Today I had the privilege of interviewing my good friend and multi-published author Linda Robinson. Not only is she an established writer, she’s the queen of Southern hospitality and fries up some mean fried green tomatoes.
Linda was born in Alabama, married as a teenager, and traveled extensively with her husband throughout his military career. She currently lives in Alabama with her husband and spoiled pet, a Maltese dog named Joy, where she enjoys reading, writing, flower gardening, and all things nature.
1. Natalie Hudson, the heroine of the Natalie books, is a spirited yet lovable girl with a stubborn streak. Did you model her after someone you knew in real life? Yourself, perhaps?
Natalie, as with all my characters, is a composite of several different people I’ve known. Yes, she has a few of my traits as well, maybe the rebel side.
2. You recently published Natalie’s Consequences, the third installment of your Faith and Family series. Can we expect to see a fourth book?
No, I think I wrapped Natalie’s and her friend’s lives completely in the last book, with both on their way to a rewarding life as Christian wives and mothers. I’m ready to move on to something new.
3. How heavily do you draw on real-life when you’re molding and shaping the characters and events in your books?
Very. I try to depict real-life situations in order for my readers to relate. However, the first book, Natalie’s Choices, in the series began in 1987 when there were not quite as many social issues for teens to contend with as there are today. Natalie’s Commitments continues through the college years in the early nineties.
4. Tell us a little about Rails of Freedom and how it relates to the Faith and Family series.
That one required a lot of research, but it has been my most enjoyable to write. My brother left home as a teen and became a hobo for a year. He told me a few stories about his experiences and spawned my idea to write the second novel. When I finished Rails of Freedom, God gave me the idea to write a book about teens and the relationship with their parents, using the mother and father characters in Rails of Freedom. I think possibly because I personally never had that type of family relationship, and subconsciously, I could have it through my characters.
When I told my first cousin, who is a pastor’s wife, she suggested I write a series for young adults in high school and college. I have two sons and no daughters, so God certainly has a sense of humor. But he placed the right people in my path to accomplish the goal, including my cherished critique partners, one of whom had four teenagers at the time. I chose to end the series with the third book being what is referred to now as the New Adult genre, since my characters are married with careers, families of their own, and some of the many problems life presents at that age.
5. Care to share a little something about your first novel, When Love Abounds?
My first book was hard for me to write because it’s a fictionalized account of my life story. But it was also liberating and rewarding. And had I not followed what I believe was God’s will for me, I might never have written the next four books at all.
6. At one time or another, and to different degrees, every author experiences writer’s block. You’ve written five novels. Can you share with us your secret weapon for enticing the muse back into your quill when she seems to have taken an extended vacation?
Great question because I’ve just experienced that exact condition. Because of my husband’s serious health issues last fall, I put writing on a back burner. I would advise to never do that because it’s hard to get back in the groove. I found myself without a desire to write the past few months. But I also discovered that if I will just sit down with my laptop and think about my characters for a few minutes, I start typing away. Soon, I’m enthused about where my story is going, and ideas of potential for making it exciting and interesting come to me.
7. What’s your particular writing style? Would you consider yourself a plotter or a pantster? That is, do you write an outline of the plot of your book, or do you fly by the seat of your pants?
I’m a 100% pantster! But I do jump ahead and write a later chapter or jot a note about a future scene if an idea comes to me. You know…capture the thought before I go to sleep and it disappears. I keep a note pad and pen on my nightstand.
8. So, Linda, what’s next?
I’m currently debating two ideas. The first is to publish a compilation of short stories I’ve written, which I’ve titled Truth & Southern-Fried Fiction. The second is to pen a new novel about a couple who buy a Blue Bird motorhome, set out to travel the United States for a year, and encounter a myriad of problems as well as enjoyable experiences. It’s actually my current work in progress. Eventually, I’ll complete both. I’m just not sure of the order.
Click HERE to learn more about Linda Robinson and to order any of her books listed below.
