Meet Special Guest: Author Linda Swift

LINDA SWIFT
Award Winning Author
of numerous novel

Linda Swift and I became acquainted through one of the Yahoo loops, and we soon learned we shared a similar outlook on writing, promoting, reading, and life itself. I've read several of her books…and she's read mine…which provided a springboard into many long discussions. I know her well enough now that I can ask a few questions about this particular story--To Those Who Wait--and I do have a few.

I asked her: "Why did you write this story? It's different. Were you going through a phase of some kind? Did you use some of your own experiences as part of the plot? I'd love to know." ~~Celia~~

Thank you for inviting me to talk about my new release today,


A Classic Love Story
by Linda Swift
Available in eBook and soon in Print
Whiskey Creek Press 

Celia. I am intrigued by your questions of how I came to write this story. Since you've read several of my other books, I know you sense that this one is different and wonder why. And your astute observation about "going through a phase" is spot on. I spent four years as a counselor in a rural mountain school and was appalled by the prevailing lack of regard for student welfare. While there, I felt I had butted my head against a wall trying to make a difference without success. So To Those Who Wait was a catharsis for me after I left that particular school.
I have also worked in several other schools in three states and I know political motivation often takes precedence over educational goals. And this is never more obvious that when consolidation is an issue. This story will resonate with every teacher in public schools as something they have also seen or experienced.

All stories have to be told through empathetic characters. Scott and Leah were conjured up to tell this story and they have problems of their own. Teen-age children, meddling parents, spouses that for different reasons are unsuited. They didn't want to fall in love but it happened. And I think their relationship will satisfy any romantic heart although the story's conclusion may not.

But given events beyond their control, the outcome was inevitable so don't blame me. Scott and Leah made their decision, I only recorded it. ~~Linda~~


This is part of a review I wrote for To Those Who Wait. ~~Celia~~

"To Those Who Wait takes place in the 1970s, but it's a timeless love story that could happen in any decade…or century. Scott Parker and Leah Carson have no right to fall in love and carry on an illicit love affair, but the reader will feel and understand their deep love for each other.
To Those Who Wait is a gripping, emotional story about everyday people who only want peace and love in their lives—and the best for their children. Certainly, this novel will leave a mark on the reader's heart. Without a doubt, as a reader and reviewer this novel holds a sacred place at the top of my list of "must reads." The author, Linda Swift, is one of the best among the classic novelists. Don't miss To Those Who Wait."

Excerpt:
For a time the only sound in the room was the soft scratching of Leah’s pencil and the quick rustling of pages as she scored them. Then she put the last booklet on the finished stack and laid down her pencil.

“All done?” he asked.

“Yes, thank goodness.” She stood up, crossed to the window. “It gets dark early now, doesn’t it?”

“Yes,” he answered, draining his cup and setting it back on the corner of her desk.

“Aren’t you going home?” she asked softly.

“No. The first game starts in an hour. I’m just going down to Joe’s for a barbeque and come on back. My wife’s at the shop.”

“I’d forgotten all about the game. I’d better hurry.” Leah went to her desk, opened the top drawer and got her purse.

"Come to Joe’s with me.” He smiled at her. “I’ll buy you a barbeque for working overtime.”

“I’d really love to but my mother will have supper ready and it would be rude of me not to go home.”

“You just don’t want to go with me. Why don’t you tell the truth?”

“Okay, the truth. I’d like very much to go with you. But you know I can’t, Scott. What would people say?” Her voice quivered and she felt tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Leah.” He put his head in his hands. “I don’t know why I’m badgering you. I guess it’s just this damned consolidation mess. Forget I said it, will you?”

“It’s okay, Scott. I know you’re upset.” She stood there in the shadowy room looking at his bowed head. “And I really would like to go with you. It’s a funny thing, isn’t it? If I were a man, I could do what I want. Or if you were a woman. But because we’re a man and a woman I can’t.”

“Who says you can’t?”

“Society. You know what I mean. We can talk to each other here at work but we could never do it anywhere else without starting gossip.”

“And if anybody knew we were here alone at this hour it would cause some pretty wild gossip, too. So go on home, Leah, before we get caught.”
~~~
You may find Linda and her books here:
http://www.lindaswift.net/