Featured Interview With Linda Heavner Gerald
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in N.C. but am now retired to the Forgotten Coast of Florida with my husband. My only son and one grandson reside in Dallas, Texas. With a background in medicine, I worked as a Registered Nurse for years. Then, I wanted to experience a business side so I obtained my real estate broker’s license. Once again, I have reinvented myself. My calling to become an author is from God, I feel. Therefore, I always give Him the credit for each book which I write. Currently, I have written six novels most of which are Mystery/Thrillers. Soon my seventh book will be released in 2015. Writing began for me with Beaufort Betrayal. This story of betrayal and deceit will strike a cord with all. As the protagonist walks down the street of a beautiful seaside village on a late fall day, she realizes that she does not have a memory. Without a doubt, she knows that she is in Beaufort, N.C. This is a place where she has frequently sailed but nothing more is known. She is aware that she loves sailing when she hears the slight clink of a halyard gently hitting the mast of one of the sailboats in the marina across from where she is walking. The sound catches her attention. As she gazes at the sailboats lined up like soldiers, she feels no fear of her situation but is aware that twilight will soon fall. Where will she go? Suddenly, she hears another familiar sound. A gardener is pruning the roses in a yard across the street. The pristine homes, most of which are white, glisten in the fall air. Her steps head in that direction as she is cognizant of another sound. Amazing Grace, touches her heart. That is a song which she knows well. Without thinking, her lips move with the song. She approaches the gardener who is pruning the pink and white roses with intent of questioning him. Perhaps he will recognize her? There is a strong attraction to the beautiful home where he works. Could this be her home? Suddenly, she notices a man standing on the balcony. He is watching her. Does he know her? Her question is quickly answered as he calls her name. What was the name which he called? Blood is throbbing in her ears. Fear floods her soul. Before she can turn, the man is running toward her. “That was a long walk, Tory. Maybe too much for you at this time. Come on inside now, time to rest.” He is guiding her inside the home. When she enters, he closes the door. Welcome to salvation or is it hell?
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My writing began about two years ago with Beaufort Betrayal. The facts above just came to me one evening. Each night, they returned. Finally, I asked God to reveal if this was from Him or me. My answer was this small book which was written in two weeks time. Once I started, I wrote almost continually. Fear encouraged me to keep writing. If I stopped, I may not be able to finish. Once that was sent for publication, I began my second novel, Rosemary Beach. Now, I have six novels. Writing at this point in my life is totally unexpected. Never did I dream of being an author. This is truly a blessing from God. With my medical background, I try to incorporate current conditions which a reader may be experiencing but be too fearful to obtain medical advice. I have included depression, grief, drug addiction, macular degeneration, post traumatic stress and many others. Not just a desire to promote good health but provide peace. My goal is to demonstrate through my writing that no matter what we do, God is waiting for us to turn to him and receive forgiveness.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite writers are F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nelson DeMille, Jeffrey Archer, James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks. My favorite all time works are The Great Gatsby, The Gold Coast and The Gatekeeper. Nelson DeMille inspires me most. I love the fact that even in the midst of strong turmoil, he makes me laugh with his humor. He is wonderful.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, about to be released is Confessions of an Assassin. I can see improvement in my writing with each publication. Truly, my work has improved and that pleases me. Confessions of an Assassin is my best. The story of Catherine Carnegie who was born in N.Y.C. but dreamed of living in the south after reading Margaret Mitchell’s masterpiece. When she gains acceptance to a southern university, her family is not happy with her choice. Still she completes her education with the dream of finding an old historic home in a southern town of her choice. Her dreams are answered in Eufaula, Alabama. There she finds the home which has filled her dreams with magnolias and wisteria for so many years. She opens her art gallery there as well. Her days are spent painting for the walls of her business while also providing display for many other local artists. Soon her life is changed by the appearance of a college associate. He entices her to join a secret government agency. The thrill of state dinners and small assignments which become more and more challenging make her smile. Her friends think she lives a boring, single life but nothing could be further from the truth. Finally, the deviousness of the group is blazingly manifested with the promise that they will let her leave the group when she completes their last assignment which is so outlandish that it breaks her heart. Never, will she be the same. After this last episode in Bali, Indonesia, she lives her life in fear and regret. That is until the package arrives. That package will set her free.
This book took six months to write.
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Linda Heavner Gerald’s Website