Please join me in welcoming Linda Goodnight to my blog! Linda agreed to answer some questions for us and we’re hoping you’ll take time to comment while you’re here.
How much of yourself do you write into your characters?
That’s a hard question. I never intentionally write any of myself into a character, but certainly my world view has to come through and touches of who I am deep inside. Personally, I’m not that interesting but I hope my characters are!
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
In retrospect, a part of me always knew. But I think I was in junior high when I began scribbling poems and playing with words. The actual realization that I was meant to be a writer came later, probably in high school, though even then I thought I was being led into journalism rather than fiction.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
This will sound one dimensional, but I’m a romance reader. If a book doesn’t have at least a little romance and a happy ending, I lose interest. Romance and women’s fiction, both contemporary and historical-all time periods and pretty much all the subgenres that are clean enough to read. They don’t have to be specifically Christian, just not offensive.
How do you keep your sanity in this crazy fast paced world of ours?
Who said I was sane? lol
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
This sounds trite, but it’s my children. I am so proud of the quality people they are. I have an adopted teenager who has stepped right in line with her brothers and sisters to be such a good, caring, sensible girl who loves Jesus.
What is your favorite food?
Funny you should ask because I just ate it! Fresh (never frozen) fried okra. And if I have a fresh sliced tomato to go with the crunchy okra, I am in country girl heaven. Anyone else? Or is okra your yuck factor?
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
When I first started pursuing publication, it seemed logical to write children’s books since I was a teacher. But a wise soul advised, “Write what you love to read.” So here I am.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
This will sound like the same song, second verse, but it was the day my first child was born. I had wanted a child for several years before he came along. He was a gift from God and still is.
In what ways has being published changed your life?
Publication-and building a viable career-has changed my life in many ways. To name a few: Novel writing is my full time job now which allows me to focus fully on the book in progress. No more day job. Being a working author gives me the luxury of traveling to do some of my research—which I love. I also have more resources than ever before, a comfortable lifestyle, and I’ve met some wonderful people I never would have known otherwise. I will always be grateful to God for the career He’s blessed me with.
What is your current work in progress?
Yesterday I agreed with Love Inspired to write a Christmas two-in-one anthology with author Lissa Manley. Though I have some other irons in the fire, the Christmas book, slated for 2012, will take center stage for a few weeks. I’m dragging out the CD’s now to play for mood music.
Thank you, Janet for inviting me to your blog. I have a new book currently on the shelves, THE CHRISTMAS CHILD, and I’d love to give away a signed copy to one of your readers who leaves a comment. I’d love to know their favorite Christmas carols—I’m needing some inspiration!
Thank you, Linda! I can’t wait to read this story. Isn’t her cover beautiful? I’ll be drawing a name from your comments and announce it on the blog next week. You can read an excerpt and/ or buy The Christmas Child here. And you can find out more about Linda here.
