Friday, March 4, 2011

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/

97 comments:

  1. Celia, thank you so much for inviting me to be your guest this weekend. As you know, I am very excited about having TO THOSE WHO WAIT released on March 1, the 8th anniversary of Whiskey Creek Press. I hope this is a good omen. Steven Womack tells me it is. And I hope parents and teachers in particular will read this book. And also everyone who enjoys a true love story. I'll be checking back to talk with readers over the weekend and answer any questions they may have. Meanwhile, happy weekend to all. Linda

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  2. Really great interview and excerpt from "To Those Who Wait". Nice to see two talented writers supporting each other and wish the best to both!!

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  3. As a one-time teacher (now retired) I love the fact that you have a school setting for your novel, Linda. All my early novels had school settings since it was the world I knew best, of course. But then schools and teachers became 'unfashionable' in the romance world, it seemed that hospitals and doctors were much more intersting - and romantic. Maybe the world has turned again - and maybe you've inspired me to write a school/teacher based story again.
    All good wishes for the success of your book.
    And hi, again, Celia!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, Paula--again! I was a teacher, too. And I've seen very few romances with a teacher as the heroine. And, man, weren't we heroes? It ain't easy being a teacher!! Thank so much for visiting, I I guarantee you'll like Linda's book. Celia

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  5. Hi, Kaye--I know who you are! Thank you so much for helping out by posting the link everywhere. Celia

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  6. Hello Paula. Thank you so much for your comments. I, like you, have written several stories and a couple of books with the setting I knew best (I am retired, too)My book with a university setting is being released April 1 by Desert Breeze. And I also have a short story set in a mountain school coming out with Willow Moon very soon.So perhaps you are right, that teachers-based stories are making a comeback.I agree with Celia's statement that teachers are heroes and I think that is even more true today than when I was in public education. The students weren't carrying guns and killing teachers and other students then! But we had our problems, too. But oh, the joy of making a difference in any student's life. I treasure that. Linda

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  7. Thanks for a wonderful excerpt.Enjoyed it and hope to read your book soon. Yes, a teacher is a heroine!
    Claudy

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  8. Hi Claudy, and thanks for stopping by. I suppose we all have favorite teachers who have meant a lot to us. And as teachers, we never know how much our words may have meant to some student. I don't remember many speicific things a particular teacher may have taught, but I still remember some things they said. And I remember their personalities, don't you?

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  9. What great characters you painted, Linda. They feel so alive. I will have to check your book.
    www.monarisk.com

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  10. Thank you, Mona. Coming from a good writer who I admire, these are words to warm my heart. Thank you so much. Linda

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  11. Having taught school myself for many years, I definitely identify with the problems mentioned in the excerpt and your thoughts on the motivation for the story.

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  12. Well said, Judy. Is there a teacher anywhere who hasn't seen or experienced this frustration! I hope you'll read the book and forgive me for the ending. Celia's words on finishing were and I quote: "I'm stunned. I'm shocked." Now I'm not going to tell you why and spoil the story for you.

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  13. Linda,

    I really enjoyed this excerpt. I used to be a teacher and your words and dialogue make the school setting come to life for me and grabbed my attention. The illicit romance between Leah and Scott sounds like a page turner. I hope To Those Who Wait have wonderful sales. The cover is eye-catching! Congratulations on this release and I wish you much success with all your books.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks, Diane, for your nice compliments and good wishes. And yes, to any teacher the setting will seem realistic for I knew whereof I wrote. And yes, Scott and Leah were star-crossed lovers for sure. The cabin on the lake in the book cover was the trysting place in case you wonder about its significance to the story. I appreciate you taking time to stop by. Linda

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  15. Hi, Linda. All best wishes for your new release. I know it is a wonderful book. Ellen

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  16. Thank you, Ellen. It was a nice surprise to have you stop in. Bet you saw my announcement on Facebook? Not in Kansas City this weekend? Oh, to be a granny. Now I've even lost my granddog. Have a good week. Linda

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  17. Hi Linda,
    Great excerpt, sounds like another one of your wonderful novels.

    Regards

    Margaret

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  18. Hello, Margaret. And thank you for the kind words. At last, I am on the WCP author page right beside you. I'm honored to be there! I hope all is well with you and yours. And thank you for visiting today. Linda

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  19. Celia and readers, I am going to be in Tampa today and until mid-afternoon tomorrow and completely offline for a mini-vacation. I'm looking foreard to the drive over the Sunshine Skyway bridge and along the Gulf from here. I won't be answering comments until then. But please be assured that I will answer every one when I return. So in advance, I want to thank you for visiting and reading this and leaving a message. Best wishes, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a wonderful interview and excerpt - it makes me want to run right out and buy your book. It is heartwarming to see two talented authors sharing the spotlight and giving us the best of both worlds. I look forward to reading more.
    Billie

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  21. Linda, I loved the excerpt. The 70's were an interesting time, weren't they? And the excerpt captures that in a very revealing way. (If I was a man, I could do what I want)

    Good luck with sales!
    Smiles
    Steph

    ReplyDelete
  22. This sounds like an intriguing book, Linda and Celia. And what a beautiful cover with an interesting era. Having read many Linda Swift romances, I am betting this one will be as thoughtful and poignant as the rest, and I wish you many sales!

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  23. Hi ladies, as a schoolteacher and one who fell in love with hubby during the 70's, this sounds just like something up my alley. Best wishs, Linda. Hi Celia!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello, all. Back from Tampa. What a beautiful drive we had crossing the Sunshine Skybridge yesterda and again today. The Gulf Scenery is always so inspring. Blue water, blue sky, sailboats, pelicans. I feel so blessed to live in thsi warm climate in winter and times between when we care to come down. I'm on my way to Tai Chi class right now but I will answer each letter when I return later in the afternoon. Meanwhile, thank you for stopping and leaving a message. Linda

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  25. Hello, Billie. Thank you for your nice words. And one thing I have noticed about epub authors is the suppport they give each other. I didn't find that as true with the NY paperback business. But perhaps that was because we didn't communicate by computers and were more remote from each other except at annual conferences. And Celia has always been a great support to me. In fact, I would never have had the courage to build my own web site except for her. And I'm so glad I did it. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Steph. Thanks for your comments. I'm afraid in small Southern towns the attitude of the 70s still exists in most cases. You just don't do certain things if you want to protect your reputation. Maybe when my generation is gone, things will change. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  27. Danielle, thank's for your heartwarming comments about my work and your good wishes.
    And I'm glad you like the cover. It was #3 but I'm glad I worked with the artist until we got it right. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Tanya, and yes, I think you would find much to relate to in this book set in the 70s. I'm only sorry I didn't "date" the story at the beginning of the book. Another editor of a book I have coming out next month had me to that and then it was clear why there were no cell phones, or computers, etc. I hope you'll read the book and enjoy it. Linda

    ReplyDelete
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