Rurally Screwed (Humpday Giveaway!!!)

Published March 28, 2012 | By ashley english

Some blogs you go to because they make you inquisitive and speculative, offering contemplative morsels for rumination. Others you go to because they always have a good take-away something or other, whether that’s a recipe for rye crumble bars or links to new (to you) artists. And then there are those you go to for a chuckle, a chortle, a guffaw, or an all-out belly laugh. Jessie Knadler and her blog, Rurally Screwed, get filed into the latter category.

I’m not sure how I found Jessie’s blog. It was several years ago, and it was winter. Those are the specifics I recall with any degree of clarity. It doesn’t really matter how I found her, though, because once I sampled her wry wit and outsider’s take on life in the mountains of southern Virginia, I knew I’d be back. In Rurally Screwed, Jessie calls it like she sees it. Whether it’s her daughter, her marriage, her husband, her town’s citizens or herself she’s got in her cross hairs, Jessie gives it to you straight. And it’s always hilarious.

I’m super excited, then, to showcase Jessie’s newest venture, Rurally Screwed: My Life Off the Grid With the Cowboy I Love. This is the tale of how this (at the time) Manhattan-based, designer label-wearing, Kundalini-practicing, hard-partying women’s magazine editor met, fell in love with, and went on to marry Jake, a man who, at least on the surface, seems in every way her polar opposite. He’s a Garth Brooks-listening, cowboy hat-wearing, church-going ranch hand and the two find salvation in each other at an untrained horse & bull-riding rodeo she’s covering in Montana, her home state.

Since initially discovering her blog, Jessie and I have gone on to become cyberspace buddies. We’ve reviewed one another’s books (Jessie also co-authored Tart & Sweet) and shared ink in two magazine articles. I think she’s grand. She’s brassy and ballsy and gutsy and every other superlative you can apply to a brave person. In her novel, she takes a very candid view of her marriage, her surroundings, and herself. She puts it all out there, which is truly admirable, given the subject matter and just how intensely personal it is. I applaud her for it. Her book is an absolute gem and she’s a treasure for having the vim, vigor and gumption to share her story with the world.

In celebration of her book’s launch (it officially publishes Tuesday, April 3rd, the same day my not-so-little-anymore sister, Theo, turns 21!!!), Jessie has graciously gifted me with a signed copy for one small measure reader. To be entered in the giveaway, simply leave a comment below. I’ll randomly choose one winner next Wednesday, April 4th, midnight EST. In your comment, please leave a means of reaching you should you be the winner, via either a link back to your blog or website, or by leaving your email address in your comment.

Even if you don’t end up winning the book, give it, and Jessie’s blog, a read anyways. The woman knows how to keep you both enraptured and in stitches at the same time, dispensing one country-living observation and witticism after the other.

UPDATE: I love how much you all love Jessie! She’s true blue, that one! The winner of a signed copy of Rurally Screwed is #91, Sage. Thank you everyone that entered, and congratulations, Sage!

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106 comments on “Rurally Screwed (Humpday Giveaway!!!)”

1. Kelli on March 28, 2012 at 11:05 pm said:

   This book looks awesome! I can't wait to head over and read her blog!
2. Molly on March 28, 2012 at 11:08 pm said:

   Love RS, can't wait to read this book!
3. Camille on March 28, 2012 at 11:09 pm said:

   Sounds like a good read. (Congrats, Jessie and good luck with the book touring.)
4. meemsnyc on March 28, 2012 at 11:16 pm said:

   What a cool story! As a fellow New Yorker, I would love to one day also live off the grid.
5. CCarter on March 28, 2012 at 11:16 pm said:

   Does indeed sound like a good read! I'll have to check out her blog.
6. Uwharrie Heirlooms on March 28, 2012 at 11:33 pm said:

   I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!I want to be a random winner, uwharrieheirlooms@yahoo,com!
7. Missy on March 28, 2012 at 11:38 pm said:

   She sounds very intriguing. I'm headed over to her blog now…
8. Melissa on March 29, 2012 at 12:04 am said:

   Awesome! I'm in.
9. Melissa on March 29, 2012 at 12:04 am said:

   Awesome! I'm in.
10. Elizabeth S. on March 29, 2012 at 12:18 am said:

    I'm in as well. schniederef at gmail dot com.
11. JizzleK on March 29, 2012 at 12:21 am said:

    Cool, thanks for the book tip. I just subscribed to her blog.
12. Jenny Lee on March 29, 2012 at 12:29 am said:

