MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR R. LINDA!

MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR R. LINDA!

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is R.Linda and I write contemporary romance, both Young Adult and New Adult, as well as Romantic Suspense

Can you tell me about your Series?

My first series is called the Scandalous Series. It’s about a group of friends living in a small seaside town. Each book focuses on a different couple and they can all be read as standalones or but it is best as a series as each story continues on in the background of the following books.

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

Yes, my favourite is definitely the second book, Indie and the Brother’s Best Friend. I adore the characters in that book.

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

I’m not really sure. At any given moment I have multiple ideas for stories running through my mind. My brain doesn’t switch off. I’ll never be able to write them all.

Was it always meant to become a series?

No. I only planned for one, but liked the supporting characters story so much that I felt she needed her own book as well. Then it quickly turned into a 6 book series, with the possibility for more down the track.

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

I procrastinate a lot. A lot a lot. I have a daily writing goal of 3500 words, some days I don’t even write one word, other days I’ll write 10,000.

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

My 6th book in the Scandalous Series, Christina and the Rebel Affair is currently undergoing editing.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Very. The name has to suit the character. It’s always the hardest part: to choose a name.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Focusing, I am easily distracted by everything, but once I sit down and focus, there’s no stopping the words.

What do you think of book trailers? Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?

I like them. I tried to make one once, it was a disaster.

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Getting published. Definitely. The courage it took to actually query my books with publishers was huge. I was a nervous wreck.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Everything. I love it all. The ability to do what I enjoy, to stay home with my family, to create characters and stories that people love (and will hopefully continue to love), the friends I’ve with both authors and readers, to see my stories in print, the messages from readers who just want to say ‘I love your books’- it always makes me smile.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Sipping cocktails by the beach or a pool, somewhere tropical with my laptop and all the words.

Have you always liked to write?

Yes. Ever since I was younger.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

It’s hard but don’t give up. Practice makes perfect, hone your craft and keep writing.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I think I’m somewhat masochistic in that I love reading my reviews, particularly the bad ones. I don’t take them personally. I can’t. Everyone has different tastes. There are books by NYT bestsellers that people adore and I can’t get past the first chapter. There are stories that I love, that I know others find unappealing. And my books are no different. People will either enjoy them or not. You can’t please everyone.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

Oh, yes!

I adore Rachel Van Dyken, L.J Shen, Sara Ney, Fiona Keane, Seven Steps, Parker S Huntington, Anna Todd, Colleen Hoover, and so many more, but we’d be here forever.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Jack and he doesn’t even have a story yet. He’s loud, inappropriate and has a penchant for kissing his best friend, Indie, just to irritate her fiance – he’s also gay, which is why her fiance has killed him yet. He likes to push the boundaries.