Name- Linda Mooney
Age- 60
Where are you from- Born and raised in Texas, except for 2 years I spent in Nashville. Currently living in Victoria, TX
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc – I have a masters degree in music education. I retired June of ’14 after teaching music, Kindergarten, and Pre-Kindergarten for 37 years.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I love being a full-time author! Life is beautiful right now, and I feel so blessed. I hope to release four new books in 2015, including book 6 in the Battle Lord series.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school. I was a solitary child, and I loved to read. Writing more stories was just a natural extension for me.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I got my first real contract with an established publisher. Before then, I was simply happy to write my stories and put them in a drawer. It wasn’t until after my husband’s recovery from a heart transplant that he urged me to take some time for myself and see if I couldn’t get one of them published.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I wrote fanfiction for years. But one day I decided to try something of my own creation, without having to follow someone else’s bible. After that book, I rarely wrote any more fanfic.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Basically, I start on page one and write continuously. I don’t skip around.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Some titles come out of the clear blue. Some are song titles, or random quotes I catch from a movie or TV show. But I’ve also written stories with no working title whatsoever, then had to think of one when they were finished.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Never give up hope of finding love.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
A lot of my books are realistic. I mean, certain scenes will touch a chord with readers, even though the plots are sci-fi, fantasy, or paranormal.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Oh, most definitely! I believe all writers write what they know.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I grew up reading EA Poe and Robert Heinlein. Later on, I switched to Woodiwiss, Yarbro, and King. I’m a very eclectic reader.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
LOL! For real? CSI: Whitechapel. It’s a very unique re-telling of Jack the Ripper. That and Sherlock Chronicles by Tribe.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’ve discovered new authors for me are not new. I’m just slow getting on board.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Right now I’m finishing up a new wolf-shifter romance. After that, I really don’t know. Guess it depends on which characters yell the loudest for my attention.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
I have a few school teacher friends who give me encouragement. I also want to give kudos to my editor, Diana Castilleja, who gives me great feedback, bad and good.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Oh, most definitely! I never believed I could until I retired, but I’m there now!
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. There were some books I’d had published in the past where I was “encouraged” to include scenes I didn’t want or felt were necessary. As I get those books back, I’ll re-edit them to their original form before re-releasing them.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
A book I’d read, a TV show or movie I’d seen, didn’t end or include content I wanted. So I wrote it. I shared my stories with my friends and teachers at school. And their enthusiasm let me blossom.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Here’s an un-edited excerpt from Qitirin:
It was late when he decided to call it a night. Rather than take the risk of the animal possibly attacking him while he slept, Joshua slipped a rope around the wolf’s neck and tied the other end to a chair. Taking an empty coffee can, he threw in a few rocks, and set the can on the seat. Although the animal was strong enough to move the chair, the sound of its struggle would awaken him in time to protect himself. However, to be on the safe side, Joshua placed his pistol on the sofa, close at hand.
The animal complacently watched him take precautions. It’s only movements were its brown eyes as it observed him.
After refreshing the fire, and bringing in more wood to last through the night, Joshua grabbed the blankets from the back bedroom to settle himself on the couch. Inevitably, he drifted into restless sleep.
What ‘cha got for us, Sarge?
Hey, Coburn! Anything look suspicious up ahead?
No, sir. Road’s clear. Just some old guy with a jackass walking along the shoulder.
A what?
He’s carrying a load of wood, Sarge.
I don’t like the looks of it. Give him a wide berth anyway.
Hey, what’s he doing?
Why is he stepping in front of us?
It’s a trap, Sergeant!
Stop the truck! Get off the road!
IED! Suicide bomber!
Swerve! Swerve!
Joshua jerked away at the sound of the explosion. At the memory that temporarily deafened him a heartbeat before the flames roared through the vehicle, incinerating his team and nearly killing him.
He lay on the couch, trembling, sweat coating his skin as he fought the visions that filled his mind with the horrendous nightmare. Gasping for air, he tried to sit up, but his muscles had suddenly gone weak. He was totally incapacitated, unable to move, unable to call out for help. Unable to save himself or the others.
There was a movement to the side. Instantly, his brain clicked, reminding him of the wild creature lying a few feet away. His fingers sought the comfort of the pistol as he listened for more movement. For the telltale rattle of the can of rocks as the wolf tried to free itself from its noose. But after another minute, he heard nothing more.
The fire was low, but not to where he felt he needed to put on more wood. He’d do that later. Right now he was comfortable. Vague, non-threatening shadows filled the room. The gentle heat felt good on his face.
Joshua closed his eyes. Maybe wolf was just turning over in its sleep, he told himself. Maybe it’s leg is hurting. Or it could have heard something outside that alerted it.
