I love the quote of Barbara Kingsolver, “Good fiction creates empathy. A novel takes you somewhere and asks you to look through the eyes of another person, to live another life.”
Linda Anne Smith – 14 November 2018
The Back Flap
Often through the shadows we more clearly see the light.
Andrew Covick, young and naïve, is offered a scholarship and leaves home for the first time. On campus, friendly senior students invite him to barbeques and other get-togethers. “This is great!” he thinks. “New friends, free food!” Andrew assumes there are no strings attached . . . until he begins to feel the tendrils.
As Andrew seeks to disentangle himself from what he once thought to be a benign student organization, his girlfriend downplays his concerns. Andrew watches, helpless to intervene, as she is slowly enticed into the cultish church Movement, the Proclaimers of Christ. No one except the scruffy literature prof seems the least concerned about the church Movement; after all, the student members are high-principled, well disciplined, and fill the pews during the campus services.
Every time Andrew thinks he has put the organization behind him, he stumbles over another connection, discovering that the tendrils of the Proclaimers of Christ extend to the highest echelons of the church.
From Andrew’s unsuspecting association with the Proclaimers of Christ during his college days to his startling, unsought involvement many years later, this fast-paced novel will keep you turning pages.
Dawn Through the Shadows reaffirms the resilience of the human spirit, our innate longing for authenticity, and the reach of love beyond remorse and rejection.
This is the second novel written by Linda Anne Smith. In her first novel, Terrifying Freedom, we are introduced to the withdrawn and enigmatic Rebecca Holden. Andrew Covick pries into her past and unearths a facet of her life that Rebecca has painstakingly concealed and sought to forget. Dawn Through the Shadows shifts to Andrew’s early years and reveals what made him so perceptive to Rebecca, why he was able to see beyond her brusque mannerisms to the wounded, empathetic person within.
Although Dawn Through the Shadows is a sequel to Terrifying Freedom, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
About the book
What is the book about?
Often through the shadows we more clearly see the light.
Through the lives of Andrew Covick and his friends, Dawn Through the Shadows reveals the tenacious, ingratiating recruitment strategies of some church Movements, gradually gaining control of the members lives. Through the characters, the reader will come to experience the impact of such groups on the relationships of individuals and families, experience the indignity to and triumph of the human spirit.
When did you start writing the book?
I began the novel in 2012.
How long did it take you to write it?
Six years, however, during that period I was working full-time and promoting my first novel, Terrifying Freedom.
Where did you get the idea from?
Observing life and researching religious organizations for families. While some groups purport high ideals and strong family values, they bear many traits found in cults.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
At times I began with a certain plot development in mind, but when I tried to implement it, the scenario seemed forced so I had to let it go.
What came easily?
The research and editing. I love the rewrite stage.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are fictitious, however, life experience plays a part in how the characters take shape and morph.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I enjoy a wide range of genres and authors and learn from them all. I could single out a couple of authors: Jane Austen, whose characters go about their daily lives while Jane explores their perceptions and subtly questions the social conventions of her times. Charles Dickens gave life to intriguing, endearing, and sometimes, bizarre characters. He created plots that opened the eyes of his readers to injustices unknown or unacknowledged in their social circles. I love the quote of Barbara Kingsolver, “Good fiction creates empathy. A novel takes you somewhere and asks you to look through the eyes of another person, to live another life.”
Do you have a target reader?
Anyone who enjoys character-driven and coming-of-age novels.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I wrote Dawn Through the Shadows while publishing and promoting my first novel, Terrifying Freedom. I have to admit, it was challenging to work fulltime, promote Terrifying Freedom and write a new novel. Dawn Through the Shadows was often put aside. Last year I gave myself a deadline, cut back on promoting Terrifying Freedom and carved out certain times of the day to write. I managed to slide into the deadline: Dawn Through the Shadows was published in July. And now I’m toying with ideas for my next novel . . .
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No, I do not outline. I have a general idea of the plot and allow my characters to move in directions I had not anticipated.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go. After completing a novel, I reread and edit extensively.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I hired a person who has been writing and editing all her life.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I can only play “spa” music while I write otherwise, I tend to sing along: not very helpful when I’m trying to write!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Initially I did for my first novel, Terrifying Freedom, but I found that route onerous, tedious and lengthy. Most publishing houses won’t accept a book without an agent and an agent prefers clients with extensive platforms. If a pitch sparks an agent’s interest, then months are required to allow that agent time to read the book before making a decision. During this time the author is not to approach anyone else. And having an agent doesn’t guarantee getting published. So I went the self-publishing route with Ingramspark and CreateSpace and I’m glad I did. I’ve had an overall positive response to Terrifying Freedom.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Because of my experience with Terrifying Freedom, I went directly to self-publishing with Dawn Through the Shadows. Some people immediately purchased my second novel because they liked the first.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I believe a book cover is extremely important in moving a book from the shelves into the hands of a reader and so I hired the same professional for Dawn Through the Shadows as I did for Terrifying Freedom. Because of our previous relationship, the cover development was quick and turned out great.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a limited budget, so I’m operating on a bare bones marketing plan. I rely on personal initiative, suggestions from family and friends, and the experiences of other authors that I tap into on the internet. My greatest means of distribution so far has been book signings and book clubs. Dawn Through the Shadows was chosen as a staff-pick in a large book chain and that continues to open doors to book clubs and signings.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I always recommend Stephen King’s book, On Writing: A Memoir on the Craft. It is excellent.
If an author decides to self-publish, there are many blogs that are very helpful. However, make sure to put the current year in the search line. The rules and processes are constantly changing—many becoming simpler over time. Also, there are pros and cons to various self-publishing sites, so it’s important read the blogs and reviews, weigh the options, and then choose.
About You
Where do you live now?
I live in Canada, outside of Calgary, in the foothills of the Rockies.
What are you working on now?
I am toying with a few ideas right now. I will definitely be writing more novels.
End of Interview:
For more from Linda visit her website and follow her on Twitter.
Get your copy of Dawn Through the Shadow from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
