Wednesday, April 25, 2012

TBR welcomes J.R. Lindermuth

TBR: Welcome to TBR, J. R. Lindermuth. Will you share a little bit about yourself?
Lindermuth: Thanks for providing this opportunity, Cate. I spent most of my working life on small-town newspapers, covering most every reporting beat and in several editing slots. During that period, I published short stories and articles in a variety of magazines. Like many another reporter, I also wrote several novels. I didn’t succeed in publishing a novel until after retiring in 2000. I’ve now published 10 and have contracts for several more.
Aside from writing, I serve as librarian of my county historical society, which keeps me in touch with a world outside the house. I also spend time with my son, daughter and son-in-law and four grandsons.

TBR: Tell us about The Limping Dog and where it's available.
Lindermuth: “The Limping Dog,” a standalone mystery set on the New England coast, was published in March 2012. It’s available in print and electronic forms from the publisher: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=7e1388cc89822d15181c76ee3ad661fd
As well as Amazon, B&N and other major booksellers.

TBR: Please tantalize us with a story blurb or excerpt.
Lindermuth: Gavin Cutter, an artist living in an isolated village on the New England coast, witnesses the crash of a sailing ship onto a reef. The first aboard the wreck, he rescues a dog, the only living creature on the vessel. Ron Myers, wealthy owner of a growing computer firm, and the ship’s crew have disappeared without a trace.
When insurance investigator TJ Flood questions Cutter and others, he learns a sheriff’s deputy denies knowledge of a woman who also witnessed the incident.
Myers is alleged to have developed a radical new microprocessor system. Some assert the system was lost with its creator, others believe it exists and have devious plans to profit from the invention.
Flood is attracted to Cutter’s daughter, Dee. Together they investigate the ship incident and strange coincidences surrounding it. The result is threats, danger—and several murders. 

TBR: What inspired you to write about the theme?
Lindermuth: In part it was the contrast between a character (Cutter) clinging to simpler times and life and those caught up in the modern quest for more and more technology.

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?
Lindermuth: I’d have to put myself more in the category of pantser. I might jot a few notes here and there to keep myself on track, but they’d be meaningless hieroglyphics to anyone else. I usually know how the story will develop, though my characters are likely to throw in a few surprises along the way.

TBR: How do you develop your characters?
Lindermuth: They seem to have a knack for developing themselves. They may initially be inspired my some actual person I’ve encountered but then develop their individual quirks as imagination takes over.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share?
Lindermuth: I just read a comment by Ann Patchett I rather like: “Reading fiction is important. It is a vital means of imagining a life other than our own, which in turn makes us more empathetic beings.”

TBR: What's next for you?
Lindermuth: Practice To Deceive, fifth in my Sticks Hetrick mystery series, will be published by Whiskey Creek Press in August.

TBR: Any other published works?
Lindermuth: All of my works are available on my Amazon author’s page: http://www.amazon.com/J-R-Lindermuth/e/B002BLJIQ8/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

TBR: What’s the most challenging aspect of writing? Most rewarding?
Lindermuth: Each project has its own challenges and no writer is ever truly satisfied with the end result. Still it’s always a wonderful thing to hear good things about a particular work. And this is truly a great time to be a writer. We have so many options available to us now that didn’t exist in the past.

TBR: What’s the most interesting comment you have received about your books?
Lindermuth: I’ve been told I have a knack for creating locale and characters with distinct and memorable features.

TBR: Who are some of your favorite authors and books? What are you reading now?
Lindermuth: I’ve always been a voracious reader of anything that sparks my curiosity. There are favorites I keep going back to, but I’m constantly finding new writers as well. I’m currently reading an advance copy of Wayne D. Dundee’s new Western, “Reckoning At Rainrock,” published by Oak Tree Press (another of my publishers).

TBR: Where can readers find you on the web?
Lindermuth:  Website: http://jrlindermuth.com

TBR: Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?
Lindermuth: I’d like to say thank you to all the readers out there. We create stories because we must. We also hope they’ll offer something to others and depend on you to spread the word about their existence. Without you, the reader, we’re simply shouting in the wind.

TBR: Readers, J. R. Lindermuth will give away a copy of The Limping Dog to one lucky commenter. He'll pick a winner on Thursday, April 26 and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your email address so he can contact you.

Thanks for visiting TBR, J.R. All the best to you.

18 comments:

  1. Welcome to TBR, J.R. I loved your comment to readers. I also love your book cover!
    Cate

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  2. Thank you, Cate. I appreciate this opportunity to talk to readers. The talented Gemini Judson did the cover for The Limping Dog.

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  3. Thanks for giving so much information, John, this is so good for writers.
    Lots of luck with your new book and the next one to come.

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  4. Thanks, Margaret. Appreciate the support.

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  5. John is a wonderful writer. Recently, I read "Fallen from Grace" and I loved it.
    "The Limping Dog" is on my TBR list. John, you have my email address - just in case I win a copy. :)

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  6. I like the conflict for your protagonist. Sometimes I wish the world were simpler, yet when my internet is down, I act as if I'm without the basic creature comforts. The book sounds provocative, and I love the title.

    Lesley

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  7. I'm a long-time fan! Enjoyed he hell out of Fallen from Grace, so it looks like I'm going to have to give this new book a read!

    William Doonan

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  8. The Limping Dog is on my TBR list. Wonderful interview. I look forward to learning more about you and your writng.

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  9. Hi John, great interview and I especially love the quote! Good luck with The Limping Dog!

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    Replies
    1. I've never read any of Ann Patchett's books. But the quote makes me curious about her work. Thanks for commenting.

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  10. JR once again a great interview. You inspire us all to be better readers as well as writers. Thank you.
    Augie

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  11. What a fascinating look into you and your book. It sounds like a great read JR and a great interview. Sounds like a must read to me.
    Billie
    http://www.billieawilliams.com

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  12. So glad to see this interview, John and to learn more about you and your book. I'll be glad to read it!

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