In my mind, two sure-fire triggers get the heart thumping—romance and danger. I try to include ample portions of both in my manuscripts, which seesaw between romantic suspense and mysteries with romantic elements.
Having been raised by a strong-willed single mother, who taught me women can do whatever they set their minds to, my feisty heroines don’t take any guff from heroes, who’d better stand ready to act as equal partners.
Age? Nope, I don’t see it as a barrier either.
In my debut novel, DEAR KILLER, to be released next month by L&L Dreamspell, my 52-year-old heroine is smart, athletic and funny. That proves an irresistible combination for the 40-year-old deputy assigned to lead a murder investigation on the Lowcountry Sea Island where the heroine—retired military intelligence—serves as a security guard.
I’m a native Iowan, who has called the South home for more than thirty years. While my husband and I currently live beside a peaceful South Carolina lake, we spent a dozen years in the amazing SC Lowcountry.
A journalism major in college, I’ve always made my living as a writer—newsletters, brochures, ad copy, speeches, trade magazine articles, you name it. But when I took the leap into fiction, I found I had lots to learn. I owe a big debt of gratitude to professional writer organizations, contest judges and critique partners.
I’m president of the Upstate SC Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of Romance Writers of America and the South Carolina Writers Workshop. I’m proud that my manuscripts have made the finals in 15 contests, including RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier competitions. However, I know I have much more to learn—that’s one reason I’m delighted to be a member of the Romancing the Genres blog.
19 comments:
Good luck with the blog, Linda. Can't wait for your book to make it to print.
Looking forward to June and Dear Killers, Linda. Hooray for you!
Linda, We are so thrilled to have you with us. And I love that your heroines are older and your hero (at least in this book is younger).
Linda,
You have such impressive credentials. Your novel sounds original and unique. L&L Dreamspell is an excellent publisher.
Wishing you every success,
Jacqueline Seewald
STACY'S SONG--YA Coming of age/romance
TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS--adult sensual romance
THE TRUTH SLEUTH--coming May 18th
We're so excited to have you with us at RTG, Linda! Congratulations on your June Debut, Dear Killer. Can't wait to read it!
Your book looks very good!! I read all genres and love them all. I will check out your book. I am also from the South. I also believe that a woman can do whatever she puts her mind to!!
Good luck with your debut book!!
Thanks for the kind words. Hard to describe the feeling when a first novel is soon to be published. Worry you haven't done enough promotion. Excitement about holding your very own book in your hand. Anxiety about your first booksigning. But mostly VERY HAPPY. But the anticipation makes it hard to settle down and finish polishing the sequel--which you want to make darn sure is as good as or better than the first book.
OMG!!! I can't wait for your book. An older woman and a younger man, most excellent! I enjoyed the NEXT series from Harliquin and was sorry to see the line go. Congrats on being a member of RTG.
I forgot to mention that I lived in Iowa for 21 years. That makes me an Honorary Iowan, don't you think? My eldest son and daughter live in Eastern Iowa.
Love your description of Dear Killer! I'm looking forward to blogging with you.
Hi, Linda. I love your author photo.
I'm also a fan of the slightly older heroine/younger man pairings. Good luck with this one!
After I described the romance in DEAR KILLER, someone commented--"Oh, a May-December romance." My answer? "Nope, more like July-September." In my book, a 52-year-old is so NOT December.
GREAT response, Linda!
That was me. Thanks Linda for pointing out that 52 is not December. I told a friend that 70 is the new middle-age!
Thanks Linda for your comments. It sure helps to hear affirmation. I'm so impressed with your writing career. And, envious that you get to write in South Carolina. My dream is to spend some time writing in your state or the one above it.
I like to read Romance Suspense so I'm thrilled for you that you are that close to seeing 'Dear Killer' on the book shelves. Can't wait to read it.
The title defiantly doesn't sound like a 'Dear John' letter!
Hi, Linda! I found the blog! Great post and fun to get to know more about you! Your book sounds fun. Congrats!!
Pauline
P.S. Thanks for saying 52 is not December!! Turned 55 last year and still processing the shock! Lol!
Linda, this is, indeed, a special time for a special lady. Enjoy each moment. I'm proud to know you. Can't wait to get a copy of the book in my own hands.
Your first book? Lovely! It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Can not wait to read it.
Good luck
Post a Comment