Ask the Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Answered Questions (8)
Linda Shenton Matchett
Hi Tracy! I love using primary sources for my research no matter what era. The further back in time I go, the more difficult it is to find diaries and memoirs, but I've found a few. I also look at newspapers, catalogs, and books written during the time period. For my WWII fiction, I often watch YouTube interviews conducted by universities and museums. I also watch documentaries.
Linda Shenton Matchett
I love this question. There are a number of worlds I'd like to visit, but World War II England would be my first stop (Foyle's War).
Linda Shenton Matchett
I've been fortunate. I rarely suffer with writer's block. That may be because I outline my stories, so I already know where I'm going when I sit down to write. On the occasions I have had writer's block, I've tried to push through by putting anything on the page, even if I know it's terrible and may end up being trashed later. I've also gone to a different project or different type of writing (fiction to blog posts or social media) to loosen up the creative juices. Sometimes I've had to give myself permission to walk away and do something for myself.
Linda Shenton Matchett
Being able to create imaginary worlds and hang out with really cool characters!
Linda Shenton Matchett
Read, read, read, and write, write, write. When you determine the genre you'd like to write, read as many books as you can in that genre. This will give you the basic framework your particular type of book uses. Make time to write every day, even if only for fifteen minutes. You can't edit what isn't on a page, and by practicing you'll improve your craft.
Linda Shenton Matchett
With two exceptions, all my current books as of July 2020 are set during World War II. I have several upcoming opportunities to be part of multi-author projects which are series that involve either the same concept (mail order brides, proxy brides, etc.) or revolve around a community. I am currently working on my story (as yet untitled) for the Keepers of the Light series that is set in a small coastal town in Oregon. The character I've chosen is Meg Underwood, waitress at the local cafe.
Linda Shenton Matchett
Writing rejuvenates me, so I am happiest when I am in front of the keyboard and don't need inspiration to get started. I outline all of my stories, so when I sit down to work on my manuscript, I know exactly where I'm going.
Linda Shenton Matchett
I often get ideas for future books while researching a current book, and that's what happened for Murder at Madison Square Garden. In researching a book about the Women's Air Service Pilots, I read about the founder Jackie Cochran who was a contemporary of Amelia Earhart which led me to Charles Lindbergh. A handsome and popular man because of his record-setting activities in aviation, he was against America entering WWII and became part of America First Committee. He traveled the country speaking at rallies and other events. I stumbled on a newspaper article about one speech he gave at Madison Square Garden. Having grown up in NJ and attended numerous events at the Garden, I was intrigued and decided to set a story there surrounding the event.
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Jun 14, 2021 09:20AM · flag
Jun 14, 2021 02:26PM · flag