Linda Joy Singleton Book Spotlight and Author Interview

Book Synopsis for Don't Die Dragonfly:

Book Description:After getting kicked out of school and sent to live with her grandmother, Sabine Rose is determined to become a "normal" teenage girl. She hides her psychic powers from everyone, even from her grandmother Nona, who also has "the gift." Having a job at the school newspaper and friends like Penny-Love, a popular cheerleader, have helped Sabine fit in at her new school. She has even managed to catch the eye of the adorable Josh DeMarco.

Yet, Sabine can't seem to get the bossy voice of Opal, her spirit guide, out of her head . . . or the disturbing images of a girl with a dragonfly tattoo. Suspected of a crime she didn't commit, Sabine must find the strength to defend herself and, later, save a friend from certain danger.

About the Author: With plots involving twins, cheerleaders, ghosts, psychics and clones, Linda Joy Singleton has published over 25 midgrade and YA books.When she's not writing, she enjoys life in the country with a barnyard of animals including horses, cats, dogs and pigs. She especially loves to hear from readers and speaking at schools and libraries. She collects vintage series books like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and Judy Bolton.When Linda is asked why she'd rather write for kids than adults, she says, "I love seeing the world through the heart of a child, where magic is real and every day begins a new adventure. I hope to inspire them to reach for their dreams. Writing for kids is a gift, a responsibility, and an honor."

Q&A Time!

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

The author I wrote to when I was 14, Margaret Sutton, who wrote mysteries for girls about a character named Judy Bolton. Later when I was an adult, I co-wrote another Judy Bolton mystery with her which I self-published for fans.

Do you write every day?
I'm at my computer every day and write at least 5 days a week.

What has been your greatest achievement as a writer?
Every sale, every fan letter, ever good review is my "greatest achievement." A career isn't one success but a journey with many amazing moments.

Have you always wanted to be a writer, or did you aspire to be something else growing up?
I always wanted to write. I submitted work when I was in high school but never quite believed I could become published. I stopped writing from about age 17 to 27, gaining experiences of love, marriage, family. Then I reclaimed my writing dreams, joined a writing group, critique group, worked very hard, and sold my first book at age 30.

How would you describe your writing?
Fast-paced, humorous, cliffhangers, characters I love, suspense with twists and surprises.

Are you currently working on anything?
I'm writing the 3rd book in the DEAD GIRL series. The first book, DEAD GIRL WALKING, comes out in September from Flux, and it's about a 17 year old girl with such a bad sense of direction that when she has an out-of-body experience, she lands in the wrong body--of a popular, gorgeous girl who just committed suicide.A fan just made a YouTube for DGW at:http://www.%20youtube.%20com/watch?v=w8VUQmv2c2I

What authors do you enjoy reading?
So many! I have a long list on my MySpace page. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. I love mysteries, fantasy and books that touch my heart. Some authors are Margaret Peterson Haddix, Kathryn Duey, Kathleen Reiss, Scott Westerfeld, Charles de Lint, Ingrid Law, Angie Sage, Eva Ibbotson...and more!

What is your favorite book?
Harry Potter series

What is a book that has been highly acclaimed but you haven't liked?
Great question--but hard to answer because if I don't like something and it doesn't past the 50-page test I won't keep reading. I could reverse the question and tell you two books which I loved and thought should have gotten more attention than it did -- MAGYK by Angie Sage and VOTE FOR LARRY by Janet Tashjian.Is there a word you feel is overused? I have to edit "that," "very," "smile" and "gasp" from my books as I tend to use them too much. I never notice with other authors and just enjoy whatever I'm reading.