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• Finding the Grain - 2023 Atmosphere Press , Austin, TX
• The Road Between Two Skies - 2022 Atmosphere Press , Austin, TX

• Linda Fifer website - https://lsfiferauthor.com/

  Linda Fifer grew up in Ohio with writers and musicians in her family. She graduated from Kent State University with BS and MA Degrees in Speech/Language Pathology, then moved west. She has written a musical, songs, poems, being published locally including Spokane Writes. Now retired, she completed her debut novel The Road Between Two Skies, an uplifting story of a woman who discovers her strength when faced with demanding challenges. Living in the west with her husband and two dogs, Linda is inspired in the nature surrounding her.

• BookView Review - https://bookviewreview.com/2024/03/09/interview-with-author-linda-fifer/

  Interview With Author Linda Fifer
  Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

  Recently, we talked to Linda Fifer about her writing and her recently published novel, Finding the Grain, a powerful story of second chances, forgiveness, and reinvention. (Read the review here).

  Linda Fifer grew up in Ohio with writers and musicians in her family. She graduated from Kent State University with BS and MA degrees in Speech/Language Pathology, then moved west. She has written a musical, songs, poems, being published locally in “Spokane Writes”. Now retired, she completed her debut novel The Road Between Two Skies, an uplifting story of a woman who discovers her strength when faced with demanding challenges. Living in the West with her husband and two dogs, Linda is inspired in the nature surrounding her.

  Finding the Grain is populated by a cast of characters that are dynamic and varied. What was the process of creating these characters? Was each one’s development influenced by the others?

  Finding the Grain introduces characters who have served in the military. I wanted to capture several of those traits: Izzy’s struggles with the horrors and consequences of war; Tom’s guilt, the secrets he carries, and the sense of devotion to promises he made to Izzy’s husband Dave; Ben’s distancing from his Navy service but layered with the recent death of his wife; Neil’s reliance on the Legion for companionship and purpose. All of them are in various stages of transition of acceptance of their roles in battle, but also transition to civilian life, another challenge for soldiers.

  Izzy’s late husband Dave is the thread that holds Izzy and Tom together, but only Tom realizes how weak that was. Several secrets are revealed throughout the book about Dave that alters Izzy’s perceptions of her husband, which eventually allows her to reassess her own life, needs and aspirations. This contrast in reactions, I hope, helps readers to see the various approaches to civilian life and the ghosts that haunt soldiers once away from the battle.

  My husband provided many insights from his 22+ year military service which were great resources for this book. What he shared made the characters believable so the reader could be sympathetic to their struggles, while also understanding that civilian life is a challenge many soldiers are not prepared for.

  Healing is obviously central to Izzy’s story in Finding the Grain. What was the impetus for you to write a narrative about healing, and how did you craft an authentic, growth-isn’t-linear trajectory for the character?

  I liked the metaphor of the woodgrain showing how life is something that continues no matter what barriers are presented. We all experience struggles from which we need to heal: loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of self-respect, loss of support. In a tree, the loss comes from a force of nature: a lightning strike, a disease, a broken branch. Yet the tree heals and continues its growth around the damaged area.

  Izzy’s reaction to Dave’s death is devastating, just going through the motions. She absorbs herself into repairing the house they were to share, to the point of exhaustion. She also exhibits difficulty asking for help, being defensive when Ben offers. Her independence that was required in the Army for her to literally survive now seems to be a barrier for her healing. But each character has a moment of insight: Ben, Tom and especially Izzy, when secrets about Dave are discovered. That insight is the only way to face the pain and to learn her strength to “move on”. But, as in the growth rings of a tree, the lines are not always symmetrical, predictable or neat. We all have situations that will never be resolved in our lives. By choosing to move on, a person needs to adjust, change goals or perspectives. It’s never a smooth path.

  Have you found any part of the process of writing Finding the Grain to be cathartic or even healing for yourself?

