I’m often asked about the characters who live in my stories. Are they based on someone I know? Is there a little of myself in these characters? The answer to both questions is yes, and I believe the talent to create characters comes partly from creativity and partly from understanding human nature. When I construct a story line, I think of who is going to live in that world and what their motives are or should be. Depending on plot, I decide if the women need to be tough, weak, courageous, deceitful or honest to a fault. What makes up their basic personality? In other words, stick that tea bag in a pot of boiling water and see how it holds up. Curious? read the rest of Linda’s blog! Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.

I’ve always been a foodie, one of those souls who wonder the earth wondering what’s for lunch? What’s for dinner? As a young girl I would spend time in my mother’s kitchen learning her secrets to good tasting food. I enjoyed many a meal with a large crowd of family. As a young mother, I felt I needed to make nutritious meals for my family and would go out of my way to find fresh produce, good cuts of meat and of course, a crowd a people to enjoy it all with. So it never came as a surprise that I would want to write a book that takes place around the best of food and wine.On a trip through the Tuscan country side, I became enchanted with the simple country fair, and though she wasn’t Italian, it reminded me of the simple things my mother taught me about food, One need not be extravagant with spices, sauces or expensive wines, stick to the basics. It doesn’t take a master chef to put together a good dinner. Read the rest… Visit FreshFiction.com to learn more about books and authors.