    This book looks like a great read!http://tamarckstomatoestigerlies.blogspot.com/
13. timandleah on March 29, 2012 at 1:06 am said:

    Me please! Love the blog!
14. bebopmoon on March 29, 2012 at 1:10 am said:

    Love the title!Vanandscott@yahoo.com
15. bebopmoon on March 29, 2012 at 1:10 am said:

    Love the title!Vanandscott@yahoo.com
16. Libby on March 29, 2012 at 1:18 am said:

    I heart Jessie….Shea hilarious
17. Kay on March 29, 2012 at 1:44 am said:

    Looks like a good book!!!pinesnpickets@hotmail.com
18. Christine on March 29, 2012 at 2:57 am said:

    You've captivated me! I have to read it now!
19. sofa modern on March 29, 2012 at 4:28 am said:

    HeySmall MeasureAppreciate it for this post, I will be extremely thankful to find out these kinds of fantastic information. Thank you!
20. Alison on March 29, 2012 at 6:50 am said:

    She sounds like a hoot. As a recovering city kid myself, it sounds like something I'd love to read.
21. The Haphazard Countryman on March 29, 2012 at 7:24 am said:

    I've been reading her blog for a while now, and it is hilarious. She does put herself out there for everyone to see, and that is what makes it genuine.
22. sarah on March 29, 2012 at 7:24 am said:

    This looks so great! Thanks!
23. Anonymous on March 29, 2012 at 7:30 am said:

    One of my favorite blogs…can't wait to read the book!!
24. Meg on March 29, 2012 at 7:41 am said:

    looks great – a little humor in my piles of bee & pig reading would be great!
25. Kate on March 29, 2012 at 7:57 am said:

    Looking forward to reading this!
26. Chiara Camponeschi on March 29, 2012 at 8:09 am said:

    what a lovely story!
27. Torrey on March 29, 2012 at 8:17 am said:

    Looks great!
28. Kathy on March 29, 2012 at 8:22 am said:

    I've had Rurally Screwed on my book wishlist for a while now. Thanks for the chance to win! kathycjones at gmail dot com.
29. Green Zebra Market Garden on March 29, 2012 at 8:24 am said:

    Can't wait to read this!
30. Cary on March 29, 2012 at 8:29 am said:

    Win or not, I will definitely read this!
31. Jo on March 29, 2012 at 8:44 am said:

    I just went over to her blog and got sucked in- thanks for that. I'd love to read her book.
32. lilybeans on March 29, 2012 at 8:45 am said:

    I found both of you in Breathe and have been following ever since! I would love a copy of the book!chocolilybeans at gmail dot com
33. Jessica on March 29, 2012 at 8:51 am said:

    I just purchased Jessie's co-authored book Tart and Sweet, I would love to win Rurally Screwed to complete my collection!!jwalty@hotmail.com
34. Angela on March 29, 2012 at 8:58 am said:

    Rurally Screwed is hilarious! Love reading that one. Looking forward to reading her new book!heyzillah@yahoo.com
35. Courtney on March 29, 2012 at 8:59 am said:

    I would love to read her story – off to her blog site
36. Kristin Marsh on March 29, 2012 at 9:00 am said:

    Looks like a fun read!
37. elizabeth on March 29, 2012 at 9:03 am said:

    I love her blog and can't wait to read the book!
38. Michelle on March 29, 2012 at 9:07 am said:

    Just recently discovered her blog and she is a hoot! Would love to read this book, thanks to both of you for the chance!Michellesteim99@yahoo.com
39. Rebecca D. Martin on March 29, 2012 at 9:09 am said:

    Ooo . . . I'd love a copy! (I also love your blog. I linked to you through Kinfolk, and have been missing my old home of Asheville even more than usual ever since.)
40. Anonymous on March 29, 2012 at 9:12 am said:

    Sounds like a fun blog and book – I'll have to check them out! Thanks!bonnie at weboardshop dot com
41. Elizabeth on March 29, 2012 at 9:12 am said:

    I bet this book is delightful. As a born and breed NC girl, I am intrigued to read the description of a southern gentlemen.
42. tamara on March 29, 2012 at 9:22 am said:

    Oh cool! I'll head over and check out her blog now, but fingers crossed I win the book!
43. Allison at Novice Life on March 29, 2012 at 9:25 am said:

    I love Jessie's blog! Enter me!apollosonacres at hotmail dot com
44. Herbal Tonya here on March 29, 2012 at 9:27 am said:

