We recently connected with Linda Moore and have shared our conversation below.
Linda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?
After successful career in other fields, I decided to try novel writing. I completed a novel and submitted it to the San Diego Book Awards. Not only did I not win, I got ruthless criticism. I am grateful to those judges because I realized my writing successes in other areas–author monographs, journal articles and essays, did not prepare me to write fiction. I didn’t know what I was doing.
I decided to apply to Stanford University’s novel writing program and was shocked to be accepted. I spent two years completing the program and a new novel. I have published two novels, both award winners and named to bestseller lists.
Recently I re-read and agreed with those judges’ comments!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I write novels with female protagonists faced with significant challenges. They use their wits to overcome these obstacles in ways that are clever and affirming to feisty women. The books explore themes in the world of visual arts in exotic locations.
I stumbled in writing novels and have used my personal experiences as a gallery owner and museum trustee to create these narratives. I published my debut novel at age 75 and have used the many experiences with interesting artists and art events around the world to write the scenes in the book.
I am often asked about launching a new career in my seventh decade and finding the energy to do this. I share that having a dream and working toward it is the key to living long and well. The publishing industry does not welcome older writers and yet writing requires significant life experiences and perspective to create original works with insightful perspectives.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During Covid, I listened to a podcast about publishing options. One big New York agent was interviewd and he declared that they used to respond to query submissions in six weeks but with Covid it would take six months.
I was shocked, At at my age, I thought I don’t have time to wait six months tjust o learn an agent doesn’t want to publish my book. Even if the agent did want to represent my books, he would still need to submit and sell it to a publisher. It would take years if I went that route.
Instead of becoming discouraged and quitting, I searched for a faster way to get my novel into the world. I found a small independent publisher and eighteen months later my first novel Attribution was launched.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Book promotion and book marketing depends on book distribution. No distribution and books will have a small audience and booksellers and libraries will be unable to get your book.
Book distribution was not even on my radar when I signed a publishing contract. I was lucky that my publisher did have above average distribution and it helped my books reach more people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lindamooreauthor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindamooreauthor/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindamooreauthor
Image Credits
photos owned by me