Topic: Author Interview
Linda Morelli the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Kind, generous, loving
2. How do you think others would describe you?
She's got a "Type A personality" but always wears a smile.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
I'd have to say my family. I have two grown kids, and two teenagers at home, whom my husband, Rick, and I adopted from Russia and Kazakhstan. Guess the house got a little quiet after the older kids moved out. Sure can't say that now, not with two teenagers. J
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
We have two dogs: Oscar, a 4 year-old Borkie (Bichon Frise/Yorkshire Terrier) we adopted from a pet shelter, and Mila, a 2 year-old Yorkiepoo. Although we've had Oscar longer, it didn't take Mila long to take control of the house and our affections, and reign over our mild-mannered Oscar.
5. What is your most precious memory?
That's a difficult question, for I have so many. I guess it's when we went to Russia to adopted our daughter, then 3-1/2, and I held her in my arms for the first time. She was so light and thin, and shaking with uncertainty. Then I spoke the words I had learned in Russia to say, "I love you." She looked up at me and gave me the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
I can't help but laugh because, like the previous question, I can think of more than a few. I think it was during my brother's wedding reception. He had more than a few drinks and always had a wicked sense of humor. We were teasing each other and he pushed me into the pool. I was wearing an expensive white dress, made of a sheer material that, once wet, revealed everything. Of course, I promptly got out of the pool and pushed my brother in, which resulted in lots of laughter and a roaring applause from the guests.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Painting, printmaking or engraving. I started drawing when I was eleven, studied art throughout high school and at the university, and even started my Masters in Fine Art until I realized I didn't want to teach it, but DO it. My paintings are in private collections around the world, and I was even able to design the covers of my three published romances.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
OMG, that won't be easy, and I'm afraid it'll sound a bit droll, but here goes:
Linda Morelli was an award-winning author who has also been a professional artist, model, creative writer/editor, and a political fundraiser. A lover of history since she was a child, Linda's first novel is an historical romance, FIERY SURRENDER, set in France and in the American Colonies just before the Battle of Yorktown. Her second novel, SHADOW OF DOUBT, a contemporary romantic suspense set on the Mendocino Coast of California, reflects her love of mysteries. She carried this love into her third published novel, LANI'S CHALLENGE, a mystery-romance set in Washington, DC.
A member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and Washington Romance Writers (WRW) since 1994, Linda served the Washington Romance Writers as Vice-President, Membership Chair, Retreat Chair, Web mistress, and as co-chair of the WRW's Annual Booksellers' Luncheon. She has judged many national and regional romance writing contests, and was a permanent judge in Romance Writers of America's annual Golden Heart Contest.
Linda's other memberships included the Authors' Coalition, World Romance Writers, NUW (Not the Usual Way) Authors Community and the Bethesda Writer's Center. In addition to writing, she was an Associate Romance Editor with Port Town Publishing, a reviewer for My Shelf Reviews, and the Historical Editor for Gotta Write Network Online, where she provided monthly columns on historical links and writing, as well as interviews with such award-winning authors as Thea Devine, Susan King, Ruth Ryan Langan, Jaclyn Reding, and Linda Windsor.
She is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters.
Linda Morelli the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
Yes. I was working at the National Republican Congressional Committee and a Congressman's aide knew I was writing a novel. He asked to see a copy, sent it to an agent who wanted to represent me. I knew then that my writing had some merit, although it was quite a few years later before that novel, FIERY SURRENDER, reached publication.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
At this point in time, I have two works in progress; one is a sensual historical time-travel set during the days of the Gold Rush, and the second is a non-fiction book about adopting our children from abroad. I'm also a monthly reviewer for MyShelf, which keeps me fairly busy reading current releases and aware of what's being sold in the marketplace. Unfortunately, I've had to put my writing on hold for a few months to take care of my mother and her finances.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
To continue writing and publishing, and to share my knowledge and experience via my website, Linda's Place - A Site for Romance Readers and Writers. I also keep my site updated with various links for authors and readers alike, as well as publish a quarterly newsletter and have occasional contests for my readers.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
My goal is to write for at least 15 minutes per day...a goal that's fairly easy to keep. More often than not, I find that when I begin writing, I get on a roll and don't stop until hours have passed by. There have even been days when I've written well into the wee hours of the morning, but that happens mostly on weekends. Since I have two small dogs, I also manage to take them for walks every couple of hours, so I get my exercise and insure that I don't find any surprises in my house.
13. Why do you write?
I write because I'm passionate about the art, and feel I need to relate the stories that insist on being told. I love how my characters develop, enjoy developing a concrete plot with satisfying endings. I don't write to become famous or make lots of money, because most authors are wise not to give up their daytime jobs. I know that publishing is a hard industry. Hundreds of books are submitted daily, but only one or two make it past the slush pile. That's why I strive to constantly I hone the craft of writing, constantly learn what I can about the industry and writing, and hope my next novel will see publication. It's also one of the reasons I think that belonging to a writers' group is so vitally important.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
I have to say it's Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, because he has gained the admiration and love of millions of readers. His stories, first appearing in the Strand Magazine, have been made into movies (though several later movies were emulations of his work, written by others). I did tell you I like mysteries, didn't I? J
15. How do you define your writing?
I'd say it's definitely character-driven, especially since I write romances. I prefer to delve deep into a character's fears and wishes, his or her needs and desires, so my romances tend to deal more with emotions, along with strong plots and characters.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
That I was a darn good writer whose books have been read over and over again.
Linda Morelli the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
You can visit my website, Linda's Place - A Site for Romance Readers and Writers, at
http://members.aol.com/lbmwriter/romance/index.html, which has my latest news, photos, great links for writers and readers, and my latest newsletter. You can also ask to be added to my quarterly newsletter (which has some of my favorite recipes, by the way) by sending me an email at RomRiter@aol.com, with "Newsletter" in the subject line. I really haven't started a blog yet, because two teenagers, two dogs, reviewing and holding down two part-time jobs have kept me hopping. I post my latest news (which is really like a blog) on my website above.
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
Sure, via my website or via email at RomRiter@aol.com .
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Fiery Surrender, ISBN 0-9700544-5-9
Shadow of Doubt, ISBN 0-9716239-9-6
Lani's Challenge, ISBN 1-59466-032-8
Readers can find my books listed on Amazon.com and online bookstores, as well as my website. If they'd prefer to have an autographed copy, they should write me at RomRiter@aol.com and, if they mention your interview, I'll give them a great discount.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
A great story that will keep them entranced until the last page. They can read more about my books on my website, view sample chapters and read the comments from reviewers who loved my books.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
I am passionate about my writing and the stories I tell, which is probably why I have received several awards for my books. I want readers to enjoy the stories I tell, have the characters seem real to them, and have readers wanting to read more.
Also, I have gained several loyal fans and many friends from my writing, and love to hear from them all. If anyone wishes to write to me regarding my writing, please don't hesitate to do so. I'd love to hear from you.
