I am pleased to welcome Linda Tillis to my blog couch, today! Hello, Julie! Tell us a little about yourself, Linda. I spent eighteen years in the garment industry, nine years on the sewing floor, and then nine years in management, at a sewing factory in the south. It was here that I developed a love for color. Then I changed careers, I mean really changed, and spent the next twenty-seven years in law enforcement. I spent twenty years as a Crime Scene Investigator, then seven years as a 911 operator/dispatcher. I have a need to create, so when not writing, I am either designing and creating jewelry and/or hats. I love photography, and am fortunate enough to have a beautiful daughter who does middle eastern dance. So, I design some of her headpieces and get to photograph them in action. I had been told that I could “spin” a good yarn, but I had no idea I had books inside me until my husband started prodding me to write something. I began writing in 2014 and was fortunate to find a local chapter of RWA. The women in that chapter inspired me to actually submit. I was published in 2016 and the second book came out this past May. That’s fantastic! Lots of fuel for stories. Give us the elevator pitch for your book. A Heart Made For Love is the story of a young woman whose faith is tested when she is assaulted. She decides to help other women in similar circumstances, but has to deal with prejudice and murder, before finding love. Do you have a favourite character in your story? My favorite character in this book is Samuel Hinton, the heroine’s brother. I liked him so much that I gave him his own story in the sequel, A Man With A Pure Heart. Do you have a favourite time of day and place to write? Do you have a routine? I write either very early, or very late. I write in my office, which is also my craft room, which makes for a very cluttered atmosphere. But I am surrounded by things that I love, so it doesn’t seem to distract me. What do you do to market your book? Like most writers I dislike marketing, however, it is a necessary evil. I try to keep up with most social media forms, and do giveaways of jewelry items, etc. What are your future plans for writing? Book number three is a time-travel starring a 911 operator, and then I will return to the Hinton family with younger brother Cyrus, and his trials during World War 1. Looking forward to seeing those stories! What words of wisdom would you share with aspiring authors? The only advice I would give to anyone thinking about writing would be don’t wait. If you feel like you should be writing, then WRITE NOW. It doesn’t matter if you’re not published for another five or ten years. Having several completed manuscripts on hand is a wonderful thing. Find yourself a group of like-minded folks to learn from, and support each other. Thanks for joining me, Linda! Links to find Linda on Facebook or purchase her books can be found here! http://amzn.to/2h33qnD https://www.facebook.com/LindaTillisAuthor/ |
Head piece designed by Linda. Isn't it lovely!