Hello Linn.  Welcome to Love Romances & More.  I just recently read PIRATES IN PARADISE and enjoyed this story very much. I’d like to ask you a few questions. 

Your story is very visual; do you also see the story in your head as pictures? 

Thank you, yes, I see every scene in my head as if it were actually happening right in front of me. And as I write, I utilize the five senses. How the hero’s finger feels against her skin is as important as what his eyes make her feel.  It’s also important to know what the Everglades smell like, how the distant birds sound and as well as the occasional splash of a fish.  

Your characters leap from the pages.  Does your story start with the characters?  Or the plot? 

My books start with an idea.  For instance in Pirates in Paradise, I had the idea years ago of what if one twin were forced to take the other twin’s place.  With Haunted Hearts I was on a ghost tour and wondered what if one of the people around me was an actual ghost.  Once the idea comes I will develop my hero and heroine then add more characters.  I begin my plotting process as I’m developing the characters. 

How did the idea for this story come about? 

In Pirates in Paradise, once I had the idea of twin being forced to switch places with the other.  I set the book in South Florida.  Then I added the dangerous elements that abound in South Florida; gators, a drug cartel, crime, SWAT and of course modern day pirate. 

This story is certainly very suspenseful.  Do you have difficulty keeping the suspense high? 

Valerie, I have to refer to your plot question.  I take a lot of time plotting my books, so keeping adventure, suspense, mystery with the right amount of red herrings, and unexpected twists is essential in all my books. I’m careful about pacing and work hard at keeping the readers wanting to turn the page until a satisfying ending. 

Now, hopefully, not to give anything away, but your characters are not all good, not all bad and certainly keep the reader on her toes wondering how the story all turns out.  Are these the type of characters you enjoy writing about? 

As my heroine says in Pirates in Paradise, “sometimes the good men are not all good and sometimes the bad men aren’t all bad.  Sometimes they are simply pirates.” hence the book’s title by the way.  Usually there is clear cut division between good and evil with my characters but in Pirates In Paradise, everyone, including me was kept guessing until the end. 

I’ve read a few of your books and they are all high on excitement and adventure.  Are there any other genres you are going to explore? 

I’ve written one ghost story, Haunted Hearts, and have another one in the wings. I’ve written a comedy Your Cheatin Hearts but basically as my heroine’s wind up with a glock in their hands and over the top hunky hero following fast behind them; readers can count on more romantic suspense novels in the near and distant future.  

Are you a pantser or do you need to plot your stories? 

I’m a big time plotter. I have developed a very intense plot book that includes more than simple descriptions such as what my character’s secret desires are, their backgrounds, and other incidentals. A lot of what I write about my characters never makes it into the book but helps me create depth to my characters. I plot out chapter by chapter, scenes that should occur. I usually am working on the five to seven plot books at any one time. Readers are kind enough to say tell me how much they enjoy the unexpected twists and turns my book offer, and I totally attribute this to the in-depth planning of each plot book. 

Often the first book is the toughest to write, was this true for you? 

Not really Valerie, as I plot out my books first, it’s often like following a roadmap so I know exactly where to go. Now as I put the actual book down to paper, I’m always open to new ideas. By the way, Your Cheatin Hearts was my first book. 

Lots of writers are very avid readers, is this true for you?  Who are your favourite authors and which ones have influenced you? 

I am an avid reader from cereal boxes to my favourite novels; I read, read, read and always wish I had more time.  The authors who influenced me are Katherine Woodiwiss, Phyllis Whitney, Beatrice Small and of course Agatha Christie. 

I noticed you have your own publishing company, how did this come about.  Do you publish books other than your own? 

When I got my rights back from my former publisher, I was actually pursued by a big name New York Publishing house but I also took the time to look into the publishing business and discovered how easy it is to get your books in print and online. I took time to learn the publishing industry, Sanibel Press Inc is fully incorporated and a member in good standing of the Florida Publishing Association.  I did this because I wanted to control my rights and my future. Sanibel Press offers my books in print, ebooks, mobi and soon audio. Next year, we will be looking for future acquisitions we will keep Sanibel Press Inc. in the romance, mystery, suspense and comedy genre genre. We are also looking into film projects so as they say, stay tuned.  

What’s a typical writing day like for you? 

I get up at 5:30 and write until 9am. After that I edit, answer emails, work on various marketing initiatives and try to squeeze out an hour at my pool reading between cleaning and cooking for the family. As Buddha says, “First Nirvana, then the laundry.”

What does your workspace look like? 

I have my own home office with a glass “L” shaped desk.  The walls are lined with bookshelves filled with books on writing, favourite novels and my own crime library. I have six small hanging plants and a wall shelve that circles the room filled with books.  Around me are pictures that range from dramatic wizards, to Snow White, my son’s baby pictures and in little nooks you’ll find Tinkerbelle and angels. One window looks out to my bird feeder and the other out to my pool. LOL, it’s not as cluttered as it sounds. In my office closet, it’s loaded with Victoria Secret Contest Prizes. One of my two cats sits on the desk and my dog Hunter at my feet.   

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block and if so, how do you get over it? 

I don’t get writers block because I plot out my books, so I always have a direction to go.  However if I have a difficult scene I need to work out, I walk. If I don’t work out the plot problem, I’ll walk until I do. 

What can we expect in the future from the pen of Linn Random?  

Right now, I am finishing up on Black Waters; a very dark, voodoo romantic suspense book that I promise will be a real nail biter. Ready in the wings is Cold River Murders, where my Search and Rescue K-9 Handler has a date with a serial killer.  Next are Mourning Song, the last in the McCall Mysteries and Blood Moon which is actually a spin off from Pirates in Paradise.   

What do you do when you are not writing? 

Read, speak at writer’s conferences and spend time at Disney which is in my backyard. My spirit is renewed and uplifted at the most magical place on earth.  

What is the most important thing you have learned in your writing career so far? 

I am a student who loves learning so each book gives me a chance to learn about new things and explore “new” worlds for me. The most important thing I’ve learned is to enjoy both the small and large blessings that I have been given and to be equally thankful for all. 

And for fun, what’s your star sign? 

I am a Pisces, and have been told I am a double Pisces.  My true star is my love of writing, something I’ve done since age 5.  I’m living my dream and enjoying each moment of my journey, feeling blessed and honouring God each step of the way. 

Thank you, Linn for spending time with us.  We enjoyed learning more about you and your work. 

Valerie, always a joy and privilege to speak to you and readers! Many, many heartfelt thanks.  Everyone is invited to visit me at www.LinnRandom.com for free chapter reads and Victoria Secret contests.