We have Linda Swift here to share about her writing and herself! Drop a comment to win a copy of her book, Single Status!
WP: What do you write?
L: I write a potpourri of genres – contemporary and historical fiction, short stories, poetry and articles.
WP: Why do you choose the genres you do?
L: I write whatever story clamors loudest to get out of my head, and it is not always the same genre or even what I had planned to write next.
WP: What made you first want to be a writer?
L: Reading wonderful books as a child sowed the seeds of wanting to write stories myself. I was an only child and I've had imaginary characters in my head since very early in my life.
WP: What inspires you?
L: I'm inspired by people and their lives, either those I have observed or those I've read about. I find historical people and events attract me now more than current situations.
WP: What kicks the brain into gear when you have writer’s block?
L: I indulge in what a writer friend calls "creative procrastination." I do busywork on the computer, write letters, organize files, or read other authors.
WP: Who is your favorite character you have created?
L: The one whose story I am currently working on. I relate to that character and suffer and rejoice with them and miss them when I finally let them go.
WP: Is there any genre you want to try, but haven’t yet?
L: I think I may try a Regency someday. I have read some recently that have more depth that those I previously read and that has inspired me to try my hand at it.
WP: What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?
L: I hope they will remember my characters as I remember some from books read long ago. I think this is the highest honor an author can achieve.
WP: What’s your latest news and do you have anything releasing soon?
L: I'm focusing on promoting the books I had released in 2011, especially Single Status which was a Whimsical publication. I am also getting some short stories ready for print.
WP: Where can we find you on the web?
L: You can visit my website at www.lindaswift.net or my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/home.php?clk_loc=5 or my author page on Amazon where you will also find all of my available books.
Hi, Linda. I loved Single Status. Good luck with your future endeavors.
ReplyDeletePD
Thank you, Pat. Your words are music to my ears. It's always gratifying to hear that someone enjoyed your book, and especially so when a fellow author like you says this. Thank you for reading my interview today and for your kind wishes. Linda
ReplyDeleteFor those who visit, I'd like to add that I will be giving an ebook or print, your choice, copy of Single Status. So please leave your comment when you visit for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Single Status, too, and look forward to your next book.
Thank you, Wanda. Please check out my web site for a book releasing in March and short stories soon to be on Smashwords. Thanks for stopping. Best wishes to you. Linda
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I related to your heroine in Single
ReplyDeleteStatus because I,too, worked in a job dominated by men. "Creative Procrastination" is what I do! Love your work. Joyce
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI'm an only child too - we must have overactive imaginations to make up for the lack of siblings around! Your book sounds my kind of read. I spent 6 years in the Navy so understand about working in a very masculine environment. best of luck
Angela Britnell, fellow DBP author
Hi Joyce, I'm glad you showed up to claim your quote which I use frequently. And also do it frequently. Thanks for the comments on my work.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your support.
Thanks for visiting today, Unknown. B.J. in this book is a power plant start-up engineer. I saw a woman in that job when my husband was doing that kind of work and started wondering what it must be like for her and this book was the result. And thanks to my husband, the work info is accurate. Ditto the golf game. I hope yo can read the story.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your interview, Linda. Yes, to have a character live on in one's memory is the ultimate achievement for the writer. You encouraged me to try new genres. Sometimes we get stuck in one mode. Best wishes for "Single Status" sales.
ReplyDeleteI love Regency romances. I wouldn't necessarily want to live in that time period but it does have a nice romantic feel to it.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda--funny you are being interviewed for my favorite of all your books. Having read everything you've written, remember, in my ranking, I placed this one at the top.
ReplyDeleteThe decision wasn't easy, because your other books are such classics and written extremely well--what I call a book for "grown-ups"--that is, it's not silly or trite, but about real people.
I hope others will get this novel, for it will hold your interest until the very last page.
Very good interview.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Single Status sounds really good. :)
I liked your answer to breaking writer's block. A little "messin' round" sounds good.
ReplyDeleteLovely interview, Linda. I wish you all the best.
Hello June. Glad you agree about memorable characters. I often forget the book title, even the author sometimes, but if I remember a character I know that author achieved her/his goal. Same with schools. I remember few things specifically that any teacher taught, but I remember some teachers forever. I hope I was that kind of teacher to some.
ReplyDeleteRegina, there is something really comforting about reading about a time where manners were very important, isn't there? But I do like those Regencies that have some depth to the characters in addition to good morals and manners. Thanks for stoppig by.
ReplyDeleteCelia, thank you so very much for your coomments about this book and all of my work. I appreciate your support and know when you say one of my books is good that I have achieved something worth the effort. Thanks for coming by and for the praise. I think we have a mutual admiration society of two. I know that I admire and enjoy all of your books as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Destiny, thanks for your comments. I think you would enjoy Single Status. B.J. is a gutsy girl making it in a man's world and doing it well. Just the kind of woman we'd all like to be.
ReplyDeleteFinally managed to get in to read your interview AND leave a comment, Linda. Blogger was obviously being uncooperative earlier when I tried (several times!)
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to the 'only child' syndrome and having imaginary characters in your head.
