I’m so happy Linda Apple was chosen to be the 2023 Arkansas Writers’ Hall of Fame recipient. Her heartwarming books for adults and for children bring joy to all who read them. Her hard work over the years earned her a place among a lofty group of writers with associations to the state of Arkansas. Today we celebrate Linda with some fun questions about her and her career. For those of you who don’t know Linda, her dog, Winston, is also a famous author of darling children’s books.
What’s your best advice for other writers?
When you go to a conference or a critique group or listen to other writers, remember that your path is different from those around you. Take time to know yourself. Discover yourself, and NEVER compare yourself to other writers. When you read a book that is so good that it makes you feel like quitting because you will never write as well as that author, learn from it. Jot down what you admired about the book and develop your own style from it. If you don’t win a contest, if you get a rejection letter, if you never get on a ‘list,’ when you read a book that is an ‘overnight’ success and when you read the book, you are wondering, did this person even have an editor, turn these disappointments into lessons— guideposts— to better writing. About contests, it is hard to watch others ‘win.’ Believe me, I know. But others winning and being recognized does not deplete you as a writer. As I like to say, keep moving forward. All your experiences, good and sad, will help you discover your unique writerly path.
What book or book series have you recently enjoyed reading?
The Storyteller by Lisa Wingate. It had a very slow start, and I almost put it down, but after the first couple of chapters, I couldn’t put it down. It would make a great movie!
What are you working on right now?
Book 4 in my Moonlight Mississippi series, working title: Pipe smoke and Peppermint, Molly Kate’s Mystery.
What is your next writing project?
Winston’s 3rd early reader chapter book & a guided journal, I’m not sure what I’ll call it yet.
How do you relax and recharge when you step away from writing?
I go outside in nature.
Do you journal?
I sort of do in my blogs. However, I just finished listening to Alan Rickman’s book, Madly Deeply. It is entries from his diaries that spans 18 years. I’m sure he is rolling over in his grave. For the most part, it is just a paragraph, but I found that some of his ‘scribblings’ made me think. In fact, I’m going to listen again and take notes. This book has inspired me to keep a daily journal.
What genre would you like to consider in the future that differs from that/those you do now?
I’m sort of stepping out of my genre a bit by writing a paranormal element into Molly Kate’s mystery. I’m having a lot of fun with it.
What is the one thing we would never guess about you?
I fight what is now called ‘imposter syndrome.’ I believe in everyone’s abilities and want to nurture them, in fact, I am most myself when helping others, but I doubt my own. That is why I was so surprised when I was told about being inducted. Wow. Every year, as many do, I choose a word for myself to grow on. This year the word is #discovery. Since I first began writing seriously, I’ve tried to walk the tightrope of everything I’ve been told writers should do, accomplish, and be. This led me to downplay anytime I did succeed. Discovering myself as a writer is giving me clarity and widening my path.
What is your superpower?
I’m a mother hen to everyone. Even people older than me.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you like?
Airline points! I love to travel.
To reach out to Linda and Winston:
https://lindacapple.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/lindacapple
https://www.facebook.com/lindaappleauthor
Congratulations Linda! Sounds like others have discovered what a great authors you and Winston are! Thanks for the reminder about Lisa Wingate’s books. I will have to check out that series.
Great interview. Congratulations my friend. You are not an imposter, in fact you are one to be emulated. Much love.