    I am looking forward to checking out her blog, Book looks like a great read! thanks for sharing!
45. oukay on March 29, 2012 at 9:36 am said:

    Always looking for new blogs to enjoy!
46. Melissa on March 29, 2012 at 9:38 am said:

    I came across Jessie's blog via your blog!
47. Sacha Joy on March 29, 2012 at 9:44 am said:

    I love her blog, which I found through your blog. She makes me laugh out loud.
48. Heidi on March 29, 2012 at 9:48 am said:

    Sounds great. I like authentic people.
49. lisa on March 29, 2012 at 9:53 am said:

    I am a huge fan of Jessie's blog and would love a copy of her book!
50. Dogs or Dollars on March 29, 2012 at 9:54 am said:

    Ooooh, I've been waiting for this book. I'd love a copy.
51. Jake n Kait on March 29, 2012 at 9:59 am said:

    Sounds like a great read, count me in! Gonna hop over and check out her blog now…
52. Carissa on March 29, 2012 at 10:01 am said:

    Sounds like a great read! I'd love a chance to check it out.
53. Stephanie Scott on March 29, 2012 at 10:07 am said:

    I've been looking forward to this book, sounds great!
54. Katie @ CookGardenSew on March 29, 2012 at 10:17 am said:

    I haven't heard of her but this sounds great! It also reminds me a little of another book called “The Dirty Life” which was a bet less on the funny side (but I still *loved* it). Off to check out her blog and hoping I win the book!katie at cook garden sew dot com
55. Tanya on March 29, 2012 at 10:43 am said:

    Looks good-enter me please(-:
56. Erin on March 29, 2012 at 11:00 am said:

    I really would love to read this book!antons(AT)gto(DOT)net
57. barefoot mama on March 29, 2012 at 11:02 am said:

    I just visited her blog! Thanks for introducing me to her fabulous space. I bet her book is great! ~Barefoot Mama
58. Helois on March 29, 2012 at 11:08 am said:

    I too have fallen in love with her blog Heloiswegrzyn@yahoo.com
59. Jane on March 29, 2012 at 11:27 am said:

    well, it takes about 2 seconds to be completely intrigued by Jessie via her blog. Put my name in the raffle hat!
60. Beth on March 29, 2012 at 11:50 am said:

    This book looks great…she had me hooked after seeing they are rescuing a dog from Afghanistan!!Bethwissinger@hotmail.com
61. Sarah C on March 29, 2012 at 11:55 am said:

    I'm very interested. Thanks!www.beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com
62. Rachel on March 29, 2012 at 12:05 pm said:

    Looks like a good read, I'll have to get my hands on a copy.
63. callmecupcake on March 29, 2012 at 12:08 pm said:

    Can't wait to read this!
64. Face on March 29, 2012 at 12:11 pm said:

    This book sounds quite intriguing!
65. Kendra- Ryan- Garrin on March 29, 2012 at 12:16 pm said:

    This looks like a great read! I am keeping my fingers crossed~
66. Ashley- OffTheHooks on March 29, 2012 at 12:21 pm said:

    ooh i'd love a chance to win! thanks!
67. Gini on March 29, 2012 at 12:29 pm said:

    She sounds hilarious! I'd love to read her.
68. Taryn Kae Wilson on March 29, 2012 at 12:48 pm said:

    Thanks so much for the opportunity! What a wonderful giveaway. I'm intrigued and have that book on my “to read” list now! Sounds like my kind of book. Love, Tarynwww.woolymossroots.blogspot.comtarynkae21{at}yahoo{dot}com
69. Gena on March 29, 2012 at 12:58 pm said:

    Hi! I picked up “Breathe” magazine just the other day and there you both were! Loved it! gadams_riley@verizon.net
70. Lauren on March 29, 2012 at 1:32 pm said:

    Looks like a good book! cherish48*at*gmail*com
71. mandy on March 29, 2012 at 1:39 pm said:

    definitely just subscribed to the blog, hope the book is good!
72. Brittany on March 29, 2012 at 1:48 pm said:

    I could use some good laughs. Please toss my name in the hat. I'm going to go check out her blog.
73. mandi on March 29, 2012 at 2:25 pm said:

    This sounds great! Count me in!mandiandjohn(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
74. Grace on March 29, 2012 at 2:25 pm said:

    I just love Jessie's blog. My niece and nephew pray for her family regularly (The three Js, they call them).I would love a copy of her book. Already have her book on preserves.
75. Laura on March 29, 2012 at 3:03 pm said:

