Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I'm So Excited to Have
Linda Wichman
on my blog today!

She's giving away TWO copies of her book.

Please leave a comment and your email addy to be entered into the drawing.

Now, read on to find out a little more about Linda and her writing journey . . .


Carole, thanks for asking me to visit you at Sunnybanks!
How long have you known that you were a writer?
Always.

Or have you just loved writing all your life?
Yep. Once in Sunday school I shared my favorite Bible story. I inherently improvised and added subplots. My version of ‘Jonah and The Whale’ became ‘Joan and The Cranky Fish.’ Due to my whale of a tale, Joan (Jonah) never did reach Neenah (my hometown) Ninevah.

Did you receive a clear “call?”
Oy! Is there a politically correct answer? Not all writers receive a clear “call,” some just write. God didn’t whack me alongside the noggin and order, “Linda, I call you to write!”Although, I wouldn’t have minded that more direct approach. Grin. The clearest calling I’ve ever gotten is to write edgy fiction with a Christian worldview. Now if I can find an editor that’s also received that clear call…Sweet!

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?
My first genre is Romance—boy meets girl—girl drives boy bonkers, etc. I’m a world-class hopeless romantic. To quote Romancing the Stone’s Joan Wilder, “No, hopeful. Hopeful romantic.”

I like to combine romance with fantasy elements, especially legends. Blame it on HJ Wells, JRR Tolkien, Frank Baum, CS Lewis, Lewis Carol, Jane Austin and Mary Stuart, just to name a few.

How do you spend your writing days?
I perch in front of my laptop around 6:30 a.m., reread and edit what I wrote the previous day, then soar to Never-Never-Land and happily write until my stomach growls. I scheme and plot during housework—and exchange dialogue with God. I’m what author, Tim Baxter, calls a planster. Oddly, my book titles often sprout first, triggering ‘the brilliant idea,’ fun research, a reluctant hero and a pigheaded heroine, and then I fly solo—often blindfolded. I write like I cook, sprinkling new ingredients and taste-testing until the recipe’s complete. Can you tell that I’m A.A.D?

Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?
Nope. I have the Lack of a Left Brain Syndrome. My daily goals are scene and chapter driven which vary from 500-2K words. If I’ve a deadline, I write weekends.

Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
Most historical romances including the research range 6-9 months for 90,000 plus and 3-6 months for contemporaries.

Tell us about your new book.
Which one? I’m a hopeless multi-project writer. At the moment I’m editing, Promise Her Magic, the first book of a historical-romance series: Sawdust, Magic and Red Spangle Beads.

Blurb: Abigail Endicott will do anything to keep her inheritance and four waifs—even join the circus. Lee O’Sullivan will do anything to keep his circus—even marry fancy-faced Abigail Endicott. And the orphans will do anything to show Abigail and Lee that whether highborn or lowborn, God’s promise of love is magic!

Oh, sounds like a fun read. What is the spiritual message in it?
There are several, but the main memo is that God is no respecter of the rich or the poor. ‘Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity . . .’ Psalm 62:9-12 KJV

What can readers expect to get from reading it?
In reading, Promise Her Magic, I hope they get swept away by the magical ballyhoo of the historical American circus, that they find romance, laughter, suspense, faith, and their inner child.

How and where can readers buy your book?
Alas, Promise Her Magic is still homeless. But I’m prayerful that will change.

Hang in there. Do you ever feel like giving up?
Nope. Even if I never sell another novel I’ll write because it’s how God’s hardwired me.

Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?
Publishing wise, I’m in a discouraging place. From an ACFW Book of Year Winner to a Christy Finalist followed by no more contracts. A seasoned author told me that one must walk by faith, and be a certified whacko in order to ride out the dry spells. Guess I qualify. As a working writer I keep knocking on doors—sometimes with my head.

I think most of us feel that way at times. Who’s inspired you the most?
My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ blessed me with this gift to glorify Him. Secondly, my knight-in-shining armor, kids and grandsons, friends and church. Writers wise, my home critters of Fox Hollow Writers, RWA and ACFW.

Oh, least I forget. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ novel, Shanna, inspired me to write my first historical romance and thirty years later I’ve not changed that opinion.

