 |
 |
   |
| Thank you for visiting my page. My greatest joy after publication is knowing that a reader enjoyed the journey through my book, empathized with my characters' plight, shared their joy, felt their pain, and celebrated their victory as though it were their own. Each time I sit down with those who would have me write their story, I listen intently to the voices and the undertones that will express who they are, how they feel, what they fear, and what they dream. To me, they become real and from day one of writing, I strive to pass that feeling onto you. Please let me know if I succeed! :) I was into my forties when I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. A rather late start, though I did write poems during my middle and high school years and a few songs during the years I practiced guitar. But it wasn't until my forties, when I saved a discarded book from an early death on a rain-drenched sidewalk, that I chose my path. With a simple "I can do that" and five years of learning through the school of hard knocks (and much help from my more experienced friends), I realized my goal of completing several novels and finding a publishing house that allows the author to tell the story their way--a publisher who appreciates each author's individial voice and style and doesn't cookie cut their books into clones. As an author, I enjoy the freedom to write from the heart and have that accepted and appreciated. But what about me as a person? I'm a resident of southwestern Pennsylvania. Born in Pittsburgh, I'm now an expat living in the suburbs. I work as an Educational Programs Coordinator five days a week and write when I can. I am the mother of four great kids (actually young adults), and the grandmother of a busy and mischievous three-year-old boy and a sweet and adorable 11 month little girl. Gotta love them. At home I have five kitties. Let me say that again. FIVE kitties. Blame my second-born daughter who thinks I run a refuge. But they're very congenial and loving kitties who go by the names, Xavier (pronounced Za Vee Ay, it's French), Yvette (also French), Onyx (also known as Ony), Stormy Ralphie (don't ask), and the newest edition and my grand kitty (kitten to my daughter's like-a-daughter cat) Poppet. Though I haven't played guitar in some time, I hope to one day pick it up again. Though I haven't oil painted in many years, I hope to find the time to do that as well. For now, I have two passions. My number one passion is to write because I love the characters who enter my head and refuse to leave until I tell their story and share it with the world. My number two passion is crafting porcelain dolls. I started making dolls about six years ago. I tested my talents on many genres. Traditional, French Bleuette, French Bru, German Mein Liebling, even Gothic. But it wasn't until a year or so ago that I discovered it was all leading to me creating dolls that represent the characters in my books. Of course, I only had one male mold and two female molds to work with. But each takes on a different look and I am dedicating my free website to my dolls as soon as this one is active. I plan to post my "book dolls" as soon as I costume them. Finally, and I say this with much chagrin, I am a semi-francophile. By this, I mean that I am 'moved emotionally' by all things French. I don't know why. Don't ask. Though I was told that my last three lifetimes took place in France. This could be the culprit. :) And I love the French language. Oh, did I mention that I have five Goldfish and three Octi****(algae eaters) as well? They don't have names but they're over a year old and getting large. I may just have to name them after all. I also have two plants, a ficus tree and a tree of undetermined orgin, which have managed to stay alive while others have perished. And that fairly sums up my current life. If you've read my books and wish to comment, please do so in my guestbook and on Amazon dot com. If you have any questions or just want to express your thoughts, you can write me here. Be sure to put the book title in the subject line so I know it's not junk mail. Thanks again for visiting. If I could, I'd offer you a cup of tea and biscotti. As it is, I can only say "Have a wonderful day!" Hugs, Linda |
 |