Irene Onorato 
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a guest on your blog today, Renie.
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It was my pleasure, Linda.
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I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Linda through the friendship of a friend and the honor of reading all her books. I am an avid reader and I have to say that I am hooked on the book after reading just a few pages. Thanks Linda keep me on your list.
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Thanks, Shirley. I’m glad we shared that mutual friend and I got to know you. You bet! On my list for sure.
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Growing up Linda was my favorite cousin even though we didn’t see each other very often. I always admired her because of her wit and smile. I am always amazed when I see someone go after their dream. Linda has accomplished so much. Her faith and love for others I am sure is her inspiration for her wonderful gift of writing. I have enjoyed all five of her books. Gifts, which proves my statement about her love for others. Blessings Linda on your future writings. I am excited that you have two future releases.
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How sweet of you, Janice. Those summers my brother and I spent a week or two with you, Aunt Thelma, and Uncle Jesse were the best of times for us. We talked about them often. As always, you’ll be among the first on my new book mailing list. 🙂
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I have had the pleasure of meeting Linda through Arts On Sunday at Marianna, Fl where she was presenting her book to the public. My husband was also there with his book. We exchanged email address along with phone numbers. I did purchase Linda’s book’s, I have all of them and I must say I enjoyed them all but more so Natalie’s series. In this series she makes you feel as tho your are right there in the story with them. I was so sad to hear that it was the end of it. She is such a wonderful writer and puts so much of the real life into her books. If you haven’t had the chance to read her books they will surely bless you I would advise anyone with teenagers to buy Natalie’s series for their young adults. Beautiful story.
I was in such surprise that anyone could write such a beautiful story with no cussing and Christian belief’s . Thank you Linda for you beautiful knowledge of writing and the joy that you bring to everyone. May God always be the utmost in your life. God Bless you and your Hubby may you always keep you thinking cap on and those fingers to the Key’s….. Much love to you !!!. Nonie andGus
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Nonie, you’re another one of my best cheerleaders! Thank you for your encouraging words and for inspiring me to keep writing by telling me to get off Facebook and start typing! LOL The emoticon you sent is still my favorite (little fox or dog typing fast and furiously.) Give Gus my best. We’re still praying his health issues will be resolved.
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Linda and I have been friends for 50+ years. Both avid readers, we even kept spiral notebooks that we wrote in all the time; who knew? I, of course, have read all her books with great interest. She is a stickler for details, perfection. Each book is better than the last, and I’m looking forward to the next one. She keeps growing as an author and I am SO very proud of her. I’m happy for her doing what she loves, it shows in her writings. I think Linda has definitely become an excellent author and I consider myself to be her biggest fan! Pick up her books and get started, you will be so happy you did.
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Janice, thank you. You’re always in my corner of the rink. I cherish our many years of friendship. (Just remember: What happen-ed in Vegas…! LOL) Can’t wait for our second annual “Thelma & Louise” trip! Love you, sis.
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I had the pleasure of attending church with Linda. As we were eating lunch after church (with numerous friends), Linda mentioned her part-time job was ending. We needed part time help at the office, I asked if she might be interested. I spoke to our sweet boss about hiring her and she did. This began a working friendship that has lasted many wonderful years. I had the GREAT pleasure of reading some of her first writing. We had to keep it a secret at work and church for a long time. I would start to discuss something about her book and realize in time to be quiet. It was a great pleasure to read the completed book!!!! She is a wonderful friend and great writer. Can’t wait for the next book. Since we are not working together I miss our time together. We can get together some time, but never much a I would like. I must add she has a wonderful, funny and caring husband that gives her much to share. I Love you Linda and happy to call you my FAVORITE WRITER!!!!
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Mamie, what a great time we had for ten years working together, except when you broke your hip and I had to work full time without you! Love you and your sense of humor, even during your self-proclaimed “insane period.” LOL
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We had fun no matter what happened. We laugh through our problems with help of our wonderful LORD!!!
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