Welcome, Linda Hoover!

Welcome, Linda Hoover!

LM: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most upcoming release Heart’s Journey. What was your inspiration for the story, and did you set out to write a series?

Linda: Thank you for allowing me to come. This is release day for Heart’s Journey, so it’s an exciting day for me. I can’t really give you something specific on inspiration. I read a lot and have always had stories in my head. The characters and ideas just came together. Originally the first book in the series, Heart’s Desire, was long enough to be two books. I was advised to consider making it a series, which I agreed was a good idea.

LM: How do you develop your characters? (e.g. decide on their vocation, names, etc.)?

Linda: In the first book, set in 1880, I knew I wanted my heroin to be in a rich family and live in a city with a lot to offer in the way of entertainment and recreation. I wanted a city in the east and found Boston to be perfect. The hero of the story grew up on a farm but is working at a jewelry store when the heroin meets him. Not an acceptable match for her. For names, I look at census records for the time period. I also look for names popular in different countries if I have a character who is from an immigrant family. Vocation is something else I research. What were the occupations available during that time?

LM: What draws you to write historical fiction?

Linda: I’ve always been interested in history. Growing up my family would take summer vacations to

Pixabay/
Dariusz Sankowski

historic places and most of the books I read were historic. I love to research, which is necessary to make sure I’m accurate, but I have to be careful I don’t lose a lot of time following rabbit trails. There are lots of interesting things to know, but they don’t always apply to the story I’m writing.

LM: You’ve been a journalist and written middle-grade fiction. How are the process different than writing fiction? The same? Do you find one easier than the other?

Linda: Writing fiction is more fun and I have a good imagination. If you’re writing nonfiction, you better make sure you have your facts straight. With fiction, I’m free to make most of it up.

LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?

Linda: I’ve seen some of the locations I’ve written about, but I think it would be fun if I could hop in the car or on a plane to personally check out where the story takes place.

LM: What is your advice to fledgling writers?

Pixabay/StartUpStockPhotos

Linda: One of the most important things you can do is join a writing group. I went to hear an author

speak and when I asked her some questions afterward, she invited me to come to the writing group she was part of. I joined that day. I learned so much about the craft of writing and the business side of it. You need to be around other writers who can encourage you and relate to your struggles.

LM: What is your next project?

Linda: I need to get started on book three in the Heart’s Desire series. I started a Christmas book two years ago that I’d love to finish. We’ll have to see how things go.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Linda: My Linktree account will show you every place I can be found with one click: 

http://www.linktr.ee/lindahooverbooks

About Heart's Desire:

Julia goes from upper-class Boston to an Iowa farm. What could possibly go wrong?

 
In June, 1880, newlyweds Jacob and Julia go to Iowa to fulfill Jacob’s dream of having his own farm. Their original plans fall apart when they get there, and Jacob wonders, will he be able to keep the promise he made to Julia and her family?

Jacob and Julia spend much time in prayer, and God provides a better plan. Now, upper-class Julia allows herself to consider her role. She’s never been in a kitchen, let alone on a farm. How will she manage their home?

After many mishaps, Julia asks a neighbor for help, and gains confidence as she learns to cook, garden and handle other household duties. Jacob and Julia grow closer, but a personal loss for Julia triggers a disagreement leading to estrangement and deeper issues Jacob must confront. Can their faith in God bring forgiveness and reconciliation?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3B5MBiJ