About the author in her own words: "Who am I? I am a native of South Georgia. My grandparents raised me and from them as well as my parents, aunts and uncles, I learned the value of hard work. Nothing in life is given; you must earn everything-respect first and foremost. I spent most of my childhood working in watermelons with my grandfather during the summer, and in the pecan orchard alongside my grandmother in the fall and winter months. I hated it but as an adult, that hard work has made me appreciate my blessings today. Now I sit at a console in a building with air conditioning, answering phone lines and dispatching public safety units to citizens in distress. Yes, I am a 911 dispatcher-one of many unsung heroes who strive for excellence day in and day out. But me, I don't want to be praised for doing my job-I just want to do my job well."
To read the rest of Linda's bio and many other interesting things regarding her, go to her website. The address can be found at the end of the interview.
Tell us a little bit about you outside of being an author.
Before I'm an author, I'm an ordinary person. I'm a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend. I've been married for almost 10 years now and together my husband and I are raising two teens and a 3 year old. Life is definitely interesting! I also work full time as an emergency 911 dispatcher. Hard work is a value passed down to me from the grandparents who raised me. My grandmother died in 2006 and my life has surely been different to say the least. I miss her more than even I as a writer, can say.
What is your earliest writing memory?
My earliest memories are writing are from fourth grade. I remember writing stories about then President Regan. Every story was about him being hurt in an auto accident (go figure) but I remember my teacher saying how good the stories were.
What feelings do you experience once you are satisfied with your completed manuscript(s)?
Whitney Houston comes to mind-I, too, EXHALED! To journey from the first word to the very last punctuation mark is like nine months of pregnancy and an agonizing labor. For anyone who has experienced the joy of childbirth, you know what I mean.
In your upcoming release or newly released book, how did you come up with the idea of your main character(s)?
In Consequences When Love Is Blind, released February 2008, I knew I wanted to create an African American female that readers would bond with. They sympathize with Sade but she's also a character you respect but even though she was blind to what was really going on in her marriage, you know she's a good person. Her heart is good and she's the kind of character you want to pull out of the book and just embrace. Sade is your best girl friend, your sister, that cousin you grew up with-she's a phenomenal woman.
Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.
My next release is an anthology that I co-authored with Tinisha Nicole Johnson (Searchable Whereabouts) and Allyson M. Deese (Discovering the Joy Within), my sisters of the pen. These ladies are very talented and together we compiled a book of short stories and inspiring poems that will remind readers just how powerful prayer is, no matter your situation.
Somebody Prayed for Me releases December 2, 2008, from Xpress Yourself Publishing.
I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say I’ve never read any of your books before, how would you pitch the idea of your latest release to me?
I'm a passionate author and my fictional stories parallel reality. Every one of us know a woman who has been abused; a child who has been neglected, molested, abandoned, and abused; a woman who's been mistreated by her husband; a daughter who has craved attention that never came from her father; and a young mother who struggles to keep a roof over her children's head. Somebody Prayed for Me has a story for every social issue mentioned above; surely stories that everyone will relate to.
I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What do or would you do when you receive a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?
I read and re-read the review and see how valid the points are that they make. I am not afraid of constructive criticism because I can grow from it, not only as a writer, but as a person.
What authors influence your writing dreams, goals and aspirations?
I am a huge fan of Kimberla Lawson Roby. She is my all-time favorit, but the authors I've most-connected with are Jessica Tilles and Elissa Gabrielle. They're a phone call away and I have learned so much from them. I love them so much.
What books would you recommend on writing?
The book I want to recommend hasn't been published just yet, LOL. Jessica Tilles, bestselling author and CEO of Xpress Yourself Publishing, is working on a book about publishing and I know it is going to guide many apsiring authors.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
No one can take your dreams away, but study the industry before you jump into it head first. It doesn't matter if you self publish or seek a traditional publisher, you still need to learn as much as you can about this industry. And if I may add, ASA, Authors Supporting Authors will have a blog talk radio show on Saturday, September 13, 2008, 8pm EST, where aspiring authors and readers can call in to ask questions about writing and publishing. Our guests for the panel are Jessica Tilles, Marie Antionette, and Shani Greene-Dowdell! www.blogtalkradio.com/asa-blog-talk. This is a show you don't want to miss.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
My website is www.lindarherman.com. You can read the first chapter of Consequences When Love Is Blind and order your autograph copy from the website as well if you're moved to do so. My ebook, "A Time for Love" is also available through www.lindarherman.webs.com.
Consequences: When Love is Blind
by author Linda R. Herman
Click image to view book trailer
www.lindarherman.com I Stand With Magic
Proud Member of ASA
Linda, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share with us.
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Great interview Linda. I can't wait to read "Somebody Prayed for Me."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dana!
ReplyDeleteLinda