Can
you tell us some more about your book?
Set
in the Adirondack Mountains, Wolf Mountain Legacy’s heroine, Marci Henderson,
a widow, is recovering from a long-term hospitalization following a psychotic
episode after the death of her unfaithful husband. As she fights to prove she is
now whole, she hikes up Wolf Mountain, a museum site that has drawn her for
many years.
Marci identifies with the denigrated young mistress
of the Wordsworth estate, said to have run off with her husband’s accountant
after setting a house fire that killed both her husband and her maid. Marci
believes Felicity Wordsworth was innocent but has been unable to find any
proof.
On a climb in June, she experiences a near
fatal fall and discovers strange remains on the mountainside, as well as a
mysterious child who presents her with a pebble. Unable to make sense of what
she sees, she believes her delusions have returned and retreats to her
reclusive lifestyle.
Her sister manages to convince her to attend a
college alumni fund raiser. But when she arrives, she learns the event is
hosted by a history college professor, her once romantic interest while a
student at Briarcliffe. He is in Collins Bend to do research on his book about
Adirondack Railroad Development and much will include the Wordsworth legacy to the
industry.
When
Professor Montgomery offers to hire her as his assistant, Marci is resistant.
However, the opportunity might help her find the answers that may prove Felicity
Wordsworth’s innocence. Marci accepts Blake’s offer.
Marci continues to have strange sightings, a
man in a blue tuxedo who disappears from her view while at the banquet, a man
she met at the banquet and a fisherman who seem to be following her, and a
white osprey that seems to be everywhere she goes.
Intrigue increases as Marcie becomes more and
more convinced they are being followed, more so as they discover important clues
regarding the 150- year-old scandal. But Blake refuses to believe her until the
elderly Alfred Donahue is murdered, Blake’s friend and colleague. But to what end?
Why an innocent Irish professor and author?
As
the two move toward danger and intrigue, their old romance begins to resurface.
Are they only looking for what once was or is something new happening between
them? Is a romance at this time, considering all the bridges between them, even
wise?
Each will be spiritually challenged. Blake is
tested in his new faith, and Marci begins to realize the God she has resisted
is ready to both forgive and to help her forgive … not just others from recent
and her far past … but herself.
I love the fact that it takes place in the Adirondack mountains!! My family went camping there many times.
How
did you get your idea for this story?
I’ve
long thought mental health disorders are largely overlooked in Christian
Publishing. I’m not sure if the stigma is still there, the outdated belief that
real Christians should be immune to these things. Perhaps my many years in the
human services field has helped me understand the physiological and emotional
causes of mental health are not indicators of an ineffective spiritual walk.
Our God cares and is ready to help us find healing … sometimes through
physicians and counselors. My counselor in Wolf Mountain Legacy, is a
Christian who is helpful in Marci’s journey to faith and healing.
Secondly, having lived in the Adirondack
region for most of my married life, I find the history and beauty of the area
make great backdrops for intrigue and suspense as well as romance. The town of
Collins Bend is fictional, however is inspired by both Lake Placid and Saranac
Lake in the high peaks area of the Adirondacks. Wolf Mountain is also fictional
but is inspired by the well-known White Face Mountain.
I agree completely that mental health issues are often avoided in Christian circles, but I know from personal experience that God cares very deeply about our mental health, and that is one of the main healings that happens when we continue to walk with Him.
What
made you decide to be a writer?
Like
most writers, the creative bent for story-telling is inbred. From an early age,
I enjoyed writing short stories in school and entertaining my fellow students
on my bus. When I decided to go to college, I wanted to major in creative
writing, but opted for a degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education.
However, after a marriage failure, my life took a downturn as I grappled with
spiritual truths. I remarried seven years later and began a career in Human
Services, the experiences running the gamut of social services options
including elderly, family services, and children’s services. In 2000, the Lord
recalled the writer in me. I left the human services field to become a writer.
I don’t recommend new authors leave the day job; however, for me, it was God
ordered. I have not regretted it since even though another eleven years would pass before I
received my first book contract (though having published and won awards for
many shorter manuscripts during that time.)
My first book contract was offered eleven
years to the date I left my employment. That book was also an Adirondack
Romantic Suspense, The Other Side of Darkness, which won the Selah Award
for debut novel.
Like the plot twists of many a novel, this
writing journey has been fraught with setbacks, disappointment, and challenges
I never expected, but I would not trade this journey for anything.
