Linda Todd has a short story called “A Marriage Blessed” and an essay titled “Tuesdays with Julaina” in my anthology, Written Across the Genres. She helped me with the editing and prep of the anthology for the press.
The book includes two collaborative stories, “Dock Story One” and Dock Story Two.” Both stories had the same beginning paragraph and then members of my two writing classes wrote a one hundred fifty word paragraph each to continue their class story. “Dock Story One,” written by the class with 10 members was easy since there were fewer people. The other story with 22 paragraphs was a mystery that needed clues along the way. We had to restart it a couple times and two other writers helped Linda and me with the ending. I appreciated Linda’s dedication to this story and to Written Across the Genres.”Tuesdays with Julaina” is about how we met at a writers’ conference.
Here is her bio:
Linda Todd writes short stories, personal essays, and has two novels in progress. She lives with her husband in Northern California and enjoys camping in their RV and traveling between California and North Carolina to visit her children and grandchildren.
And here is my interview with her:
Julaina: How did you get the idea for “A Marriage Blessed?”
Linda: It started with a request for art, photos, crafts, etc. for California Writers Club, Tri-Valley Branch’s Ekphrasis 2013 Winterfest. I searched through my photos and found one I had taken in Hawaii of an art studio decorated with bright colored banners and signs. Then I thought of the different things I had seen in shops on the island, like Koa wood bowls. I learned that the bowls were used in wedding ceremonies. So I wrote the story about a couple renewing their vows and the woman’s desire for a Koa bowl, hoping to find one at the art studio.
Julaina: What is a writing day like for you?
Linda: I work out at the gym, eat breakfast, and have coffee before wandering into my office to pound away at the keyboard. Lately I’ve had to write on my phone when I ride Bart to work.
Julaina: What do you enjoy about writing?
Linda: Once I start working on a project, the story elements come together. I’m always surprised by what comes out. Sometimes it takes a lot of time.
Julaina: What is the difficult part of writing for you?
Linda: When I get stuck and need to find a way out of an alley or determine what could come next. It’s a challenge to work through the problem and find a solution.
Julaina: What are you working on now?
Linda: My short stories and I’d like to finish at least one novel this year.
Julaina: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
Linda: Read, study, and write, write, write.
Julaina: Thanks, Linda. I look forward to working with you again.
