STRANDS OF FATE - Linda Kozar - One Free Book

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.

Shannon had gained a name for herself, beading necklaces with precious and semiprecious stones, Italian glass and antique findings. Recently she’d begun incorporating her beading designs into embroidered handwork, along with knitted caps and sweaters. And she was finding it hard to keep up with the new orders.

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.

My website is: www.lindakozar.com and I have a blog called Bookish Desires: www.bookishdesires.blgospot.com