Linda Weaver Clarke
She is the author of the historical romance series, A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho, which includes the following novels: Melinda and the Wild West (2006)–a finalist for the "Reviewers Choice Award," Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (2008), Jenny´s Dream (2009), David and the Bear Lake Monster (2009), and Elena, Woman of Courage (2009). A mystery/adventure series called The Adventures of John and Julia Evans includes Anasazi Intrigue (2010), Mayan Intrigue (2010), and Montezuma Intrigue (2011).
To learn more about Linda Weaver Clarke and read sample chapters from each of her books, visit her website at www.lindaweaverclarke.com.
Visit my Blog Spot at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com.
Articles by Linda Weaver Clarke
February 01, 2012
Sometimes when you read a series of books the quality of them seems to diminish as you read further into the series. The first book mesmerizes you, but subsequent books are just not as good. The characters become, well, boring and predictable and even annoying after a while, you don't really care ab...
January 25, 2012
Grabbing the interest of your reader on the first page is essential. You don´t want your reader to put the book down. Using action words in the first paragraph, rather than description, helps to stir interest in the story right away. Here is an example of what I mean from my mystery novel, Ana...
January 19, 2012
John and Julia Evans are back again for another adventure. This time, they are off to Cancun, Mexico to explore the Mayan ruins. As an investigative reporter, Julia is going on assignment but at the same time she and her husband are using it as a chance to spend some much needed time together. Latel...
December 29, 2011
"The historian, if honest, gives us a photograph; the storyteller gives us a painting." (Leon Garfield) The photograph shows us the historical facts. The storyteller takes these facts and creates a story surrounding a fictional family. I have learned so much about our country and the revolution by r...
December 22, 2011
Have you ever wondered how "kissing under the mistletoe" got started… Well, mistletoe has been part of European folklore as far back as the ancient Celtic Druids. It was known for its mystical powers. In the Middle Ages, mistletoe was hung from ceilings and over doorways to ward off evil spirits. In...
November 02, 2011
There are many ways to bring your character to life. One is an adequate description of the person and another is emotion. We need to see the character with our mind´s eye. If you choose to be more descriptive about your character´s physical attributes, there is much to consider. If your character is...
October 26, 2011
Socrates Great Book Alert Award! Reporter, Julia Evans, is shocked as a horrific flood destroys many homes in Santa Clara, Utah. As she prepares to write about this tragedy, she stumbles upon fish and cats that have been poisoned. She investigates to learn whether this was deliberate or a terrible a...
September 28, 2011
Each genre has different rules and challenges. We have mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance. Each plot has to be carefully thought out before writing a story. The writing process between romance and mystery was quite a change for me, with a completely different mind set. With romance, you plan ...
September 22, 2011
Ah, the good old days! Doctors made house calls, rode on horseback to remote areas, and stayed up all night with ailing patients if necessary, bringing patients and family members needed care, comfort, and relief.
In the fifth and final book of this series by Linda Weaver Clarke, "Elena, Woman of...
September 11, 2011
After a book is published, an author´s responsibilities are just beginning. Many people think that an author can now relax after the book has been written and begin their next book, but it´s not so. An author must promote his or her book by doing FIVE THINGS that will enhance the book´s success.
...
September 06, 2011
These books are so enjoyable to read! The characters come to life and keep me engaged and entertained. Once again, I ventured back in time to 1912, when the land was vast and untamed, and life seemed full of promise and possibility. It was also the time of the Indian legend of the Bear Lake Monster....
August 16, 2011
Set in 1908, a ten-foot grizzly bear, Old Half Paw, is terrorizing the community of Paris, Idaho, killing sheep and making everyone more than a bit nervous. His story is based on the true story of Old Three Toes, a real grizzly bear. This is just some of the action in this historical novel, Jenny's ...
July 26, 2011
"Edith and the Mysterious Stranger" Won't Disappoint! When I was asked to read Linda Weaver Clarke´s first novel "Melinda and the Wild West," I found that I was transported back in time to a place that we only get to read about in history books. It was a wonderfully captivating story.
In her nove...
