Looking Out the Window: Linda Weaver Clarke Holds Book Launch Party for Desert Intrigue. Giving Away a Copy Here
Linda will be giving away a copy of Desert Intrique. To enter to win leave a comment and your email address.
It's so nice to have you, Linda. First, tell us a little about yourself.
I travel throughout the United States, teaching a Family Legacy Writing Workshop, encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. I am also the author of nine novels and two non-fiction e-books. The historical sweet romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” includes: Melinda and the Wild West - an awarding winning novel. I also have a mystery/adventure series called “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
Tell us about your latest book.
Desert Intrigue is the 4th book in a mystery/ adventure series. In each book, I try to add mystery…adventure...romance...humor...and intrigue! When Julia’s brother announces that his dude ranch is haunted, she believes that someone is trying to sabotage his place and force him to sell. The mysterious happenings have to do with Superstition Mountain, the lost Dutchman’s goldmine, and the great Thunder God. Is it possible that the legend of the Thunder God is actually true? After a terrible thunderstorm, everyone begins to wonder. John and Julia quickly head to Mesa, Arizona and discover a few mysterious events. Will they find out who is behind these disasters before Uncle Kelly’s dude ranch is ruined?
I believe book trailers create the mood of the story. Even though pictures are a great part of a book trailer, the music helps to create the mood that you desire. I was so excited after I put this one together. It set just the right mood. It’s one of my favorites. I’ve had many people tell me how much they liked it. Here it is below.
What inspired you to write this particular series?
This series was inspired by one of my favorite TV shows long ago called Hart to Hart, which featured a married couple investigating and solving crimes staring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. The couple was madly in love–you laughed at the humor and sighed at the romance. I wanted to create something similar with a little suspense and adventure. In this series Julia is a reporter for a daily newspaper and John is a professional knife maker. Just like Hart to Hart, because of her curiosity, Julia gets herself into a bunch of trouble. Before long, she finds herself and her husband up to their necks in danger and running for their lives. There is one difference. John and Julia Evans have three college age daughters. I feel this makes the couple have more appeal to a larger audience. This series, The Adventures of John and Julia Evan includes Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, Montezuma Intrigue, and Desert Intrigue.
I loved watching Hart to Hart too. It's great inspiration. I understand you enjoy history. Does that play a part in the ideas for your books?
My interest in the ancient American Indians is what got me started with this series. First, I’m teaching people a little about the ancient American Indians, artifact theft, the Mayans, Montezuma’s treasure, etc. This new book, Desert Intrigue, surrounds the legends of Superstition Mountain and the lost Dutchman’s goldmine. Second, I’m teaching people that we can still have romance in our lives, even after 20 years of marriage. We must keep our marriage alive with a bit of teasing, playfulness, forgiveness, and romance. In this series, The Adventures of John and Julia Evans, we find out what a marriage can be like if we give and take a little. In fact, I patterned John and Julia’s marriage after my own. I even add a few true things in my book that happened to us, to bring a bit of humor into my story.
Does your faith affect your writing? How?
It certainly does. My characters are Christians with Christian standards. All my books are “Family Friendly” for both teens and adults. So yes, my faith does influence my writing.
Do you put yourself in your books?
Yes, many times. It’s hard not to put yourself into each book, in one way or another. I feel that it brings my story to life.
About Desert Intrigue:
“Romance, Mystery, and Regional History Collaborate to Create a Satisfying, Intriguing Story! It was difficult to put this one down. I cared about the characters, I cared about their ranch, and I was brainstorming right along with this delightful family, figuring out how to either remove the curse or solve the mystery that threatened to destroy their way of life. But as with life as I’ve experienced it, it’s never just saving the ranch. There are children flirting with romance, relational complexities, and a wedding in the works that just won’t seem to come together. The writing is clear and lively, never calling attention to itself or getting in the way of the story. The touches of humor and inclusion of regional history tie it all together to make a satisfying story all the more fascinating. Highly recommended!” –Written by Steve Miller, Author
Learn More about Linda and Visit Her Sites:
Welcome to the World of Make Believe: Family Friendly Blog:
Thoughts About Life & Writing: http://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com
Comments
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
And that's fantastic about writing of a married couple. Yep, we still have romance, don't we? It's just the dangerous adventures we don't find ourselves in like our imaginary characters!
Sounds like a splendid series! :)
Having you was my pleasure. I wish you much success with your new mystery. It's a fun read with the history, Indian legend and family love all woven together.