Sunday, November 22, 2009
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Interview with the author Linda Whiddon
An interview with Linda Whiddon, a tenacious and determined lady and author of The Moem Chronicles.
portalmania: Although you've been writing since you were 12, Moem is the first book you've had published. What made you decide to take the leap?
LW: My own mortality. I wanted to leave a small legacy for my children. I also wanted a chance to storytell and see it in print. I also had the backing and moral support of family and friends who encouraged me to take the plunge.
portalmania: Are you very conscious of your own mortality and what you will achieve during your life?
LW: Yes, I am very conscious of my own mortality and the things that I want to accomplish before I leave here. I feel that my writing has to answer for me and through the words I write, people will perhaps take an insightful look into their own lives and honor themselves more, trust their intuition and believe in their ability to do anything they set their minds to.
portalmania: One aspect that a reader of Moem can't help but notice is how much of the book is centred around the bonds between mother and child, and the fear for that child's safety in the wider world. Is this taken from your own experiences of motherhood?
LW: Yes, I was abandoned at the age of three and was adopted at age five. I have been a single parent since before my second child was born. All of the responsibilities lay on my shoulders for a very long time. I am not begrudging this task, but it did play a huge part in how I feel about protecting my children then and now.
portalmania: How hard did you find getting published, and the process you have to go through?
LW: I found it painstakingly difficult to get published (quite a few rejection letters over the years.) until I found out about Trafford Publishing through the Writers Digest. I filled out a contract with them, sent them the funds needed to self publish, and hired a graphics designer for my book cover and my website. That was the beginning of it all. We now have marketing data, media kits, and have recently hired a publicist. Next we are looking into the film arena and book tours.
As a novice and newly self-published Author, not too many folks know about my book, yet. They will. If you have to hock your jewels, sell your house and your car, to get the money, work overtime, just do it! You will feel so good when your book is in print with your name on it.
portalmania: You odviously have a lot of determination and drive and we can see these same qualities in the main character, Moem. How much of you, is there in Moem?
LW: I used to believe I was writing about a character I made up. Back in 1986 when I did the original draft of the story. Moem was just a character I invented and felt like writing a story around. Now she has become a part of me, is me, and is a messenger for all of mankind to pay attention to. She says nothing new, but re-enforces what has been said for thousands of years. Mankind will never evolve until he finds another way to unify with his fellow man other than war.
portalmania: You mentioned earlier that you were interested in film. Do you see yourself becoming more of a screen writter in the future, or will your focus remain on being a novelist?
LW: Screenwriting has crossed my mind. But I really like storytelling through the writing of books more. I would love to see my book made into a film or a series on tv. I have hope that I can write many sequels that keep the reader interested and also the movie goer as well. I have always loved the movies and I think the ability to entertain an audience is incredible. I want my chance at doing just that and more.
portalmania: What would you say to any would be novelists out there?
LW: My advice to aspiring authors is to never give up. Find a way to make your dreams come true. Some one wants to help you. The Universe demands it. That is what we are all here for to help each other expand and grow. If you want to succed badly enough you will. Lots of people said no, or worse than that, they said maybe. It took me ten years to gather the courage to say, alright then, I will do it myself, I will find a way, so will you.
Related Links:
To find out more about Linda Whiddon and The Moem Chronicles please
click here.
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