July 07, 2011
The award winning "sweet" romance novel, Melinda and the Wild West, received unique reviews from Reader Views and others.
Melinda and the Wild West was a finalist for the Reader Views "Reviewers Choice Award". Debra Gaynor, reviewer for Reader Views, wrote: "From the first page I was captivated b...
July 01, 2011
Freedom is the most precious gift given to all of us. It isn´t free, but it´s fought for. Have you ever wondered why tears so freely come to our eyes when we hear the Star Spangled Banner as our flag waves in the distance? Why do we value our freedom and hold it so close to our hearts?
...
June 10, 2011
Montezuma´s treasure has been on people´s minds for ages. The question is, does it really exist? When Cortez arrived in Mesoamerica in the early 1500s, Montezuma thought he was the Great White God Quetzalcoatl, who had promised to return one day. It didn´t take long for Montezuma t...
June 02, 2011
Mysterious events, the search for Montezuma´s treasure, a good-looking rogue, and family secrets! How important is it to learn about our parentage? Will it make a difference in one´s life and the choices we make? To April, it makes a big difference.
With a blend of mystery, adventure,...
April 29, 2011
As parents and teachers, we have a great responsibility. We are not only teaching young minds, but shaping the future. The sad thing is that some of us don´t take the time to understand difficult or rebellious children. Why are they acting this way? We just assume they are misbehaving because of lac...
March 30, 2011
The "Roaring Twenties" was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. It was a time of independence, courage, and adventure.
In the 1920s, the new generation spoke a language that their parents didn´t understand. They used words like: Cat´s pajamas...
March 25, 2011
The "Roaring Twenties" was a new decade of independent women, when they raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. This new hairstyle brought about a lot of commotion. If a woman bobbed her hair, she was fired from her job. A teacher in Jersey City was ordered to grow her hair back by the school b...
March 22, 2011
Teachers have a great responsibility. They are not only teaching young minds, but they are shaping the future. Because a child may be difficult, some teachers don´t take the time to understand what the problem is.
A young fifteen-year-old boy received excellent grades, but his teacher didn´t unde...
March 21, 2011
Idaho´s Bear Lake Valley is a stunning and tranquil place to visit. Looking down from the crest of the mountain, one may see flat rich meadowland spread out for miles and miles between the mountains, exhibiting more shades of green and yellow than one could ever imagine; and among all this are patch...
March 18, 2011
We enter the "Make Believe World" when we open a book and begin to read. It is a world that can fill us with wonder, where dreams can come true, where we can go on an adventure, learn about history, or fall in love all over again.
"Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho," is...
December 04, 2010
The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia´s life in great danger! From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot for John and Julia Evans. While on assignment for the newspaper, the Evans´ try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. As a reporter, Julia does not easily give up and her curiosity gets them in a mess of trouble. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.
December 04, 2010
When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, they are shocked by the news of also a possible poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The town doesn't know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly though, Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger and more dangerous than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story and helping out their small town! She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.
August 30, 2010
The jungles of the Yucatan, Mayan ruins, looters, a mysterious artifact, and a nosey reporter are focus of Mayan Intrigue.
The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia´s life in great danger! From valuable artifacts to shady businessmen, the Yucatan Peninsula becomes a dangerous vacation spot...
July 02, 2010
Stolen artifacts, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue. Ancient American artifacts are being sold to the highest bidder. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn´t take long for thieves to find out about it.
Archaeological thievery is becomi...
June 10, 2010
The secret of happiness is a great mystery to many people, constantly searching for joy in everyday life. Is laughter the secret to true happiness? How about a simple, sincere smile and greeting as you pass a friend? I´ve noticed it´s quite effective. I suspect it´s because friendl...
April 09, 2010
Ancient American artifacts are being sold to the highest bidder. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn´t take long for thieves to find out about it. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year but Utah´s vandalism is the worst in the country. Theft at the Four Co...
March 15, 2010
Stolen artifacts, the Santa Clara/Virgin River flood, a snoopy newspaper reporter, and mysterious events begin to unfold with Anasazi Intrigue.
When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish a...
