– First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
Lynda McKinney Lambert, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. I am a retired professor of Fine Art and Humanities, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA. I retired in 2007, after sight loss. I am currently writing full time, now that I am retired from my teaching career at the college. I balance my days between writing and making art in my studio though the use of adaptive technologies for the blind.
– Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
My newest book is Songs for the Pilgrimage (DLD Books, 2021). This is a collection of poetry, journal entries, reflections, and non-fiction memoirs. The work in this book spans a period of writing from 1988 to 2021. I began writing poetry while working on My BFA degree in painting in the mid to late 80s.
Eventually, I spent an entire year in 2020 reading through my journals from 1988 to 2020. I developed this book over the year of exploring my art and writing history through my journals and memories. Themes are travel, dance, music, art, history, nature, faith
– Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
Three of my five published books were created by DLD Books, Denver, Colorado. The three books edited and designed by this team are:
Walking by Inner Vision: Stories & Poems, 2017
Star Signs: New and Selected Poems, 2019
Songs for the Pilgrimage, 2021.
My chapbook, First Snow, was published by Finishing Line Press and is a collection of thirty wintry-themed poems, 2020.
My first book is Concerti: Psalms for the Pilgrimage (Kota Press, 2002).
– What would you say is the most challenging part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
My writing journey evolved naturally because I earned three degrees in Fine Art and English. My academic work was at different universities over eleven years, Writing papers and doing research is a significant part of that training. I loved writing about art, artists, art history, poetry, and poets.
As for advice, I’d say to cultivate patience. Never be in a rush to get your book done. Instead, allow the manuscript and your thoughts to mature during the writing process. Keep in mind that you want your collection of writings to be a cohesive body of work. I think of this as a work of art because it is art.
– What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
As I worked on my MA in English degree, my focus was poetry. My final project was focused on three poets who wrote during three different periods: John Donne, Willian Carlos Williams, Robert Bly,
I also studied the beat poets and abstract expressionist artists. My favorite art is German Expressionism and American Abstract Expressionists.
– Do you read reviews of your book and, if so, how do you handle negative feedback?
I don’t read reviews very often. I think the best reviews are by editors who specialize in non-fiction and poetry. I appreciate the honest and thoughtful consideration by people who have read my books. Unfortunately, negative remarks are typically left by people who are not knowledgeable about non-fiction, memoir, or art.
– What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
I write a blog, Walking by Inner Vision. I published articles three mornings a week at 7 a.m. Monday is “Poem: From the Professor’s Journal.” That is a poem and the backstory of the poem Wednesday is “Garden Songs,” my little poems inspired by my gardens and nature. Friday is “The Evergreen Journal,” a series of memoirs. I’ll do fifty for this year. I think these will be collected and turned into a book in 2023.
– Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
I invite visitors to stop by and let me know what you think about any comments or advice I have offered on this interview. Thank you for this opportunity to share my writing life with all of you today.
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