Shannon here: Linda S. Glaz shares the inspiration behind her first novel. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Dec 12 – 15 to enter the drawing for a copy of her latest, Fear is Louder than Words. Deadline: Dec 24th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Linda:
Ahhh…Love, Sweet Love by Linda S. Glaz
Well, my very first novel, With Eyes of Love, was based on the romance of my parents, Barbara (Bunny) and Glenn Mapes. My folks are the couple on the left in the picture above. The other couple was also instrumental in my story. And they are my dad’s sister and brother-in-law. The ‘friendship’ of the characters in the story is based on the close friendship of my mom and her sister-in-law. Best friends their entire lives, so it was easy to carry that friendship into the story where it starred best friends.
While the story included elements that happened to my mom when she was just ten, it completely showed their grown up love one for the other at a very chaotic time in America, The Great Depression.
Let me give you a brief look at how they met.
In the “olden days” when my parents were in high school in the late thirties, white bucks—white leather loafers—were all the craze for men. And white duck (a type of material) pants, also. Hence, white bucks and white ducks if you were trying to be cool.
My dad was trying desperately to impress my mom at the bowling alley despite the fact they weren’t there together. He’d been flirting shamelessly, and knowing my mom, she was playing coy to the limits. That was her nature even though she was a barrel of fun.
Petite with Irish brown hair and dazzling blue eyes, she had my dad literally wrapped around her little finger. Sorry for all the clichés, but they personified cliché!
Dad had thick brown hair and also managed to show off bright blue eyes that always gave way to his mischievous side. At one point after looking her direction and getting no response, he decided to go for the brass ring (a strike) with everything he had. So he wound up, put all of his strength into it, and rather than look at the alley, he sparkled those baby blues directly at her as he attempted to let go.
Side note, white bucks had slippery leather bottoms.
Yes, you got it. He tried to let go, but the ball stuck. His feet went out from under him, and he slid bottom side all the way down to the pins—smiling at her the whole way and laughing at himself. He stood up, took a bow, and won her heart as the entire room erupted in laughter.
Now, as Uncle Wiggly would say, if the rose he gave her doesn’t lose all of its petals while sitting on the bowling ball overnight, I’ll next tell you the story of Rochelle and Ed’s romance in my romantic suspense, Fear is Louder Than Words.
About Linda: I’m a wife and mother of three…and grandmother of three. I balance being a child of God while also being older than God. Hmmm, scary, but almost true. I’ve been blessed to have had an amazing life so far: Air Force meteorologist during Vietnam era, teaching karate and self-defense along with soccer for 25+ years. I sing and direct in church and community theatre musicals where this little old lady sounds more like the guys than the gals. Also scary, but true. My writing life is a 24/7 proposition. As well as writing my own stories, I am an agent for Hartline Literary Agency. I also speak at conferences, churches, ladies’ teas, you get the picture. I have a big mouth and love to share words on writing. I wear so many different hats I’m surprised I wasn’t invited to the Royal wedding. Blessings to everyone, may your writing dreams all come true.
About the book – Fear is Louder Than Words: Rochelle Cassidy has the perfect life as a radio talk show host in the Detroit market, but her celebrity status doesn’t stop an angry listener from wanting her … dead. Ed McGrath’s ideal life as a pro-hockey player doesn’t include a damsel in distress until the night he discovers Rochelle being attacked in a deserted parking structure.
Circumstances throw them together in more ways than one when Rochelle’s producer plays matchmaker. A sick boy, a corrupt politician, and questionable medical practices put more than merely Rochelle in danger, and still, her attacker shadows her every step.
Will Ed be able to break through her trust issues in order to protect her, or will she continue to see him as Detroit’s bad boy athlete? Her life AND his depend on it.
Question for Readers: What type of fun activity do you enjoy? Bowling, Putt Putt, Badminton?
Come back Dec 15th for Linda’s inspiration behind her latest release!
Hey, all. Hope you enjoy the visit this week! Blessings to all of you at this wonderful time of the year!
i love bowling,putt putt golf and ping pong
Love the bowling story, Linda. I love to bowl, play putt putt, and badminton. I’m not very good at any of them. But I have fun.
I once bowled backward and have never lived it down. We’d played two or three games and my wrist was tired. I swung the ball back and accidentally released while it was still back there. People behind me scattered, so I didn’t hit anyone.
Putt Putt! We always have so much fun playing together!
I like to bowl and do a lot of walking in the warmer weather.
Shannon, don’t feel alone. I did that on a first date once. Fortunately, the guy asked me out again, but after dropping it behind me on his tootsies, I was afraid he wouldn’t. LOL
Becky, putt-putt is the only golf I like. I tried the full game, but just didn’t enjoy it. But give me putt-putt and it’s more up my alley.
Beth, I’m not a good bowler, but I do love the game.
Hope you ALL have a very Merry Christmas.