Linda Shenton Matchett on WWII historical fiction

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII.

Tell us about your newest book.

Love’s Beliefis a modern retelling of the Old Testament story of Shiprah and Puah, two midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh’s laws in order to save Jewish babies. The story features Pia and Sabine Hertz, German midwives who go against Hitler’s Nuremburg Laws to save Jews and other “undesirables” during WWII.

What inspired you to write Love’s Belief?

As a former Human Resources professional I am fascinated by the history of women in the workforce. I love to read about ordinary women who end up being trailblazers in their profession (intentionally or unintentionally). I wanted to continue my Wartime Brides series, which thus far has included retellings of Ruth and Rahab. However, I wanted to go with a lesser-known Bible character and set the book in Germany. As soon as I read about Shiprah and Puah in Exodus, I knew I had my story.

What genre do you focus on and why?

I write historic fiction (romance and mystery) set during WWII. That era intrigues me because of the vast number of ordinary people who did extraordinary things during such a difficult period of time.

Why do you write? What drives you?

Writing fills me up, and I’m happiest sitting at my keyboard immersed in a story-any aspect: outlining, researching, writing, or editing. It gnaws at me when life gets in the way and I’m unable to get to the computer. I’m “destination driven” which means completing the manuscript is of utmost importance to me. I’m procedural about my writing down to scheduling word counts and chapters, so I know exactly when the book should be finished.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

My main character is Pia Hertz, and I wanted to use a name beginning with P because of basing the story on Puah. I went to several sites that listed popular girl’s names during the 1940s.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

My schedule doesn’t vary because I’m always working on some phase of a book, and I need to juggle that with my full-time day job. I’m at the computer by 6:00 AM and write until I have to leave for work at 7:45. After I come home I work for a couple of hours in the evening, creating memes, writing guest blog posts, book research, recording YouTube videos, and other non-manuscript related writing. I don’t have to be at my job until 1:00 on Wednesdays, so that’s my favorite day because I have so much time to focus on my writing. Saturdays I work on my blog posts, YouTube Scripts, and watching training videos or podcasts.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

The hardest part for me is not having enough time to write and do all the associated aspects of my career such as marketing, etc. With working full-time, I only have about twenty-five hours per week to commit to my “writing life,” and that’s not nearly enough. I often feel I’m behind schedule.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The community of writers I have become associated with during my writing journey is like nothing I’ve experienced. I love the actual writing of a book, but it is a solitary pursuit, and I’m an extrovert. I love the interaction within the community as we commiserate, encourage, exhort, and celebrate together. My husband is incredibly supportive of my writing career, but he doesn’t “get” my need to write and hang out with other writers who talk to and about their characters as if they’re real. (Wait, they’re not?? J)

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

For book research, I took shooting lessons from a New Hampshire State Police Officer. I was actually pretty good by the end of the afternoon.

What is your favorite pastime?

Being outside, no matter what the season or weather. My husband and I kayak during the warm months and snowshoe during the winter. Both of those activities immerse us in the beauty of God’s creation.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I have six other romance novellas, two full-length mysteries, and a Word-Find book (WWII, of course!) My books are available at several retailers, but the best place to find them all is my website: http://www.lindashentonmatchett.com/p/books.html

What are you working on now?

I am currently writing Book 4 of the Wartime Bride series, called Love’s Allegiance.It is a retelling of the biblical story of Rebekkah and Isaac and will explore service by Conscientious Objectors during WWII. It is due out in August 2019. I am also finishing up two mysteries that will be out next Spring and Summer with dates to be determined.

Website: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Link to book: https://amzn.to/2V6ShRg

Social media links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindasmatchett

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lindasmatchett

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Shenton-Matchett/e/B01DNB54S0

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15140007.Linda_Shenton_Matchett