MEET THE AUTHOR: LINDA ANDREWS

Interview with historical romance author, Linda Andrews:

Linda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounced: “What else would she write? She’s never been normal.”

All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?

Do you outline your books or wing it?

I start with an opening scene and the ending of the book, then kind of wing it. I do know what happens for about the next three chapters, but I don’t plot. Before I start to write a chapter or scene, I do a quick brainstorming longhand then write the scene. Not everything in the brainstorming makes it to the page, but it seems to help me write.

How do you decide on setting? 

I write in many different genres, so it’s when my brain needs a break from one particular setting that I move to another. Each requires a different mindset to make them work, so I use music to help set the stage.

What genre(s) do you write in?  Why?

I write contemporary and historical romances, with and without paranormal influences. I write fantasy and SciFi with romantic elements. And I write horror/apocalyptic novels. I write the story the story fairy gives me. It isn’t the smartest writing career move that an author could make, but I can’t write a particular story just because the market is hot. Good thing I love my day job.

What is your favorite part of writing?

Editing. The writing is all done and now you get to hone those words to make it shine.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

I and that blinking cursor on a white screen are always battling it out. It’s hard to find that first line that is the hook, that’s why I use longhand. my notebooks always have notes in them.

Some writers edit excessively as they write; others wait until a novel is finished to do the bulk of editing.  How about you?

I edit smallish while I’m writing, because if I allow that editor to have her say, I’ll never write a word. She knows she gets to come out and play after the words are there, so we’ve reached a state of detente.

What’s the strangest thing you have ever done in the name of research?

Gone into a mine and a Russian submarine. I am extremely claustrophobic but needed to understand what it would be like to be cut off from the outside world, so I went in. I had scabs on my palms from digging my nails into them and was certain I would die in such a small space, but survived.

E-books, print, or both?  Any preferences?  Why?

Both. I love the feel of paper and leather and the smell of ink, but many books from World War 1 are now out of copyright so I can download them for free and read them. Plus, there’s the added bonus that my husband doesn’t know how many books I’ve bought and ebooks are easier to move. 

Please tell us your experiences with social media.  What are your favorite and least favorite parts of it?

I am social media challenged. I love the instant interactions with people, but hate the time suck aspect. I do respond to all legitimate contact and have made some great friends in doing so.

What do you read? Do you read different genres when you’re writing versus not writing?

I read anything I can get my hands on, but I don’t read in the genre that I am currently writing in. I find I imitate another author’s voice if I do. My favorite go to genres outside of the ones I write in are mysteries, but when I’m stressed I always turn to a romance novel, Happily ever after guaranteed.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaAndrews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.andrews2

Blog: http://lindaandrews.wordpress.com

Blurb or Excerpt from book:

American businessman Jacob Kerrigan works behind enemy lines to help feed seven million starving Belgians and bring Christmas to the children. The Commission for Relief in Belgium asks only one thing of its delegates: remain neutral in a war-torn country.
Roselle Perrine works in soup kitchens and her family farm by day, and spies for the Belgian resistance at night. She uses her position in society to convince Jacob to stay in her chateau, hoping the relief delegate’s presence will cover her nocturnal activities.
But the Kaiser’s Army is watching.
When Roselle’s spying is discovered, will Jacob remain neutral or fight for love?

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The book looks great Linda 🙂 It must take a lot of research when attempting a topic such as this. Linda would love to hear from you. How do you feel about historicals?  Love them, or not so much?