Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Writing Wednesday: Chatting with Linda Carroll-Bradd



Whew, now that I'm recovered from reading, reviewing and participating in promoting the Candy Heart Romance series (have you read SAY YES yet?) I'm getting back to my regularly scheduled blog stuff - like talking with other authors and sharing recipes and puppy antics. 

...so without further ado, let me introduce Linda Carrol-Bradd, a fellow romance author and all around nice person!
 
Hi Linda! Tell us a little bit about yourself, including what kind of books you like to read and write.

As a young girl, I spent lots of time lying on my bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, I discovered and devoured romances. At a certain point, I grew cocky enough to think I could write one of these stories. Twelve years later, my first fiction sale was achieved--a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, I now write heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor and a bit of sass from my home in the southern California mountains.

I write sweet to sensual contemporary and historical romance. Right now, I’m focusing more on my historical titles. As to reading tastes, I read just about anything from action/adventure to thrillers to small-town romance and always look for the uplifting ending. I stay away from horror or science fiction.

What's your favorite part of being an author?

To hear from a reader how much they enjoyed the story I created.

What's your approach to writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?

Early in my writing, I plotted down to the finest detail and sometimes I didn’t finish the novel. Then I challenged myself to write faster and shorter lengths so I would have a finished story. Now I do a fair amount of research and character backstory to get a good sense of place and the individuals’ lives before they meet. Then I start off knowing the overall plot and where the characters will end up, but sometimes the path of how they get there diverges from how I thought I’d get them there. I’m finally trusting in myself to let my characters lead.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d love the ability to hold a book to my temple and instantly know the contents. There are so many subjects I want to know more about but I never have enough time.

Tell us about your latest release!


My latest title, Laced By Love, released February 8th and I’m so proud that it is in the Montana Sky Kindle World created by Debra Holland in her award-winning western historical series. For this launch, 14 authors wrote stories using the settings and characters of Morgan’s Crossing and/or Sweetwater Springs in 1886 Montana Territory.

In my story, Cinnia York is a member of a traveling vaudeville troupe that the manager abandons in tiny mining town of Morgan’s Crossing, taking the performers’ wages. She sees this as a perfect time to do what she’s wanted to for years and put down roots. Nicolai Andrusha (aka Nic Andrews) is laying low until the patent for his family’s leather tanning formula is approved. He’s intrigued by the woman who gives dramatic recitations in the show. The question becomes, will he defy his father’s edict about remaining hidden or help Cinnia with her troubles?

That sounds so intriguing! Okay, you’re casting the movie version of your novel – who would you choose for the main characters? We’re talking dream cast.

Emma Stone for Cinnia because she has the great ability of being both vulnerable and feisty.

Sam Heughan (from Outlander) because of his ability to convey so much with a look and his sensitivity, although he’d have to lose the Scottish accent.

Oh My God! I would love to see that movie! Now I have to read the book! Where can readers find your book and where can they find you online?

Laced By Love is only at Amazon. BUY LINK  http://amzn.com/B01BL0HL4K

Web contacts
Amazon Author Page  https://www.amazon.com/author/lindacarroll-bradd


Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Linda!

12 comments:

  1. Thanks again for being my guest today, Linda!

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  2. I appreciate being here and am anxious to hear from your blog followers.

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  3. Nice interview, Linda, and what a coup getting to Debra Holland's world. Kudos to you and what a lovely cover, too. Good luck with your release!

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    1. Hebby, thanks for commenting. I really love the covers where the characters look into each other's eyes.

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  4. Great interview. Best wishes for lots and lots of sales on your new release.

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    1. Tena, I appreciate the encouragement. This story was the longest word count I'd done in a while, but I love the small town of Morgan's Crossing.

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  5. I like your super-power. I want that too! It would make research so much easier, and quicker!

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    1. LOL, Susabelle! Me too! Although, it takes the fun out of reading fiction. Maybe just for research :-)

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