Could You Tell Us About Yourself ? 

A journalism major in college, I’ve always written for a living—everything from speeches and marketing brochures to feature articles for business and trade magazines. The last ten years I’ve concentrated on writing mystery/suspense/thriller novels.

What made you write your book (s) ?

I love reading mysteries and always promised myself I’d try writing one.

What is the first book you remember reading ? 

Afraid my recall isn’t that good. I do remember regular grade school trips to the public library to stock up on mysteries and stories about horses. 

What’s your favourite book ?

Like a mother who isn’t willing to name a favorite child, I have too many books and authors I love to read to pick one. I’m an eclectic reader and enjoy reading thrillers, cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, young adult fantasy and historical novels. In general, I much prefer fiction to nonfiction titles.

How many hours a day do you write?

Zero to 10 hours. It depends where I am in the book production cycle. The 10 hour estimate also includes time I spend on research—which is part of the fun of writing.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Deciding when it’s time to stop tinkering with a manuscript. Every time I read it, I think maybe I can improve it.

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?

Probably Susan Isaacs because, like me, she hasn’t restricted herself to one niche. She’s penned historical and contemporary novels and I love her sense of humor. 

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

My husband and I once tried to share an office. Didn’t work. I like it quiet, no music.

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

I love coffee. Brew it half regular, half decaf to cut down on the caffeine.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

Dinner out, maybe? Usually it means I need to catch up on chores I’ve neglected.

What is / was your writing process like?

I’m a pantser—write by the seat of my pants. When I start, I know who the heroine (it’s always a heroine though she may have a partner) and villain will be. And I know the villain’s motives and goals. That’s it. Then I’m ready to go along for the ride. 

Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want? 

I hope readers enjoy my books but I don’t attempt to write what’s currently in vogue. That’s always a recipe for disaster. I write about topics, themes I find fascinating.

What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I love doing research, and I tend to do it throughout the writing process as new questions arise. Whenever possible, I try to interview experts and people with the same careers as my characters.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

As noted earlier, the plot unfolds for me as the characters interact. The characters (good and bad) are usually blends of people I’ve encountered over the years.

What’s your favourite and least favourite part of publishing your book (s) ?

I enjoy chatting with readers in person at book signings, book clubs, etc. I tried using a variety of social media platforms, but eventually quit the ones that made me grit my teeth.

Would you and your main character get along?

Definitely.

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you!

Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?

I tend to relate to older characters, who, like me, grew up without cellphones and constant social media pressure.

What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?

With my process, I’m constantly revising the draft as I go.

How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

My ideal reader not only loves mystery/suspense but likes to have an occasional laugh while she’s reading.

What was your hardest scene to write?

I always spend the most time trying to make action scenes both realistic and suspenseful.

How long did it take for you to write a book ?

My current publishing contract requires a book every year. My previous publisher had me on a nine-month schedule. That was too tight for comfort.

What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ? 

There’s an underlying theme in my HOA Mystery series, it is the folly of trying to force your values/standards on others and to be wary of bullies who clothe selfish demands in hypocritic rhetoric.

What was the hardest part of writing your book (s) ?

Dialogue is always difficult. You want to make sure each character has a unique voice and that his/her vocabulary is appropriate for his/her age, background and education.

Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with that?

You can’t please everyone. My 11th novel is scheduled to be published this November. I’m sure it will offend someone. That’s balanced by the readers who’ll enjoy it.

How did you feel when you first published your book (s)? Scared ? Excited ? Nervous?

The release was so much fun. My local bookstore hosted the launch and I celebrated with long-time friends and family.

Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?

Most of my books are available via all online booksellers and can be ordered through brick-and-mortar bookstores. Level Best Books will release my third HOA Mystery this fall and will also begin the release of second editions of my humorous Brie Hooker Mysteries set on a goat dairy farm.

Linda Lovely Media Links

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