I’ve many contemporaries to thank, but here’s a few; Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Kathryn Springer, Maureen Lang, Deb Kinnard, Andrea Boeshaar, Cynthia Hickey, Wendy Lawton and Kelly Mortimer. Oh, Linda Windsor, who’s conquered the ups and downs of this sometimes fickle business and just keeps on a-writing. Bless you, Linda!

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin.
Now that’d be a fairytale come true! Wink. Kregel Publication was the first publisher my agent queried with Legend of the Emerald Rose. Lo and behold, they bought it!

Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?
Nope, coz I’m an ant. My favorite metaphor is Sammy Cahn’s song, High Hopes. “What makes that little ole ant think he can move that rubber tree plant, anyone knows an ant can’t move a rubber tree plant. . .” Yes, I can!

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes?
Like: acid-reflux plots with a happily-ever-after ending.
Dislike: ‘Can’t.’

Good choice of likes and dislikes. Hobbies, interests?
Addicted to the Sci-Fi channel and the long running Stargate SG-1 series, also Dr. Who, and movie classics with Cary Grant/Kathryn Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, etc. Celtic history, astronomy, horses, archeology, and blue water sailing the latter of which, I’ve not done in sometime.

For stress release, I write (Sam/Jack shippy secular) Stargate SG-1 fan fiction on Fanfiction.net at: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/872850/HDorothy

Where would you like to travel if you could?
Planet Earth and then outer space, but I’ll start with the Isle of Arran, Scotland—the setting for my novel, Legend of the Emerald Rose.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us?
Well, five years ago is not recent but publishing, Legend of the Emerald Rose, was a wish comes true. I love the legend of King Arthur and wondered what happened after the fall of Camelot?

Blurb: Legend begins where truth ends. . . .Or is it the other way around? Bound together by Providence, King Arthur’s daughter and Merlin’s son must save The Isle of Might!

How and where can readers buy your books?
You can order Legend of the Emerald Rose at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, FCBS and CBW.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?

Anything else you’d like to share?
You can find me beneath the sheer blue waterfall, behind the mysterious scarlet-gilded door. The key to the door lies deep inside of you. But if you don’t like picking locks, I hangout on Twitter and Facebook.

One last thought, if you’re on the fence about writing, just remember, that anyone can move a rubber tree plant, even a little ole ant!

 
What a fun interview! Linda is truly a unique writer. Check out her books, and please don't forget to leave a comment. Three reasons: Linda needs the encouragement, I need the encouragement, and (wink, wink) you might win one of her books!
 
Blessings!

40 comments:

Jennifer Shirk said...

Great interview! Linda's book sounds fun!

Linda Glaz said...

Linda, if you're this much fun in an interview, your books must be a blast. Good luck, be blessed with all of them, Linda G.
lglazagain@aol.com

Kathryn Page Camp said...

I don't usually read romances or historicals, but I love Linda's voice.

kathrynpagecamp@aol.com

Winter Peck said...

Linda, my dear critique partner, I've come as promised! What a wonderful interview. And if she's able to find a home for it, Promise Her Magic will be a great read.

http://www.rodeosuspense.com

iacuttergirl at gmail dot com

Lynn Dove said...

Great interview! I would love to add those books to my summer reading list.
Blessings,
Lynn
lynn@shootthewounded.org

Ren Black said...

Cute. Love the 'sheer blue waterfall' retort.

I'm another romantic - my Mother too so I think it might be hereditary(maybe along the same line as insanity).

Andrea said...

Keep going on your Circus story, Linda. I always liked that idea!!

Cindy Thomson said...

This interview was just like talking to you in person, Linda! Thanks, Carole.

Hang in there, Linda. We'd all like to see another book of yours in print.

Susan said...

Hey there *waves* Interesting to read your interview :)

my email is arrietty39@yahoo.co.nz

Hugs Susan

Unknown said...

Linda you're such an encouragement for right brain writers. I love your enthusiasm and your "keep on writing no matter what" way of life. God bless you!

Unknown said...

Linda, your attitude is so encouraging especially for right brain writers!

Unknown said...

Linda, your attitude is so encouraging especially for right brain writers!

Linda Wichman said...