And I LOVE your phrase 'creative procrastination'. When I'm - er -wasting time playing Pyramid Solitaire on the computer, I call it my 'thinking time'. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it LOL.
I really admire your ability to write in different genres. Although I've written short stories and articles in the past, I know my heart really lies in contemporary romance novels.
Look forward to reading 'Single Status'.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your interview here, but what really impresses me is the time you take to answer each comment. If you give as much attention to your characters, I'm sure the book is a good read.
Sarah, I was trying to answer your comments earlier and Blogger blocked me. Sorry. I can't take credit for the term "creative procrastination." I heard it from M.J. Watson, a writer friend, whose comments are above. And I may as well not sit and stare at a bland page. It's like trying to fall asleep when you're wide awake! The harder you try, the less likely that you will succeed. Thanks for visiting today.
ReplyDeletePaula, you made it! Good to see you. Blogger did the same thing to me for a long while this morning and then again late this afternoon. Persistence pays. A friend who knew me well, said a long time ago, "Linda, those publishers might as well take your books because you are not going to let them alone until they do. I didn't and they did! You are very fortunate to have found your niche in contemporary romance. I have another friend (ahem, Celia, are you listening?) whose stories are always about Texas, no matter the genre. And another whose stories always include the sea, and she also writes in many genres. The only thing consistent in my books is my inconsistence. I really consider this a weakness in selling my work and making fans but hey, it's my flaw and I'm stuck with it.
ReplyDeleteShaunna, I answer each comment because I want to get to know the people who visit and I also feel an obligation to respond to those who take the time to visit. And I do know that it takes time away from other things that readers are doing. As for my characters, they are real people to me and I try to respect them and give them the attention they deserve also. I hope you can meet some of them and see for yourself. Thanks for visiting and for your observation and kind comments.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! I have to admit I haven't read any of your books yet, but I'm looking forward to. I like the interview!
ReplyDelete:-) Maria
Everyone has to start someplace, Maria, and Single Status is a very good place to begin reading my books. Good luck on winning a copy but if you don't, I hope you'll read it anyway. To see all of my available books and short stories, check under my name at Amazon or check my website. I'm glad you liked the interview. Robyn asks good questions.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading it. I'm sure it will be another great book.
ReplyDeleteHi Shelly, thank you for visiting and good luck on winning. And if you don't win, I hope you'll get a copy through this publisher or the distributor of your choice.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview - I enjoyed learning more about you, Linda. I'm looking forward to reading my copy of Single Status.
ReplyDeleteI hope you decide to write a Regency - that sounds like fun! :)
Hi Diane, I'm glad you finally were able to get through. And yes, Regency books seem to be very lighthearted and fun for the most part. I'm not sure ole gloom and doom me can bring it off but one of these days I'm going to have a go at it.
ReplyDeleteThis author contacted me on the loop and posted her message there as she couldn't get on this link so I thought it worth posting her story here and give her a chance at winning.
ReplyDeleteMessage flagged Tuesday, January 24, 2012 6:04 PM
Enjoyed your interview. It made me recall my years working as lead technician for
a group of male electronic techs. The guys sometimes swore I solved problems by sheer luck
I just smiled, stroked my 4 leaf clover collection I always carry in my purse,
and thanked them.
Delores Goodrick Beggs
Horses, hounds, heart
gfadelores@verizon.net
http://www.goodrickbeggs.wordpress.com
Delores, I loved this story. And I do think women have an intuitive sense that men lack which we can use for problem solving and reading other people's behavior. Of course, a few four leaf clovers can't hurt anything either.
ReplyDeleteHere is another author's post on a loop that let me know she wasn't able to post on this site. So I'm pasting her other post here.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
I went to the blog and posted a lengthy comment. But wouldn't you know it? It wouldn't take. The "visual verification" box was blank. I had no numbers to type in. Arrrrggggh!. It was a wonderful interview, though. I wanted to sign up for the drawing. I'd sure love to have a copy of Single Status. It sounds great.
Congratulations!
Hugs,
Laurie
Laurean Brooks-
Laurean's Lore blog
Laurie, if you'd like you can send your "lengthy post" to me and I'll enter it here. Meanwhile, you are now on the list for the drawing of Single Status. Good luck. And thanks for all your efforts trying to leave your comments.
ReplyDeleteA great topic to explore. Nice interview. Good luck with the book, Linda!
ReplyDeleteTheresa, thank you for visiting today. And for your comments. Robyn asked some good questions which I enjoyed answering. I appreciat your good wishes.
ReplyDeleteIt seems a lot of people are not able to post their comments after reading the interview and I'm sorry about that. If anyone will email me at swift2208@yahoo.com I will be glad to cut and paste your comments for you and enter your name on the list for winning the book.
ReplyDeleteHere is another letter than I received from Janet Neslet who read and commented but couldn't get Blogger to accept it.
Hi Linda, Went to this site and read your interview and enjoyed it. Good interview! I tried to post a comment but it wouldn't let me.
Janet, I appreciate your visit and your email to me when you couldn't leave your comments. I also appreciate all the support you give me and the opportunity to promote my work on you website. Thank you and good luck!
