How I Came to Write This Book

My route into Linked was an unusual one, I suppose. I didn’t sit down at my laptop and start crafting a story, like a typical author. You know, write a premise, develop a plot outline, complete character introductions, write a short synopsis, expand the synopsis, begin detailed character development, define scenes, write the first draft, research locations, develop subplots, write character viewpoints, re-draft and edit, and get published. No, that’s not what I did at all.

As an avid reader all my life, I’ve always wanted to write a novel. I knew it was in me. Not a sci-fi, romance, or mystery novel, but one about the teenage experience. A book of ordinary people making their way through life. Reading is a lifeline to endless possibilities. I wanted it to speak to the reader about things they experienced or may experience in the future. I believe a book can change a person in a profound way. It can point you in a different direction or teach a lesson, like what not to believe, or say, or do. It encourages you to dream – about life, your future. A book may have been written a century ago, in another country, or maybe even in another language. Or it may have been written by your next day neighbor. It reminds us we are not alone. Our dreams and challenges are shared.

So, I came up with some ideas, kicked them around in my head, and narrowed them down before putting it on paper. This happened over a few years as went about my business at hand. At the time, I was too busy to write. Then finally, I was ready.

Linked is the kind of book I wanted to write. It has an intriguing central character surrounded by a diverse and developed supporting cast. I wanted an effective dialogue that told the reader something about the characters and their relationships. It adds to the tension and conflict, furthering the plot by letting the reader piece together a larger picture. But it’s the subtext of dialogue that moves the book along – the reasons, feelings, and suspicions underlying character conversations. It adds depth and dimension to the story. I wanted my book to have a strong sense of place and say something about the broader society.

Oh – and now that I’ve started writing, I can’t stop. It’s where my passion is. More books to come!