If I were going to clone myself as a writer, I would concoct a cloning recipe which would contain the following ingredients:

Lots of varied life experience, to give enough flavor
World travel experience, for color
Passion, for spice
A few crazy relationships, to create perspective
One or two quirks, to add a little crunch
Deep love, to introduce spirit
Curiosity, to add a little danger
A touch of paranoia, to interject alternate realities
Lots of knowledge about current events, for texture
Pride and humility, to bring human characteristics
A touch of insanity, for interest

These characteristics have made their way into the pages that you read. My head is filled with stories, and The Prophecies trilogy is only the first that's on paper. Writing it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Many of the subplots and undertones of the trilogy came from my own life experiences.

I could tell you all about my higher education, my freelance writing experience, and a bunch of other professional qualifications, but do you (the reader) really care about that? My guess is that you care more that I write compelling novels that take you into a new world, if only for a while.

Thank you for reading my stories.

Linda Hawley

Website: http://LindaHawley.com
Twitter: LindaHawley

• LindaHawley: Very interesting article.... http://t.co/WlpIWrbs
• LindaHawley: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: The final book in The Prophecies trilogy has been named. It's called "Wisdom Keepers."
• LindaHawley: A DRAMATIC SURPRISE ON A QUIET SQUARE: http://t.co/PQiSE1DT via @youtube
• LindaHawley: I posted 2 photos on Facebook in the album "Caught Doing Research for WWII Novel" http://t.co/7lmigtj9
• LindaHawley: After nearly a month away fighting the worst flu of my life, I'm happy to be alive.

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http://www.lindahawley.com/

• Sword of Neamha on Sep. 26, 2011
  
  I was invested in this story within the first couple of chapters, and found it engaging throughout. The characterization of the protagonist was strong; I felt like I really knew him inside and out. I certainly was invested in his survival, and was rooting for him throughout the story. The author must have researched like crazy to get all the facts right in this period novel, for it was loaded with historical details. From the description of battle armor to the physical appearance of the various tribes, the warring came to life. Sword of Neamha has heart, it's loaded with conflict and war, it has accurate historical facts, and it will not fail to deliver a vivid story of loyalty and betrayal.
  
• Pandora's Grave on Sep. 26, 2011
  
  This is a thriller novel in every sense; I honestly could not put it down. The pacing of the novel was superb, with unexpected twists all the way to the last page. I found the writing superb. The author's knowledge of military strategy, the CIA's clandestine service's conduct, and the Middle East was very impressive. I was particularly impressed with the author's ability to write from the perspective of the CIA agent, with all the nuances; that is a rare gift as a writer. I will certainly read the rest of the books in this series. I would recommend Pandora's Grave to anyone who enjoys a full-on action-packed thriller. Solid 4 1/2 stars.
  
• Forever Sunshine on Oct. 04, 2011
  
  This author has found a way to take powerful subject matter and weave it into a love story in a way that I've only ever seen Nicholas Sparks be able to do well. This story is so well written that the reader is compelled to invest in the characters, wonder what will happen next, and simply not be able to put the book down. Long after I finished Forever Sunshine, the characters were stuck in my head--like great fiction should. Collette Scott has just won me as a new reader for her novels, and I have willingly gone! I rarely rate a book five stars. I only do it when the balance between characterizations and plot is perfected, the writing superb, and the storyline unique. Buy the book; you won't regret it.
  
• The Magic Carpet on Oct. 17, 2011
  
  Inside the covers of this book are characters that jump off the page, innovative adventures that only a genius author could have imagined, and a unique plot that I've never seen developed before. Passages like, "...the happy herb tea, which was now laughing uncontrollably..." jump out of the story at unexpected moments. There is nothing cliche in this story--only beautiful prose that will easily speak to tweens to teens.
  
• The Magic Carpet on Oct. 17, 2011
  
  Inside the covers of this book are characters that jump off the page, innovative adventures that only a genius author could have imagined, and a unique plot that I've never seen developed before. Passages like, "...the happy herb tea, which was now laughing uncontrollably..." jump out of the story at unexpected moments. There is nothing cliche in this story--only beautiful prose that will easily speak to tweens to teens.
  
• Hannah's Blessing on Oct. 31, 2011
  
  This novel is about the heart. If you want to read a story that will tug on your many emotions and not free you until the end, this is the book for you. The author is masterful in her characterizations, descriptive scenes, and sentimental prowess. The conflicts presented and resolved in the story were well thought out and kept me engaged throughout the read. At every turn, I was surprised with events that I realized later had been foreshadowed, delighting me as a reader. But the real gift in Hannah’s Blessing is the message that throughout the challenges that life brings in human relationships, dreams can still come true, and good can come of the bad. Collette Scott is as gifted as Nicholas Sparks in storytelling. I will certainly read another of her heart wrenching books.
  
• Meridian's Shadow on Nov. 07, 2011
  
  The pages of Meridian's Shadow are filled with masterful passages of literary genius. Clearly the author intimately understands how to use the English language to persuade his readers. I had many `aha' moments with Meridian's Shadow where the author surprised me; then I remembered how he had foreshadowed an event long before. Even though the book is long, it never felt like it. None of the chapters are slow; it was edited so well. The author's sense of humor shows itself throughout the pages, and I found myself laughing out loud. So many science fiction writers bore me with details...details...details. But Dan Moore knows the perfect balance between information output and the forward momentum of events and plot. He writes in a way that I wished all scifi authors would. I couldn't put the novel down, thinking that just around the corner would be another gem. I was so invested in several of the characters, like Nixie, that I was sorry that the novel would end. Then, I learned that this is the first novel in the Meridian's Shadow series, and I cheered for joy. This is the second science fiction novel I've bought of the author's, and just like The Rings of Alathea, Dan Moore blew me away. There are some authors who have the unique gift of developing characters that jump off the page, and plots that are full of surprises; Dan Moore is one of these authors. In one word, I would define this novel as epic.
  
