Interview with Linda Rondeau

Author of I Prayed For Patience God Gave Me Children

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Syracuse, New York. I lived in several New York towns until I married my current husband of forty+ years. We lived for most of our married life in upstate New York State, Adirondack region, moving to Florida in 2011 and now residing in Hagerstown, MD to be near our nine grandchildren.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I taught English for one year, leaving the educational field to go into Social Work. At age 53, I knew if I were ever going to write professionally, I had to dedicate myself to the concept. That was on June 21, 2000. I wrote stories, published in a few magazines, and even found an agent. Then on June 21, 2011, I received the call from my agent on my first book contract for The Other Side of Darkness.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I write heartwarming stories, mostly blended contemporary novels. I have one Speculative book, The Fifteenth Article, and one non-fiction, I Prayed for Patience God Gave Me Children. I am contracted for a second non-fiction, Who Put the Vinegar in the Salt. All my fiction books contain elements of history, humor, romance, and suspense. My non-fiction books demonstrate how precious we are to God.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

My books are aimed at women between the ages of 40-65, for those who enjoy realistic characters who struggle with faith issues.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How difficult the process is. How bruising rejection can be. How important a platform has become.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Don’t give up. The road may be long and hard but so worth the journey.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

A million or two would be nice.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Marketing. I don’t like promoting myself. I don’t like to beg for reviews.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Some say my stories strike home with real situations and real characters. I am now working as an editor for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. I enjoy working with new authors. I’m learning a lot about the industry through this process. As for marketing … I’m willing to learn and willing to try new things.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am inconsistent. That is mostly due to my disorganized life. I’m married to a man who does not plan ahead. So planning my work is difficult. However, I’d rather have it that way and have this wonderful man in my life. He’s my joy. My biggest obstacle to marketing is limited funds. I don’t seem to understand where to get the best bang for my buck. but I’m learning.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Already working on the second book to an Adiorndack suspensee series. I also plan on writing another non-fiction book this year as well as a sequel to my speculative fiction.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am traditionally published. Most of my books are with Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. I do hope to self-publish a book or two this year which would then make me a hybrid author.