Romance author Lynda Simmons’ new women’s fiction novel, Getting Rid of Rosie, hit the shelves in 
August with acclaim from reviewers and hopeful anticipation from the author. It’s “an entertaining new look at the age-old promise ‘til death do us part’” according to her publisher. According to the review by Sharon Galligar Chance of the Wichita Falls Times Record News, Getting Rid of Rosie is “one of the funniest books I've read in years.” Ms. Simmons took time away from working on her next book, due out in August 2010, to talk to me.
Back-story
“I’ve always had stories to tell,” Simmons said. As a child she told her neighbors a story about her grandmother dying. When they showed up at the door with casseroles, her parent’s kindly explained about their daughter’s penchant for story-telling. In spite of awkward explanations, Simmons credits her parents for never discouraging her creativity. As a college student, she started out writing horror novels, but when they didn’t sell, her creative writing professor suggested that she write romance. “That seemed to work out,” Simmons quipped.
After publishing six romances and a couple of novellas and then nothing for eight years, Simmons considers Getting Rid of Rosie her “breakout novel”. Thanks to an un-named agent who told her “Don’t be Joan Crawford trying to tap dance”, she decided to go with her strength--her humorous voice. She terms Rosie “a madcap comedy”. Her next novel is less madcap, but it is another women’s relationship story told in her same humorous voice.Inspiration
“Everything is fodder for a story,” says Simmons. “I like exploring my own fears and questioning myself about what I think or believe strongly.”
Writing Life
Like most writers, she tries to keep a daily routine and admits to being “unfit company” when she’s near the end of a novel and writing furiously. “When I’m finished I celebrate by shaving my legs,” she jokes. The remedy for that isolation is the companionship and inspiration of a group of writer friends—mostly women. With backgrounds as diverse as poetry, mystery and children’s literature, they rely on each other for feedback and brainstorming.
Simmons also teaches a course in novel writing which she developed at local colleges. She spoke with such enthusiasm and joy about teaching that I wish I was one of her students! In the mean time, I’ll settle for reading her novels to find the same intelligence, wit and insight that she so generously shares with those she meets.
The teaser for Getting Rid of Rosie:
Rosie Risk was once Samantha Marcello’s best friend—but that was before she ran off with Sam’s fiancé, Michael, seven years ago. Since then, Sam has found a new love, her Irish pub The Silver Swan. And just as it seems that time has healed all her wounds, Michael walks back into her life—and now he’s a widower.
With Rosie out of the picture, and unable to ignore the feelings she still has for him, Sam takes the opportunity to reconcile with Michael. But Rosie isn’t about to let death stop her from keeping them apart. Her ghost has been hanging around her husband, playing on his grief and guilt—and only Sam can see her. Rose stole Michael from her once, but this time Sam is going to exorcise her once and for all…
For more information on Lynda Simmons’ books and appearances, see her website for details.
If you love reading about all your favorite romance novel authors, check out my romance author Q&A columns.
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