Linda Kozar is the
co-author of Babes With A Beatitude—Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of
Faith (Hardcover/Ebook, Howard/Simon & Schuster 2009) and author of Misfortune
Cookies (Print, Barbour Publishing 2008), Misfortune Cookies, A
Tisket, A Casket, and Dead As A Doornail, (“When The Fat Ladies Sing
Series,” eBooks, Spyglass Lane Mysteries, 2012). Her latest novel Strands of
Fate released October 2012 (Hardcover/Ebook, Creative Woman Mysteries). She
received the ACFW Mentor of the Year Award in 2007, founded and served as
president of Writers On The Storm,
The Woodlands, Texas ACFW chapter for three years. In 2003, she co-founded,
co-directed and later served as Southwest Texas Director of Words For The Journey Christian Writers
Guild. She and her husband Michael, married 24 years, have two lovely
daughters, Katie and Lauren and a Rat Terrier princess named Patches.
Represented by: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency
Member of: CAN (Christian
Authors Network), RWA (Romance Writers of American), WHRWA (West Houston
Romance Writers of America ),
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), Writers On The Storm, The Woodlands,
Texas Chapter of ACFW, Toastmasters (Area 56)
The Woodlands, Texas .
WoodsEdge Community Church, The Woodlands, TX.
Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
Though I started out writing short stories, the first book I
pitched was a nonfiction. But I soon found out how tremendously difficult it is
to get a nonfic book published as a newbie writer, so I shelved the book.
(BTW—I received permission from my agent to self-pub it and plan on doing so in
2013)
I started writing mysteries and found I had a knack for
that. The first mysteries were more RomCom type cozies—lots of fun. But now I’m
writing historicals and even have a contemporary I’m editing.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I married my husband. I asked God to send me the
perfect husband for me and the perfect wife for him—and he did!
How has being
published changed your life?
I decided in second grade that I wanted to someday be an
author, so for me, being published was the culmination of a lifelong dream. Seeing
a dream fulfilled is definitely a life-changing event. I have so many stories
on my heart that I want to share and to have the opportunity to do is a great
blessing.
What are you reading
right now?
Though I’ve read a slew of book, my favorite book (recently)
is The Lantern, by Deborah
Lawrenson—an homage to the gothic romance, Rebecca. After going to see Lincoln
last night at the movie theater, I plan on buying the book on which this
fabulous movie was based, called, Team of
Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
What is your current
work in progress?
A book set in Texas
during the 1800s! I’m really excited about this project. Historicals hold a
real fascination for me. I like to imagine what life would have been like for
the characters, the difficulties, hardships, even advantages of living in a
different time.
What would be your
dream vacation?
I would love to go to Australia
or New Zealand .
The natural beauty of those places is stunning.
I’ll just have to go
with you. That’s my dream, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?
Once the character comes to life in my head, I imagine where
that character would live. I’m very much character-driven.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Condoleeza Rice. She such an interesting woman, brilliant
and multi-talented. She played an integral part in our nation’s history, yet
inexplicably, seems to have faded into the background. Wouldn’t it be
fascinating to just sit and chat with her over tea or coffee? Of course we’d
talk about politics, but I’d imagine she would have lots of other interesting
things to talk about as well. And I’d be sure to ask her to play something on
the piano too!
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Oil painting and beading. Painting in oils is so calming. My
mind goes to a different place when I have a brush in my hand. I’ve painted and
given away or sold more canvases than I’ve kept. Beading is different. I can do
that when watching television or talking on the phone. It’s creative, but not
so demanding.
I don’t have time to do much of either of those crafts these
days. All I seem to do is write, and that’s a choice I’ve made. Time is so
precious, we must portion it out to develop those gifts, but sometimes the
choice is difficult.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Social networking. While it is important for writers to
engage in social networking, it can also suck you in quite easily. It is a
constant battle I fight. Time and focus are important to success.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Trust the call of God on your life. If God called you to
write—write! He will make sure your work gets published. It’s not important to
know how this will happen, just that it will. If you trust Him for the call,
trust him for the rest. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
That is such good
advice. I’m awaiting a contract that God set up so unexpectedly for me this
month. Tell us about the featured book.
Strands of Fate is the first in a new cozy mystery series, each
written by different authors. Set in Scotland
and Oregon ,
the story follows Shannon McClain and the members of
the Purls of Hope knitting circle as they unravel the mysteries that touch
their lives and the lives of those they care about in their quaint coastal
town.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
A sharp rap at the door started
Sannon McClain in mid-stitch, causing her to prick her index finger with her
embroidery needle. She winced and brought her finger to her mouth.“One moment,
please.”
