Summer Short Story Spectacular, Season 1, Episode 15 - LINA GARDINER

Even though the calendar still says we're officially in the season of "summer," here in eastern Canada we have had our first "frost warning." Yikes. Does  that mean snow is around the corner? Maybe not for a little while. Autumn is really a beautiful time of year here, despite frost. Usually it's warm and unbelievably colorful, a near-perfect season.

This is a special blog for me today. I'm so pleased to introduce my very good writing pal, Lina Gardiner who is an amazing writer. If you haven't read her books, you owe it to yourself to do so, but I'm not here to talk about all of her works today, I'm here to introduce you to her shorter works - since this is Summer Short Story Spectacular. 

Before we get to the questions, let's get to know her a little:

Lina’s first book was published in 2007. At every point along the way—before 2007 and since—she enjoys the daily routines of being an author: from conceiving an idea to writing and revising, from networking with other authors, to attending workshops and learning sessions and, of course, holding that bright and shiny, newly published book in her hands—always the best experience ever. 

Being a writer is a dream come true for Lina, but the friendships she’s forged with fellow authors and readers are the main perks. Those friendships make that solitary job a richer and more rewarding experience.

Lina belongs to several writers’ groups and has served as a board member and in several chapter positions.

On the home front, Lina Lives in New Brunswick, Canada, a hot spot for legendary ghosts, tall tales and odd happenings which probably add to her love of a good mystery. The spooky stories her grandfather told his grandchildren in the "parlor" when their grandmother wasn't paying attention also sparked the wonders of imagination and a love of storytelling.

It didn't take long for Lina to be "noticed." Her Jess Vandermire Vampire Hunter Series are not to be missed. She's also garnered a number of awards - The  Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Paranormal-Time Travel-Futuristic, the Prism Award for Best First Book, from FF&P (Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal Chapter of RWA), and she was a nominee both for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Awards, and  the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Awards.
Her books have been well received by such reviewers as Kirkus Reviews and USA Today’s HEA blog, including a 4.5-star rating from RT Book Reviews.

Let's get to the interview questions: Lina, what is your all-time favorite short story and why?

In answer to your question, I’d have to say my favorite short story of all time is “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. It’s a wonderful psychological thriller. Not an easy task in a short story. Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart perfectly portrays the inner workings of a madman in a very short time.

A number of my summer guests have chosen that book as an all-time favorite! What is the most difficult part of writing short fiction? 

I guess the most difficult part of writing a short story is keeping it tight and concise. While sub-plots and subordinate characters enrich a full-length novel they don’t have enough room in a short story. Writing a short story means implementing all of the same plot points necessary in a full-length book: Introduction of characters, location, theme, turning points, big-black moment (also known as dénouement) and resolution.

What piece of advice would you give to a prospective short story writer?

Write your story without thinking about the short stories being difficult. Often times, writers instinctively put in all of the necessary elements. (Even the beginners) After all, we’ve read for years and we have a feel for how the story should play out. Now, there’s a lot more to writing than that but it’s the best starting point. Write, write, write. 

 Which of your short stories should we read first and why?
I’ve only written 2 short stories. A Moment of Truth (free story). It was a test to see if I could do it.  and the second was a book that I’m eventually going to write a sequel to…. Dangerous Exposure from Wild Rose Press.

Where can readers find you, Lina?

Website
Blog