Tuesday Guest Blogger-Linda O'Connor - Authorship, Publishing, Books and More

Say hello to today’s guest blogger, Linda O’Connor….

When did you begin writing?

I began writing about 7 years ago. I was lying awake in bed, and, rather than worry about stuff that I didn’t really need to worry about, I started to weave a story in my head. I love reading romance with the happily-ever-after endings. It was easiest for me to write because I was very familiar with the plotline and story characteristics that romance readers expect. I’m a physician, and I had a lofty goal of educating, entertaining, and empowering readers to take ownership of their health. Writing for a female audience seemed the best place to start.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Learning where to put commas!

Why did you choose your genre?

I love romantic comedies because I love being in a fun headspace when I’m writing. I usually read for relaxation and feel better when the book is upbeat. I think laughter is essential to great health!

What writing tips would you like to share?

If you are planning on releasing a series, I would suggest you have at least 3 books in the series written and ready to go before you release the first book. I released the books in the Perfectly Series about 6 – 9 months apart and that didn’t have as great momentum or traction for sales as my second series, the In the Game Hockey Romance series, which were each released a month apart. This time around I’m going to try releasing the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor stories every three months and see how that affects sales. Overall though, it’s been easier to promote and more satisfying for fans when the stories in the series were released closer together.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a new series – Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor. I work at an Urgent Care Clinic and see patients with infectious illnesses. I often have to advise them to stay home from school or work until they’re no longer contagious. It can be difficult for working parents to find care for their sick children – they just can’t take a day off, and it’s nearly impossible to find a caregiver willing to look after a child who is ill. It also isn’t easy for someone living on their own to cope when they don’t feel well.

I thought caring for the sick when they are temporarily ill would make a great job for a retired doctor, since a doctor wouldn’t be daunted by the illness. That’s how Dr. Brogan Corkie’s character was born. Initially, I was going to have her look after the sick in their homes and then bring two people together in that context. But when I started writing, I ended up giving Brogan a hobby – she enjoys cooking and catering for people – and that became her second career. I “upgraded” her M.D. from Medical Doctor to Matchmaking Doctor. Brogan became the romantic catalyst – she brings couples together and then through good advice and a warm heart, she uses her cooking, medical – and matchmaking – skills to weave love and romance into their lives. And throughout the series, Brogan’s own heart gets tangled up in romance, too.

What would you like to promote today?

I just released Don’t Drop the Baby, the first book in the Dr. Brogan Corkie Matchmaking Doctor series. It’s a medical romantic comedy – a sweet, small-town, second-chance romance.

Don't Drop the Baby cover