• Meridian's Shadow on Nov. 07, 2011
  
  The pages of Meridian's Shadow are filled with masterful passages of literary genius. Clearly the author intimately understands how to use the English language to persuade his readers. I had many `aha' moments with Meridian's Shadow where the author surprised me; then I remembered how he had foreshadowed an event long before. Even though the book is long, it never felt like it. None of the chapters are slow; it was edited so well. The author's sense of humor shows itself throughout the pages, and I found myself laughing out loud. So many science fiction writers bore me with details...details...details. But Dan Moore knows the perfect balance between information output and the forward momentum of events and plot. He writes in a way that I wished all scifi authors would. I couldn't put the novel down, thinking that just around the corner would be another gem. I was so invested in several of the characters, like Nixie, that I was sorry that the novel would end. Then, I learned that this is the first novel in the Meridian's Shadow series, and I cheered for joy. This is the second science fiction novel I've bought of the author's, and just like The Rings of Alathea, Dan Moore blew me away. There are some authors who have the unique gift of developing characters that jump off the page, and plots that are full of surprises; Dan Moore is one of these authors. In one word, I would define this novel as epic.
  
• The Rings of Alathea on Nov. 07, 2011
  
  After reading the sample chapters, I was hooked and bought the book. After starting it, I just couldn't put it down. The Rings of Alathea is a unique light science fiction book with some metaphysical elements. I became easily invested in the characters and was sorry to see the novel end. Moore's writing style is superb and his character development is excellent. I will certainly read more that this author writes.
  
• If We Dare to Dream on Nov. 16, 2011
  
  Collette Scott’s genius is in developing characters that are easy to relate to, along with unique, suspenseful plots that are charged with emotion. What I love about her characterizations is that the author has great balance in crafting both male and female characters that are multidimensional. This makes If We Dare to Dream appealing to both male and female readers. Scott is the female version of Nicolas Sparks, fully matching him in skill. This is the third book I’ve read of the author’s, and I could not put the novel down; Scott’s writing impressed me yet again. Not only is her writing superb, but the author understands the tactical benefit of foreshadowing and persuasion to build suspense. This is suspenseful fiction at its best. The drama of If We Dare to Dream is powerful, inescapable, and a must-read.
  
• A Murder Unseen on Nov. 18, 2011
  
  This author is one of the most gifted suspense writers I've ever read. Her writing style coupled with her perfection in developing anticipation had me absolutely riveted from the first page. I read from page one to chapter 24 in one sitting--even though it was 1AM--because I could not put the book down. This is the kind of skill all readers want from authors, but rarely get. The story was filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the ending was a shocker. It's written as a clean read (no cussing or sex), but you never even notice it's missing, because the author uses the English language so well. It's easy to read, easy to invest in the protagonist, and the plot is very strong. I wholeheartedly recommend A Murder Unseen.
  
• One-Legged Seagull: A Warrior's Journey to Inner Peace on Nov. 28, 2011
  
  Joey Avniel's One-Legged Seagull is a soulful journey through boyhood challenges for the thinking man. In the same spirit of the bestsellers 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior' and 'The Path of Least Resistance,' Anviel has captured the heart of what it means to grow, and to find new ways to solve problems. Filled with literary gems such as "The sun was finishing its descent behind my back, leaving behind a blood-red sky," the author exercises his prose, delighting the reader. The One-Legged Seagull delivers suspense, humor, and scenes that visually bring the story to life. But what it does best is encourages the reader to expand his awareness, and consider that there are more possibililities in the human experience.
  
• Hazardous Choices on Dec. 02, 2011
  
  Hazardous Choices is a gritty urban story of 21st century America that will broaden your understanding of inner city life and its far-reaching affect. The dialogue is absolutely brilliant, and riveting. There are passages that use the full bloom of the English language, such as, "Caroline clutched at new ideas the way dogs grabbed bones. She just kept gnawing incessantly on the idea." If you love the game of football, the suspense of the games within Hazardous Choices will make you feel like you are participating. There is natural humor, surprises, and great suspense in this story. But the heart of this novel is a profoundly tragic reality revealed in the cliffhanger. In my opinion, Hazardous Choices is a must-read for every school teacher in America, and certainly for every coach. Note: This novel is rated R.
  
• As The Twig Is Bent: A Matt Davis Mystery on Jan. 30, 2012
  
  Rarely do I read novels that are so profoundly engrossing that I can not shake the story from my mind; As the Twig is Bent is one of those novels. This crime story is full of grit, with visual images that made me feel ill. The ugly truths of the extreme world of homicide detectives was profound. The author's writing style gave brief retrieves from the hard core darkness of the story, which was necessary for me to continue reading it. I think Perrone is a genius in story construction and in building suspense. I will certainly read other novels he's written. Wow!
  
• Through Winter Skies on May 03, 2012
  
  Through Winter Skies is a story of hope, painted vividly in the full spectrum of emotion's color. Gritty and real, it's a dramatic contemporary American story that's beautifully written. The author has a gift of understanding the nuances of relationships, making them believable to the reader. Foreshadowing events without giving away plot and building page-turning suspense are two of Scott's talents as an author. Through Winter Skies is certainly an emotional journey where you're invested in the characters; I dare you to finish this novel without shedding a tear.