For as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed reading, but it was Miss Mayfield, my 6th grade teacher, I can thank for hooking me on the written word.  She taught us that through reading we could visit the far corners of the earth and be active participants in a multitude of adventures.  Every day after lunch, with our heads down on our desks to rest, she read to us and led us on one quest after another.  From then on, books were my best friends, and like many young people in school, I had one open when I should have been working on an assignment.

As a public school teacher in my adult life, I was off during the summer and spent them reading.  I'd love to say I've always written, but alas, that's not true.  In 1990, after reading  a number of romances, I said to my husband, "I can write a book.  It doesn't look that difficult."  After several stressful months of struggle, I admitted.  "It's much harder than I anticipated."  But, I persevered, and after joining numerous writing organizations, critique groups, and attending many writing conferences, I finally finished my first book.

When The Ocotillo Bloom will be released in February 2007 by Wings e-Press.  Dreams can and do come true when you work hard to achieve them.

I'm fortunate to have two wonderful grown children, and one extraodinary grandson.  Though we've lived all over the state, my husband and I now call Central Texas home.   

Please browse my website and read a teaser and excerpt from When The Ocotillo Bloom.  You can contact me at:  Linda@LindaLaRoque.com