Hey Carole, thanks for asking all those deep questions. Honestly, I did have to think. Andrea, Winter, and Cindy--stop snickering! :<)

To everyone who commented, and those who snuck in and snuck out., thanks! The night's young, but alas, I'm not. Being here today was a blast . Don't know if I'm as entertaining in person as some eluded, but I try. Seriously, I want to encourage whoever read this interview, to never lose sight of the gift God's bestowed you, never stop writing your stories. Because I can attest that He has supernatural plans for each of you.

Your journey has only begun!

To infinity and beyond--Linda W.

W. H. Hayes said...

So now I get the whole story, Linda. I'm glad I stopped by to read your interview! You are such an encourager to those of us wannabes who haven't pubished fiction yet. Thank you so much for being a great example. Keep plugging and typing. I pray that great things are in store for you!

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I've wanted to read this book since I first heard about it in Nashville. Being a reviewer, I rarely, if ever buy books. :)

Mary Ellis said...

Thanks, Carole, for one of the best interviews I've ever read! And Linda, your idea of a romance set with a circus backdrop sounds wonderful. You are the first person in a long time to use ballyhoo in a sentence! I am in awe of your talent. I smell another pub. contract in the wind.
Blessings, Mary Ellis

Jeanette Levellie said...

Linda: YOU are one versatile lady! I admire that, and wish you much success in your writing life.

Thank you for offering this--it looks intriguing. May I please enter to win one?

jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

Love in the Lamb
Jen
P.S. I love the Ant song, too!

Donna Alice said...

Wow, wish I was a publisher so I could publish Promise Her Magic and read the rest of the story. It sounds like a terrific idea for a book. Hope it finds a home.

Mozi Esme said...

We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/07/legend-of-emerald-rose.html

And I would LOVE an opportunity to read what sounds like a delightful book...

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

fredamans said...

Thank you for the chance at what looks to be a lovely book!

freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

Carman said...

I would love to be entered in this giveaway. I've had this book on my TBR list for a while now! :)

booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

A really, really great review and storyline.
I would love to win this book.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Casey said...

Sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win.
randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Both books sound great! I hope you find a home for Promise Her Magic!

Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books! :)
God bless!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

MaureenT said...

Loved your interview. I really enjoy reading Romance, and love historical books!
Thank You Maureen

alekee02 at yahoo dot com

Carman sent me

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Carole,

Great interview! Sounds like a great book!

I'd love to leave a link to this giveaway on my blog, Great Christian Book Giveaways. I post every Tuesday. When does this giveaway end?

rubynreba said...

I loved the interview and review of the book. Thanks for the chance to read this book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Caroline said...

Linda, I usually give it a week, but since you'd like to do this, let's give your readers another day to comment. Please advise them to also leave an email address. Thanks so much. You're a blessing! Let me know if I can reciprocate! Willing . . .

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

That is a wonderful interview! Great answers! And the cover of the book is GORGEOUS...I just want to dive into it!

Amy S.
artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

Lisa said...

What a great giveaway. rhisomers(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great interview. Please count me in for this contest. Thanks.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bakersdozen said...

I really appreiate this interview and I love Christian romances. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lisa Lickel said...

It's so good to see you out there, continuing to pursue even during the difficult moments. Good for you! I already have my signed copy of LER...someone else will surely enjoy it.

Linda Wichman said...

Hey bloggers!

Woow! This is record breaking, at least for me. :) You've each encouraged me beyond words.

As Carole said, we'll keep the book giveaway open another day. And please include your email addresses for the 2 book drawings of my award winning romance, "Legend of the Emerald Rose."

In His grip, Linda Holloway-Wichman

Unknown said...

I really like the blog.... very nice. The interview was great! Nice to know my brother and myself aren't the only ones who like Dr. Who!

Carmen sent me! Glad she did!

Many blessings to you both!

latawniakintz[at]gmail[dot]com

Katie said...

This sounds like a GREAT book! Please enter me! Wonderful interview!!!

God bless!
~Katie G.

katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

Katie Marie said...

Interview was great and book sounds awesome! I'd love to be entered itno the giveaway!

Katie M

legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Kelly Mortimer said...

ME, an inspiration? Oh, the pressure....

Love ya, Linda.

Kel

Kelly Mortimer said...

ME? An inspiration? Oh, the pressure....

Love ya, Linda gal!

Kel

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