Linda Jo Martin

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Linda Jo Martin – My Bio

January 19, 2005 By Linda Jo Martin 15 Comments

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.

Linda with Neo at Laughing Waters

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 most important writing project now is editing my young adult adventure novels. I’m also transcribing my old journals and intend to publish them for my family members only.

I lived most of my life in California, where I was born, but moved to North Idaho in 2013. Two weeks later I surrendered my life to the Lord and became a Christian. I moved back to the far-northern part of California in 2020. My main activities aside from writing, are worshiping, reading, gardening, art, and crochet.


At one time I participated in Nanowrimo. Here are some of the awards I got, 2001-2007.

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Comments

  1. Lisa Mackey says

    February 25, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    I’m a grandmother of a beautiful 2 yr old little girl. Cps had me take her full time because of her parents drug problems & a couple weeks ago she somehow got access to a narcotic pill in my home while I’m remodeling my bathroom. I’ know it had to be her mother whom had it stashed and forgot about it. Cps took her from me and not giving me a chance at all to get her back! I need info how to fight them so she s back with me. I’m heartbroken just as I was 7 years ago when I lost my oldest son in a car accident,, any info to help me greatly appreciated. Thank you

    Reply
    • Linda Jo Martin says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:41 pm

      Hi Lisa, I’m sorry, I know the pain of losing a child to CPS. I know you did nothing intentionally wrong to deserve that. Have you seen an attorney? Are you the “de-facto parent?” You might have trouble getting your grandchild back; the parents are more likely to get children back. Do you know the people who have your granddaughter now? I think the best course of action is to create a good relationship with whoever has your granddaughter, ongoing. Please see an attorney who would know the CPS policies in your area, if you can afford that. But don’t go broke over this… there are no “grandparents rights” written into the laws. Most family law attorneys will offer a free initial consultation, and give you some information about what they think can or can’t be done in your situation.

      Reply
      • Lisa Mackey says

        February 27, 2019 at 9:49 pm

        Thank you, no cps places my granddaughter with me originally because of her mother losing her 2nd child at birth due to drug addiction. While I had my granddaughter cps made sure to terminate the parents rights; they refuse to give me any info and now say my granddaughter was state custody. After 2&1/2 years of my raising her alone they now say I’m basically nobody and refuse to give me any court orders from past or anything stating why they will not let me have her back. They cannot prove me unfit but they also know my income is limited. Allowed me to have an mdt meeting making accusations against me untrue statements and told me end of meeting have a nice day. Granddaughter is in foster care and refuse to tell me where or with whom. CPS is definitely not on my side at all. Although I don’t know why except they’re going to get paid to adopt her into another home. That’s a fact already proven from investigating I’ve done. I’m not quitting no matter what I’m told until I get her back and that’s a fact. I’ll fight until I die. I’m trying to get an attorney but cannot afford most yet that I’ve tried but I’m still going on
        Thank you

        Reply
    • Ronald Kershaw says

      April 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      If you know anybody in California that can help save my grand children from CPS in Sacramento before it to late. Judge is determmed not let anyone in family to adopt my grand. He has rejected everyone except the sheriff that has filed for adoption, he is foster parent. I feel my grand children has been kid napped. The under linning factor for taking children has been dismissed in court..

      Reply
      • Linda Jo Martin says

        April 22, 2019 at 6:55 pm

        The only lawyer near you that I know … is Robert Powell https://www.rrpassociates.com/ … he has a good reputation for cases involving CPS. If he can’t represent you, ask for a referral. If you can’t get your grandchildren, try to be on friendly terms with the adopter so you can visit them.

        Reply
  2. Leslie A Schippert says

    April 18, 2018 at 8:58 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. N Hayes says

    December 12, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • LJ Martin says

      December 12, 2017 at 10:38 pm

      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!

      Reply
  4. George Sfougaras says

    October 1, 2017 at 8:36 am

    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

    Reply
    • LJ Martin says

      October 2, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
  5. Marissa Jane says

    September 20, 2013 at 3:59 am

    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

    Reply
  6. Trina says

    August 9, 2010 at 11:41 pm

    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

    Reply
  7. lily says

    October 9, 2007 at 2:53 pm

    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.

    Reply
  8. Linda says

    October 8, 2007 at 10:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
  9. Cassie Zaruba says

    October 8, 2007 at 5:16 am

    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

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I'm Linda, the Book Lady, and I'm excited about reading. A book is a gift you give yourself. It is so much fun to open that cover and discover what was hidden within. Books share the wisdom of the ages with us. Who wouldn't want that? So I read frequently and encourage reading. If you're a reader, let me know by becoming my friend on GoodReads.


My novel, River Girl, is about a girl living in the Klamath River Valley.

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My childhood memoirs: ljm memoirs.

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California Reading

California Reading

California Reading
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This group is for anyone wanting to read California based fiction or nonfiction.

Our recommended shelf

The World Rushed In: The California Gold Rush Experience
The World Rushed In: The California Gold Rush Experience
by J.S. Holliday


Hillinger's California: Stories from All 58 Counties
Hillinger’s California: Stories from All 58 Counties
by Charles Hillinger





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My Art

Bird Art by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com
Acrylic
Wild and Precious - art by Linda Jo Martin
Watercolor / pen
Summer Afternoon - art by Linda Jo Martin
Pen / Watercolor

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” ? Cicero - Art by Linda Jo Martin http://lindajomartin.com
Acrylic
Acrylic
Angel art by Linda Jo Martin
Sketchbook

Psalm 91:9-11 - Angel art by Linda Jo Martin http://lindajomartin.com
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Art: Idaho Hills, by Linda Jo Martin
Junk journal, acrylic
March Mystery Madness 2020, art by Linda Jo Martin
Gouache journal

Plan A to Z - lettering by Linda Jo Martin
Lettering class project
A daring adventure - art by Linda Jo Martin
Fountain pen ink journal
Small Joys
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Watercolor sketchbook
Valley of decision.
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Mount Glittery by Linda Jo Martin - mountain climbing quote by John Muir
Acrylic painting

Watercolor sketchbook
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” ? Ralph Waldo Emerson ... watercolor painting by Linda Jo Martin
Watercolor sketchbook
Imagination Soars, by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com
Watercolor sketchbook

Plant Seeds
Watercolor sketchbook
The Prayer by Linda Jo Martin
Acrylic painting
A basket of flowers, by Linda Jo Martin - http://lindajomartin.com/writing/art
Fountain pen ink journal

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