Author under the spotlight with Linda Hays Gibbs

I'd like to welcome Linda Hays-Gibbs, multi published author, Anthropologist and lover of the supernatural.

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer. 

 I have always had a bunch of stories running around inside my brain. I used to make up songs and I told a few that way then I made up poems with my stories. I had some crazy short stories and told some in the student paper but that wasn't enough. I started writing them down but would lose them because we moved all over the US and things get left behind.

Later, I started a journal and kept up with a few of the old stories like:

"My Cousins and the Swinging Trees"

Or " How We Dressed Up Bessie the Cow" etc. like I said I had a big imagination. This was when I was 10.

Now I like Paranormal and love stories with horror or SciFi but all love stories.

I know you write different genres like myself but do you have a certain theme or trademark to your stories?

My heroines are all young and innocent but they grow up into strong minded women. I like the prospect of many different men and choices for her but she has to decide what her life will be.

I call them "Innocent Hearts" on my blog but I want them to become strong and capable women even in Regency England. I also want them to tame the werewolves, vampires, ghosts and men of their acquaintance. 

Do you have an agent and how important do you think they are in the publication world

I do not have an agent. I have Kim Richards and Sally, why would I need anyone else? These people are super intelligent and give me great advice.

I have to say, I love those gals too.

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy?

Oh, I have some truth in my tales. When I was younger I ran into a few ghosts and some people like some of my characters. I mix fact with fiction.

It's amazing how many authors I have spoken to that have a story about ghosts.

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure?

I sometimes write an outline but then I go with the flow. My characters start leading me after awhile, taking over the plot because they come alive to me.

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?

I wanted to write and be a singer and an actress. My Mom wanted a doctor but she died when I was very young so I got married. The thing about writing is that you can do it in your head anytime so you just keep making up stories. The problem is writing it down. Once I start on a story it all comes back to me.

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?

I became an Anthropologist and it helped me understand people more but I don't think being a member of AAA really helps me write the stories I want to write. All my teachers wanted were facts and I wanted fantasy. I am also a Genealogist and that fueled my imagination when I found out I was Daniel Boone's great great great  great grand daughter. I am also kin to several Native Americans that were well known but my Irish ancestors spur my imagination more than any.

Suddenly my daughter became very interested in you as she pictures you as Bones and I'm picturing booth. Mmmm...Booth.  

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice?

Oh my goodness, I had no idea how much work goes to marketing your own book! Yes, the social media plays a big part in it.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why? 

I would be a wolf. My tribe's Echota Cherokee of the wolf clan. 

 But I love the red tailed hawk and feel a connection to it somehow.

What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing  a 

particular scene?

My inspiration to writing in general is my daughter and grand daughter as to writing a particular scene, I try to involve the senses like what would I feel, hear, smell, see, and touch?

With your titles and covers, did you get much of a say in this matter and how important is it to you to have input?

 Oh yes, I had no problem with that. Eternal press let me keep my title and approve my cover. 

Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?Read, read, read and write, write, write and keep doing it.

 And what an awesome cover it is!

So, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink)

"Dirty little secrets, hum, let me see?"blush" "Well, I have been married 4 times but only loved one man and still do. I will love him till I die. I am single now. I fed my second husband mash potatoes that fell into the dishwater one night while he was raising cane with me over dinner being late. I didn't eat any, he ate the whole bowl.

I once made my hubby fairy bread for work lunch because he complained about something, I don't remember what now. But I could picture him pulling it out in front of his mates. It was very amusing all round and he learnt his lesson. I'd say your husband did too.

Where’s your favourite place to write?

I like to write on the couch or in bed.

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?

 My newest release is: "My Angel, My Light As Darkness Falls"

 It was released Feb. 7, 2012

You can buy it at: 

www.eternalpress.biz

http://eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615726028 

Amazon :

www.barnesandnoble.com

I just remembered our release date was the same day at eternal.

In one word, how would you best describe yourself? 

