Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Author Linda Ford - MONTANA WEDDINGS - Free Book

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I've been asked this question many times and never quite know how to answer. Some of my characters are somewhat like me. Some, not at all. Sometimes I write a story addressing doubts and fears of a younger me. Other times, the problem is one I've only observed. So I guess I could say sometimes I put some of myself into my characters, but most times very little.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Writing wise or otherwise? If you want otherwise, I'd have to say adopting 10 kids (on top of four homemade ones.) They were kids from 1 year to 14 years with baggage. What was I thinking???

I salute you for that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I always made up stories in my head usually at bedtime. I thought everyone put themselves to sleep that way. But it wasn't until I was much older that I considered writing the stories down. For a fuller story of how this came about see the BIO section on my website.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read a lot of non-fiction for research. I especially enjoy first-hand accounts and journals. For fiction, I read across the board. I love Robin Lee Hatcher, Elizabeth Berg, Harlan Coben, Linda Lael Miller, to name a few.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I write both contemporary and historical for Heartsong Presents. I write for Love Inspired Historicals. I also wrote and self published a book on tuberculosis in the 30s and 40s based on first-hand experiences. I called it Touched By The White Plague. I did this to honor my mother who spent time in a sanatorium.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I'm not sure I always do. :-) One thing I learned when I had a large family to care for was to say no to lots of good things from Sunday school teacher to bake sale organizer. It was good practice for saying no to things that distract from my writing. My family takes up most of my 'free' time so I volunteer very little. I also need time to organize my thoughts each day which I do in a journal followed by a time of Bible reading and prayer. This small habit is my lifeline to sanity.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

With great difficulty. It took me nine months to settle on names for my babies and all of a sudden I'm expected to come up with names for a hero and heroine and a cast of secondary characters in a matter of days? I do a lot of brainstorming using name books, real estate ads (they list their agents—great resource), telephone directories, etc. I make long lists. I whine and complain a lot but finding the RIGHT name is essential for me. It has to feel right.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Surviving raising 14 kids??? No, I think getting published with 2 publishers is something I am proud of and which I give glory to God for.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I'd be a cat because they are cute and cuddly yet independent. Just like me??? :-)

What is your favorite food?

Grapes, without a doubt. I'm seriously addicted. (Excuse me a moment while I go get a handful.)

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

In the beginning or early stages? It was learning my process. What worked for me in discovering character and story and getting it on page. I took a lot of courses and tried a lot of things before I 'created' a mix that works for me. I'm sure my process will continue to grow and evolve.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Read lots. Take lots of courses. Get feedback even if it hurts and above all, persevere.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Montana Weddings is a collection of three contemporary stories set in Montana. An interesting tidbit about that is the first one was originally set in Calgary, Alberta, with the indoor Devonian gardens and high-rise office buildings. I had the privilege of doing a research trip into Montana to discover the local attractions so I hope the stories carry a thread of authenticity and local color.

My story in Montana Mistletoe was contemporary, too. How can readers find you on the Internet?

You'll find me at www.lindaford.org

My blog is connected to my website and I update that weekly so be sure and visit.

Thanks for the chance to visit with you.
And thank you, Linda, for spending this time with us.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Montana Weddings. Then go check out Linda's web site and blog.

33 comments:

Cheryl said...

I would love to win a copy of Linda's book. Please enter me in the contest. My email address is shryackmom[@]charter[.]net

Tami said...

Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of Linda's book. These interviews are giving us great insight into these writers.

Anonymous said...

Cheryl,
Thanks for buying my book. I hope you enjoy it. Which one was it?

Linda

Anonymous said...

Tami,
Thanks for dropping by. Good luck on the book draw.

Linda

Becky C. said...

I would love to a copy of this book.

Please enter me in the contest.

Thank you,

Becky C.
rec(at)hiwaay(dot)net

G.R.I.T.S. said...

I would love to have this on my shelves! please enter me into the contest!

R.Byuel
Rae Byuel @gmail .com

Unknown said...

Count me in, please!
frog123 (at) cyipcom (dot) net

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the interview. I would love to be entered in the contest for your book.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Martha A. said...

I want to hear more about the raising 14 children as one of 11 children, I admire people who raise large families! sounds like an interesting book and since I live in MT...all the better!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Linda Ford said...

Becky, Jenna and Rae,
Your names are entered. Thanks for visiting.

Linda

Linda Ford said...

Jenna and Jo are also entered. Thanks for visiting.

Linda

Linda Ford said...

Martha,
You live in a beautiful state. Growing up in a family of 11 you probably know a lot about what it's like to raise 14 kids. In many ways I treated it like a full time job. Learned to plan and organize. The teen years were the most difficult but we survived them and the kids are now all grown up and presenting us with grandkids which is just wonderful.
Linda

windycindy said...

Quite a fascinating lady! Fourteen children! What an accomplishment. Her books sounds so good to read. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Norma said...

I grew up in a family of 10 - I hope you write about either your family as nonfiction or a novel based on a large family like yours.
I would love to read your book.

Linda Ford said...

WindyCindy,
Glad to see you drop by.
Linda

Linda Ford said...

Norma,
I bet you have lots of stories to share. Bits and pieces of family life as I know it creep into my books. So far I haven't had the courage to write about a large family. Not sure I could keep track of them all. :-)
Linda

Sunny said...

Wow! 14! Talk about some life experiences there. Nice interview!

I'd love to be entered for this. I live in MT and love reading stories set here!

Sunny
sj3girls(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This sounds really nice and I am a little bit intrigued and wistful about the Montana setting. It cracks me up that she's addicted to grapes too. That's so healthy!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

apple blossom said...

Oh, I love weddings. This sounds like a wonderful book.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

Wow what a great interview with the author, I was amazed to hear that she has raised 14 kids! How could she have possibly had time to think about writing nontheless anything else! Sounds like a wonderful book!

Anita Mae Draper said...

Hey Linda - So far, I've read your 1st LIH and the 2nd one is on my TBR pile.

I enjoy reading your work.

Lena - please enter me in the draw for Linda's Montana Weddings

anitamaedraper at hotmail dot com

Thank you.

kalea_kane said...

I always get so much out of these interviews. Thank you for posting them. I have learned a lot.

Blessings

Anonymous said...

Wow. So many visitors. Glad to see you all. Special wave to Anita Mae.

Merry said...

Please add my name for Montana Weddings. Great interview!

worthy2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

Danielle said...

I always enjoy a good book. Please enter me.

ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com
http://homeschoolunitstudies.blogspot.com

Stormi said...

Would love to win this book.

Thanks,
Stormi

ladystorm282001[at]yahoo[dot]

Anonymous said...

i've read your two love inspired historical and LOVED them. i would like to win a copy of this book. please enter my name in the draw. thanks,
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I guess this blog is over but I had to add one more comment--thanks, Sarah, for saying you loved my books. I needed to hear that today.

Linda

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Please enter me in your contest. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I would love a copy of his book. It sounds like a great read. My email adress is kjm8704(@)juno(.)com
thanks

Cherie J said...

Wonderful interview! Would love to be entered in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the wonderful interview. I would love to win this! Please enter me in the drawing.

A happy heart at home said...

I would love to receive this book! (I finally made it to the right spot to comment, Lena, thanks to you!)

~Susan

ahappyheartathome(at)gmail(dot)com