March 08, 2010
A thunderous crash could be heard in the distance as a home collapsed and crumbled into the rushing waters below. Several people were standing at the edge of a hilltop in Santa Clara, Utah, watching their valley being destroyed before their very eyes. The torrent had eaten away the dirt of the river...
March 01, 2010
The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Who were they? What were their beliefs? How did they live? Indian art painted or engraved in rock gives us an idea who the Anasazi were, their beliefs and lifestyle. Carved into the desert varnish, the Indians left behind t...
September 04, 2009
The importance of family legacy can never be over emphasized. Each of us has a story from our ancestors or even our very own story to tell. If these stories are unwritten, then how are your children going to know of their ancestry, of their parentage, or even family traditions of the past? Are these...
July 20, 2009
Scotland has the Lock Ness Monster and Bear Lake Valley has theirs. Do they really exist? "David and the Bear Lake Monster" focuses on deep-rooted legends, a few mysterious events, the mystery of the Bear Lake Monster, and a tender love story.
As the waves splash gently upon the shore and the ful...
June 24, 2009
The waves splashed gently upon the shore and the full moon shone brightly upon Bear Lake, making the water shimmer. A deep foreboding was in the air and the fawn, sipping from the lake, could sense it. His ears perked up and he stood still while his eyes searched the area. Only the sounds of nature ...
December 12, 2008
We hope for things not seen but it must accompany faith. They go hand in hand. Hope helps us to bear our afflictions. Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us."
I would like to relate a true story o...
November 25, 2008
Dreams are a part of life and they come straight from the heart. In fact, dreams eventually become our goals. If you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Follow your dream! This was Jenny´s philosophy.
"Linda Weaver Clarke has captured the essence of reaching for yo...
October 27, 2008
In the history of the Rocky Mountains, there have been many bears that roamed the mountains and fields. Early settlers knew the temperament of these animals, and that it was not wise to sneak up on a bear and surprise him. There was one such grizzly whose story has been told at several campfires to ...
September 25, 2008
After a book is published, an author´s responsibilities are just beginning. Many people think that an author can now relax after the book has been written and begin their next book, but it´s not so. An author must promote his or her book by doing four things that will enhance the book´s success.
...
August 27, 2008
Emotion is the secret of holding a reader, the difference between a slow or dynamic recounting of a story. When you feel the emotion inside, so will your readers. By giving descriptions of emotion, it helps the reader feel part of the story as if he were actually there himself. Emotions of a charact...
July 31, 2008
Holiday traditions make life worth living! We anxiously await that special day when we can celebrate with our loved ones. These traditions help to create a bond with one another. Each holiday has a special nostalgia that tugs at our hearts. We think of our stomachs and delectable food on Thanksgivin...
June 25, 2008
When we pledge allegiance to our country, what does that mean to us? Do we have tears well up in our eyes as we see our flag waving in the distance? Do we take our freedom for granted? Many countries have no rights and are not at liberty to say what they feel or to worship as they please. In some co...
June 15, 2008
Life is full of choices and we can choose any vocation we desire. What we do with those choices will make our future. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: "The future belongs to those who prepare for it."
We must develop our talents and acquire skills, gain knowledge and learn the lessons of life, no matte...
June 03, 2008
Intriguing letters… letters that were given much thought… letters written so eloquently… letters that touched her heart! Who had written such letters? This was the last thing Edith had expected.
"The Power of the Written Word -- this is the life lesson I took away from Linda Weaver Clarke´s book ...
March 18, 2008
Historical fiction helps us to understand the past. It educates and entertains us at the same time. History books give us the facts, but historical fiction helps us to understand history in a special way.
February 26, 2008
Rugged mountains, lush valleys, and bright red patches of Indian paintbrush that seem to set the land on fire; grizzly bears, outlaws, and the Bear Lake Monster! Idaho´s Bear Lake Valley, located in the tops of the Rocky Mountains, has fascinating history. Here mountain men held many a rendezvous, t...
January 08, 2008
Family is important. It takes commitment and hard work to improve family relationships. With all the negative influences around us, we struggle to hold our families together. But it´s a battle that is well worth it.
Family must come first and foremost before anything else, even before our career....
