ABOUT LINDA:
Award winning author, LINDA WOOD RONDEAU, believes God is able to turn our worst past into our best future, the purpose for her many contemporary novels. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths much like our own. After a long career in human services, Linda moved from her home near the Adirondack Mountains to Jacksonville, Florida. When not writing, she enjoys playing golf with her husband and best friend in life, Steve. Find Linda on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Google Plus or visit her website at www.lindarondeau.com.
Tell us about your latest release. The cover looks fantastic!
This was actually the first book I ever wrote. It was literally years in the making! After several rewrites, it found a brief appearance as Joy Comes to Dinsmore Street but it went off market a few months later. Another rewrite and the book about a miracle has miraculously returned!
What was the hardest part to write?
The parts that made me cry when I wrote the book were Ryan’s moments with his son. But the most difficult part was writing Bertie’s retelling of her story. As a social worker I dealt with adults who still had much baggage from their years of childhood neglect and abuse. Bertie did not make good choices in her life, but those choices were understandable given her deficits in family and church support. In the end, Millie says that “faith made the difference”, why her path brought her a more satisfying life. Even so, faith found in even the later parts of life can make our “worst past our best future.”
We all have choices of items that help us write. What’s yours? Can you give the readers a glimpse into your writing space? What’s your favorite writing reference tool?
On my desk I have Christian Writer’s Manual of Style. I also enjoy Naming Your Characters book. I often look online for research help. But probably my biggest research tool is the fabulous brain of my wonderful spouse. What he doesn’t know, he is quickly able to find.
As for my writing space, I’m fortunate enough to have an office. It’s away from our bedroom so those nights I can’t sleep, I wander in and it doesn’t disturb the hubs. Now that we’re moving, we’ll probably lose the third bedroom as we plan to rent. So I’ll have to come up with a different plan for writing space as we downsize once more.
If you had to choose one person to go with you for encouragement to a secluded cabin, who would that be?
Of course the hubs! He is my encourager. When I’m down, he brings me up. How could I not want to be with him?
Same choice as mine! Lol. What are you working on now?
I’ve recently signed with the Seymour Agency and have been offered a contract for a futuristic political thriller. This is perfect timing, as I want to stretch my writing, not only into more speculative type works as well as contemporary, but perhaps look into more general markets.
Linda! That's wonderful news. Can't wait to see how this turns out for you. Wishing you the best! What is one of the happiest moments of your life or an accomplishment that you’re especially proud of?
I can’t pick just one! God has blessed me with so much. How could I not include the births of each of my wonderful children? Or my marriage? Of course, I’m excited about my publications, like my children, each one a blessing.
How do you choose names for your characters? Do you do a lot of research on them?
The names come to me as the story develops. I like to use symbolic names so I check their meaning. Sometimes I choose names because of the name of another character.
I do the same! Can you tell us some of your favorite books or characters that you cherish?
Perhaps my favorite book of all time is C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters. Of course, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Most of my reading now is to help my publishers with other author reviews and endorsements, but I still enjoy reading a good story that is filled with emotion.
And fun things about yourself that the readers might enjoy knowing?
I’m an avid golfer, although I don’t get to play as often as I’d like. My grandkids think I’m “cool.” I love to have fun, and I’ll try almost anything once.
Is there one piece of advice that’s been especially valuable to you?
My mother used to tell me, “Don’t rest on your laurels.” That meant, just because I’ve had a little success, don’t expect that life will be glorious or without strife. This writing industry is tough both emotionally and financially. That said though, if God calls you to it, he’ll help you do it. He never promised me a million dollars. But I have never been without, even when sales tank. He provides. It’s His business, not mine. I’m merely the steward of His grapevine.
CONNECT With Linda here:
My website: http://www.lindarondeau.com
My Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindarondeau
Twitter @lwrondeau
Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LindaWoodRondeau
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lwrondeau/
My Amazon page https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Wood-Rondeau/e/B006FNG1BI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1480629467&sr=8-1
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Christmas is a time for miracles,” Ryan McDougal tells his mother, when he is told that a long lost cousin, Millie, has resurfaced after nearly forty years, the cousin whose picture his mother clasped the day his father abandoned him. Though they occurred decades apart, he always believed the two disappearances were connected like opposite links of a chain. With Millie’s arrival, perhaps he might finally receive the answers he so desperately sought. However, Ryan has a third thorn in his side, more devastating than any mystery. His wife, the love of his life, has left his arms and his bed. How long before she moves out of the house and takes his beloved son with her? He prays for his own Christmas miracle. Millie’s anticipated visit prompts Ryan’s mother to reveal secrets that bring all to light. However, when past and present collide, the truth is more than Ryan can bear.
BUY HER BOOK HERE:
Amazon
ABOUT CAROLE:
Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/
I enjoyed reading Linda's comments.
ReplyDeleteI love the Screwtape Letters! And To Kill a Mockingbird...maybe we are sisters who were separated at birth! And welcome to the Agency! Your book sounds great.
ReplyDeleteMiracle on Maple Street sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a winner!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia Bradley, Marilyn R. and Melanie Backus for commenting. Linda's book is very good!
ReplyDelete