Lovable

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment? 

I was visiting a local church for the first time and after service I wanted to speak privately with the preacher. My young son of 18 months. Was squirming and fidgeting but I just reminded him we were in God's house and must behave.  He kept pulling on my sleeve as I spoke to the preacher and I cautioned him that he should wait a minute. He pulled on my sleeve again and I told him " God is watching you, so you must behave. He pulled on my sleeve again and I was very upset with him and told him he had to hold his horses till we were outside and I was finished or he'd be in hot water. As I wanted the best impression on the preacher, when our conversation was over I politely turned to my son and said, "Now please tell me son what was so important?" he rolled his eyes looked at the preacher and said."God  I'm sorry, I waited a minute, I tried to hold my horses but it's too late now cause I done shit my britches and I needs the hot water."

I was mortified to say the least.

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?

I am trying to book a book signing at Barnes and Nobles' in Tuscaloosa next month

I wish we had a B&N here so I could do book signings there.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

Yes, read my book. It is a wonderful story:

http://www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/2012/04/18/review-my-angel-my-light-as-darkness-falls-by-linda-hays-gibb/

Here's a review by Marilyn Rondeau

On the eve of the battle of Waterloo, Lady Pru was led out to the ballroom by her fraternal twin brother Michael David Densington White, sixth Earl of White. Even though Pru had not been formerly brought out yet, the stress of being shut up waiting for Bonaparte’s army to initiate the battle led to those waiting to let off steam, find joy and celebrate before the battle.  Michael, ever protective did not like the attention Pru was getting from his friend Fearghass MacDonald, the Duke of Somerled  but allowed Fearghass one dance with his sister, one dance and one stolen kiss that was enough for Fearghass to proclaim he wished to make Pru his Duchess once the battle was over.

When the battle ended and Michael did not return for her, Pru could not be persuaded to leave until she found Michael and went to the battlefield, a sea of blood and carnage where she walked, stumbled and searched for her brother’s body.  When found just before nightfall, she sank down and cradled her brothers body and screamed and raged throughout the night.  However, a French soldier saw her and rather than flee as he should have – as the night grew colder he drew her into his arms as she finally slept – keeping Pru warm and safe from the evil that stalked the night.

***  This short novella was a most unusual paranormal regency romance with vampires and ghosts. I picked this up on a whim, because of the mention of ghosts and found it to be an utterly and totally engrossing story.  The title of MY ANGEL, MY LIGHT AS DARKNESS FALLS was unusual to say the least but from the first few pages I was hooked.

Pru and her brother were orphaned and being twins they had a special bond – the author put that to excellent use in later showing how much love there was between the two. Describing Pru’s heartache and devastation so extreme for a young girl who had never had to fend for herself.  Michael had protected and provided for her every need.  Pru was delicate, dainty and so beautiful it took most peoples breath away – beautiful and pure.  With this in mind the author was able to portray, how such a fragile young woman survived, with the help of a few new friends, including a devoted heart-sick French soldier; a huge protective dog; a confused ghost; and help from the great beyond as goodness versus evil in a most wonderful and provocative tale with an ending I found to be FANTASTIC.  Talk about a nice twist!

I don’t want to spoil the surprises of this marvelous tale by giving any more spoilers away, but the bottom line is that I was moved, emotionally and spiritually by the prose and beautiful imagery this author was able to convey.   I strongly suggest and highly recommend that most readers of both historical and paranormal will find a lot to love in this beautifully rendered story.

http://www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com/

Linda has also written 3 other books that are published by publish America.

"Sailing in My Sunshine" poetry

"He Would Make Her Pay" a romance novel written in the turbulent 60's

"Escape into Magic" about romance, Druids, magicians and a young girl with magical powers.

You can find Linda @

www.facebook.com/rosedru
www.twitter.com/rosedr63

Thank you Linda for sharing a piece of your life with us today, it's always amazing to learn more about other authors across the globe.

Happy reading and writing

Kez