Tell us about your most recent release.
Sylvia’s Book, a romantic historical novel you would love to read.
What else do you have coming out?
Nothing coming out; lots of ideas coming in!
Is there anything you want to make sure potential readers know?
Sylvia’s Book is pleasant, compelling reading, an old-fashioned book without violence or bad language.
What’s the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?
I’ll never tell.
What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
No one would ever want to say anything negative about my writing!
How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?
My book has received only good reviews.
When are you going to write your autobiography?
Probably in another twenty years.
Are the names of the characters in your novels important?
Yes, the names are a perfect fit for each character.
What about the titles of your novels?
The title was inevitable.
Are there any occupational hazards to being a novelist?
Only when I prefer the fictional world to the real world.
What’s your favorite fruit?
Pineapple—so sweet, so juicy, so heavenly!
How many people have you done away with over the course of your career?
Only one, and I was very sorry I had to do it, but the whole plot depended on it.
Have you ever been in trouble with the police?
Of course not; they are my friends!
So when were you last involved in a real-life punch-up?
52 years ago
If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?
Very, very carefully
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A happy person
What is your favorite bedtime drink?
Ensure—it’s an adult nutrition beverage.
Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?
No! I have had jobs like that—too boring!
Do you believe in a deity?
Of course! How else could I explain why I am so extremely blessed?
Do you ever write naked?
Only when great ideas come to me in the shower, and they often do. I keep pen and paper in the bathroom, so right after my shower I write down the ideas.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
It would have been Elizabeth Taylor, but unfortunately, she died.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Confidence and joy
Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?
Yes! Every book I read and every movie I see, I identify with the heroine!
What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing novel?
Writing in alignment with the best that is within me
What do you consider your biggest failure?
My first marriage
Do you research your novels?
Yes, extensively—I find it to be fun!
How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?
I loved books and even wrote stories from a very young age.
What was the greatest thing you learned at school?
How to read and write
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Yes, if they are funny, and they always are!
Do you admire your own work?
Yes, every writer should!
What are books for?
Books are for expanding and enriching one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual world.
Are you fun to go on vacation with?
Yes, because I love to explore!
How do you feel about being interviewed?
I like it. It gives me the chance to connect with many potential friends.
Why do you think what you do matters?
Because everything in life is important.
Have you ever found true love?
Yes, three times. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
How many times a day do you think about death?
Not often—maybe once a month.
Are you jealous of other writers?
No. What would be the point?
What makes you cry?
Really, really sad things and really, really happy things
What makes you laugh?
A clever (and clean) joke
What are you ashamed of?
Thoughtless things I have done in the past. But I have put them behind me now.
What’s the loveliest thing you have ever seen?
The face of my newborn son. He looked like an angel.
I am a second-generation native Californian and have lived here all my life. My novel, Sylvia’s Book, can be found on the website of Stansbury Publishing, Chico.
Dan O’Brien
Editor, Empirical
Author: of The End of the World Playlist, Bitten, Cerulean Dreams, and The Journey
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Follow me on my blog: Thoughts from the Dan O’Brien Project
“Be the change you want to see in this world.” -Mahatma Ghandi
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Source:
http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-moment-with-linda-peele.html
