Hi, I’m Linda Jo Martin. I was born in Oakland in 1952, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area towns of El Cerrito and El Sobrante.
I love to read. I realized I had a problem back in first grade when my teacher couldn’t find any Dick and Jane books I hadn’t already read. I switched to biographies and Nancy Drew while in elementary school. My mother gave me a copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell soon after it was originally published, which left a lasting impression of what good writing can be.
In high school I kept a notebook for a variety of writing projects and in early adulthood, started to journal. I also carried on heavy correspondence with dozens of pen pals and remember many times they encouraged me by making positive comments about my writing abilities and interesting letters. If you are a former pen pal of mine, please do not hesitate to leave a comment here or on my Facebook fan page.
I attended Shasta Community College in Redding, California, graduating with an AA degree in Early Childhood Education in 1977. I also attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California, graduating with an AS degree in Legal Assisting in 1991.
For over twenty years while having and raising children I made multiple unsuccessful attempts at writing novels. During this time I wrote quite a few short stories, poems, songs, memoirs, diatribes, legal documents, opinion editorials, and articles. One short story was published in a children’s magazine. Multiple articles were published in newspapers. Later I started and wrote for Happy Camp News.
My children and I enjoyed middle grade and young adult novels which I read out loud to them while we were homeschooling. I now often write in these genres. I also read and love historical fiction, mysteries, mainstream, literary, and classic novels. I read lots of non-fiction too, especially autobiographies and memoirs.
My current goal is to revise my novels and publish them myself on Amazon.com. I continue to write short stories, novels, memoirs, and non-fiction, and to study every aspect of the writing craft.
My most important writing project right now is editing the Antediluvian Adventures series… four young adult adventure novels set in an ancient civilization. (2017) I’m also transcribing my old journals and intend to publish them on Amazon, mainly for my family members to read if they should wish to do so. I don’t want them to fight over who gets my journals and other creative work after I die. They all live many miles from one another. This way – they can all have a copy.
I live in an apartment in Northern Idaho. My main activities (besides work) are reading, worshiping at a nondenominational church, and taking long walks. I’m a fan of Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way series of books and so I write morning pages and go on a special solitary “Artist’s Date” once each week after church – and I find that to be a lot of fun.
I really envy you because I can’t wait to retire and head up to the mountains of Idaho. I dream of days filled with reading, writing, art, and wandering the woods. Before I was kind of dreading retirement, but you are so inspiring! I have five more years. Meanwhile, I get to take notes from you!
Hi Linda,
Really appreciate your thoughtful reviews. I’m the author of a book you reviewed recently, and I like your insight. I’d be happy to send a couple of free books your way, if you are interested in newer books 😉
Drop me an email, and I’ll be happy to pop some books in the mail to a PO box or mailing address.
Thank you, Ned … I am looking forward to reading (and reviewing) your other two books. I really do like your writing style and the books look intriguing!
Dear Linda,
I am looking for a lost relative in Siskiyou county and you seem to be knowledgeable about the area. I am sorry for the unorthodox approach, but would you be able to drop me an email?
Thank you
George
Yes – I sent you email and will be happy to help if I can. I no longer live there, but still maintain contacts within Siskiyou County.
Linda,
Thank you for helping me out. My self-confidence is low and i do need to start convincing myself that i pretty. You have helped and so has your website.
Thank you so!!!
Marissa Jane
You seem like a very talented woman. I do admire the effort you put towards writing. It’s people like you, that are an inspiration to people like me.
Thank you
I think your website is neat. Just wanted to say hello. I wish I could be as diligent and focused as you in your writing aspirations.
Thanks for stopping by, Cassie, and thanks especially for leaving a comment. I love to know who’s been by to visit. I’ll visit your site too. Thanks for leaving a link.
Hi Linda,
I saw your post on the Mike’s writing workshop forum and thought I’d check out your website. Very nice! It looks like you’ve done a lot of good writing. I wish you the best with your publication efforts.
-Cassie
Hi Linda,
Just dropping by to thank you for the suggestion you’ve given me. I’ll make sure to have a link to my bio. And you’ve got nice thoughts about writing.
Cheers. Kudos to your blogging!