Welcome. Tell us about you and your books.
Do you
plot or let the story unfold as you write?
I used to be
a detailed plotter. But a couple years ago, I realized I’d written enough
stories that I trusted myself to work out the plot as I write. Usually by the
end of the third chapter, I see how the last scene should be and I write a
paragraph or so or even the final line. Now, I have a place to write to.
Are your
characters based on real people?
All I’ll
admit is that I give characteristics of people I’ve known to certain
characters. J
What is your
favorite book you’ve written and why?
My favorite
story is a historical I’m still writing. I wrote a twenty-page short story in
2004-2005 that I’m still expanding. I love these characters and their struggle
so much that I knew I needed to be a better and stronger writer to give the
plot the justice it needs.
How do
you get to know your story characters better?
I figure out
three secrets each doesn’t want known or dreads telling the other. All three
might never appear in the story, but I’ve made my characters vulnerable and
they become more real.
How do
you get past those bumps in the narrative that slow down your writing?
Jump ahead
to the next scene of action. I struggled sometimes with finishing a character’s
few paragraphs of introspection when I really want to have that character
interact with someone. Sometimes, that next conversation needs to happen so I
can go back and give the character anticipatory thoughts about how that
conversation would go.
How much
of the book is realistic?
I strive to
create historically accurate story worlds. I do tons of research for my
historical stories to make sure everything included in the world or how the
person traveled to that new place existed in the month and year of the
setting. I don’t have my character ride
on a train cross country in 1866 before the Transcontinental Railroad was built
or have someone use a phonograph in 1870 when it wasn’t invented for seven more
years and wouldn’t have been available to the general public for at least
another year.
And for something fun…
What did you
want to be when you grew up?
I scored
high on an eighth grade vocational test that said I’d make a good librarian,
which I thought was cool. Instead, I graduated college with a business degree
and worked administrative assistant jobs. Then after I had my second child, I
operated a child care business in the home for 15 years, and now, I have been a
freelance editor for two decades.
You can
erase one embarrassing experience from your past. What will it be?
Fainting and
taking the podium down with me after giving an oral report in a college
business class where I was the only woman student.
What
makes you cry?
Situations
in a movie, book, or even a well-directed TV commercial that make me empathize
as a mother. Tug on my Mom heartstrings, and I weep. When my kids were younger,
they used to lean forward in the movie theater seats to watch me. Now, my granddaughters
do it.
What is
your favorite time of year and why?
Fall. But
the reasons why have changed. When my kids were young, I welcomed it because
they returned to school. Now, I like the arrival of the cool weather which lets
me drag out the yarn and I can crochet again without being too hot.
Who's
more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen?
Bad boys are
more fun to write about because I can put them into improper situation but I
don’t want one in my life.
Where can we find you online?
Download Freedom’s
Path, Deerbourne Inn series from Amazon and other online retailers.
3 comments:
HI Linda: Thanks for letting us get to know you better. Your three secrets concept is a wonderful idea. Beautiful cover on Freedom's Path
At the movie theater, my husband does that too! Though mostly during kiss scenes. He leans forward and watches my reaction. Makes me want to punch him for ruining the cute moment ;)
I like reading about the 'bad boys' but in real life, I would never want one in my life either. lol
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