From Tazewell, Virginia USA, welcome award-winning Author Linda Hudson Hoagland. Linda writes fiction and non-fiction novels, short stories, poetry and more. She has served as President of the Appalachian Authors Guild, as well as a member of numerous writing groups. Linda has a distinct writing style that will draw you into her scenarios, friend her characters, and keep you on the edge of your seat!
When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
I realized I wanted to become a writer at a very early age. In school we were taught to treat the books we were using with reverence and respect. We were instructed to look at the name on the spine of that book we were holding to see the name of the person who wrote it. That’s where I wanted to see my name. I had just learned to read at that time.
Where do you like to write?
I write in my living room where I have my laptop set up on a table that remains in front of me at all times. I usually don’t write directly onto to laptop. That is my tool and I use it for entering purposes after I have handwritten my initial words. I, also, write anytime and everywhere I go when I feel the urge to do so. Many times you can find me at a slow moving festival writing away on my notebook.
How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
If I don’t write down an idea right away I might lose it and I have lost many ideas. As far as my books are concerned, my mind has to perk those ideas around in my head before they are written on the paper.
What has been your best marketing venue?
Festivals, book signings, book clubs, and the like are the places I choose to sell my books. I like the one on one presentation to the buyer/reader. I get to meet all kinds of people.
What is the premise for The Backwards House?
One of the mysteries The Backwards House is about a house that is right across the street from my house. It is built with its backside facing the street and that always bothered me. My dog, Nikki, and I would scout it out on occasion to find out who lived there and why it was so mysterious. That’s how the book gets its start.
Are your stories based upon your own life experiences?
Almost all of my stories are based on a life experience of one sort or another. I think that is true of most writers. I do write fiction but I have to have a reason for writing that story. I write what I know.I also write true stories, nonfiction, for people who want me to tell their stories.
Please share a favorite passage from one of your novels…
Quote from: Quilted Memories
"Now, I will be known as an author, a writer of words that mean something, and not just a purchase order clerk for the Tazewell County School System.
Now, I have a real legacy for my two sons. I write poetry and have had several of my poems published. I write several different forms from free verse to rhyme which is my favorite which makes me old school in my thinking."
Can you share one of your poems?
Poem from: I Am...Linda Ellen
DOLDRUMS TRANSFORMED
Overnight the brown hues of the blades
of grass changed to a vibrant, lush green
that covered the rolling hillsides as
food for the cattle that were dressed in
shiny fur coats of whites, browns, and blacks.
At the roadsides, the flowering trees
bursting with blooms, lifting their branches
to the sun beckoning the warm rays
to caress the blossoms and green leaves.
The doldrums of winter had transformed
into the welcomed rebirth of spring.
The world was a much prettier place
For the eyes of all of those who see.
Published in the Clinch Valley Review 2012
What is the key to writing great poetry?
I don’t know what the key to writing great poetry might be. I write what I feel and hope you will be able to see through my words.
What are you currently reading?
I have just finished reading 26 novels of fiction for a novel writing contest. I was very impressed with the works I had received.
What are you currently writing?
I am currently working on four works of fiction (mysteries and literary) and several nonfiction undertakings that will require a lot of time before they can be offered for publications.
Do you have advice for novice writers?
Don’t dream about writing your novel, just sit down and do it. It won’t be perfect but it will be a beginning. Along with writing your own work of art you must read the offerings of others.
Connect with Linda… lindasbooksandangels.com
Archived interview with author/blogger Gina McKnight, March 30, 2015.
When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
I realized I wanted to become a writer at a very early age. In school we were taught to treat the books we were using with reverence and respect. We were instructed to look at the name on the spine of that book we were holding to see the name of the person who wrote it. That’s where I wanted to see my name. I had just learned to read at that time.
Where do you like to write?
I write in my living room where I have my laptop set up on a table that remains in front of me at all times. I usually don’t write directly onto to laptop. That is my tool and I use it for entering purposes after I have handwritten my initial words. I, also, write anytime and everywhere I go when I feel the urge to do so. Many times you can find me at a slow moving festival writing away on my notebook.
How do you maintain thoughts and ideas?
If I don’t write down an idea right away I might lose it and I have lost many ideas. As far as my books are concerned, my mind has to perk those ideas around in my head before they are written on the paper.
What has been your best marketing venue?
Festivals, book signings, book clubs, and the like are the places I choose to sell my books. I like the one on one presentation to the buyer/reader. I get to meet all kinds of people.
What is the premise for The Backwards House?
One of the mysteries The Backwards House is about a house that is right across the street from my house. It is built with its backside facing the street and that always bothered me. My dog, Nikki, and I would scout it out on occasion to find out who lived there and why it was so mysterious. That’s how the book gets its start.
Are your stories based upon your own life experiences?
Almost all of my stories are based on a life experience of one sort or another. I think that is true of most writers. I do write fiction but I have to have a reason for writing that story. I write what I know.I also write true stories, nonfiction, for people who want me to tell their stories.
Please share a favorite passage from one of your novels…
Quote from: Quilted Memories
"Now, I will be known as an author, a writer of words that mean something, and not just a purchase order clerk for the Tazewell County School System.
Now, I have a real legacy for my two sons. I write poetry and have had several of my poems published. I write several different forms from free verse to rhyme which is my favorite which makes me old school in my thinking."
Can you share one of your poems?
Poem from: I Am...Linda Ellen
DOLDRUMS TRANSFORMED
Overnight the brown hues of the blades
of grass changed to a vibrant, lush green
that covered the rolling hillsides as
food for the cattle that were dressed in
shiny fur coats of whites, browns, and blacks.
At the roadsides, the flowering trees
bursting with blooms, lifting their branches
to the sun beckoning the warm rays
to caress the blossoms and green leaves.
The doldrums of winter had transformed
into the welcomed rebirth of spring.
The world was a much prettier place
For the eyes of all of those who see.
Published in the Clinch Valley Review 2012
What is the key to writing great poetry?
I don’t know what the key to writing great poetry might be. I write what I feel and hope you will be able to see through my words.
What are you currently reading?
I have just finished reading 26 novels of fiction for a novel writing contest. I was very impressed with the works I had received.
What are you currently writing?
I am currently working on four works of fiction (mysteries and literary) and several nonfiction undertakings that will require a lot of time before they can be offered for publications.
Do you have advice for novice writers?
Don’t dream about writing your novel, just sit down and do it. It won’t be perfect but it will be a beginning. Along with writing your own work of art you must read the offerings of others.
Connect with Linda… lindasbooksandangels.com
Archived interview with author/blogger Gina McKnight, March 30, 2015.
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