hard time shutting off my brain, I turned to Hockey and quickly fell in love with the sport. In a way, Hockey helped me find my footing and brought the old me back to the forefront.
Least Expected
This story actually had no set destination when I started to write. As mentioned, I would come home and just let my brain and fingers work along the keyboard. I had deleted the first 15 chapters and started over until I felt the story was on the path it was meant for. I never knew where the chapters would take me or what the characters would do next; this book challenged me, it forced me to get out of my comfort zone and to drop my guard. It allowed for me to put in personal touches and secret meanings that only close family or friends would know; this story became my child.
I feel that I am a lot like the main character Chloe; her background is nothing like mine, but she was forced to grow up fast, she had to fight for herself and she had to find her strength again after losing it. Her character was a way for me to work out my life and find who I was and to find my strength to do what I want and do something I love. I had lost the spark, the drive and the motivation that I once had.
Each character is the way they are for a reason- a reason that speaks to me and reflects back on my life and where I was when I made them.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your endless support, love and devotion to helping me chase this dream.
Until next time,
JG