  Absolutely! I was dealing with several transitions when I chose to write Finding the Grain: I wrote it during the isolation of the pandemic; I had retired from a 44-year career as a Speech Pathologist (in some ways, a loss of my identity); the sudden death of my sister who wrote non-fiction (in a way, a role-model); the increasing evidence of PTSD in my husband’s life. There are several cathartic scenes for me. Izzy’s trip to Colorado contains a side-visit to a Dinosaur Park. She sees it as a distraction from the road and a nod to Dave’s love of dinosaurs. However, seeing the dinosaur bones trigger a response from Izzy that she hadn’t expected. It was much the same for me when I visited my sister’s condo after her death. Another powerful cathartic scene for me was when Tom confesses Dave’s taking his place on a patrol, resulting in Dave’s death. That one small choice made for a consequence that Tom blamed himself for. I felt Tom’s catharsis when he finally confessed this to Izzy, but his guilt remains. As a result, though, Izzy views Tom differently as a connection to the secrets that Dave never wanted her to know.

  What has been the most surprising thing about writing or publishing this novel?

  During the pandemic, I rewrote Finding the Grain at least three times. Then, there were two more rewrites during the editing process. At one point, I accidentally erased the last third of my manuscript. But that made the rewrite better. I used notes I had, but eliminated much of the extras I didn’t need. Atmosphere Press provided me with excellent editing suggestions (thank you, Megan!) and let me salvage the manuscript with some different story arcs. While a challenge, editing taught me skills I didn’t know I could learn

  I’ve found editing is much like creating an arrangement of a song. The story or the essence of the song doesn’t change, but the interpretation does. I love the intricacy of editing, which surprised me. Writing is the creation of the story, the establishment and resolution of the characters and plot. Editing is a different form of creation that reworks the story with problem-solving and the ability to look at the creation with some detachment. It’s a different part of my brain, when I’m at that point. I never realized I would enjoy it so much. Atmosphere Press taught me that.

  What did you learn from publishing your first novel, The Road Between Two Skies, that you carried into the writing of Finding the Grain?

  The Road Between Two Skies was written and rewritten over the course of nine years. I saw myself grow each time I rewrote it—another story of lost chapters and rewrites that taught me what was important in the story. I felt I knew the characters really well and “cooked” the story arcs in my mind for months before writing anything down. After publishing The Road Between Two Skies, readers kept asking for a sequel. I felt I had written all I needed, but I realized the importance of strong characters resonating with readers.

  Finding the Grain took me three years to write, and, truthfully, I didn’t much like the manuscript I submitted to Atmosphere Press. But Atmosphere, for both books, provided an unsurpassed experience from day one for me. I felt the characters of Ben and Izzy were flat, so I focused on their conversation rather than narrative to reveal their characters. That taught me so much, but it definitely had a different tone than The Road Between Two Skies as a result. Now, I’m more cognizant of what dialogue is important or necessary.

  What’s next for you as a writer?

  Next? Aside from still promoting The Road Between Two Skies and Finding the Grain, I am working on a third book. The story follows a woman who has been stalked, how she recovers her sense of worth and security as she heals. I also have at least three other books in various stages of rough drafts—Oh, and a fourth book that came to me the other day! I grow with each manuscript and learn so much about skills I still need and skills I acquire. Writing has given me a new confidence I didn’t expect and I look forward to continuing as much as possible with Atmosphere Press. It took me sixteen years to get The Road Between Two Skies published and I don’t intend to waste any more time!

  Thank you for this opportunity today! I’ve enjoyed your questions and I hope people are drawn to my books. I welcome anyone to contact me at Lsfiferauthor.com.

• Atmosphere Press - https://atmospherepress.com/interview-with-linda-fifer/

  Discovering Strength: An Interview with Linda Fifer, author of The Road Between Two Skies
  Fifer 1
  Linda Fifer grew up in Ohio with writers and musicians in her family. She graduated from Kent State University with BS and MA degrees in Speech/Language Pathology, then moved west. She has written a musical, songs, and poems, published locally in Spokane Writes. Now retired, she completed her debut novel, The Road Between Two Skies, an uplifting story of a woman who discovers her strength when faced with demanding challenges. Living in the West with her husband and two dogs, Linda is inspired by the nature surrounding her.