October 01, 2007
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." – Anais Nin (1903-1977)
Friendship is a most precious gift that will endure the eternities. Cicero (106-43 BC) said, "Life is nothing without friendship." ...
September 09, 2007
We live in a world of hard knocks, a world where we can learn and progress and gain knowledge. We grow from the many experiences we have in life. Many times our sorrows and problems help us to understand another person´s sorrow. When we go through similar trials, then we are more sympathetic to othe...
August 24, 2007
Tribulation is part of life. No one can avoid it. Just as life begins to hand us something wonderful, then something inevitably pulls us down. Sometimes we have physical or mental stress put upon us at the most inconvenient time of our lives. We just want life to go smoothly, as it was before, with ...
August 01, 2007
Dreams are a part of life and they come straight from the heart. Mack David wrote, "A dream is a wish your heart makes." If you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything. It´s all a state of mind. If you believe in yourself, then nothing else matters.
First, make a list of your goals. Write t...
June 11, 2007
Freedom is precious to all of us. It isn´t free, but it´s fought for. Have you ever wondered why tears so freely come to our eyes when we hear the Star Spangled Banner as our flag waves in the distance? Why do we value our freedom and hold it so close to our hearts?
Samuel F. Smith wrote, "My cou...
April 29, 2007
"I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now; Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." –Grellet
Is it possible to make the community that we live in just a little better place?...
March 01, 2007
The secret of happiness is a great mystery to many people, constantly searching for joy in everyday life. I´ve heard people say: "When I finally graduate from college, then my life will be better." "I´ll truly be happy when I get a better job." "As soon as my new home is built, I know I´ll be more c...
December 18, 2006
Christmas is a season of giving, a time when we show our love to others. During this season, how many times have we thought about giving of ourselves? The importance of serving others can never be over-emphasized. The measure of our love shows in what we do for one another. How many times has someon...
December 11, 2006
Dreams can come true, no matter what age you are. Dreams are a part of life and they come straight from the heart. Mack David wrote, "A dream is a wish your heart makes." In fact, dreams eventually become our goals. If you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. It´s all ...
December 04, 2006
Many times our every day lives can overwhelm us and we desperately need a break. Being a wife, homemaker, and mother can be a challenge and some days we feel discouraged. That´s the time when we would like to enter the world of Make-Believe. Perhaps after we do the dishes, change a diaper, and put o...
September 22, 2006
"Strong family relationships don´t just happen. It takes time. It takes commitment, it takes prayer, and it takes work." -- Eugene Hansen
Raising a family isn´t easy but if one has strong family relationships, then we can make better choices. We´re human and make mistakes but th...
August 31, 2006
There is a Law of Life that relates to everyone. This law is something we have no control over, but if we knew the importance of this law, we would accept it more readily. Most laws seem to be for our own good, to protect our rights and our safety. This Law of Life works a little differently. It wor...
August 14, 2006
"No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home…(To be a parent is) the greatest trust that has been given to human beings." (David O. McKay) Being a parent is a great responsibility and many times we can get discouraged. So many times we feel disheartened because our children will not ...
May 15, 2006
"If a child hears good music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart." –Shinchi Suzuki (1898 – 1998)
I remember when my mother encouraged me to practice my instrument and how I tried to find one excuse ...
April 21, 2006
"Friends, companions, and lovers … are closest to us who best understand what life means to us, who feel for us as we feel for ourselves, who are bound to us in triumph and disaster, who break the spell of our loneliness." – Henry Alonzo Myers
Marriage is a sacred bond between man and woman, but ...
March 18, 2006
"Storms make oaks take deeper roots," my mother reminded me. She always told me that trials made us better people. They help us mature and grow. If a tree never had to fight for sun and water, but had everything given to it, it would become a scrubby little thing. In other words, the stronger the wi...
March 13, 2006
What did "family unity" mean to the early Americans who settled our country? For many of these noble people, family unity was both a necessity and a natural way of life. They relied heavily on each other for survival. Like families of the past, we have an even stronger need for unity today.
Each ...
March 03, 2006
The importance of serving others can never be over emphasized. What are we here for if not to serve our friends and loved ones? The golden rule says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." King Benjamin said, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service ...