Thursday 8 December 2011

Interview with Linda Barton

Today we're chatting with writer Linda Barton. Linda was born in Dortmund, Germany in 1959 and was adopted by Howard and LaVone Broyles while they were stationed in Spain with the Air Force. As a child she had always loved writing and often dreamed of being an author, but never truly acted upon that dream until later in her life. She has worn many hats over the years from data entry operator, hair stylist to over the road truck driver, but the burning desire to be an author was always there. 

Welcome to We Do Write, Linda. How long have you been writing?

I've written some over the years, but not seriously until lately. Next Move, You're Dead is the first novel I've completed and published. I never thought I would be a published Author, but with the partnership of my husband Bob who is the creative half of The Barton Writing Team, I see many exciting years and novels ahead for us. You see, Bob is the one who comes up with the ideas for our books. Next we brainstorm until we have a storyline, then I create the characters and write the story. It really is the best way to write for me, as I'm free to lose myself in a story without worrying what my next project will be. Bob is always coming up with exciting ideas for new books, so I will never be without something new to write. If any writers out there need an idea for a book, just ask Bob. LOL

Tell us about NEXT MOVE, YOU'RE DEAD and PURE JUSTICE. What are the stories about?

Next Move, You're Dead is the story of a Philadelphia Homicide Detective in a battle of death with a strange caller who causes him to question everything he's ever believed about his training and himself.

Pure Justice is the story of a Marine who on his return from Vietnam with his two best friends to find his whole life turned upside down when his friends are horribly murdered and those who committed the heinous crime escape justice because of a corrupt legal system. He then decides to assure his friends receive justice for their deaths and this act starts him on a new mission ... to assure the innocent finally know justice for the crimes committed against them.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on the second installment of the Next Move, You're Dead Trilogy and having a great time doing it.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I have a great editor, Nanci Rogers who goes through my books and makes sure they're clean and ready for the readers. I also have wonderful family and friends who help with proof reading.

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Getting the time to do it. My schedule has been rather crazy the last few of months, but hopefully things have calmed down and I can get back into writing regularly.

Let’s get to know you on a deeper level. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

Ear plugs. When I write I go into the world of my characters, so I need to shut the outside world completely out. Besides, I need total silence so I can hear the voices of the characters as tell me their story. LOL

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

The power to control time.

What's the last thing you Googled?

Barnes & Noble

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: enemy, gift certificate, and testimony.

It was a wondrous gift to watch the fear in the eyes of my enemy when the testimony in his murder trial created a vision of his own death certificate to form in his mind.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

I want to thank my husband and children for their love and support during this adventure in writing. They put up will all the times when I thought I was going crazy and the tantrums when the numerous formatting problems almost made me give up. I also want to thank the wonderful readers who took the chance on a new writer. It means so much to hear of how they enjoyed reading the stories that I grew to love while writing them. I love hearing from them and getting to know each of them on a personal level. Their kind words in reviews or messages make the long, crazy hours spent completing a book all worth while. Lastly, I want to thank my fellow Indie Authors. Their wisdom and knowledge is a treasure that I'm thankful for everyday. Whenever I get stuck on a problem, I know I can turn to them for solutions and support.

And finally, where can people find you online?

My website - http://lindabartonbooks.com/ FB Page - http://www.facebook.com/LindaBartonBooks?created

Thank you so much for talking with us, Linda. It was great getting to know more about you and your books.

Dorothy, I want to thank you for this opportunity to be a guest on your blog and introduce myself to your readers.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an interesting way to write Linda. Looking forward to your next book!

jenny milchman said...

What an interesting life you've already had, Linda! I'd love to hear more about what the job of trucker is really like. Exciting to be on the road, or grueling and difficult, or both?

I'm also interested in the way you and your husband approach writing together. Best of luck with your next book!

Anonymous said...

It was very interesting to read!

Natasha