Welcome, Linda Hope Lee

Welcome to From the Pages! I'm so glad you could stop by and chat. I've been looking forward to getting to know you. I've got lots of questions for you.

First, where do you write?

I use a laptop, so I write in several places. Never at a desk, though. If I wake up early enough in the morning, I grab my laptop, prop myself up in bed, and start writing. This is the best time to compose a story's first draft. Later on, I move to some other place in the house. I make myself comfortable in an easy chair in the living room or in my office. I love my laptop!

How long does it typically take you to finish a writing project?

Finishing a project used to take three to six months, but now that I divide my time between writing and my art work, writing a novel takes longer.

Did you always know you wanted to be an author?

No, I didn't. I remember enjoying writing stories as a child, but that got lost when I grew up and had to turn my attention to earning a living. Working as a librarian and loving to read kept books in my life, though, and one day it occurred to me, why don't I try writing something? I did. I wrote short stories, and articles, and scripts for educational media, and, eventually, novels.

How many books have you written?

I have written twenty-five novels and published eighteen. I also wrote and published a nonfiction book, How to Write & Sell Romance Novels.

Wow! That's an impressive list. Your nonfiction book sounds very interesting, too.

Can you tell us anything about what you're working on now?

I am putting the finishing touches on books 2 and 3 of the Red Rock, Colorado series, of which Finding Sara is Book 1. This my first attempt at a series, and it's been great fun.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do?

I do art. Watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil. As with the writing, I enjoyed art as a child, but it also got lost when I grew up. Then, about ten years ago, I took it up again. Yes, it competes with the writing, but I manage to combine it sometimes, such as writing a poem and then illustrating it.

Art sounds like a wonderful way to spend some quiet hours. Definitely a nice, relaxing pastime.

Do you have a pet?

I have a wire-haired fox terrier named Graham. He is a rescued dog we got three years ago and he is a wonderful pet. Very mellow and sweet. He's our fifth wire. I'm crazy about the breed and would have no other.

Do you collect anything?

I collect anything that has to do with wire-haired fox terriers. Since the breed was popular during the 30s and 40s, much of my collection is from those years. I have prints, figurines, plates, cups, playing cards, charms, pins, coasters, and even one that holds a tape measure.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy photography. I especially look for photo subjects I can use as inspiration for my art work.

If you had to choose another profession, what would it be?

A detective or a private investigator. Probably why I enjoy reading and writing mysteries.

I completely understand you on that point. I share your alternate vocational dreams. *G*

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

No matter how many stories I write, I find there is always room for improvement and always something new to learn about the craft.

Thank you so much for visiting today. I've enjoyed our chat, and I hope you have, too.

Readers, my charming guest author has graciously offered to give away a paperback copy of her delightful book, Finding Sara. One lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive the prize, so comment away and check back tomorrow to see if your name has been chosen. Good luck! And thank you, Linda!

Finding Sara, by Linda Hope Lee
The Wild Rose Press

Blurb:

On the run to avoid marrying a man she does not love, Long Island, New York heiress Sara Carleton boards a train heading to the West Coast. Fate intervenes when she is mugged during a stop at Red Rock, Colorado. Rancher Jackson Phillips doesn't mind helping the attractive victim he rescued, but having her come to his ranch to recuperate turns out to be much more than he bargained for.

Excerpt:

Setup:Stranded at the Red Rock train station, Sara phones her father to let him know she's okay. While she's waiting for him to come to the phone, she gazes idly around the station:

Her gaze roved over the busy ticket counter, a cafe's arched doorway, and landed on a newsstand, where a man stood reading a newspaper. A brown cowboy hat hid most of his face, but his broad shoulders, lean waist and long legs in hip-hugging jeans were in full view.

The man looked up, and, as though he'd known someone observed him, his gaze shot straight to her. Deep-set, dark eyes widened, and then narrowed in a sexy way.

A shiver of excitement sped down Sara's spine.

They continued to stare across the room, not even breaking contact when people passed between them. Although certain she'd never seen the man before, she had the craziest feeling she somehow knew him.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
http://www.lindahopelee.com/