Meet author Linda Shenton Matchett
Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she has lived in historical places all her life. Now in NH, she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.
Tell us about your newest book.
Eye of the Beholder is a fairytale retelling of the Ugly Duckling set during the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The story features Hank Drake, a WWI who bears heavy facial scars, and as a result has experienced disgust, disdain, and shunning. Grace Sutton has been criticized and pitied by her family for not being married, and their treatment has only gotten worse as she approaches her fortieth birthday. They find acceptance, friendship, then love.
What inspired you to write your story?
I was approached by Amy Walsh to be part of the multi-author project, Apron Strings Tea Tales. All the books are fairytale retellings set during the period between World War I and World War II, and the Ugly Duckling was available. I’ve always been drawn to that story for personal reasons, so it was an easy choice. The museum where I volunteer has an exhibit about the 1939 fair, so I knew research would be readily available. I also had attended the 1982 Knoxville, TN World’s Fair so memories which I thought might help.
What genre do you focus on.
I primarily write historical romance. I love a good happily ever after and am fascinated by history, especially the post-civil war/westward expansion and World War II eras.
Why do you write?
It sounds hokey, but I can’t not write. I’ve been scribbling stories since I was in elementary school, and I’m also a journaler. It’s how I process life. My writing is a ministry. I hope my stories encourage readers in their Christian walk or lead them to the Lord.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Hank Drake is my male main character, and I wanted a harsh-sounding name for him, so I used single syllable words with a K in the middle. Also, Drake is the word for male duck. Grace Sutton is the female main character, and I selected her name to reflect her persona: graceful, gentle, and loving. Sutton I pulled out of one of my 1940s yearbooks.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Until mid-May when I retired, I had limited time to write, so I scheduled 90 minutes prior to going to work each morning Monday through Friday. Fortunately, I’m an “early bird” and had a relatively short commute which allowed me to do that. Weekends were for social media, blog posts, and marketing. Now, I continue to write in the mornings but can be more flexible with which days I work.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
I find marketing the most difficult. I’m not visually creative, so making graphics is time consuming, and I don’t feel mine are as good as what I see others do. But I do my best!
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I love connecting with readers through social media. Sometimes we talk about our lives, other times we share what we’re reading which is always a plus! I’m an author, but I’m also a voracious reader, and I love getting recommendations from others. I’ve found lots of new favorite authors because of reader groups.
What is your favorite pastime?
I came to it late, but I love jigsaw puzzles. Hubby and I own more than fifty, and we always have one going.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have lots! Forty-three others to be exact! Here is the link to my book page: http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com/p/lindas-books.html
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing book 5 in The Resistance Chronicles, a series of books about siblings who join resistance groups in Scandinavia and northern Europe during WWII. I’m also outlining a Christmas mail-order bride story and researching Laurel, Maryland for a new series that will take place on the WWII home front.
Website: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com
Link to book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2Z8KPY
Social media links:
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lindamatchett
Facebook Readers Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lindashentonmatchettsreadersgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindasmatchett
Follow me on social media!