She rose from her chair and made
her way to the front door. When she opened it, she found the stoop empty. Perplexed,
she glanced to the right and to the left but saw only rows and rows of
flowerpots overflowing with blooms. How
odd.
She closed the door and went back
to her handwork, a delicate pillowcase edging. She hoped her quick reaction had
kept blood from soiling the cloth. Though close to finishing this particular
project, she’d decided to add an extra row of seed pearls to the hummingbird’s
wing to highlight the tip.
Perhaps, as her best friend Coleen
said, she was too much of a perfectionist. But Shannon
never regretted going the extra mile for a client. The client who’d ordered the
pillowcases for a wedding gift was sure to be content.
Rap-rap-rap. Aggravation rising, she put down her work and opened the
door again.
I don’t bead, but I
do knit. I can’t wait to read this story. How can readers find you on the
Internet?
Right now, Strands of Fate is only offered
through a book club:
www.creativewomanmysteries.com
Readers may join the book club and receive the first book half price ($6.99)
and thereafter receive other books in the series each month.
The quality of these books is amazing. They are what I
describe as “Boutique Books.” Done in top-of-the-line fashion, with a book
jacket, they even include satin bookmarks.
30 comments:
What a fun sounding series...i have a doily that has beads in it...an heirloom. Thanks for the great interview, Linda and Lena and the chance to win Strands of Fate.
Marianne from northern Alberta
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
Marianne--I would love to see a picture of it! I'll bet it's beautiful. My grandmother used to tat and crochet all sorts of things like that, including pillowcases. I learned a basic stitch from her, but didn't continue with it. Same with knitting. But I might just pick up where I left off. I keep seeing all these great designs on Pinterest...
Linda, I learned so much about you in this fabulous interview. So glad you're going to self-pub your non-fic book--can't wait to read it. You and Condaleezza will get along great because she has a delightful sense of humor too--like you. I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings for this Christmas season!
Purls of Hope - what a cute name for their group! Sounds like a clever book series!
From the Black Hills of SD!
Sharon--Thanks so much, my friend! I'm soooo looking forward to the experience of becoming an "Indie" author (at least with one book). And smooth sailing to you too!
Lady Saotome--Wouldn't you like to join the Purls of Hope? I know I would. The characters are such a great little circle of women. I had myself wishing they were real!
Love your 'Fat Lady Sings' series so I'll be picking up 'Strands of Fate.' I don't know anything about beading so I'm looking forward to learning more as a background for your story.
Your other projects sound fabulous--and how exciting for you to be moving your non fiction project to publication!
Thank you for the opportunity to obtain this book!
Jean
West Palm Beach, FL
Thanks Hillari! I think you and I should do a project together. Maybe find two others and do a gothic novella collection! How cool would that be!
Jean, so nice to hear from you!
Beautiful book cover and sounds like a very interesting story. I love the "Purls" in the club name.
Michelle
Delaware
Hi Linda and Lena,
Thanks for the chance to win the book "Strands Of Fate" It sounds like a great book, i would love to know who was at the door.With the beads in your embroidered handwork sounds really nice.
God bless you both and a Merry Christmas with God the one we are looking too.
Norma in Ohio
Sounds great would love to win.
Lourdes Dix Hills Long Island
Hi Mimi, Norma and Lourdes! So glad you stopped by. I wish you could all win a copy of Strands of Fate!
But you can find it at www.creativewomanmysteries.com
The first book in the series, Strands of Fate can be purchased at an introductory discount, half-price for $6.99. The rest of the books in the series are $14.99, but you can drop out after buying the first book if you like with no obligation. Hope that helps!
I'm not very crafty or creative but I do love to read mysteries that involve quilts, sewing, knitting, etc.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway for the book, "Strands of Fate".
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I do enjoy my craft work, but beading is something I've only done a little of. I'm looking forward to reading STRANDS OF FATE.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
thanks for the chance to read this story
karenk..from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
This definitely sounds like a series that I would enjoy reading. I learned how to knit as a teenager but haven't knitted since the kids were very young.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
I am not a knitter, do have a bead frame, and would love to read this mystery as a former Nancy Drew reader ~ I am a historical reader and quilter ~ Kathleen - Missouri
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Enter me!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
I like cozies and this series sounds intriguing, with using different authors. Thanks for the info and chance to win.
Julie in MN
I would love to win!
Hannah P
CA
I love cozy mysteries! I'm in MN.
thanks for chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
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