In settings where I’m speaking about books and writing, I tell readers that I write stories to tell the Truth. It’s affirming when I meet another writer whose heart and words resonate with me. Linda Brooks Davis is that kind of writer.
Because I value you as friends and readers, I’d like to introduce you to her. Linda is a lovely, elegant, and talented, award-winning author. And to discover that she lives just miles from me was quite an added gift. I have so enjoyed her books and her approach to writing. I hope you’ll find Linda and her stories as fascinating and inspiring as I do.
Linda Brooks Davis is a real Texan, having been born and reared on a farm in Raymondville, a Rio Grande Valley community in the southernmost tip of Texas. She spent much of her childhood in the library devouring books. Linda went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology from Abilene Christian University and a master’s degree from Houston Baptist University. She retired in 2008 after forty years as a special educator and administrator. Linda and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and dote on six grandchildren, three of whom are triplets. An award-winning author, Linda’s life experiences give her a wealth of ideas for her stories.
Linda was kind enough to entertain my curiosity by answering a few questions. You’ll get to know her from her answers.
Linda, could you please tell us about your writing life? I’d like to know when you got started and what created your interest in writing.
As a middle and high school student, I couldn’t get enough books. My favorite place each summer was the air-conditioned library. (Few homes enjoyed air conditioning in my neck of the woods in the ‘50s and ‘60s.) But writing was the furthest thought in my mind.
But then I went away to college where I enjoyed nothing better than writing letters home to my parents and little brother. I told them everything I was doing and how I was feeling. I loved those solitary times in my dorm room where I connected with those I loved most.
Eventually, one college professor asked if I had ever thought of creative writing as a career. Put my private thoughts and emotions down on paper for the professor alone to read was one thing. But share it with others? Horrors! No.
Later on, a life-changing event occurred: the birth of my first grandchild–in triplicate form. Agonizing and praying over those at-risk infants, my own flesh and blood, bonded them to me in an extraordinary way. I vowed I would leave a legacy of faith in writing for them if they would only live. This served as the first step in my journey to writing.
When my daughter announced she was naming her little girl Ella Jane (after my grandmother), I knew immediately I would write a historical novel about a strong woman named Ella Jane. Furthermore, it would leave a legacy of faith for my grandchildren.
Ten years later, The Calling of Ella McFarland won the Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel award and was published the first time in 2015. Subsequently, it won the 2016 American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award for debut novel of 2015. And two more novels and two novellas resulted in The Women of Rock Creek collection.
So, tell me, how would you describe your books in general? And then, do you have a favorite book or series among them?
My books are faith-based stories that fall into the historical, inspirational, and romantic categories.
It’s very difficult to narrow this down to one book. I love Ella’s spunk and determination as a suffragist, teacher, and love of one man’s life in The Calling of Ella McFarland and A Christmas to Remember. Also, I have a tender spot for Lily’s stoutness of heart in overcoming childhood abuse and helping other women with similar stories to tell in A Christmas Measure of Love and The Mending of Lillian Cathleen. But then, there’s Adelaide whose dignity and bravery in the face of war and disease in The Awakening of Miss Adelaide exemplify a true heroine.
With all the books you’ve written and all the characters you’ve created, if you could have dinner with one of your characters, which one would it be and why?
I’d love to have tea with all three of the heroines named above. Ella would carry most of the conversation and wouldn’t be shy about going for seconds. Lily would serve herself last and lower her eyes when asked about her life. And dignified Adelaide would nibble on the goodies, listen closely, and offer a sage remark or two. What a thrilling tea party that would be!
Are you working on a book now? Would you tell us about it?
I’m currently working on a third Christmas novella entitled A Christmas Tale for Little Women, and I’m in the planning stages of a new series involving the offspring of Ella, Lily, and Adelaide. These characters’ adventures will begin in Oklahoma but quickly move to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
What role has your faith played in your writing?
I would find little motivation to write apart from faith. It’s the heart and soul of what I do. Without it, I would wonder: What’s the point?
What is the one thing or one person who brings an immediate smile to your face?
Aside from my devoted and one-of-a-kind husband Al, I guess that smile goes to my 12-year-old grandson, Braden. He’s unlike any boy I’ve known. He attends TMI (the alma mater of Gen. Douglas MacArthur) and is the only 6th grader who chose an ROTC early-morning bout with obstacles as his extracurricular activity. He loves to go to estate and garage sales and flea markets, looking for old–very old–military uniforms and other items. His collection includes American, German, English, and French items from WWI and WWII.
I hope this introduction to Linda Brooks Davis and her writing will motivate you to learn more about her and her work. You can find her on Social Media.
Facebook: Linda Brooks Davis, Author https://www.facebook.com/LindaBrooksDavis/
Twitter: @LBrooksDavis https://twitter.com/LBrooksDavis
Pinterest: ljbd1946 https://www.pinterest.com/ljbd1946/
Instagram: lindadavis1321 https://www.instagram.com/lindadavis1321/
