~ What do you write when you love history? ~

Linda Pennell is an historian. She also writes romance. Today she tells us about her inspirations, how she does research, and her newest books. Each one meticulously researched!

Welcome, Linda…

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I love the past so much that I have a B.A. in US and British history. When I began writing, historical fiction was a logical choice. I also do some writing in contemporary fiction and have written two dual timeline novels, Al Capone at the Blanche Hotel and its sequel Miami Days, Havana Nights.

Where do you get your ideas?

Stories are everywhere. All one must do is be open to them. The next time you walk into a room filled with people, observe and listen. Take note of interesting faces and objects. Play let’s pretend with the people, location, and objects. Let your mind wander. Creativity is born of curiosity and wonder.

How much research do you do for each book you write?

Let’s just say that Amazon counts me as a really good customer. I like to have my sources spread out around me as I put stories together. And with historical fiction, there are a lot of sources! I spend a lot of time on Google, Google Earth, and Google Maps. I have written books set in Brazil and Morocco, places I’ve never been but was able to describe in detail because of my sources.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I do not actually believe that writer’s block exists. What does keep a writer from progressing, in my opinion, is self-doubt and negative self-talk. I think we can psych ourselves to a standstill by constant questioning to the point of not seeing the positives, but only the negatives. That is why my professional advice to writers just starting out always includes a final sentence about being kind to yourself. Nothing kills creativity like negative self-talk.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences?

Yes. Miami Days, Havana Nights is a dual timeline novel with historical chapters that span 1926-1960. Two characters in those chapters are very loosely based on real people. Sam, the historical main character, is a very fictionalized version of a man my husband once worked for while in college at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Sam’s employee in the late historical chapters is an amalgam of my husband and his cousin. There are scenes and events in those chapters that happened to them. Perhaps of some interest might be the scene where Fidel and Raul Castro arrive in the Merrill Lynch Havana branch office. According to my husband’s finance professor who was present that day in 1959, a version of what I wrote actually happened. Finally, the character Consuelo in the contemporary chapters is very loosely based on my parents’ former neighbor, a niece of Fulgencio Batista, Cuban dictator overthrown by Castro. Yes, I definitely incorporate actual events in my writing!

Linda Pennell’s Books 

Linda has a new book up for pre-order. Check it out!

Here’s an excerpt:

Chapter 1

May 18, 1926   105 South Street, New York City

Knocking – sharp, loud, rapid – echoed through the empty speakeasy. Sam froze, the notes of a tune stuck in the roof of his mouth. He glanced at the entrance and leaned the handle of his push broom against his shoulder. Puffs of dust settled on the floorboards around his feet while he remained motionless.

It was late, too late, to be admitting customers, even for the city’s illegal watering holes and gambling joints. Although a thick crossbar and several stout locks protected the heavy iron door, an uneasy feeling crawled down Sam’s spine. Growing tension over control of the Fulton Fish Market, in fact the entire South Street area, was making a lot of people jumpy, including him.

Several seconds passed without noise from the other side of the door. Sam let out his breath and laughed at himself. Working at the fish market in the afternoon then staying up half the night at the speakeasy didn’t leave much time for sleep. It kept him on edge. All the rumors and threats floating around these days weren’t helping either. Inclining his ear and hearing nothing, he relaxed and gave his broom a shove.

Bam, bam, bam.

Sam’s heart jumped into his throat.

“Open up, Monza. I know you’re in there.” The shout, colored by an Irish lilt, came from the second floor landing accompanied by renewed pounding. “I come to talk with ya. We need to settle this business. I got a proposition for ya.”

Sam’s breathing kicked up a notch as he looked over his shoulder toward the office. The boss didn’t like to be disturbed when he was meeting with his guys. The pounding from outside in the hall returned in earnest, but the office door remained fixed.

“You gonna open this damned door or do I break it down?” The doorknob rattled and jerked.

Behind Sam, the office door clicked open an inch. He watched in the mirror over the bar as the muzzle of a .38 Special emerged from the opening, its nickel-plated barrel glittering in the overhead lights. One of the gangsters stepped into the room, met Sam’s eye in the mirror, and jerked his head, then the room went dark. Sam dropped his broom and backed into an alcove next to the bar. The office door opened wider. Several shadows scurried across the floor. Metal locks and bolts snapped and clanked, then the entrance door swung inward.

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Here are more of Linda’s great books!

Find her  books on her Amazon Author page and at Soulmate Publishing.

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Learn more about Linda Pennell

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLindaBennettPennell

Website:  http://www.lindapennell.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LindaPennell

Blog: https://historyimagined.wordpress.com

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/lindabennettpen/

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/cCeQPX

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Linda is waiting to hear from you.

Post a question or comment below.

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