Middle Grade
Reader Spotlight
Every month we'll highlight a reader in the Great Lakes Bay region and learn more about them, their work, and their reading life. We'll also discuss books and share a conversation about something close to their heart.
We all have a story. Sometimes people are inspired to share it with others. The reasons for putting pencil to paper vary as much as our stories do. Unfortunately, expressing pain through writing is one of those reasons and that's what caused Linda Petersen to write her story. She's risen above her past, allowing her writing to heal. That's her hope for others, too.
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Read on to learn more about Linda's story.
Tell us a bit about your favorite job.
Was being a realtor in Southern California. I enjoyed working with people, looking at the homes and the nice commission checks.
What inspired you to write your book?
A conversation that I had with someone from my past. When I would visit him I always had a story to tell. During one of my visits he said, you ought to write a book. I said to myself , I think I will.
Why do you feel it is important to tell your story?
My family was extremely dysfunctional. I wanted them to read how their actions ruined three lives. Mine and my two sons. Also, I hope that my difficult journey would help others from my life experiences. Lastly, I wanted to FREE myself from my past. (Linda's book shown at right)
Tell us a bit about your writing journey.
I started writing in May of 2013. I hand wrote just over 800 legal-sized pages. Many parts of my story were traumatizing. I shed a lot of tears, but I was determined to get through it. Just before Covid, I met tutors from SVSU Community Writing Center. They were a tremendous help. After eight-and-a-half years, it finally became a reality.
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What has been surprising about it?
I couldn't believe all of the different situations I was in but was able to adapt. And how close I was to death but survived.
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What is your most favorite read in the last year?
Since I had to self educate I tend to read self help books. My last read was, I See You Naked. It was about public speaking. It was an excellent read. I would highly recommend it.
Where did you get your inspiration?
My great grandmother was my inspiration. She taught me principles from God's Word. God has always been there for me, when there was no one else.
