LINDA O’CONNOR(December-2016)

 

Linda O'ConnorI started writing romance novels a few years ago, and I was thrilled when Soul Mate Publishing offered to publish my debut novel, Perfectly Honest.

 

I love reading romantic comedies so naturally that’s what I write. I didn’t aspire to be a writer when I was younger, but now I’m addicted. I love it. I balance writing with my work as a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic and being a mom to three sons (luckily grown and capable of throwing together a decent meal, in a pinch). Plus I like to keep active and cycle, cross-country ski, skate, or dance every day.

The idea to write came after working with young adults. There were some basics I thought they should know – mental health symptoms, birth control myths, how to take ownership of their health. I thought hey, if David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber fame can dole out financial advice in a barbershop, maybe I could dole out medical advice in a Romance novel. That’s how my first novel, She’s Not a Fan, was born.

For many years, I taught clinical skills to medical students and spent a lot of time writing detailed roles for actor-patients.   It was great practice for developing characters in my stories. Joining the Romance Writers of America, taking online workshops, (and reading) all helped improve my writing. Medical school was challenging, but it was nothing compared to figuring out where commas go, POV, or sorting out verb tense (simple past, past perfect, past perfect progressive – did they know there were 25 other letters they could have used to name those things?) Obviously I’m still learning, but I love the process.

I don’t write about people I know, but I definitely take inspiration from snippets of conversations or from the emotion I feel when I talk to people. My designated writing space is any place with a view of Lake Ontario, preferably outside (for three of the four seasons).

I hope someday to be sitting on the train and see someone reading one of my novels. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Please explore my website for more information about the books I’ve written. 

My Rx: Laugh every day. Love every minute.