Linda Merlino is the author of Hudson Catalina and Room of Tears. She began writing fiction as a young mother on the sidelines of endless soccer practices. Linda wrote anytime any place. A manuscript filled a carton in the back seat of her car. Many years have passed since those early beginnings, but her work continues to be inspired by her children.
The author has a fascination with heroes and writes her fiction to honor ordinary men and women who react unselfishly in extraordinary circumstances. She extends her gratitude to all who keep us safe and free.
Her hometown is outside of Boston. She lived for many years in New York City and more recently calls Connecticut her home.
About the Book:
The DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle contains 12 complete mystery/thriller novels by award-winning and international bestselling authors: Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Catherine Astolfo, Alison Bruce, Melodie Campbell/Cynthia St-Pierre, Gloria Ferris, Donna Galanti, Kat Flannery, Jesse Giles Christiansen, Rosemary McCracken, Susan J. McLeod, C. S. Lakin and Linda Merlino.
THE BRIDGEMAN by Catherine Astolfo
DEADLY LEGACY by Alison Bruce
A PURSE TO DIE FOR by Melodie Campbell & Cynthia St-Pierre
CHEAT THE HANGMAN by Gloria Ferris
A HUMAN ELEMENT by Donna Galanti
LAKOTA HONOR by Kat Flannery
PELICAN BAY by Jesse Giles Christiansen
SAFE HARBOR by Rosemary McCracken
SOUL AND SHADOW by Susan J. McLeod
INNOCENT LITTLE CRIMES by C. S. Lakin
ROOM OF TEARS by Linda Merlino
DIVINE INTERVENTION by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
With an individual list price total of more than $45.00 and over 640 reviews collectively on Amazon.com, the DEADLY DOZEN Book Bundle is a value-packed, rollercoaster thrill ride that takes you from amateur sleuth to detective to paranormal to ancient mysteries set in intriguing worlds and so much more.
For More Information
My name is Linda Merlino. I am one of twelve authors included in the amazing, book bundle DEADLY DOZEN. Imajin Books, our publisher, has chosen twelve mystery/thrillers to launch this first book bundle to readers. We are excited to be a part of an Imajin Books reading bonanza.
Would you call yourself a born writer?
I wrote plays in grammar school. The memory of that is vivid and might qualify me as a born writer. My teachers actually allowed class performances of my work and I usually played the lead – the perk of the writer/director. How embarrassing is that today in the retelling?
What was your inspiration for ROOM OF TEARS now part of the DEADLY DOZEN book bundle?
In the spring of 2008 I had a chance encounter with a woman in North Carolina. She and I met at Raleigh Durham Airport to discuss arrangements for an upcoming book signing. During the course of our conversation I confessed to her that on the flight from New York to Raleigh I’d been thinking about the research I was doing on another book and decided that the process was too daunting and perhaps I should abandon the project. The woman asked about the subject matter, I told her the background of the story was 9/11. She picked up a pen and wrote the names of several books. Read these, she said, and then write your story. I lived it. My husband was a New York City firefighter he switched shifts that day because of a doctor’s appointment. He’s retired now. We moved down here to get away from the memories. She went on to tell me of the widows, and the funerals and the waiting, and the grief. Write your story, she said, I may not be able to read it, but it needs to be written.
What themes do you like to explore in your writing?
The themes in the DEADLY DOZEN revolve around thriller and mystery with a bit of the paranormal. I like the twist at the end of a story – the unexpected that takes readers out of their comfort zone.
How long did it take you to complete the novel?
I tally a total of six years in which I was consumed by the research and writing of ROOM OF TEARS. I struggled initially with the first chapter. I knew the ending but in order to get there I needed to work out the first chapter. I took a leap of faith beginning with the heart of the story – going directly to its jumping off place. ROOM OF TEARS was launched in July 2013 by Imajin Books and has been well received. The Connecticut Press Club awarded my novel their 2014 Best Fiction Award. In addition, The National Federation of Press Women awarded ROOM OF TEARS third place in its highly competitive national competition. On September 14, 2014 DEADLY DOZEN: 12 Mystery/Thriller Novels by Bestselling Imajin Book Authors will release. ROOM OF TEARS is one of the twelve. Life is good.
Are you disciplined? Describe a typical writing day.
Balancing writing, family and a full time job has always been a challenge. The dynamics have altered but it is still a juggle. I try to stay disciplined and adhere to writing in the morning before the day begins and in the evening as a way to unwind.
What did you find most challenging about writing this book?
The most difficult parts of ROOM OF TEARS were the final pages. Layering the story on the canvas of 9/11 took an emotional toll. I write about strong women protagonists and heroes, ordinary people who react unselfishly in extraordinary circumstances. When Imajin Books suggested the idea of including my novel in their DEADLY DOZEN twelve-bundle edition of mystery/thriller books I knew that this kind of opportunity was possibly once in a lifetime.
What do you love most about being an author?
The best part of being an author is that someone has been touched by what you have written. A stranger sitting across the aisle from you in a train, a plane or on the beach is reading your book.
Did you go with a traditional publisher, small press, or did you self publish? What was the process like and are you happy with your decision?
ROOM OF TEARS and HUDSON CATALINA are published by independent press, Imajin Books. I have been blessed to have Cheryl Tardif as my publisher. I am very pleased with the process and I am excited about the release of the book bundle DEADLY DOZEN: 12 Mystery/Thriller Novels by Bestselling Imajin Authors. The process was much like a large press. The manuscripts professionally edited and reviewed until perfect. The covers were professionally assembled with input by the authors. Deadly Dozen has twelve complete novels wrapped in an electrifying cover. We have joined our writing forces to offer readers more for their hard earned money and lots more for their reading enjoyment.
Where can we find you on the web?
www.http://imajinbooks.com/deadly-dozen
www.http://getBook.at/DeadlyDozen
Great interview, Linda!!🙂
Wow, you were brave to handle the subject of 9-11 Linda! And it was fate that led you to that chance encounter. Very interesting!