  You can buy the book here.
  Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press

  Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

  Because of a bizarre abduction, Brenniss’ promising future is shattered. Her memory loss requires rediscovery of herself, now, as Maggie, in an unfamiliar world. I wanted to use a duality in the title to describe the journeys we sometimes take in finding ourselves. I went through about five title choices until I settled on The Road Between Two Skies. It suggested two places, two existences, but grounded by a road or journey.

  How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

  The book cover is stunning! I get so many compliments on it and I have been told that it “draws you in” to open the book. I love the symbolism of the two settings, the main character’s two lives, and the tiny little parts of the story that can be found surrounding the face.

  Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

  I am inspired by many contemporary women writers such as Barbara Kingsolver, Anne Tyler, Diedre MacNamer, and of course Jodi Picoult. Writers such as Sherwood Anderson, Sinclair Lewis, and Thomas Hardy shaped my teen years. Writing was a fun and challenging way to be creative for me. I created my first “song” when I was 7 and wrote poems throughout my life. But I never thought about writing a book until this idea of a woman losing her memory following a brutal kidnapping germinated in my brain. I couldn’t let go of it, nor it of me.

  What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

  I worked for 45 years as a Speech/Language Pathologist with adults in rehab hospitals. Information about Cognitive and Linguistic recovery from trauma was included as part of my storyline.

  My readers would not know that I started college at Kent State when I was 17, just 3 months after the shootings at Kent State. We were under martial law those first few months.

  What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

  While I never thought about publishing my book as I was writing it, I kept getting positive feedback from my rough-draft readers that encouraged me. Actually getting published allowed my book to be in the hands of readers that have continued their love of the characters and the evolvement of their changes as a result of Brenniss/Maggie’s growth.

  If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

  There are several. Philip Aaberg’s How We Miss Them is a melancholy song that fits with Vince’s first few weeks of loss. Aaberg’s Every Deep Dream inspired me thousands of times for Brenniss’ drive to Copper Station. Steve March Torme’s version of Stardust would be a great background jazz piece for Brenniss and Vince’s restaurant dinners. Marc O’Connor’s Appalachian Waltz fits as background after the first Grace meal when Riley and Maggie sit on the porch, while Glenn MacPherson’s Full Moon was a lovely tune for Maggie and Riley working the horses. And I will be forever grateful to Josh Groben’s Granted for encouraging me to take this risk.

  What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

  I hope readers find this to be an uplifting story that will resonate about surviving and overcoming. The perfect reader will see Brenniss/Maggie’s evolvement as well as Hannah, Griff, and Riley being forever changed by Maggie’s interaction with them.

  What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

  I have a second book I’m editing (AGAIN!) called Discovering the Grain, which is about a female Army soldier discharged from service following the Afghan war and managing a new life without her husband who was killed weeks before his discharge. The book focuses on PTSD and the transition to civilian life without a life partner there to complete their dreams together. Another book in the works is Jesus Lemonade, which is about a young girl in the 1930s who accidentally created a movement by mixing Holy Water with Lemonade. And I have several others that are begging my attention.

  How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

  I am thrilled to be part of the Atmosphere Press family. From day one, I was treated with respect, kindness, and unwavering support. I had been cautious about self-publishing due to several unsavory companies out there, but Atmosphere had professionals guiding me, providing honest and helpful feedback that molded and crafted the book I have today. I am proud of my accomplishments, but always know it was totally a group effort. Thank you, Atmosphere Press!

• HEIDI M. THOMAS - https://heidiwriter.wordpress.com/2023/03/17/the-road-between-two-skies/

  The Road Between Two Skies

  “I have two names…Brenniss and Maggie…”

  Because of a bizarre abduction, Brenniss’ promising future is shattered. Her memory loss requires rediscovery of herself as Maggie in an unfamiliar world. She recalls only pieces of who she was embedded in tragic events, while new friends support her self-acceptance as the survivor she is. Only by saying goodbye can reconcile her past and present.

  ***

  Linda, congratulations on your debut novel, The Road Between Two Skies. Tell us what inspired you to write this story.

  This book flowed out of me once I wrote “I have two names…Brenniss and Maggie.” I’ve been fascinated with persons who disappear from a normal life and relationships, only to be discovered months or years later, with no recall of this previous life, living an equally “normal” life with perhaps a new spouse and different job. I wanted to present a story of resilience, of survival and the insight to discover that new path.

  What was your experience in writing this book? Was it a difficult subject to write about?

  I was compelled by the characters and how they interacted, as well as reacted, to the circumstances of the story. How would a widower respond to an unknown woman who had been battered: a man who watched his wife die, now watching a woman fighting to live? How does a sheriff manage an investigation of a crime of which he has few clues and fewer resources? How does Brenniss/Maggie make sense of her situation with no memory to cue her?

  I incorporated my own professional knowledge as a Speech/Language Pathologist: memory loss, language, sentence structure, concepts, and verbal expression.

  Your characters are so well-drawn. How did they develop? Did you have them formed in your mind before you started, or did they grow on their own as you wrote?

  I pictured each character and their reactions in various settings as I “cooked” the ideas, months before I set pen to paper. They continued to add layers to their personalities as I rewrote portions, as well. I figured if I didn’t believe the characters, a reader wouldn’t either.

  Tell us a bit about your writing process—do you do a lot of research? Are you an outliner or a “pantser”?

  I’m afraid I’m a “pantser,” getting the story line down, first, then developing the characters and dialogue. But as I needed believable details, I did do extensive research. I use outlines, but more for facts. To me, an outline isn’t dynamic enough for something like a novel. The story lines may change or modify from the original outline.

  Do you have a time set aside for writing? Did you do a lot of rewriting on this book? When I write more spontaneously, I get so absorbed in the characters and dialogue, 4, maybe 6 hours pass, and I don’t realize it. I still need to revise, but I have a more intense awareness of the characters when I return to the chapters.

  What is your writing background? I did my share of writing bad poetry in junior high and high school; I wrote songs from high school to the present day (I wrote a song which the fictional Bonnie Meacham sings which is imbedded in The Road Between Two Skies). I even wrote a musical. It seems that writing was for my own expression. But my first real success was getting a poem published in a publication in Spokane, WA, then a local poetry contest; I considered that luck more than talent. But this book, started as a hobby, was something I became increasingly serious about. That led me to take the plunge toward its publication.

  What would you say the theme or “take away” is from the book? We all have difficult losses to face: losing a pet, a job, a spouse, a child, your grandmother’s locket, a home. Each loss requires us to lose a part of ourselves. To define ourselves again we need to create a more encompassing identity. That journey is what Brenniss/Maggie is about. The only way she heals is by accepting the changes in her as her new foundation. Defining ourselves only by our defeats doesn’t allow us to grow.

  What was your experience in finding a publisher for your book? For about 6 years, I sat on my duff and talked myself out of ever doing anything with this book because I felt hindered by my own skill level and the lack of an agent in a small town or rural area. Previously cautious about self-publishing, I started reading encouraging information about reliable self-publishing/hybrid publishing companies. Atmosphere Press was endorsed by Writers Digest, so I contacted them for an interview and within a few weeks, I had a contract and started the process. Atmosphere was terrific to work with due to their dynamic and knowledgeable staff. They were with me through the whole rewrite process, and now in support of my marketing.

  Is there a specific part of the writing process that you find to be the easiest or most difficult for you? Everybody gets a writing block and mine usually occur about ¾ of the way through the book. I know how I want the story to end, but I can’t seem to connect where I am to that end. So, I played a little with point of view. It broke my block, because I could see a larger picture that didn’t repeat former information. The most difficult part of writing for me has been to believe in myself.

  Where can we find your book? Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Noble and, of course on my website: Lsfiferauthor.com.

  What is next? Many have asked if I have a sequel in mind for The Road Between Two Skies and I don’t. I felt I told the story I wanted to tell in that book, but it is flattering to me that the characters were realistic enough that people want more about them.

  My next book is Discovering the Grain. Izzy Stark is on a mission to fix up the house her late husband Dave inherited from his favorite uncle. She needs to heal from her husband’s death from an IED explosion just weeks before his discharge from the Army, as much as the house needs repair.

