Linda Diane Wattley is a proud veteran of the United States Army. She was born in Akron, Ohio and attended the University of Akron majoring in Psychology. While attending the University she learned during a writing course she had the gift of writing. This gave her confidence to submit her first work of art which was poetry. The poem, “I Wish” appeared in the Poetry Gem of the American Poets Society.
For over twelve years she had her own religious/philosophical column in the Frost Illustrated Newspaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana, titled “The Best Will Show Themselves” where she shared her personal perspectives of spiritual insights and covered current social and religious events in her community.
Linda has appeared as a contributing writer for the online magazines including: “Faith Writers”, “The Wright Side of Me Productions”, “The Blessed Room”, “Real Life Real Faith Magazine” and “The Cheers” where she shares inspirational and thought-provoking messages to readers. She is also a contributing author of anthologies: “The Triumph of My Soul” edited by Elissa Gabriel, “This Far by Faith” with Vanessa Miller as editor and “Testify: The Praise Literary Collection Testimonials” complied by Angel M Barrino.
God has awakened her to an extremely important message to share with the world. We must become more conscious of PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Her work: “Soldier with a Backpack, Living and Dying Simultaneously”, has allowed Linda Diane Wattley to be a nominee for the ‘Best in Nonfiction’ during the African American Literary Awards Show in 2016. Her work continues as a voice for victims of every walk of life. She is a registered member and speaker of RAINN, an organization supporting and encouraging victims of sexual assault. She is available for interviews and speaking engagements.
Today she shares a very important message pertaining to our souls. “The Love and Redemption Series” is a trilogy taking readers on a soulful journey of discovering self from the inside out. This dramatically written series is filled with spirit and a truth cutting to the core for anyone having a heart to understand the intertwining impact spirit and sex has on our lives as we grow into our unique individualities. Before we know who we are, we must understand what we are not. This is a work of spiritual and mental stimulation and renewal, a must to move forward.-
BPM: Tell us about your new book. What topics are discussed? Available on Nook and Kindle?
Charge of an Angel is currently available on Kindle. “Charge of an Angel” the first of the “Love and Redemption Series” is about real life and how people come to be who they are. Though the topics are pretty heart-wrenching dealing with domestic violence, potential homosexuality, and sex abuse, the writing style does not call for victimization in fact it shows how children and adults survive in the midst of madness. The characters have souls that are searching for self and in the meantime they are having fun.
BPM: What was your hardest scene to write, the opening or the close?
The hardest scene to write was the close because either character could have been removed from the story. Who do you say good-bye to?
BPM: Do you try to deliver to readers what they want or let the characters guide your writing?
I definitely let the characters guide my writing because my message is universal and easy to read.
BPM: Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
I would never write about vampires. I just don’t like the selfishness of their survival.
BPM: Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others?
I would have to say erotic because you want to be able to write it allowing the readers to use their imagination rather than blatantly telling them the physical activity of having sex.
BPM: What made you want to become a writer? How long have you been writing?
I have actually been a writer for over thirty years beginning mainly as a columnist with a newspaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What made me become a writer is an experience that revealed to me how powerful the unseen spirit is. The spirit took control of me one night and pretty much dictated to me what must be written. I believe the Biblical writers had the same experience. There is no peace if you ignore it.
BPM: How has writing impacted your life?
Writing has impacted my life in miraculous ways. It has been such a multiple healing for me and others. Something about it is transforming and strengthening. I will never forget my first book sold to a teenager who understood my topic of molestation. First she thanked and hugged me, and then she told me she allowed her father to do her to protect her little sisters. The feedback and hope that has been shared makes my vulnerability well worthwhile.
BPM: Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Definitely, bringing the unseen to being seen is a spiritual process that is quite rewarding to the instrument making it possible and those receiving it. It is such an honor to be used by spirit. You know you have purpose beyond your own space in the world.
BPM: What was one of the most surprising things you learned from this project?
One of the most surprising things I have learned is how alone one can be when God gives you something serious to do. I feel so alone right now in a way I have never felt. But I am also being led to sources to open doors for others to be healed by my work.
BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey.
This excerpt pretty much fits somewhat today still working on my weight as we speak LOL!
“You need to lose weight, too, Leona” she snapped. “You’re too big for your age.”
“My sister isn’t fat. She’s pretty,” Dennis jumped in.
BPM: Is there a specific place/space/state that you find inspiration in?
I find inspiration relaxing at home enjoying my candles and fragrances.
BPM: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both because it is energizing when the flow is pouring through you to see the words to write, but it gets exhausting because you don’t want to stop writing.
BPM: What are the top three things that make you feel happy and fulfilled?
1. Knowing and enjoying God. 2. Thanking and praising God for good health of me and my family. 3. Being a blessing for others.
BPM: What makes you forget about the world around you?
Enjoying my grandchildren puts me in a better world!
BPM: What strengths did you use to achieve two major goals in life?
Knowing the better I am the better I can be there for others.
BPM: What other projects are you working on at the present?
Being that this is a series, I am working to create a presence where people will want more of Linda Diane Wattley through book reviews for other authors, speaking engagements, offering free self-help books for victims and to continue being an advocate for my veterans with PTSD.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
My website is quite informative and welcoming to share and for others to share if they like.
Books by Linda D. Wattley
https://www.amazon.com/author/lindadianewattley
Tweets by universalove
https://www.instagram.com/lindawattley
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https://www.pinterest.com/universalove26/pins
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-d-wattley-b3601411
https://www.amazon.com/Charge-Angel-Publishing-Presents-Redemption-ebook/dp/B06XPNDS25