Where Linda Shenton Matchett Gets Her Best Ideas
Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Md., she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII.
When do you find time to write?
Linda: I’m a very structured person, so I schedule my writing time to ensure it happens. I’m an early riser, so am usually at my desk by 5:30 or 6 a.m. at the latest. Sunday mornings before church are dedicated to my blogging and other social media writing. Weekdays mornings are used to write my books. My favorite day is Wednesday. I don’t have to be at work until 1 p.m., so I have hours to write!
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
Linda: Research is one of my favorite aspects of writing, and I’ve been lucky to stumble on several excellent resources. A co-worker is a former NH State police officer, and he has been incredibly helpful. In addition, The Great Courses is a video educational company that offers several forensics courses I’ve purchased. The teacher is Professor Elizabeth Murray of Mount St. Joseph University, and she has graciously answered lots of questions for me. As a member of Sisters in Crime, I’ve been able to tap into a number of subject matter experts. My brother is in the medical field and has been a huge help also.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
Linda: Everywhere! Seriously, I have a folder where I stuff ideas. Inspiration has come from Bible stories, newspaper and magazine articles, books or movies that I think should have been done differently, historic events, brainstorming sessions with my husband, and overheard conversations—you can’t believe what people talk about in public!
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
Linda: My absolute favorite way to connect with readers is through Facebook parties. I’m an extrovert and love to socialize, so the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and talk about everything from books to childhood memories is wonderful. FB parties have also been a great way to discover new authors, so my TBR continues to grow!
Current book: Murder of Convenience
Geneva Alexander joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, and winds up as the suspect for her betrothed’s murder.
Connect w/Linda
Website: www.LindaShentonMatchett.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lindasmatchett
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LindaMatchett
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett
November 29, 2018 @ 2:28 pm
Thanks for hosting me!
November 30, 2018 @ 12:48 am
Hi, Linda, interesting to learn how your mind works. I LOVE the idea of taking the forensic courses through the Great Courses. I need to learn a lot more about police procedure etc., wanted to take the Writers Police Academy but don’t know it that will materialize. Research is so important.
Kathy Bailey