Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My warm-up to writing was to produce five non-fiction books, as well as co-write and edit a book of Christmas stories. All of these contained short, true stories of people who 1) had triumphed over a major crisis in their lives, 2) had used their talents to benefit others, and 3) had experienced adventures most of us will never have the opportunity to have. This past year, I plunged into fiction to write my first novella.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first fictional book is That Gentile Girl. The story idea had been circulating in my head for years. But writing it stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I found I loved the creativity of fiction, even when I was stuck on how to write the next chapter.
The book is an historical fiction set in the early 1850’s, and the basic premise revolves around young Emma Peterson, who leaves frontier Missouri after witnessing the murder of her parents. She hitches a ride aboard a wagon train bound for California, but her circuitous route leads her directly into the paths of the three brutal killers, as well as a young English widower determined to reach the Salt Lake Basin. Emma must decide if her revenge is more important than romance, and survive long enough to make that choice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best plot ideas seem to come just as I am lying down to sleep and my mind relaxes. If I don’t get up and jot them down, they will keep me awake for hours.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love almost anything with an historical background. My favorite authors are James Herriot and Richard Paul Evans. I have just finished my first book by Paulette Jiles, and definitely want to read more of her books.
What are you working on now?
I am editing the sequel to That Gentile Girl, another novella that I call A Test of Faith. I have also begun writing a book about one of my husband’s ancestors, who was expelled from Scotland after finding himself on the wrong side of a royal battle. He was subsequently sent to America as an indentured servant, where the possibilities for plot are endless.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website, a Facebook page, and an Amazon author page. But I am constantly looking for new ways to market my books. As someone who would rather write than market, that’s a huge challenge for me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for your own enjoyment first. I call writing my sanity keeper. Then write for the people who enjoy what you write – whether that is ten or ten thousand.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love this quote by Junot Diaz: A writer is a writer not because she writes well or easily, because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does is golden. A writer is a writer because, even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.
What are you reading now?
I like to read a few magazines between books, and right now I am reading an edition of the Smithsonian Magazine. This one has some amazing historical facts about Yellowstone National Park and the Reconstruction Period after the Civil War.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to have A Test of Faith ready to publish by October, and at least the first draft of my next book finished shortly thereafter. Since that will be the first in a series of books, my next goal will be to do a storyline board of each of sequels.
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?
My scriptures to bring me comfort and my collection of Herriott books to remind me that life, however hard, is also worthwhile.
Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Chism Website
Linda Chism Amazon Profile
Linda Chism’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile