Linda Hadaway is an author of multiple genre’s one of which is romance and the JR bunnies want to know more about her…

Tell us a little about your latest work out One Step Ahead Of Danger, what inspired you to write One Step Ahead Of Danger?
The “seed” for One Step Ahead Of Danger came to me many years ago when I was living by myself in the woods. I think we can all relate to a time when we felt we “couldn’t go on…” or when something seemed beyond our capability…Sometimes we do things because we have no other choice, only to look back and say “I did it!”

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?
I have a general plot in my head- with some details written down. However, I do find my characters tend to go off on their own journey. Sometimes I need to take a few days to sort out where I want the story to go…or to problem solve if I get stuck.

What inspired you to write in your genre? Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?
I’ve found I have a mixture…. Life Choices is more of a woman’s/contemporary/romance story; One Step Ahead Of Danger is a suspense/romance. Also, I have a paranormal (not romance) coming out… Dark Side Of Purgatory. (Don’t Mess With) Clear Lake Women which was recently accepted by Whiskey Creek Press is a woman’s contemporary/humor/satire/ romance.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?
They are like old friends; however I am a little in love with Jaxon Slater, the main character in Dark Side Of Purgatory. He is the bad boy I was always attracted to.

Still, Abby and Stevie from One Step Ahead Of Danger, have a corner in my heart.

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?
I think it was David, Abby’s fiancé’ in One Step. While on one hand, he needed to be sexy, handsome and intelligent; he also had the evil side that Abby wasn’t aware of. We’ve all been tricked in our lives by people who aren’t who they seem. Afterwards, we always feel like we “should have known.”

I had to work inside his head, bringing out little subtle details. Similar to watching a movie where you know the bad guy is around the corner and the unsuspecting lady is getting ready to take out the garbage, and as the audience, we sit up in our chair and say “Don’t go outside!”

Yet, I have to admit, I enjoyed the imagination on figuring out how bad David could be.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?
I draw certain aspects from people. I have worked in the human services field for many years. In doing so, I’ve had the opportunity to have gained some insight into alcoholics/ addicts, and mentally ill, to name a few.

One of the most interesting gentlemen I worked with was schizophrenic, had obsessive-compulsive disorder, and was developmentally disabled.

What I have found is, the most challenging people I work with- I learn the most from.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?
Sometimes the beginning…where do I need to start???? Always in the middle, there is a slump….a period where I need to take time to think the rest of the story through.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.
How about…… I was a high school dropout…and went to college when I was thirty.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
How much time do you have?? Sometimes. I fill my tub with lots of bubble bath, light candles and have a glass of Kahlu’a and cream, over ice, while I soak.

What do you need before you start writing? Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?
Maybe a hot cup of tea; quietness.

Does music influence your writing? If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?
No. However, I do include music in my book trailers.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?
I think Kate Hudson would be perfect for Abby in One Step Ahead Of Danger.

Where were you when you got your first contract? Who did you tell first?
I was at home and got the message in my email. I was ecstatic! I called my daughter.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?
Young! I used to sneak my mom’s novels…that were a little beyond….my age! Many with sexual content, which I didn’t even understand.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?
Jody Picolett, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Greg Isles, Dean Knooz,

If you still have one of those pesky non writing jobs what is it?
I am a case manager supervisor for a chemical dependency treatment center. I love it, ….but …would rather be home writing!

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?
Right now, I’m working on a sequel to Dark Side Of Purgatory. I’m not sure what my future will bring.

How do you pick your characters names?
I spend some time thinking about the character and their personality and what would fit them. Sometimes I’ll look up baby’s names on the net, for ideas.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?
As far as a story plot, it depends upon the story, the characters, etc.

What is your reaction to people who say one of the following…”Oh you write romance, I thought you were a real writer”, “Romance isn’t a real writing career” or the ever popular “Oh, one of those books”.
If that was their opinion, I probably would just smile and go about my business.

Where can readers find you?
www.lindahadaway.com
ljhadaway@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/people/Linda-Hadaway/1839733488

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate?
Is there different types????????????? I love it all.