Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Over the years, I’ve held a number of jobs including telemarketing, secretary, and answering service operator. I’ve always written stories, but until I began writing the Westward Series, I hadn’t been serious about my craft. Finally, after a lot of encouragement by my family and friends, I decided to take the plunge and begin publishing those stories. There are 23 books in the Montana Mail Order Bride series and there are currently 7 books in my Echo Canyon Brides series, which is still ongoing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The current book is titled Montana Orphan and there is really no event that inspired it. Since it’s the next book in the Echo Canyon Brides series, it builds upon the events from the last book and introduces some new characters as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have some unique writing habits in that I never use an outline. I always say that I have this creative door in my head. Characters walk up to this door, knock, and come in. They sit down, introduce themselves, and tell me what they’re like. I develop them from there, but they lead me where they want to go and sometimes we argue. Yes, I know how that sounds, but it’s true. I’ve tried to write with an outline, but the characters never go where I originally thought they would. Other than that, I don’t do anything odd. I have no strange rituals or anything like that.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always enjoyed Nora Roberts because her characters are vivid and she doesn’t get bogged down with a lot of description that slows down the story. So I guess I sort of emulate her style of writing somewhat. I’m an avid Stephen King fan and I love the way he inserts humor into his scariest stories, so I try to do that, too.
What are you working on now?
I just sent the latest Echo Canyon Brides book off to the editor and I’m now writing the first book of my new series, The Dawson Chronicles, which is a spin off of the Montana Mail Order Bride series. My readers have been greatly missing the Westward characters and I always listen to my readers because without them, I’m nothing. The Dawson Series is a fresh take on our Westward friends and deals with the younger crowd who are ready for their own romances and adventures.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub is a tremendous place to promote my books and they’ve been very good to me. Also, my Facebook fan page is very popular and I’ve created pages for some of my characters where my fans can “talk” to their favorite characters and have fun with them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and write every day. Even if what you write is garbage, write. It’s the only way to hone your craft. Take risks and don’t be afraid to roam outside of your comfort zone. Stretch yourself as a writer and be ruthless when you edit. Cut out things that don’t go with your story lines, but don’t get rid of it. Save it because it might come in handy somewhere else down the line where it might fit better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to the reviews that aren’t constructive. It’ll only discourage you and prevent you from writing. Develop a thick skin so that you can continue. Own your mistakes and go on and do better.
What are you reading now?
I have just finished the Shelter of Stones by Jean M. Auel and it was a wonderful book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have enough on my plate for now with alternating between two series, but at some point in the future, I plan on writing an all Lakota romance series because my readers have fallen in love with their culture the same way I have. It will make me a better writer because it’s something I’ve never done and that’s a good thing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, boy. That’s a hard one. The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub would definitely be on that list. The Black Stallion, and almost anything by Nora Roberts.
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Hello Linda,
Iam blown away with your Montana Brides series. Iam now about to read the last set and I’m a little sad that it will be ending. I cant get these books out of my system. I live in two worlds, Dawson and Columbia SC.
I am so very impressed with your writing. I could hardly finish the scene with Mike and Bryn during her bout with pneumonia. I love the relationship that exist with the Lakota tribe and the white natives of Dawson. Its unimaginable, for I am African American and I can’t even in my wildest dreams imagine that white Americans would do that. However, you have me living there as well. I think I arrived there as an invisible person on the stagecoach with Tessa. I could go on and on, 19 books worth, but I think you get my drift. In 3 words I describe these books:Romantic, clean and creative.
Keep it going as long as you can.
Linda, this is the second time I bought & paid for the Mail Order Brides: Westward Bound. I bought all 23 twice & I am reading them again. Western Romance is my favorite & you have me living in a cabin in Dawson near a creek. I can hear the creek as it runs over the rocks creating a sound that is restful & soothing. I feel like family to both the white settlers & the Lakota. I have adopted them as mine. My husband is part Indian heritage & I am Irish so by choice I am related to Wind Spurit. You have one heck of an imagination lady & I love & admire you.
I mentioned about wanting to see a sequel to Dawson Chronicles as you left us hanging with Joey, now JJ in prison. You left several cliff hangers. Are you going to writ # 4? Please do.
Linda i enjoyed theseries montana mail orderbrides,I am curious as to how you picked the town walhalla north dakota in this series.my husband was born in walhalla north dakota.its alittle town and no one has heard of it except those born there or liveclose by.i am looking forward to reading more of you books. Keep them coming.
Linda, here it is the end of September, 2019, and I am getting ready to pull my favorite 2 series of yours from my library to read for the third time. Open that door in your mind and let those characters take a seat and talk. I loved the wise Chief of the Lakota and see him as a grandfather to a large family. More please.