  Links to social media: My website: Lsfiferauthor.com where you will find the first 27 pages of the book as a sample, where you can order the book, contact me or write those valuable reviews that entice future readers. Also: Goodreads.com for connections to other readers who have read my book and where you can also write your own review.

  Bio

  Linda Fifer grew up in Ohio surrounded by musicians and writers. She graduated from Kent State University with BS and MA degrees in Speech/Language Pathology, although originally started in theatre. She moved west to Montana and has spent several years in north Idaho. She has written a musical, songs and poems, been published locally in newspapers and more recently in Spokane Writes. Now retired after a 44-year career in Speech Pathology, she is inspired to create uplifting stories involving women who discover their strengths despite demanding challenges. Living in the west with her husband and two dogs, Linda is inspired by the nature surrounding her.

Fifer, Linda FINDING THE GRAIN Atmosphere Press (Fiction Fiction) $20.00 12, 11 ISBN: 9798891321274

In Fifer's novel, a veteran of the Afghanistan War embarks on the next chapter in her life while recovering from the death of her husband.

Izzy Stark, a former Army soldier, has relocated to the sleepy Colorado town of Whistle Canyon, where her husband, Dave, spent idyllic summer weeks as a child with his uncle. She and Dave were to begin new lives there, but just weeks before he was due to return from Afghanistan, he was killed in a roadside bomb blast. Now Izzy is adrift, suffering the deep psychological scars of combat and overwhelmed by heartache: "The sunsets were reminders that Dave was not coming back. The sunrises brought a fleck of hope that he was. Nothing quite fit. What she wanted slipped through the chilly holes in her." Meanwhile, Izzy is distraught over the absence of Dave's wedding ring, which was never returned to her, and is shocked to find his late uncle's house in disrepair. Izzy, sensing her late husband's presence there, vows to restore it in his honor. During trips to the hardware store, she meets a cast of warmhearted townsfolk, including furniture-making shop teacher Ben McCully, who suggests his students help her construct a new roof. Izzy soon learns that Ben is also widowed, and a tight bond of friendship develops. Izzy also finds solace in Bix, Dave's bomb-sniffing dog, whom she receives through an Army program. While improving the house, Izzy slowly rebuilds herself--and her future. But when an old Army friend arrives with boxes of Dave's belongings and troubling secrets, Izzy is forced to question everything she once believed about her former life. While readers will be moved by the author's touching prose, and by the aching humanity Fifer has woven into her skillfully crafted characters, some may wish for deeper subtext in the generally straightforward dialogue. Overall, the novel is an intimate and compassionate examination of the complexities of war, marriage, and loss, and it serves as a touching reminder that one can find one's home--and one's heart--in the unlikeliest places.

A beautiful, fragile, and raw story of mourning.

Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
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"Fifer, Linda: FINDING THE GRAIN." Kirkus Reviews, 15 May 2024, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A793537050/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=10fb42eb. Accessed 24 May 2024.

• Independent Book Review
  https://independentbookreview.com/2024/04/05/book-review-finding-the-grain/
  Word count: 677

  Book Review: Finding the Grain
  Finding The Grain by Linda Fifer delicately navigates the complexities of love and healing. Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt.

  BY INDIEBOOKVIEW
  APRIL 5, 2024
  COMMENTS 0

  Finding the Grain

  by Linda Fifer

  Genre: Literary Fiction / Romance

  ISBN: 9798891321274

  Print Length: 316 pages

  Publisher: Atmosphere Press

  Buy from Amazon
  Buy from Bookshop
  Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

  Finding The Grain delicately navigates the complexities of love and healing.
  Following the devastating loss of her husband Dave in active duty, Izzy Stark, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, endeavors to rebuild the civilian life they had always dreamed of together.

  Inheriting a house from Dave’s Uncle Will, Izzy embarks on a cross-country journey to Whistle Canyon, Colorado, to start fresh. What she encounters is quite unexpected though—a crumbling house and an unforeseen sense of purpose. Izzy is driven by her determination to renovate the 1940s relic in Dave’s memory, but she uncovers more challenges than she anticipated.

