Interview & Giveaway with Linda Andrews

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Linda Andrews to the blog today

Linda, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Although I was born in Baltimore, I moved to Phoenix at such a young age that I consider myself a native. Growing up, I’m pretty sure my mom had superpowers, but as a parent I now know that kids are really bad at keeping secrets. Still, the idea that she could read minds started me exploring paranormal worlds, much of which is now incorporated in my stories.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No. Writing is hard work and I like the easy things like math and science. But I love to tell stories. Since there are quite a few artists in my family, I decided to stop sketching and start writing (none of my siblings write). There are days, I wish I kept on with my drawingJ

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

I usually make sporadic notes in a bound notebook while at work to keep the story in my mind. Then when I come home I write for 2-3 hours depending on if I want my 1 hour of TV time. On weekends I use my early morning alone time to write another 2-3 hours then try to squeeze in another couple in the afternoon. I really find I’m creatively exhausted after 5-6 hours of writing so I do other crafts or housework. I absolutely must have my MP3 player going when I write. Although I don’t always hear the music, the lyrics trip something in my brain and help me to slip into my fantasy world.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Getting the words right is the most challenging and rewarding part of writing. Getting to that point is a lot of hard work.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Brianna is the story of Brianna, a woman who was diagnosed with consumption at a very young age and spent most of her life in hospitals looking for a cure. On the day she arrived at her sister’s house to die surrounded by family, she met Duncan and fell in love with him. This as well as being in the dry climate of Arizona helped her to get better. Unfortunately, Duncan’s own fears caused him to run. Now healthy, she’s on her way to Egypt at the behest of her cat (an Egyptian goddess) and Duncan’s been sent to retrieve her.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When I was younger I wanted to be an Egyptologist. Alas, I realized I’d have to climb into some really cramped places and my claustrophobia wouldn’t allow that, so instead I decided to switch to science. But I never gave up my love of ancient Egypt or mummies. While there aren’t any mummies in my book, I did include secret passageways, undiscovered tombs and a necklace that holds the key to ancient secrets.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Currently, I’m working on the third book of my apocalyptic series, Redaction. In it, the surviving remnants of humanity are living in mines. And you guessed it, there’s going to be a cave in somewhere because though I rarely face my fears in real life, I do so a lot on paper.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Arthur Conan Doyle, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Linda Howard, Linnea Sinclair, Julie Garwood, MM Kaye, and Barbara Michael’s to name a very few.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Actually, I don’t usually read when I’m writing as I tend to mimic another author’s style, but they do inspire me to tell a darn good, entertaining story.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I currently have 300+ books in my TBR pile and I want to read all of them. But since I’m sprinting for the finish line on my current book, I’m trying to ignore their siren call. When I do finish, I plan to scroll through the ebook app and tap one. That’s the one I’ll read first.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ll be giving away a pdf copy of Brianna to one lucky commenter.

For a chance to win a PDF of Brianna, Please leave a comment or question for Linda.

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