Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Louisville, Kentucky with my husband of 35 years. Prior to the release of my award-winning debut novel Once in a While (fashioned from the real-life story of my parents’ romance), I wrote 30 well-received Fan Fiction works, including short stories, missing scenes, novellas, and four full length novels, based on the TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. When not writing, I keep very busy with my work in my church’s prison ministry. The Cherished Memories series grew to three novels, which took my parents’ story through 1957. Now I have embarked upon a new series, Soldiers of Swing, which will feature WWII soldiers stationed stateside during the war, falling in love with girls they meet at the local USO. The first book in that series, entitled Her Blue-Eyed Sergeant, was released Dec 19.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her Blue-Eyed Sergeant was inspired by my love of the 1940’s and local history. I live in Louisville, KY, and Ft. Knox, with its world famous Gold Vault (seen in the Bond film Goldfinger), has always fascinated me. I plan on centering each of my novels in my hometown of Louisville, and once I finished my first series, I looked around for another subject and the idea for a WWII series was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
LOL, well, unlike some writers who write the full rough draft before ever going back and touching it up, I am constantly rewording sentences and editing as I go. On the front end, it makes the process longer, but the back end is a bit easier. Drives me crazy at times, though.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, I have a great many favorite authors now, as I’m an avid reader as well as an author, but I enjoy Christian historical romance as well as other romance genres. Early books that inspired me, however, was reading the Little House books by Laura Engles Wilder. Also, watching the Waltons growing up, John-Boy’s determination to be a writer really impacted me and I dreamed of someday being able to put my thoughts and words down on paper in an eloquent manner like he did on the show every week.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the beginning stages of Book two in my Soldiers of Swing series, which will be titled Her Blue-Eyed Corporal.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had good success with ENT, and I’m about to run one on Bookbub. Other than that, I’ve been on various free sites and email lists. Also, I sell quite a few on facebook.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to your heart, listen to advice from others who have paved the way, and always try to improve your product. Don’t let yourself and your writing grow stale.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.
What are you reading now?
Mail Order Calamity by Barb Goss
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep growing and improving in my craft, and get faster at putting out books for my readers.
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?
The Bible, and several romance books, lol.
Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Ellen Website
Linda Ellen Amazon Profile
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