AUG FEATURED AUTHOR - Linda D. Wattley

SORMAG: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

LINDA D. WATTLEY: My name is Linda Wattley, I reside in Copley, Ohio. I am widowed with two sons, Robert III and Marcus. I enjoy spending time with my mother and family. I enjoy watching movies, going for long walks, working out, reading and writing. Before I became a novelist, I use to be a Spiritual Writer for the Frost Illustrated Newspaper in Fort Wayne Indiana. I would write what I felt God was speaking into my spirit. This is my most fulfilling pleasure. My heart felt desire in this life time is to rekindle love back into the hearts of my fellowman. Love has and always will be very important to me. I want the world to know God is not mocked. His son did not die for nothing. We can love but we first must realize this world is not our home or our God. Our God is love and so are His children.

SORMAG: Tell us about your current book?

WATTLEY: "Daddy's Girl" is my first work of a trilogy revealing the heart of a child as she seeks God to understand why we suffer in life, especially little children who trust their parents to do the right thing.

SORMAG: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

WATTLEY: I would like for readers to be so touched in their hearts that it makes them want something different from life than what we have become accustomed to accepting. For instance, the characters in my book suffer for reasons unknown to them, yet they want what we all naturally should desire and that is to love and be loved. Because a person has been sexually abused, victimized and heartbroken by someone else's choices does not mean this is a hopeless world for love. By the time the readers complete the book, a seed of love will be planted leaving he or she with a choice to nurture it or let it die.

SORMAG: Do you ever have a hard time letting go of a character after the novel is finished?

WATTLEY: I never thought of letting go any of my characters. But I guess to answer the question I would say yes. All my characters came forth from my soul. It is an experience somewhat like having several children with different presentations, yet you hold each one dear in your heart. This is what it is like for me with my characters. Each is ever conscious in my mind as I know each one have something to give my readers and I appreciate each one for that.

SORMAG: What do you feel is the key to writing convincing characters?

WATTLEY: The key to writing convincing characters is naming them correctly for the personality you would like for them to bring forth. And, know their purpose for existing in the story.

SORMAG: What makes your writing style unique?

WATTLEY: My writing style is very unique because it strongly entertains and at the same time feeds the spirit and soul of its readers. It is also feeding the mind a message that can change lives. God gave me a writing rhythm that has a healing effect for anyone who wants an internal heart renewal. I don't just write to be writing. I write with a purpose given to me by God.

SORMAG: What are you doing to promote your book?

WATTLEY: I have traveled to several book expos. I have done book signings, blogs, press releases, written articles for various news letters and on line magazines. I've been blessed with a great publicist, Belinda Williams of Literary Life Styles. I have also joined the queen of promotions, Delores Thornton of Marguerite Press. I have forwarded my book for reviews by several reviewers and have been interviewed on several radio shows and I have handed free copies to people when I am compelled to do so.

SORMAG: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

WATTLEY: I learned when God wants you to do something, you will do it. While learning what God wanted me to do, I learned my first encounter of my manuscripts was only seeds God was planting for something far greater than I ever imagined.

SORMAG: What do you do to make time for yourself?

WATTLEY: I get all my responsibilities taken care of so I can exhale. Then, I usually stay home and do things that are relaxing and enjoyable.

SORMAG: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, web site)

WATTLEY: I can be reached at my e-mail address: universalove26@aol.com. And for media contact: My publicist,
Belinda Williams, Literary Lifestyle
info@literarylifestyle.com