Linda Ford

I found an interview I had done some time ago and thought I would share it on my blog.
1. To start off, please tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Alberta, Canada where I can see the Rocky Mountains. I have raised a family of 14 children (and am still surprisingly sane). For the most part, they are now on their own and blessing me with grandchildren.
2. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I didn’t plan to be a writer. For complete details see my bio on the website. But I always made up stories in my head.
3. Do you find certain themes making recurring appearances in your stories?
More so than I care to admit. In fact, I used the recurring themes as the theme for my Website—faith, family and a forever love. I often use forgiveness or self-acceptance as a way to get to the happy ever after.
4. What is the most common question people ask you when they learn you’re a writer?
Where do you get your ideas? If they only knew that my brain seems to churn out constant ideas to the point where I have occasionally asked for a respite so I can work on my current project. Of course, the real difficulty is taking one (or many) of these ideas and shaping it into a story.
5. What is your typical writing day like?
A NORMAL (i.e. ideal) day sees me at my computer for most of the morning hours and often into the afternoon though I am often interrupted by other life demands. I share my life with my husband who is retired so at home—a lot. I have an adult son who lives at home. So I am often interrupted for ‘important’ things like where did I put…? Or what’s for dinner? I do a fair bit of child care. And then there are the crisis days when writing is just not going to happen as I take care of whatever the current crisis is.
6. Why did you pick the period you did to write about?
I mostly write about the pioneer era and love it. There are so many challenges for the characters to deal with which ultimately leads to strong heroes and heroines.
7. What’s your favorite part of research? What are some interesting experiences you’ve had doing research?
I love doing first-hand research at libraries and museums. I hear the best anecdotes, meet the most interesting people and history comes alive. One of my most interesting experience would be arriving at an historic ranch when there was no one there but myself and the two people I had with me. We got a personalized tour and heard lots of interesting facts. Nowadays research is so easy with the internet to go to but I still like to see places and get a feel for them.
8. If you had to go back and live in the time period you write about and could take one thing with you what would it be? Why?
I would take my computer so I could continue to write stories with the convenience it offers.
9. As a woman, if you lived in another time period and had to be armed for protection, what would be your weapon of choice?
I’d have to go with poison. I don’t think I could make myself use force enough to kill anyone or chase them off.
10. What ‘modern convenience’ would you miss most if you lived in the historical period you write about?
A shower—definitely.
11. If you had to choose a different time period in which to live (not your own) which would it be and why?
I can’t say as I’d choose another. I am quite happy where I am and with our conveniences though perhaps to be at the beginning of modern life yet without the criminal, political, and social problems we face—perhaps my parents’ era though aren’t I talking like an historical author and seeing the romance of that time while ignoring the problems?
12. Tell us about any upcoming projects.
I am currently releasing a 10-book series—Glory Montana series. The last book comes out Nov. 1. In it you will learn what has happened to the missing Kinsley son.
After that, there is a series set in the porcupine hills of SW Alberta. It’s a beautiful area where early ranchers settled so there are lots of cowboys involved. Here’s a glimpse of the Porcupine Hills.

13. And how can your readers contact you?
I love to hear from readers. I love to hear what they liked (so I can do it again) and what didn’t work (so I won’t do it again.)
My website is www.lindaford.org
My email is lindaford@airenet.com