A writing life is worth the challenges!! Do
you write from an outline, or just from inspiration, or both?
My
writing process is more from a mental outline than a written one. I generally
know my BME (beginning, middle, and end), major characteristics of my main
characters, and my message (which I believe is the controlling aspect as I
write). Most of my narrative is inspiration, but the said inspiration is
followed by putting my seat to the chair and just writing. I revise according
to a five-point plot system (initiating event, inciting event, a crisis event,
a climax event, and a resolution (dénouement).
What an interesting process you have! Do
you have any common underlying themes that you want your readers to come away with?
My
theme is on my website: With God, our worst past becomes our best future.
That's beautiful! Do
your characters share any traits with you or someone you know?
I
use my experiences and life lessons to develop many of my characters, or they
are inspired by people I knew. I think I identify with Marci’s faith struggles.
After my divorce, I didn’t believe I could be a true Christian since I failed
God. Everything I thought I knew about being a Christian was questioned. But
God met my resistance, showed me his unwavering and unconditional love, and
moved me forward to an abundant life.
That's a great testimony! God is so good to us!
Do
your characters ever surprise you?
Though
I have an idea of how my book should evolve, often, in the course of actually
constructing the book, God leads me elsewhere than I originally intended. I am
the kind of writer who allows for God’s intervention and detours. But having a
concept of where I want to go and the message I want to convey helps me from going
down unintentional rabbit holes.
Oh, those rabbit holes!! Do
you have a favorite character in your books?
I
love all my characters like a mother loves all her children. But I think my
favorite was Ahmed Fared, a Muslim raised by adoptive Christian parents, from The
Fifteenth Article, a futuristic political thriller. An honorable man, he is
caught in a whirlwind of dramatic political upheaval and can find no path to a
reasonable solution until he surrenders his pride and arrogance to someone
greater than himself, surrendering to the Savior of his adoptive parents.
What
are you working on now?
My
work as a managing editor for Elk Lake Publishing keeps me busy … work I love
to do. But I am also a writer and have a need to continue my creative spirit.
My next work in progress is a speculative/Biblical fiction, Babel’s Children,
(how’s that for contrasting genres?), a book I have been working on for twenty
years … just not quite been able to see the book in it’s message and entirety.
I am a third of the way into the book now but had to put it aside to do some
intensive Biblical research. I now know my BME and my characters’ major
conflicts and how they will be resolved. I am anxious to resume my work. First
however, I must complete work on several special projects for Elk Lake. Theses
are fun so I don’t mind. All in God’s good time. (Sounds like another book I
should write?) I also have an incomplete Adirondack Suspense I’d like to get
back to. I have two more releasees in 2021: The Ghosts of Trumball Mansion
and my first middle-grade sci-fi, G.L.I.C.K. I am contracted for a
completed devotional series, Lessons Along the Way, release date
uncertain at this time, based on my ten years of articles for my hometown
newspaper. The column is no longer running and the rights reverted back to me
and have subsequently been picked up as a devotional series by Elk Lake Publishing.
Well, Linda, thanks so much for the interview!! I really enjoyed it!
Okay readers, remember to leave a comment to be in the drawing for a free copy of your choice among Linda's books. Here is a bit more about Linda and also some of her links:
Known for her stories of encouragement and hope, veteran social worker Linda Wood Rondeau now lives in Hagerstown, Maryland with her husband of over 40 years. Having lived in Northern New York for nearly thirty years, the author is no stranger to the Adirondack Mountains, the perfect backdrop for mystery, romance and intrigue. When not writing, the author enjoys the occasional round of golf, movies, and visiting museums.
The author has been fascinated with the beauty, history, and mysteries encompassed in the Adirondack region, the perfect backdrop for Wolf Mountain Legacy. Find out more about the author on her website, www.lindarondeau.com, where you can read her blog, Snark and Sensibility, and sign up for her newsletter to stay informed. The author is a available to speak to groups, in person or online and will answer all emails from interested readers.
Find her at these additional locations:
Facebook author page: https:www.facebook.com/lindawoodro deau
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lwrondeau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlindawoodrondeau/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/linda-wood-rondeau
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5352394.Linda_Wood_Rondeau
Giveaway ebook of choice (Amazon author page)
https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Wood-Rondeau/e/B006FNG1B1
