Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Linn Random

Interview with Linn Random:

Hi Linn. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

Haunted Hearts is set in St. Augustine, Florida where a beautiful Psychic Devin O’Shea must fight both a poltergeist and a handsome nonbeliever if she is to help the trapped spirit of a 1920’s Flapper Girl. From poltergeists to reverents, theatres in time to prankish spirits who will delight, Haunted Hearts is a laugh out loud comedy filled with terrifying moments all neatly packaged in a hauntingly beautiful romance.

- What can we expect from you in the future?

Black Waters and Cold River Murders (a sequel to Lights, Camera. Murder!) will be available in 2007 to be followed by Mourning Song and Blood Moon in 2008. Also, I’ll be squeezing in another ghost story for children, Booberry Pie.

- How do we find out about you and your books?

Information about me, my novels, free chapter reads, movie trailers, contests and reviews are all available on my website, www.LinnRandom.com. Readers are so very welcome to contact me anytime.

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Readers fell in love with Maggie Colter in Your Cheatin Hearts and the question I get asked most often is when they will see this delightful character in another book. So stay tuned, Maggie will be off to her meddling match making ways in the near future.

- Why did you decide to write romance novels?

I was about six when I watched Snow White run from a woodcutter into the arms of a Handsome Prince, I have been hooked on fairy tales and the belief in true love ever since. When I began to write my own novels, well, lets say I followed my heart.

- Generally, how long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me about six months on each book, three months on the planning stage and then four with the actual writing. I’m a plotter and I take time to make my plots and subplots multi-layered, my characters three dimensional and to hide clues and red herrings in my novels. Once I begin, its pretty much like following a road map. And while I’m working on the current book, I’m plotting out the next.

- Where do your ideas come from?

Everywhere. For example on a ghost tour in St. Augustine, I wondered if there were any ghosts standing among us in the crowd. The idea was delicious and Haunted Hearts is the outcome of that idea.

- What kind of research do you do?

I’m a stickler for research, especially hands on. For Haunted Hearts, I enjoyed many a ghost tour and visiting haunted houses and hotels. For a scene in Pirates in Paradise, I road an airboat a breakneck speed though the everglades, my knees are still shaking, and for a scene in Lights, Camera. Murder! to accurately describe alligator appetizers, I ate some. No, they don’t taste like chicken, they taste like reptile.

- Are you a member of any author groups?

I feel its important to support the industry that supports you as well as keep apprised of trends. I am a member of Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters In Crime, International Thriller Writers, Inc. –ITW. Central Florida Romance Writers, RWA Kiss of Death Chapter, Florida Sisters in Crime and the National Association for Search and Rescue.

- What are the elements of a great romance for you?

I like to see strong characters, a handsome hero and spunky heroine who is intelligent, resourceful and witty. These polar opposites should make the reader say these two will never get together but of course as they overcome obstacles they find their similarities and make them realize, they’ve met the one person they can never live without.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

I’ve been blessed with many readers telling me how they enjoyed my novels but I still remember the lady who said, “Thank you. I’ve not read for years and your novel reminded me how much I loved to read. I can’t wait to read your next book.” That’s the best compliment any author can receive and one of my truly most rewarding moments.

- If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?

I’d be a Forest Ranger teaching children about the environment and nature. I teach 47 different merit badges to Boy Scouts and am a Project Wild Educator.

Children, the environment, saving our planet is important to me.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

To anyone believe in yourself and in your dream. Trust to know God never gives you a desire without the skills to make your dream come true. Attend Writers Conferences, find time to write, learn your craft, and learn about the book business.

- Closing Comments?

Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of this interview and thank you to everyone who took a few moments of their day to read about me and my novels, I sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Linn Random
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