I’ve been blogging here on A Slice of Orange for a while now, on the sixth of each month. I don’t get many comments, but, then, neither do most of our other bloggers–with a few exceptions. Maybe I’m just boring. Or maybe I haven’t hit on topics that resonate with our members.

So… what would you like to see me write about here? I’m asking for you to post a comment and let me know! I’d love to address what our members and other blog visitors want to hear about from me.

I’ve got lots of ideas about writing, and ideas about selling what you write, and, yes, ideas about getting ideas! I write in different genres, and I write two series (my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series, plus my Alpha Force shapeshifter series for Silhouette Nocturne) and am about to embark on my third–a spin-off mystery series about Lauren Vancouver, pet rescuer. If you have questions about any of that, please let me know and I’ll be glad to address answers in future blog posts. Or–nearly–anything else relating to writing. Just ask, and I’ll try to oblige.

Meantime, I consider OCC an immeasurable asset to my writing. If you’re a member, you know what I’m talking about!

Linda O. Johnston
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/

Linda O. Johnston is the author of 16 romance novels and several novellas, including a Nocturne Bites, with more Nocturnes upcoming. She also writes the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime and will soon start working on the spin-off Pet Rescue series.

Author Details
Author Details
Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published 52 books so far, including mysteries and romantic novels. More than twenty-five of them are romances for Harlequin, including Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Harlequin Nocturne. Her latest release is Colton 911: Caught in the Crossfire, for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She has also written several mystery series including the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries and Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, and the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Nearly all Linda’s current stories involve dogs! Linda enjoys hearing from readers.
  • Linda O. Johnston Featured Author

    Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.

  • Linda O. Johnston Featured Author

    Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.

  • A Break from Writing? Not Really.

    What does a writer do between drafts of a story? Well, that depends.

    I finished a first draft of my upcoming fourth story in my Shelter of Secrets series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. It still needs some work, but it’s currently in the hands of my excellent beta reader.

  • The Second Half of the Year Has Begun–Already!

    I’ve had a fun few weeks–including my usual writing. Plus, I heard that the Dog Writers Association of America, of which I’m a member, was looking for humorous articles for their upcoming issue of RUFF DRAFTS, their publication, so I of course had to submit a short article about how my puppy keeps me from concentrating on my writing by insisting that I play fetch with her while I’m sitting at the computer. Humorous?

  • This Year Continues – Fun!

    I recently got word that my next Alaska Untamed Mystery, CRY WOLF, number two in the series, is now scheduled for publication on November 7. I love the cover! And the series is the first in which I’ve taken a pseudonym: Lark O. Jensen.

    It’s not my only remaining book this year. I was already aware that my Coltons of New York book for Harlequin Romantic Suspense is also a November release. CSI COLTON AND THE WITNESS is officially out on November 27.

UNDERCOVER COWBOY DEFENDER

Buy now!
UNDERCOVER COWBOY DEFENDER

SHIELDING COLTON’S WITNESS

Buy now!
SHIELDING COLTON’S WITNESS

HOUNDS ABOUND

Buy now!
HOUNDS ABOUND

THE MORE THE TERRIER

Buy now!
THE MORE THE TERRIER

BEAGLEMANIA

Buy now!
BEAGLEMANIA

GUARDIAN K-9 ON CALL

Buy now!
GUARDIAN K-9 ON CALL

BEAR WITNESS

Buy now!
BEAR WITNESS
UNDERCOVERING COLTON’S FAMILY SECRETS

HER UNDERCOVER REFUGE

Buy now!
HER UNDERCOVER REFUGE
COLTON FIRST RESPONDER (The Coltons of Mustang Valley)

THE SOLDIER’S K-9 MISSION

Buy now!
THE SOLDIER’S K-9 MISSION
COLTON 911: CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

FOR A GOOD PAWS

Buy now!
FOR A GOOD PAWS

VISIONARY WOLF (Alpha Force)

Buy now!
VISIONARY WOLF (Alpha Force)

TRAINED TO PROTECT

Buy now!
TRAINED TO PROTECT

PROTECTOR WOLF

Buy now!
PROTECTOR WOLF

BAD TO THE BONE

Buy now!
BAD TO THE BONE

COVERT ALLIANCE

Buy now!
COVERT ALLIANCE

TO CATCH A TREAT

Buy now!
TO CATCH A TREAT

PICK AND CHEWS

Buy now!
PICK AND CHEWS

UNLUCKY CHARMS

Buy now!
UNLUCKY CHARMS
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Linda O. Johnston, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published 52 books so far, including mysteries and romantic novels. More than twenty-five of them are romances for Harlequin, including Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Harlequin Nocturne. Her latest release is Colton 911: Caught in the Crossfire, for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. She has also written several mystery series including the Barkery & Biscuits Mysteries and Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink, and the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mysteries and Pet Rescue Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime. Nearly all Linda’s current stories involve dogs! Linda enjoys hearing from readers.
  • Anonymous says:

    I have learned this about the synopsis. I did take the online workshop, but had to stop due to a personal situation. Cammy Tang was so nice and understanding.
    Hmm…you bringing this up makes me realize I need to look at thise lessons laying so neatly in their folder and work on them. I do the synopsis last from the story and the outline. I think this is where the problem lies. Epiphany! Do it first and use it as a tool, as intended.
    Oh and by the way, I write under Abbie, so I did not notice the name glitch. The blog wants my google name…Abbie.
    Thanks again,
    Holly

  • Anonymous says:

    Oops–sorry for not getting your name right, Holly. I do generally write from a synopsis these days but I used to do a very detailed scene list. That's a matter of preference, although a synopsis is generally needed to sell in the first place.
    –Linda

  • Anonymous says:

    So the ever so elusive Synopsis is the key. Ha!
    I do outline.
    Thank you for such a quick response.
    Holly

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks, Janie!

  • Anonymous says:

    Hi,
    You are one busy lady!! I don't have any questions but just wanted to say that I enjoy all your books and keep them coming.

  • Anonymous says:

    Thanks for your comments, Abby and Jeri.
    Abby, I'll try to address your concerns in upcoming blogs, but the short answers, to me, are:
    Keeping things simple–I tend to plot ahead of time. Things change, of course, but I try to stick to my synopsis as much as possible.
    Regarding selling–you can find and target agents and editors that buy your kind of story without going to conferences. OCC and the Internet are great resources!
    And, Jeri, conferences are definitely helpful for making contacts for selling in the future –as well as learning more about the craft of writing.
    Enjoy your weekend!

  • Anonymous says:

    Dear Linda,
    Thank you for your insights. I just discovered OCCRWA site and am looking forward to utilizing all of itss resources. I just finished my first novel and am embarking on the task of selling it. Would you find it beneficial to attend writing conferences if you are not a published author?
    Best Regards
    Jeri

  • Anonymous says:

    Good Morning Linda!
    Funny I always wonder if anyone reads all of this great information, because there are so few comments. Little goes on at Slice of Orange anymore.
    The things I find most hepful is everything you mentioned. It is fascinating and most insightful to get a peek into a successful writer's mind.
    About writing: My biggest issue is keeping the plot/subplots simple and not too many. It is like ideas pop into my little head and I add them instead of filtering. How do you filter through them to keep the storyline flowing.
    As far as selling: How do you submit if you do not have the funds to attend a convention?
    Happy holiday weekend.
    Holly

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