Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and grew up in South Africa, and after spending a few years in England in my twenties, finally settled in Calgary, Canada with my husband. I have two wonderful daughters.
For as long as I can remember I have loved to read – to become immersed in stories and imagine a life different to my own. Although I read many different genres, I have always been attracted to fantasy – nothing is impossible in fantasy, and your imagination can run completely free! I also love stories that explore relationships – not just romantic relationships.
I have also been dreaming up stories for as long as I can remember, but it is only recently that I started putting my ideas onto paper. I love the creative process of writing, and love to see where a story takes me! I already have outline for quite a few more books, and I look forward to sharing these with the world in the coming years!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and only published book so far) is Bound by a Dragon. It is a fantasy romance, and I cannot really say where the idea came from! I think I wanted to explore the idea of a fantasy romance that was different from all the other urban fantasy and paranormal romance that we are seeing so much of. When I first started writing it, it was for my own personal amusement, but I enjoyed the story so much, I thought maybe others would too!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really! As long as I have a quiet space, a cup of coffee and my laptop, and I can write for hours completely absorbed in my story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cannot really point to any one author or book that has influenced me. I am an avid reader, and read easily over a hundred books in a year, in many different genres. When I enjoy a book, I will usually reread it to discover exactly what it is that I like about it. I love the quote from Dance of Dragons by George R. R. Martin, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies … The man who never reads lives only one.” I think that all my reading experiences have led me to be the writer I am today.
What are you working on now?
I am busy working on a sequel to Bound by a Dragon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website, http://www.lindakhopkins.com, where I promote my books, but I try and get my books onto as many different websites as I can so people can find my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is easy to become sidetracked by all the marketing, tracking sales, etc. All of this is necessary, of course, but don’t loose sight of what you love – writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be a write, then write!
What are you reading now?
I’m in between books at the moment, but in the past couple of months I have read The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb, Killing Jesus by Bill O’Reilly, and also very quickly read through the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am busy working on a sequel to Bound by a Dragon, and at this stage am also planning another two dragon books. I also have an unedited manuscript tucked away that I would like to get back to soon.
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?
I would have to have a (or 2 or 10) blank notebook so I could write my own stories! Also, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, a modern-day romance so I could feel connected – maybe Outlander by Diane Gabaldon, and a Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Linda K. Hopkins Website
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