Linda Winstead Jones

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Linda: My first book, GUARDIAN ANGEL, was released in August 1994 by Leisure, in their Love Spell line. For somewhere around 15 years before that, I wrote as a hobby. Bad poetry. Short stories. The occasional mystery or romance that didn't get more than halfway done. One day I just decided I was ready, sat down at my typewriter at the kitchen table, and finished a story. I sent the manuscript to Leisure and anxiously awaited my rejection. They bought it, instead of sending it back, and I don't think I've stopped writing for more than a week or two since then.

On the personal front, I'm married to my high school sweetheart, and we have three grown sons and two fabulous grandchildren. (people told me grandchildren were wonderful, but I didn't know how right they were until I got my own!)

Linda: In order of appearance: I started writing as Linda Winstead, and wrote straight historicals -- four westerns and one Civil War romance. My first fairy tale romance was written as Linda Jones, and I've also done two time-travel romances and two legendary lovers books for Love Spell using that name. When I started writing for Silhouette, I became Linda Winstead Jones. The Rock Creek Six series, western romances, were written for Kensington as Linda Devlin, and next year I'll have a series of three Victorian Ghostbuster books under that name. The first, SHADES OF MIDNIGHT, will be out in January 2003.

Linda: I enjoy shaking off one style and picking up another. I go to each book with more excitement than I would if I stayed within the same sub-genre. Maybe it's not easier than sticking with one style, but I like the sense of discovery and freshness that comes with making that change.

Linda: First of all, I have great respect and admiration for law enforcement. They do a tough, often thankless, job that needs to be done. Throughout history, we've had protectors among us, and that's what police officers are. That alone makes them great hero material. In a way, cops are the modern-day equivalent of the knights and sheriffs that often populate our historical romances. And of course, since I am writing suspense for Silhouette, it makes perfect sense to involve those who would be closest and most involved in the crime and the pursuit of the criminals.

Linda: To be honest, I have no idea. No, I don't have plans at this time. I write the stories I want to write and see where they take me. Sounds like I lack career planning, doesn't it? <g>

Linda: Because I never plan ahead. When I wrote MADIGAN'S WIFE, I had no idea Luther was going to turn out to be anything but an annoying secondary character, there because someone from homicide had to make an appearance. And then he stepped out of the car, popped a piece of candy into his mouth, and said, "Here I am. Deal with it." <g> The Sinclair brothers were the same way. I had no idea Shea had such fabulous brothers until they showed up. So, these stories have come together rather piecemeal, and since Silhouette makes plans so far in advance, there was no opportunity to tie these books together. One day I'll get more organized. Promise.

Linda: Yes, SECRET-AGENT SHEIK was written long before September 11. I actually read it in galley form just weeks after the tragedy, and yes -- at that time it was a little difficult. Not because the hero was Arab, but because the plot revolved around terrorists. Fortunately, in fiction the ending is always prompt and satisfactory.

Even then, I had no reservations about my hero, Hassan. The fact is, there are heroes everywhere, and to stereotype an entire culture is wrong. I understand the reluctance among some, given the events of the past several months, but I don't think it's right. Hassan is a good guy, a real hero, a man whose motives are noble. There are men like that all over the world, in every region, in every country. We don't always see them, but that doesn't mean they're not there. No, I wouldn't have a problem writing about a sheik again, under the right circumstances.

Linda: Depends on the book. Whenever I'm writing about a new place or a new culture (as with the sheik book) I do more research than usual. I dive into as many books as I can find, until it feels right. I have also interviewed a few police officers, when I first started writing for Silhouette. With the historicals, it all depends on what time period and place I'm using. I'm getting a pretty good library of my own, and considering my writing habits, my collection of books is very eclectic. And the internet is a great place for making contact with people who can help with research.

Linda: Never say never. <g> Right now there are no plans to revisit Rock Creek, but I can certainly see writing about the kids, down the road. Rock Creek became so real to Lori and me, and we had such a great time working together. I'd love to see the children taken care of, one of these days. If nothing else, Fiona has to have her own story!

Linda: Should we jump on to 2003? Two of the Sinclair brothers, Clint and Dean, will have their stories out in 2003, and Del Wilder, who makes an appearance in Boone's story in June of this year will be in his own story either at the end of this year or early in 2003. Also next year, Linda Devlin will have a series featuring Victorian-era ghost chasers Lucien Thorpe and Eve Abernathy. This is different for me, not only because it's a trio of ghost stories, but also because Lucien and Eve are the hero and heroine of all three books. Right now my focus is on the IMs and this series for Kensington. I don't have a fairy tale romance scheduled or planned after April's DeBUTY & THE BEAST.

But who knows what the future might bring? I've already tried my hand at so many different sub-genres; anything might be just around the corner.

(Click here for a review of CAPTURING CLEO)

(Click here for a review of HOT ON HIS TRAIL)

(Click here for a review of MADIGAN'S WIFE)