  Faced with the daunting task of completing the mounting list of renovations before winter sets in, Izzy reluctantly accepts assistance from Ben McCully, a local shops teacher, furniture maker, and charismatic cowboy. A widower himself, Ben becomes Izzy’s guiding light, showing her the power of healing, discovering a supportive community, and the potential for love to blossom once more.

  Ben exudes patience, tenderness, warmth, and kindness, offering a beacon of hope for Izzy, especially in moments where she battles her flashbacks. The standout scene for Ben is when he meets his grandson for the first time. In a moment alone with the baby he talks through each stage of life: of growing up, of being a parent, and how important it is to stay true to yourself. This bit could melt hearts across the world. His character is a testament to the author’s keen understanding of the complexities of love and healing.

  As Izzy settles into her new life accompanied by Dave’s former partner, Bix the German Shepherd, long-buried secrets from the weeks preceding Dave’s death slowly emerge. Tom Biddoe, a friend and fellow soldier, extends a lifeline through his non-profit, Boots and Hammers, intertwining his presence with Izzy’s life as he aids in renovating her kitchen. His insistence on addressing the past to reconcile with his own guilt threatens to disrupt the life and progress Izzy has painstakingly cultivated in the serene Colorado countryside.

  Hitting her breaking point amid her conflicted feelings for Ben, Izzy faces a pivotal decision: cling to the past and what she thought her life would be or forge ahead and discover what it could be. Can she navigate forgiveness, overcome betrayals, mend her heart, and ultimately find home?

  Author Linda Fifer gently navigates sensitive subjects like grief and post-traumatic stress disorder with a nuanced and empathetic touch. More than a few tears will be shed along Izzy’s journey—from Izzy and the reader both. Something about Finding The Grain resonated with me profoundly; witnessing her resilience was not just inspiring but also deeply moving.

  The novel’s standout feature lies in its vivid setting, transporting readers to the enchanting Whistle Canyon. The town becomes a character in itself. As I neared the end of the book, I didn’t want to leave this world. It feels like coming home, the same way it starts to feel for Izzy. Secondary characters, such as Earl from the hardware store, the high school kids who jump at the chance to help Izzy with a project, and Neil, the veteran and local legion head, add depth and provide glimpses into life in Whistle Canyon both before and after Izzy’s arrival.

  Fans especially of Virgin River and Nicholas Sparks will love Finding The Grain. Linda Fifer delivers a compelling, emotionally fulfilling read—a journey that every romance enthusiast should undertake.

• BookView Review
  https://bookviewreview.com/2024/03/09/book-review-finding-the-grain-by-linda-fifer/
  Word count: 275

  Book review: Finding the Grain by Linda Fifer

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  01/18/2024

  Fiction

  979-8-89132-127-4

  $20.00 / $9.99 ebook

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  Author interview

  Fifer’s deeply moving latest novel paints a poignant portrait of a young widow faced with the ultimate test: overcoming her love for her late husband and confronting painful secrets from his past. Izzy Stark, a war veteran back from the frontlines, faces unimaginable loss when her husband Dave is killed in action. As she settles into her inherited home in Whistle Canyon, Colorado, Izzy struggles to come to terms with her loss. With the help of new friend Ben McCully and old comrade Tom Biddoe, Izzy starts to rebuild her life. However, Tom’s revelations about Dave’s death and a mysterious package that arrives force Izzy to question everything she thought she knew.

  Fifer delves into the complexities of human emotion and relationships, exploring themes of love, grief, redemption, and self-discovery through the bond of friendship. She skillfully intertwines Izzy’s inner turmoil between logic and desire with Ben’s unwavering empathy and fortitude, while also capturing the irresistible charm of Bix’s canine antics that leap off of every page. Ultimately, this novel’s powerful message is that forgiveness is essential for progress, and that second chances are always within our grasp – even in matters of the heart. Readers will be captivated as they follow Izzy on her journey through the sometimes-devastating but always interesting moments of her life. A powerful story of second chances, forgiveness, and reinvention.