Monday, November 21, 2016

Thankful Author 2016- Linda Burson



I am very proud and honored to have been asked to write this blog regarding “What I Am Thankful For”, because I feel it’s always a terrific idea to stop and contemplate this question. We all have many blessings, and to take the time to consider them and then write about them is not only a great idea, but a kind-of therapy in a way. We get to take some time and share our experiences and remember just how precious life is, and how much we appreciate what we have.
Of course, I am thankful for multiple people and events in my life, but at this instance, I’d have to say I’m quite thankful for what I am doing at this moment…writing, and writing wouldn’t be complete without reading. I’m not only thankful for writing and reading, but becoming a published author; and I wouldn’t have any of this at this moment if I hadn’t experienced a life-changing event ten years ago.
I was diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer back in 2005. During this time, while going through multiple biopsies, tests, and surgeries, my best friend on this earth, was dying of the same disease. To try to explain the depth of my emotions is impossible. There aren’t words in the entire English language, or any other language, to explain how I truly felt. I’m not even sure I understood how I felt; however, it was a difficult time. 
My odds of survival weren’t good; but I didn’t focus on that, though it was always there in the back of my mind. It was after multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation, and the loss of the brightest star on this earth from my life, my best friend, when I realized just how precious each moment is. This is when I recognized that I could not continue in my life, as it was, without doing what I had always wanted to do…what I had attempted to do off and on since I was a young girl, and that was to write a novel. 
After I spent time recovering, healing physically, mentally, and emotionally, I decided to quit working in my chosen profession, which was my own business I ran for fifteen years. Instead, I chose to concentrate on writing a book. This decision wasn’t hard by any means, but I knew I needed the support of my family members, especially my husband, since I wouldn’t be providing income anymore. If anything, I knew I’d be spending money, trying to accomplish my dream. 
What am I thankful for? You may think I lost my mind as well as my breast during this cancer if I tell you I’m thankful for my illness. I believe everything happens for a reason. Did I want to go through this cancer scare and everything that goes with it? No, of course not, but if it wasn’t for this terrible illness, I wouldn’t have made the drastic changes in my life. These changes for were the better. I’m now happier than I can ever remember, finally doing something I love—something I’ve wanted to do as long as I can remember, and I have no plans to stop.
Yes, I’m thankful for my blessings: my life, my family, and my ability to write books to my heart’s content. 


Blurb for: Rage :

Marcy finds herself angry, frustrated, and confused because of nightmares that won’t stop. The love of her life gives her an ultimatum: seek help or lose him.

When held up at gunpoint during a robbery, Marcy is pushed over the edge. That night, she meets Liam, with whom she agrees to join on his quest to find those responsible for the murder of his family.

Delving further into the dark world of revenge, Marcy and Liam fall in love and instead of darkness, light envelops them.

Hearts are torn, jealousy ensues, and more uncertainty arises.

Excerpt:

Pulling myself out of my beautiful daydream, I realize it’s dark. I must have sat in this parking lot for over an hour. The kitchen supply warehouse is closed. No one’s in sight. I start the car to make the drive back home. Driving is a complete instinct because I consciously don’t
remember getting from point A to point B. I realize about halfway home a bright orange light is shining in my face; the gas light is lit. It’s registering empty. Now, it’s even darker, and I don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road. Who could I call?
     I see an exit with a gas station sign; I take it. I pull into the station by a pump and go inside to pay. While I’m at the counter, someone approaches me from behind. “Don’t move, bitch. I gotta gun. Gimme me all your money and jewelry. And you, behind the register, gimme me all the
cash. Hurry up. I ain’t playin’.”
     I can’t believe it! Is this happening? Am I being robbed? Are you freaking kidding me?
“You picked the wrong person to rob today,” I mumble to myself.
     As I begin to turn around toward the gunman, I briefly see another man outside the entrance of the store. With the day I just had, along with the last few months, something inside of me snaps. I turn ballistic. My muscles contract and total rage overpowers me, worse than I’ve ever experienced. I start yelling obscenities. As I swing around, I instinctively use my martial arts. I throw a round kick fast and hard. It knocks the gun out of the robber’s hand. He’s shocked which makes him stand motionless as I attack him with a punch right to his nose. I then kick his groin and send him to his knees. With the ball of my foot, I kick his bent head and toss him backward.    
     The gentleman who had been standing at the door is gone.
     The employee behind the register is taken aback by what I did. At first he stares at me. Then, a few seconds later, he snaps out of it and says, “Whoa, way to go.” He picks up the phone and dials 911.

Buy Links:

Rage: 

Confusion: 

Agony and Ecstasy: 

The Agreement: 

Also available at the publisher’s website: www.classactbooks.com


Author Information:

Linda is a debut author from Connecticut. 
After years of writing and editing for others, raising a family, and over twenty years of running her own businesses, Linda decided to tackle her first fiction novel entitled Rage, which began as a single book. Eventually, the novel became a trilogy, and finally a much longer series. All the books are a part of The Marcy Series, a romantic suspence series, with each additional book having their own separate title.

There are currently five novels in the series.

Find out more about Linda at:

Facebook:

Instagram:  

Website is lindaburson.com 

Goodreads: 

Amazon Author Page: 

Twitter: @lindaburson23

10 comments:

  1. I don't think you're crazy at all. Losing a person you love makes you see life in a whole new way; surviving cancer, I imagine, helps your dreams to crystallize. Congratulations on all the new beginnings in your life. happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thank you, Nell. My dreams have done just that! HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you, as well.

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  2. It's strange, but sometimes what seems like the worst time in your life leads you to the best. I became disabled and now live in my bed or wheelchair. I used to be very active outdoors, but now have to stay at our house most of the time. I have my imagination to take wings and leave this broken body behind. Good luck on your novel!

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    1. God bless you, llona; what a wonderful outlook you have. Our imagination is quite a gift, and I hope it takes you wherever you dream of going. Many wonderful escapes for you. That's one of my favorite reasons for reading--love those adventures! Thank you for writing.

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  3. Oh, such a beautiful post! So glad you found your way to what you truly want to do. Wishing you every success!

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    1. Laura,

      I appreciate you reading my post, and thank you for the nice compliment. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  4. I enjoyed your post -illness has a way of crystalizing our goals for the future. Enjoy thanksgiving!

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    1. Yes, it certainly does. Thank you for reading and commenting. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you, Charlotte.

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  5. Thank you for your beautiful, inspiring post, Linda! I've often said that the horrific times in my life only made me stronger, more loving, and patient. It wasn't a test, but a cleansing. Wishing you continued success and good health. Happy Thanksgiving! :)

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  6. I'm so proud of everything you have accomplished as a writer and a dreamer. I love you xoxox

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