Whatever caused the wolf to make a sound, it had pulled him away from the monstrous shadows of pain and guilt that plagued him. For that, he was grateful.
Wolf, you’ve earned your keep tonight. I gotta grant you that.
He relaxed his grip on the gun and willed himself to relax. To go back to sleep where, hopefully, he wouldn’t have to fight any more demons. At least, not for the rest of the night.
He adjusted his butt against the cushions, when he heard the noise again. A soft sound, like something shifting or moving along the floor. Curiosity got the better of him, and he opened his eyes, prepared to prop himself up on one elbow and glance over the arm rest near his feet, to see if he could tell what the wolf was doing.
A woman stood there. Tall and shapely, her naked skin glowed faintly in the firelight. She was smiling at him as she brushed back her untamed hair. Joshua gasped, when she raised a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”
“Who… Where did you come from?” His fingers immediately curled around his pistol.
“You are dreaming,” she whispered. She had a slight accent. One he couldn’t pinpoint. But it only enhanced her mysterious nature.
“Dreaming? No, I’m not.”
“Yes. You are.” She nodded.
“I can’t be. I don’t know you. How can I be dreaming of someone I’ve never met?”
She smiled enigmatically. Full lips in a pixie face. Wide, almost round eyes. In the dank light, he could see the gentle curves of her body. Her high, full breasts with their dark tips. The thatch between her legs was below the level of the arm rest, and he was tempted to sit up just to catch a glimpse of it, knowing it would be the same color as the unkempt, wild hair on her head. She was young, but not a child.
“Where did you come from?” he demanded in a low voice.
“From here.” She tapped her temple.
Joshua shook his head. “No,” he denied again. “People like you are never in my dreams. People die in mine.”
“Not anymore.” She placed her hands on the arm rest and started to come around the side. It was at that moment when she limped that he blinked in disbelief.
“What—”
“Shhh. What is your name?”
But he wouldn’t let it go. “Who are you?”
“Tell me your name first.”
“Joshua.”
“Joshua.” She tilted her head to one side as she sat down by his stocking feet. “I like it. It’s a strong name.”
“Tell me yours. Then tell me what you are and why you’re here.”
That little voice inside his head was yelling at him. Warning him. But this time Joshua knew the warning had nothing to do with self-preservation.
The woman reached beneath the blankets and ran her hand up his leg. The pressure was firm, and his body responded with a vengeance. Joshua struggled to sit up as she reached his crotch. Her hand gently grasped his thick erection that bulged above his groin. She squeezed, and his body jerked in reaction. His lightning-fast reflexes kicked in, and he snatched her by the wrist. Her skin was warm. The bones felt fragile. But she was definitely real.
“Who are you?” he almost growled.
“Qitirin. My name is Qitirin.”
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Making what I see and hear in my head understood when I put it on paper. I know what I intend, but will my readers? Thank goodness my editor can almost read my mind!
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I really don’t have a favorite. I read so many different ones. I’m always looking for fresh stories.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I love to travel for my stories! I’ve been to Montana, Colorado, Maine (2x), Vermont, Massachusetts, California, New Mexico, and Louisiana on “self-cations”. Gathering experiences and ideas for stories. I try to go to one new place every year. I don’t know where I’ll go this year, but last year my destination was New Orleans.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
AD Roland. She goes by Ash Arceneaux. She does absolutely beautiful work!
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
When I start a book, I have a plot, my main characters, and a basic idea on word count. But there have been many times when my plot flies out of the window, my characters show their side B, and the word count is a joke. What I start with may not be how it ends, lol!
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t give up. Write what interests you, and not necessarily what’s “popular” if you don’t want to. Set goals for yourself, but remember that you and only you can make them work and succeed.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I want to hear from you! Whether you loved or hated any of my books, let me know!
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
A Wrinkle in Time is the first book I remember. Following that, Dolphin Boy.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
My dachshund puppy, for one. Beautiful music, for another.
Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?
I would give anything to share a cup of coffee with a movie producer, and discuss the possibility of making one of my books into a movie or TV movie/series.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?
Wife, Mother, and Author. They’re my three greatest loves.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Not really. I love to browse antique shops and craft shows, especially around the holidays. But I’m not an avid shopper.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I love horror movies. My favorite TV shows at the moment are Sherlock and Supernatural. (They’re the only ones I make sure to record and watch on a regular basis.) Truthfully, I rarely watch TV.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music –
Seafood, yellow, movie soundtracks
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I think I would like to have been a travel writer, exploring sites and telling people about them.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
My website is http://lindamooney.com My blog is http://lindamooney.blogspot.com You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Linda-Mooney/e/B002BMES1W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1421653692&sr=1-2-ent
Thanks again for the interview, Fiona!
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