BookView Review

Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

Recently, we interviewed Linda Oatman High about her writing and her soon-to-be released book, Somebody’s Someone, an emotionally rich and powerful story of a twelve-year-old girl navigating a life shaped by the unpredictable presence of her mother. (Read the review here.)

How often do you base your characters on real people?

Many of my characters include bits and pieces of real people. I like writing about the quirky traits of those I know, and also I enjoy eavesdropping on strangers in order to capture interesting sentences and physical habits/attributes.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing a novel?

The most difficult thing about writing a novel is having the motivation to keep on going when you feel stuck regarding the plot points.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

“Follow your dreams. Never give up. Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Be yourself.”

What is your favorite childhood book?

The Mary Poppins books were my favorite.

Tell us more about your book:

My youngest son suffers with a serious brain disease, and I wanted to write with compassion and empathy about a character struggling with mental illness and/or addictions. I knew that I wanted to include several unhooked characters, as I’ve become especially empathetic to the homeless community since my son became ill. My hope and goal is that those living with the stigma of mental illness (both as the victim and the family members) find hope in the story and realize they are not alone.

What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

I hope that readers will realize there is hope and good to be found in any situation, no matter how bad.

What’s next for you?

I’ve just finished a YA novel about two teenage desperados, and I’m beginning another YA that includes time travel, the ocean, and Scotland.

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