Welcome, Linda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Most of my heroines have been wounded in the past in bad marriages or relationships, as I was, and they all receive the blessing of a second chance at love, as I did. That is the primary commonality between me and my characters. I also draw on my experiences to illustrate character emotions, but that's as far as the similarities go. My characters lead far more interesting lives than I do.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don't know how quirky this is, but the most impulsive thing I've done in recent years is to pull off the highway on the way to Mom's house, cross the cattle guard to a rodeo ranch, and request an interview with the former professional bull rider who owns it. I've always worked under that popular assumption, “It never hurts to ask,” and every time, I prove it true. The interview produced wonderful insight into the world of cowboys, bull riders, rodeo, and ranching.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I'm not sure I can remember back that far. I think I was a story-teller the moment I learned to talk. I probably started writing soon after.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Oh, goodness! I love just about everything—I'm even learning to love fantasy. I'm not too crazy about Sci-Fi, and there are some genres I simply won't touch. Otherwise I love it all, from classic to contemporary and everything in between, particularly if it's well-written.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
We're assuming that I have kept my sanity, which is still in doubt. On days when I do feel like I have a handle on things, it's because I've made to-do lists and have been able to follow it. However, when putting out brushfires usurps my list, I tiptoe along the edge of sanity.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
By their personality traits and socio-economic status, and by the setting. One lady who read my new release, Give the Lady a Ride, commented on the names of my male characters (Talon and Chance), saying they were “over the top.” Ride is set on a ranch in Texas
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Ten years of “I'll never do that again!” lapsed between my failed marriage and my new love, so the fact Billy and I will be celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary this year is my biggest honor, blessing, and pride. Of course, being published now ranks right up there!
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
That's a toss-up between river otter and dolphin. I love the water, love to swim and fish, but I sunburn so easily, I'm limited to how much outdoor activity I can participate in. I'd want to be one of the water critters that has a huge personality and lots of fun in life.
What is your favorite food?
The kind that's edible. There are few things I don't like; I'm pickier about how something is prepared than I am about what it is.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
For the longest time, structure was killing me. I read James Scott Bell's book about it, and that helped, but it wasn't until I got Larry Brooks's ebook about structure that the barrier totally shattered.
Tell us about the featured book.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter One
“Company’s coming!” Chance Davis
Talon Carlson pulled open the head gate and freed a freshly vaccinated steer to allow in another bull calf. He looked where Chance pointed to a white dust cloud rising from the caliche ranch road.
Ears perked and tongues flapping, the border collies tore out of the pens, scattering the calves, and streaked toward a silver Mercedes pulling up the drive. The car slowed to a stop in front of the main house, and two classy-looking women climbed out, a tall brunette and a short blonde. In their high heels and dressy slacks, neither looked suited for a ranch.
Chance rode his bay closer to Talon and tipped back his Co-op Feed cap. “Reckon they’re lost?”
“Don’t know, but I guess I’d better find out.” He dusted off his jeans and strode toward the pipe-rail gate. He called back to Chance in the pen. “Soon as y’all are done here, get the guys to throw some hay in with the culls. Tide ’em over ’til the auction.”
Talon made his way through the maze of fencing and headed toward the ranch house, where the dogs jumped on the ladies as if greeting long lost friends. The two ritzy women pushed at them, shouting Down! and Get off of me! while they brushed off their fancy britches and scurried onto the front porch.
Nothing like having to shoo away enthusiastic face-lickers to shatter a woman’s snobby appearance.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have two blogs: in Thank you, Linda, for stopping by to chat with me.
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