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Meet Momwriter

Linda Sherwood by Lisa Beamer

After interviewing her biology teacher in 7th grade and finding out that she was really a nice person, Linda Sherwood knew she wanted to be a journalist. Seeing the words, "By Linda Denton" in print, she was addicted. In 9th grade, she wrote her first newspaper article for the local paper. Today, Linda continues her journalistic endeavors writing a variety of material, including her recent investigative coverage that revealed some questionable activities within her local area's government.

Linda is a longtime Momwriter who is always quick to share her know-how with fellow writers. Hailing from Merritt, Michigan, where she lives with her husband, Steve, and their four children -- Autumn, 7; Amanda, 6; Maxine, 4 and Justin, 3 -- Linda writes, helps with the MW Moderator duties and spends weekends in the summer at the track where Steve races cars.

Mission Control for Linda is her 8x8' home office, formerly known as their home's formal entryway. "We got this idea because we never used the front door," explains Linda. "Everyone, even guests, came to our mudroom door. So, why have a formal entryway if you don't use it?" She writes from her vantage point under the office's octagon-shaped window, with the radio on to block outside interference. Along with her newspaper articles, Linda enjoys other types of writing as well, including humor essays. "They are reality with a twist, and they make people laugh and see themselves in a new light. It is very therapeutic to get down all my concerns and worries and humiliation on paper."

In addition to her articles, Linda is working on a non-fiction book proposal about community journalism, which will be similar to her SmallTownPress Web site. She hopes to have the proposal done and circulating to publishers and/or agents by this Summer 2002.

Linda has had many supporters throughout her life when it came to her writing. From the time she was young and spent vacations with her nose in a book reading or in a notebook writing, her parents always encouraged her passion for the written word. Later, when she was trying to decide on a career, she almost went into teaching until her Aunt Phyllis helped her realize that writing was her intended path. "I talked to her one day about my insecurities as a writer and she understood," says Linda. "I told her I was thinking of teaching. I had talked to my parents about possibly teaching too and again, my parents were supportive and believe in me enough to think I can do anything I try to do and do it well. My aunt, however, told me no, teaching isn't for you. You're a writer, so write. And when she said that, I knew she was right."

In recent years, Linda has received a lot of support and encouragement from her fellow Momwriters, including her writing buddy Kimber, as well as friends Teri and Shelley who cheer her on or crack the whip as is needed.

When asked what she is most proud of with regard to her writing career, Linda replied, "That I can write a wide variety of styles well. I can do the hard news article and still pull off the humorous essay or the interesting feature. I don't fit into a mold and I like that."

Some fun facts about Linda:

Pets: The Sherwood family has several pets. "Our cat is Mittens, who has six toes on his front paws that look like mittens...lets the kids do everything to him and tolerates it all without a scratch. We have Zeus, our overgrown puppy chocolate lab who has been known for swiping the neighbor's cell phone or chewing their new welcome mat. Then there is Amy Marie (already named when I adopted her from a shelter) who is a mutt, but looks a lot like a black border collie. She is extremely sweet and smart. Spike is our beagle, named after Snoopy's brother. A very fast runner, a bit shy, but all heart."

Favorite Authors: Linda shares a shocking admission, "When I read books, I rarely look at their title let alone the author's name. I read a lot and though I can remember the plot lines forever, I can't tell you the name of the author. Horrible confession for a writer to make." She does note that she likes Mark Twain, mysteries by Patricia Cornwell and the refreshing style of Jennifer Cruisie who "mixes mystery with romance and humor in a fantastic brew."

Favorite Way to Relax: Linda enjoys working on counted cross stitch projects, though she admits that very few of them ever get completed anymore.

Favorite Type of Music: "An eclectic mix between rock, country and the latest pop stuff. I like the classical too (a former band geek)." The last CD she purchased was "Uncle Kracker."

Favorite Quote: "The opinions expressed by this child may not necessarily be those of her family," from One Big Happy, a comic strip.

If Linda had a day all to herself, what would she choose to do? "I would love to get one of those all day pamper massage things for like $250. It would be so unlike me. I rarely wear makeup, but I love the idea of a daylong pampering. It would be one of the last things I'd actually buy for myself. I would always choose to be more practical like bras or undies. But the day of pampering would be wonderful."

You can learn more about Linda and her work from her web sites, http://www.lindasherwood.com and http://www.smalltownpress.net. You can also reach her by e-mail at linda@lindasherwood.com.

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