Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Toledo, Ohio, and although almost anywhere can be home for me, for the past twenty some years, it has been Las Vegas, Nevada.
How long have you been writing? And is writing your full time occupation?
I can't remember a time when I didn't write - short stories for my friends and classmates, assignments for teachers - and yes, writing is no only my full time occupation, but my first love.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My most recent book is titled "Chasing Destiny", a romance novel with a touch of the paranormal. A magical sword holds the key to undoing an ancient curse.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Well, my one hero, Ian, would more than likely grumble and say "she should have waited for me." While the heroine would reply, "I wait for no one." All of them have a lot of spunk.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
The novel I'm currently working on is again a romance novel, set back in the late 1930's. It's quite a change from my first novel, and there are plans to have a sequel to "Chasing Destiny."
What or who inspired you to write?
It was a teacher that inspired me. I remember discussing how I didn't like how a book ended, and she suggested that I re-write the ending. That was the start.
Would you like to giveaway a copy of your book on this blog?
Oh, of course - just ask and I'll send off the coupon!
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
The cover design was simply a matter of discussing it with the designer and coming up with the elements in the story that would fit the design. The title comes from what the main character is born with a destiny that she cannot ever escape from. I found a quote that said " Albert Schweitzer I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
I think that most authors at one time or another draw from people or experiences in life. At a young age I lost my first husband and what I experienced and felt is very much a portion of the novel.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Oh my yes! Nora Roberts - she just amazes me with the depth of her characters, the variety in which she writes - and her "In Death" series just blows me away.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
It depends on the circumstances. Currently I'm recovering from some very serious surgery where an e-book is easier for me to read - especially when I can sit at the computer to do it. Still, I enjoy the "feel" of a paperback/hardback. There is something about it being more tangible.
Where do you prefer to buy your books?
Again because of my current circumstances, I purchase mostly on line. But I do love going into bookstore and browsing. There is just something about the look and feel of a bookstore that is attractive. I especially love old bookstores.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author?
I am and I don't see that ever changing. I love the freedom of setting my own pace and not having an editor demanding a deadline.
Have you ever read a book more than once?
I'm constantly re-reading books - to me it's like becoming reacquainted with an old friend. In fact I just finished re-reading a book by Christina Feehan "The Dark Prince" and enjoyed it as much this time as I did the first time.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
No I can't honestly say that I have. I've seen a few movies that followed the book closely enough where I felt the movie did justice to the book. But then that's talking about another period of time and not today's movies.
What book do you know that you will never read?
I can't think of one that I "know" that I will never read. There are certainly books out there that don't appeal to me, but I can't think of a title right off hand.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?
Each time I re-read my last book, there is always something that I think that I should have explained more, or think of a better word - but I also have a belief that you can overwork a story and after a while 'put it to bed' and go on to the next novel. Otherwise, I feel you could spend your entire career trying to prefect just one work. Sooner or later I think that you have to let go and move on.
Who designed the cover of your book?
My best friend, Rose Marie Olson designed and will probably continue to design my covers.
Do you have a book trailer?
No, I wish that I knew how to do it, but frankly it would probably be of such length and the casting alone would drive me insane! I envy people that can do that, but it's not one of my talents.
What are your thoughts on book trailers?
It depends. I've seen some that intrigued me enough to want to go purchase the book, and yet others irritate me to the point of not bothering to watch the trailer.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don't give up, don't ever stop, don't listen if someone says that you're wasting your time, or to get a "real job." If writing is truly your passion and what makes your heart beat just a little faster...keep going and believe in yourself.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
Basically what I just said above. Years ago...I won't say how many years ago, I had the honor of meeting a very famous cartoon artist/writer and he was the first to ever read my work. His name was Charles Saunders Senior and we kept in touch until he passed away. Always he encouraged me and repeated the same thing.....don't give up.
Do you write under a pen name?
I've thought about that, and if I ever go into a different style of writing I might consider it. But good, bad, or indifferent, if I publish it's under my own name.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
I write in whatever I happen to be wearing when inspiration hits. The same with editing or revisions - it's whatever feels comfortable.
Cats or dogs?
Both. Currently I have to cats, Magic and Circe and a Pomeranian named Buddy.
White wine or red?
Sadly because of medication I can't have either, but I used to prefer white over red.
Coffee or tea?
Tea . . all except the herbal kind. I especially enjoy either the Earl Gray or the Lady Gray.
Favorite food?
I'm not a picky eater - I'd say my favorite is grilled steak, baked potato and fresh corn on the cob.
Vanilla or chocolate ice cream?
Chocolate . . . I'll eat Vanilla with chocolate syrup - that is if you can see the ice cream for the syrup.....
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
I don't watch much TV but my favorite is NCIS as for movies . . .I have to admit I did enjoy the first part of "Deathly Hollows" and can't wait for the second part to be available for purchase.
Where can your readers follow you?
My blog:http://linda-chasingdestiny.blogspot.com/
My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11691251-chasing-destiny
Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/LindaSwain1950
Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-destiny-linda-eble-swain/1103017682?ean=9781463539191&itm=2&usri=chasing
Amazon:Chasing Destiny
(Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/61231
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
In both, the print version can be found through Amazon as well as CreateSpace.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word. I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. Patti
About the Book:
Why not tweet Linda and say hi! Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/LindaSwain1950
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