When and why did you begin writing? When did you first consider yourself a writer?

During my twenties, I wrote a couple of children's stories and collected a few rejection slips from publishers. I had always enjoyed writing while in school and held a vision of someday becoming a published writer. Over the next few years I did have a few articles published in local newspapers but it was not until meeting my late husband, author Don Pendleton in January of 1983, that I put my dream in action. Don was inspirational and encouraging. Within that year, I wrote my first novel. It remains unpublished and probably will never be published as it now stands, but completing my first actual book gave me the courage to write. After our marriage in 1985, we worked side by side, and he was a great teacher of the craft of writing.

I considered myself a full-fledged writer in 1988, with the completion of our co-written
nonfiction book, "To Dance With Angels," which was then published in 1990. Don and I collaborated on several books, both fiction and nonfiction.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

My father was an avid reader and that, I'm sure, greatly influenced my desire to read as a child, and, in turn, it ingrained my creative urge to write. But following that, it would have to be Don Pendleton who greatly influenced my writing and encouraged and supported my talent.

When I first met Don, he gave me copies of some of his lectures on writing and that was inspirational for me. His unusual and unique approach to writing is now available for other aspiring writers in our new "Metaphysics of the Novel, The Inner Workings of a Novel and a Novelist," by Don Pendleton with Linda Pendleton, published by iUniverse Inc, January of 2003. Don's success with his original "Executioner" series of novels, and his ability to write sharp dialogue, fast-paced, action-filled stories centered around a true heroic figure, which he created with his "Mack Bolan" character, not only inspired me but gave me new understanding of the art of writing.

When we wrote the crime/suspense novel, "Roulette," it was again great to be creating as a writing team. The underlying theme of the book was difficult but we had a lot of fun writing the novel. The book examines the relationship of a married couple, husband and wife cops, married more to their badges than to each other and explores the challenges they endure, not only within their marriage but in their careers, as a psychopathic killer causes horror and havoc in their community. The book, first published as an ebook titled “One Dark and Stormy Night,” was an EPPIE 2001 Award Finalist.

Don and I worked great together as a writing team. We also had a lot of fun adapting and scripting "War Against the Mafia," the first "Executioner" novel to graphic Comic book format. Following his death, I adapted and scripted the second "Executioner" novel, "Death Squad." I had fun with that, too. "Death Squad" was published in 1996.

Our nonfiction book, “Whispers From the Soul” was published early in 2003.

Don and I also had something special that many writers do not have. That was the enjoyment we found not only working on the same project, but also the enjoyment of having someone to share our individual work with, chapter by chapter. A writer's life can be a lonely one, and if you do not have support from those close to you, it can be even lonelier. We also enjoyed being together twenty-four hours a day, whether side-by-side at our computers or doing whatever.

We also worked together on the business side of writing. Now and then, the business side of writing can interfere with the creative side, but as writers we soon learn that it is a necessary part of the game.

What is the most romantic book you've ever read? The scariest? The funniest?

The most romantic would have to be "The Bridges of Madison County." I loved Robert James Waller's love story. Another beautiful but bittersweet novel is Nicholas Sparks', "The Notebook." Both are excellent books that explore relationships and the strong bonds of love.

The scariest would have to be a Stephen King novel, but I have only read a chapter or two of any of his books. I cannot read King or anything along the horror line. They are much too intense for me.

It is difficult to choose the funniest. Nothing stands out in my mind, except that I have often got a kick out of several of Dorothy Gilman's "Mrs. Pollifax" novels.

What music, if any, most inspires you to write? What do you listen to while writing?

I enjoy soft-listening music in the background, preferably instrumental.

What are you reading now?

A stack of books! And a variety! I am looking forward to reading Nicholas Sparks' newest novel, "The Guardian;" "Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings" by Annette Gordon-Reed; “Slaves in the Family” by Edward Ball; “Living History” by Hillary Rodham Clinton; and “Loving Through Heartsongs” by Mattie J. T. Stepanek. I have recently read "Crossing Over" by John Edward; "Amazing Women of the Civil War" by Webb Garrison; James Van Praagh's "Heaven and Earth",“Daddy’s Little Girl” by Mary Higgins Clark; “Night Wind” by Stephen Mertz; and Dr. Phil McGraw's latest.

I do not normally read much fiction but am a big fan of Nicholas Sparks’ writing. Most of my reading is nonfiction and usually in the metaphysical/spiritual genre.

What are you working on?

I have two novels in progress. One is a private eye novel with a female detective and the other is a novel set in Iowa during the Civil War period. I am also doing a final edit on a screenplay that will be marketed soon.

Isn’t it unusual to have so many projects going at once?

Not for me. I often work that way. Not that I have the manuscripts all out at once, but I tend to work on one thing for awhile and then switch to the other. It is hard to say if I enjoy writing fiction or nonfiction the most. It is a toss-up, I guess. I just finished the nonfiction, “A Small Drop of Ink” so it feels good to get back to fiction for awhile. At present, I do not have a nonfiction book in mind, but I’m sure that will change before very long. My mind is often full of book ideas but I can’t do them all. I also spend time updating my web sites with my web designer, Judy. By the way, she has done the graphic design for covers for my books published by iUniverse, Inc.

Any new books coming out?

Yes. I just completed “A Small Drop of Ink,” a nonfiction inspirational book of quotations. It will be published in July, 2003.

In the summer of 2003, a book I co-wrote with Dr. Fred Bader, “It’s Not Too Late!” was published. Dr. Bader, a psychotherapist in Connecticut is a pioneer in thanatology and his work deals with death, dying, and afterlife issues. Our book is an interactive guide for families facing the death of a loved one.

My newest mystery/suspense novel, “The Dawning” was recently published.

In closing:

Reading gives one a wealth of knowledge. I would like to share with you a quote that I fully agree with: "The only true personal power comes from the mind and that mind has to be developed the same as muscles are developed–through use."

– Don Pendleton

Additional Articles and Interviews by Linda Pendleton