ReplyDeleteLinda,I enjoyed this interview and resonate with many of your thoughts of childhood reading, remembering characters and hoping yours are remembered in like fashion. I haven't read any of your books, but plan to. Happy marketing. Not posting under Google, I'll try anonymous.
ReplyDeleteJude Urbanski
I just remembered why BJ seemed so familiar. Years ago, we had a neighbor who might as well have been named BJ. She was a single mom with two cute little kids, who spent her days as a welder in a company where she was the only woman, other than the office secretary. this gal was five foot three and a hundred pounds in a soaking rain, but she held her own and then some. Her biggest problem was the other guys hitting on her.
ReplyDeleteA slice of life in your book. How good can it get?
PD
Good morning, Jude. Thank you so much for visiting and for your nice comments. It seems we have some things in common and I hope you will read some of my work and that it will touch your heart. Check my website for several other current releases from 2011.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Linda is a new author for me and would love to win and read this book. I love to read and always looking for new books and authors to check out. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletechristinebails@yahoo.com
Good morning, Pat. Thanks for sharing this info about the "real life" B.J. I have written stories a few times before and then met the real characters. It is always a bit intimidating. In a holiday book I have available, I talked with a manager in a FL bookstore about doing a singing of the book and sketched the plot and she looked shocked and said "that's my story." She had moved from NY, left teaching, after losing her husband, but thankfully, she hadn't lost her little boy as in my book. I wrote a short story about a female reporter who checked into a state mental hospital to get infor for a book, and found out that a male repoorter was living my story at the time I was writing. It gave me chills.
ReplyDeleteHello Chrisbails. I'm always happy to meet new readers who are looking for new books. I wish we'd met before. And I've got eight books available in print and ebook and also short stories (all except one of these was released in 2011 so they are hot off the presses.) Do check out my website or Amazon Com for more information. Thanks so much for visiting and I wish you good luck on winning.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I have not read any of your books but am adding you as new author and your books on my wish list. I enjoy finding new authors that I can read. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us. I look forward to reading Single Status.
ReplyDeletemisskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Hello misskallie, Well, I'm glad you stopped by so we could get acquainted. And thanks for adding my books to your wish list. That's news I love to hear. If you don't win this book, I hope you'll check it out anyway. I promise that you won't be disappointed if you like a good love story set on a beautiful tropical island. I don't know where you live, but this is a book to take the winter blues away.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I love the name of your book and it sounds great. I will have to check out your website and find out more. christina_92 at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHi Christy. Thank you for your comments and for stopping by today. Single Status has a double meaning here. This is what they call an assignment when spouses can't accompany an employee on a job and this job in St. Croix wass that kind of job. And of course, both B.J. (female) and Dana (male) were single. And do check this one and my other books out at www.lindaswift.net Good luck.
ReplyDeletehi well the book info ell it all and i bet they ahd fun were they went and would love to blog on it and read and put it on good read and ama zon for you
ReplyDeletedesi the blonde@ms.com
Hi Linda, Gender name mix-up romances were my favorites growing up in the 70's. Then suddenly, it seemed, there were none of those books being published. So, I'm really glad to read that your blurb uses this plot. To me, they're always fun. Please enter me in your contest if it is not too late.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping, desitheblonde. And your suggestions would be welcome. Good luck with winning.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie. Don't they say, Everything that goes around, comes around, or did I get that backward? Anyway, that's been forty years so it's time the idea was recycled. This is a fun book and you'd enjoy it just for "old time's sake." It's not too late at all for your name to be in the drawing. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOh I really hope you try writing that Regency Linda. I feel you will do well at it. Like the other books you write.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to let us see into your world.
Teresa K.
tcwgrlup41(at)yahoo.com
Hello Teresa, and thank you for your encouragement re a Regency. I'm watching Downton Abbey to get inspired! I liked your comment about seeing into an author's world. I never thought of it that way, but we do open the door to our souls when we write, don't we? I can look at my past work and judge the "phase" of my life from the subjects I wrote about. Now I'm writing mostly history. Could that be because I'm becoming pretty historical myself????
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to misskallie, or Miss Kallie who is the winner of a copy of Single Status. we have been in touch and she prefers a print copy so that will be on its way tomorrow. And I'd like to once again thank all of you who visited and left your comments. I'm sorry everyone couldn't be winners but better luck next time. I'll be giving away books again so just watch the loops for when and where. Linda
ReplyDeleteHI, Linda, I am truly looking forward to reading "Single Status". It sounds like a great book! I am a writer, too, and I admire you for your willingness to 'put it out there' and to write in a variety of genres. What's a 'Regency'?
ReplyDeleteDelia, I'm sorry to have ignored your comment. I hadn't chekced back since the deadline for my book giveaway. Thank you for your kind words and the best I can describe a Regency is that it is a book set in a certain period of English history 1811-20. This was an era of very strict behavior, emphaisis on matters and customs, and social rules and dress. Downton Abbey which is now on TV is set in that time period, as are the books by Jane Austin.
ReplyDelete