I'm Interviewed on KECI TV's Montana Today Show

Thanks to Monte Turner and Megan Angelo for their graciousness this morning during my visit to the Montana Today show. 

To view the 3-minute interview, click here:  http://bit.ly/e4uO4L

Woo Hoo, Great Review!

I'm thrilled!  My first review for Taking the Mystery Out of Business is in!

Maryann Miller--editor, journalist, and columnist--has posted her review of TMoB on her blog today.

In part, this is what she said, "While the book is aimed for those who are full-time business people, there are things a writer can learn to deal with the business side of publishing ... Some of the topics that I found most helpful were having the right mental attitude, relationships, organization, and time management ... I highly recommend this book for all writers. Linda has the background and expertise to be totally credible, and the book is written in a comfortable, easy to understand style."

You can check out the entire review at Its Not All Gravy and you can learn more about Maryann at her website.

STANLEY MOVES IN by Jack Rosse

My crime writing buddy, Bill Kirton, is now writing children's books as Jack Rosse.  This is a perfect example of a writer writing what he knows - he's been telling stories to his grandkids for years.  Then again, Bill writes all kinds of stuff.  Maybe when I get to be as old as he is, I can write in forty-seven different genres...

Anyway, Stanley the grumpy fairy is hilarious.

Check out his trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ci7qZhzKA90#!

Purchase on Amazon

You can also check Jack/Bill at these places:

Bill's website

Bill's Blog: Living, Writing, and Other Stuff

Writer's Digest - a terrific writer's resource

I decided to cross-post this item here and on Author Exchange Blog.  It's worth the click.!

Outlining or Pantsing?

We all know that some writers need to use a detailed outline when writing a book and other writers begin their novel with a terrific character, a story idea, or a scene that simply won't get out of their heads.

I've always had a fairly clear outline when I've started a novel:  first three chapters are vivid, the ending is established, and most of the remaining major scenes through the first two-thirds of the book are set up.

Currently, however, I decided to trust my right-brain and let if fly with a terrific idea, four characters (two protagonists, the antagonist, and supporting character), and the basics of a plot.  My left-brain, however, still can't completely let go of the compulsion to jot down all the things that need to be connected, some of the things I absolutely HAVE to do as the book progresses, etc.

Do you think that's especially true of storylines that involve mysteries or suspense?  Or does it work the same way with straight romances?

I've always wanted to write a pure romance and focus simply on the relationship.  But my unconscious always throws in a dead body, a stalker, or some other puzzle that the two main characters have to focus on.

Any suggestions about why that is?  Any advice about pantsing?