    I adore Jessie's blog! A signed copy would be grand. Laurabaraff@yahoo.com
76. alexa on March 29, 2012 at 3:15 pm said:

    Thanks so much for the opportunity, Ashley. It looks like a perfect read!
77. Anonymous on March 29, 2012 at 3:51 pm said:

    Thanks for sharing! How great for spring.cyndihamm20@yahoo.com
78. Julie B on March 29, 2012 at 7:25 pm said:

    I love Jessie's blog! Can't wait to read the book! purkinjii@aol.com
79. saludafarmgirl@me.com on March 29, 2012 at 7:36 pm said:

    Sounds like a great book to add to my collection.
80. Linden on March 29, 2012 at 7:42 pm said:

    Love to get a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance.dorking (at) acsalaska.net
81. Heather on March 29, 2012 at 8:42 pm said:

    thanks for the giveaway! the book sounds like something i would love…. off to check out her blog!
82. Anonymous on March 29, 2012 at 9:35 pm said:

    Sounds interesting. Count me in please!-Britt T.brtucker89(at)gmail(dot)com
83. amanda on March 29, 2012 at 10:07 pm said:

    me! me! pick me! looks like a ton of fun~http://sweetpotatoclaire.blogspot.com/
84. Kara on March 29, 2012 at 11:27 pm said:

    Yay! Looks great! I love the R.S. blog!
85. Anonymous on March 30, 2012 at 2:20 am said:

    Please let it be mePlease let it be meMoku21@gmail.com
86. Thera on March 30, 2012 at 8:08 am said:

    Count me in please!
87. Rebecca on March 30, 2012 at 8:26 am said:

    I love Jessie's blog and would love to check out her book!
88. Beth on March 30, 2012 at 9:45 am said:

    I'm a new-ish reader and really enjoy your posts. If I won, I'd pass the book on to my amazing daughter who is also married to a cowboy and living a rural life. Thanks for the tip on Jesse's blog. I'll have to check it out!
89. Pit Stop Farm on March 30, 2012 at 10:06 am said:

    Thank you for introducing me to this new blog….the little I've read so far is brilliant!
90. jelena on March 30, 2012 at 10:07 am said:

    Planning on reading this book, sounds very funny
91. Sage on March 30, 2012 at 10:10 am said:

    Love her blog, and would love to check out this book!(sage.lacroix@gmail.com)
92. Sarah on March 30, 2012 at 10:12 am said:

    I've read her blog for a while; you're right, its practical yet hilarious.
93. Angi on March 30, 2012 at 10:53 am said:

    This book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!angidawn79@hotmail.com
94. Kelly on March 30, 2012 at 1:09 pm said:

    After reading her blog, I bet her book is a hoot! ♥ your books and blog too!!! daveandkelly1@cox.net
95. Chppie on March 30, 2012 at 1:19 pm said:

    Thanks for mentioning the book. I'll go check out the blog. Hope our library gets a copy too.
96. Leigh on March 30, 2012 at 11:54 pm said:

    Super cool! I love a good, edgy, practical book. Thanks for the chance. nasturtium(at)fastmail.fm
97. beanyween on March 31, 2012 at 6:10 am said:

    I would love to win!kathowkins@yahoo.com
98. annieh76 on March 31, 2012 at 11:35 am said:

    Sounds like a good read.
99. annieh76 on March 31, 2012 at 11:35 am said:

    This comment has been removed by the author.
100. Theresa N. on March 31, 2012 at 1:54 pm said:

     I read her article in Marhta Stewart and now I'm hooked, looking forward to reading the book.Theresa Nweceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
101. nic on March 31, 2012 at 3:38 pm said:

     I'm newish to your blog and think this book would be right up my alley. Thanks!nicole
102. nic on March 31, 2012 at 3:38 pm said:

     I'm newish to your blog and think this book would be right up my alley. Thanks!nicole
103. Yasmin on March 31, 2012 at 5:04 pm said:

     I'm looking forward to reading this book!
104. nancy on March 31, 2012 at 7:52 pm said:

     I'd love a copy, sounds like a hysterical, bawdy read!!!
105. gisele on April 3, 2012 at 11:08 am said:

     oh yes, I read both your blogs regularly, and can't wait to get my mits on her book!
106. Alicia-Marie on April 3, 2012 at 3:26 pm said:

     Awesome. I would love a copy of this book. I began reading Jessie's blog when I saw its link on your page.