What is one of your favorite things about writing?
I love creating characters best of all. It’s like an artist with a blank canvas—I can start from scratch and form people, tell their stories, and give them their happily ever after.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
Without a doubt, it’s my characters. While I have an idea where I want them to go, many times they take over a scene and play it out how they want it to happen. Honestly, I find their way trumps mine every time!
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
The most difficult thing is not the writing itself, but the marketing that comes afterward. I’d rather spend my time writing instead of creating graphics for ads to place or guesting on blogs (except for Kate’s, of course). I like social media, but I don’t want to spend too much time on it. I’d rather invest that time in my stories.
What do you like about writing series books?
Funny you should ask—because I’m starting my very first series in 2016! My previous eight books are all standalones. As a reader, though, I adore a series. I decided the time was right, so my medieval historical series will kick off with books releasing in April, July, and September next year.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
After creating character sketches, the absolute best way to learn about my people is to write them. The deeper I go into their stories, the more I understand them. That means sometimes going back and revising the earlier chapters since I know my characters better a hundred pages into the story, but that’s a small price to pay.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
Best is the quick action. It used to be that an author would sign a book contract and not see the work published for a good two years—or longer. With epublishing, the process is streamlined and more convenient. The disadvantage is that so many are epubbing now, it’s left the market oversaturated. It’s hard for authors to get the message out about their books.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
A Knight for Kallen is the story of a woman who sees auras surrounding people, giving her insight into their personalities and how they might react. She is taken by a man ready to seize the throne of England in a rebellion—and he believes he can utilize Kallen’s gift to help him obtain his goal.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished up with my March 2 release, Illusions of Death, a romantic suspense about a serial killer. As I mentioned earlier, I’m deep into writing my new medieval series, as well.
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Here’s the blurb for Illusions of Death:
Best-selling author Karlyn Campbell is ready for a new start after her recent divorce from a temperamental artist. When she receives word that her father had a stroke, she heads for Walton Springs with mixed feelings. Broderick Campbell wrote Pulitzer Prize-winning literary novels and denounced his daughter’s work as pedestrian and commercial, causing a rift that finally heals on his deathbed. Karlyn chooses to stay in the small Georgia town to write her popular Matt Collins series and decides to try her hand at true crime when Atlanta’s Rainbow Killer, Roy G. Biv, captures her interest.
Detective Logan Warner’s marriage didn’t survive after he lost his twins to a crazed killer who was never caught. He returns to his hometown’s police force and runs for police chief, happy he’s escaped big city crime and corruption. Emotionally dead, his interest in life is renewed when he falls in love with Karlyn and begins to build a new life with her.
But the Rainbow Killer moves beyond Atlanta, leaving a trail of dead bodies painted in bright hues in several towns north of the city. Leaving no trace evidence or DNA and choosing random victims with no apparent rhyme or reason, Roy proves unstoppable. Then he arrives in Walton Springs, threatening the peaceful town with his murder spree. With a serial killer in their back yard, Logan and Karlyn unite with the FBI to find the killer—before he finds them.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
My favorite character I’ve ever created is from A Game of Chance. Maximilian Fisher is a ninety-year-old millionaire. He’s a self-made man, witty, charming, and funny. Put him together with his butler Harold, and they are quite the pair!
What are a few of your favorite book covers that have been done for your books?
Covers by Ramona does my covers. My favorites (ouch-this is liking choosing your favorite child!) would be A Bit of Heaven on Earth, Ballad Beauty, and A Knight for Kallen.
If you could step into one of your books, which one would it be?
I’ve always had a secret desire to act, so I would slip into Leave Yesterday Behind and become actress Callie Chennault. After all, she winds up with the hottest man on the planet—baseball pitcher turned mystery writer Nick La Chappelle. Nothing wrong with that scenario!
Would you tell us about yourself?
I love to walk. Not only is it great exercise, but I plot like a madwoman when I hit the pavement. I eat way too much dark chocolate. I cry when watching movies and reading books. I’m addicted to HGTV. And I’m married to my own real-life hero.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
My favorite to read has to be thrillers, especially if they have some historical twist in them. Steve Berry and Brad Meltzer are great at this. I’ve only written romance (historicals and suspense), and even if I try a different genre in the future, romance will always be my first love.
Where can we visit you online?
My website: http://www.laurenlinwood.com
Facebook: http://www.facebookcom/laurenlinwood
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwood
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Linwood/e/B00CSSG8BC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1406670019&sr=8-1
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is to visit London then take a walking tour of the Cotswolds.
What is your favorite season?
I adore everything about fall—the cooler weather, the changing trees, the clothes, and putting on my flannel sheets!
What book are you currently reading?
I just finished Before I Go To Sleep. Read it. It’s incredible!
What is the last movie you watched?
I saw Brooklyn yesterday and would highly recommend it.
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