"Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside us." Oliver Wendell Homes
It is my hope each of my 'songs' is music to someone's ears.

Linda The Writer

2009 was a turning point in Linda Boltman’s life. Her two children had just graduated from college when she was laid off from her job, putting a sudden halt to a long, professional career. It seemed the perfect time to keep a promise she had made to herself decades before. Reaching into her bucket list to pursue two life-long dreams, Linda took up college classes in writing and watercolor. This changed her life.

She returned to the psychological thrillers and romance novels she loved growing up to write Man in the Moon. Jigsaw Press picked up her first novel and Man in the Moon was released July, 2011 in both paperback and eBook on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Smashwords, offering 10 formats, such as Kindle, Nook, Sony, Apple, Diesel and Kobo.

For the next several years, Linda shifted her focus to write short psychological thriller eBooks for people on the go, including The Sheriff, The Copper Box, Lover's Leap, The Valet of Darkshire Manor. Flash and Dash (a collection of short stories) and The Captive as well as some "fun" pieces like Plum Loco, Moon Pies and The Christmas Challenge. Shifting again, her latest book, a science fiction thriller, The Battle for Gray Tower, was released in October, 2015.

Her stories and poems have been published in every almost edition of IdeaGems Magazine, Adventures of the Average Woman and Tough Lit Magazine since October, 2010 in both their magazine and eBook form in both the U.S. and England. Her story, The Captive was accepted by San Diego Writer's Ink for their yearly anthology as one of San Diego's finest writers. Other of Linda's stories and articles have been published in Grand Magazine, GreenPrints Magazine and The San Diego Reader.

Typical of her Type A, ADHD personality, at the same time Linda began writing, she took up watercolor painting. Three months later she won 2nd place in the student division at the Del Mar Fair and the following year she won 2nd place in the advanced division. She sold several paintings and in December, 2011 her artwork had a 2-page feature spread in IdeaGems Magazine (www.ideagems.com ).

In late spring of 2016, realizing, as am empty nester, she didn't need a large, 4-bedroom home, Linda down-sized and left her home of 30 years to move from one end of the country to the other. Now a Seattle-ite, Linda incorporates her colorful life-long experiences into her hobbies of traveling, writing, painting and photography while taking every opportunity she can to be with her two grown children, David and Erin.


Battle for Gray Tower

BATTLE FOR GRAY TOWER

Linda's most recent book, Battle for Gray Tower was released in October, 2014. The teaser reads:

After the world is shattered by two life-changing events, civilization is divided into two major factions, the Nobles and the Darklings. Foreseeing such events, the Nobles prepared by establishing well organized, securely gated compounds where residents are totally self-sufficient.

Unlike their counterparts, the Darklings live for the moment. As they run out of food and fresh water, their society breaks down and they become desperate and aggressive. One charismatic leader rises to power, organizing an attack on Gray Tower with promises that everything the Darklings desire is within those walls.

To defend their compound, four young people must journey into the dangerous world of the Darklings to reach an underground contact who will lead them to ammunition and supplies. Throughout their mission, the four friends will defend themselves against ambushes and betrayals and learn that trust goes deeper than skin. They will be forced to put their faith in the very creatures they had been taught to distrust. It will take the strength of all four and the help of strangers to save each other and Gray Tower.

Be sure to check it out at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/485145


Man in the Moon

Man in the Moon
A psychological thriller by Linda Boltman

MAN IN THE MOON

Man in the Moon is a tightly written, fictional, fast-paced thriller. The teaser reads:

When a young computer genius out of the small town of Elroy, Wisconsin discovers a way to modify data from the Human Genome Project to create the perfect DNA, a double agent whose allegiance has always gone to the highest bidder is lured out of semi-retirement by the opportunity of a lifetime. Now this aging professional, once at the top of his game, will again meet his CIA nemesis in a fast-changing world populated by a much younger, and smarter, generation.

To get his hands on the greatest discovery the scientific world has ever known, he's going to have to up his game. But years of solitude, paranoia, isolated stakeouts and endless hotel rooms have taken their toll. As he wrestles with the knowledge that he is losing his professional edge, and maybe his grip on reality, the most difficult decisions of his life begin with a mysterious third player who would dare try to beat two old lions to the kill.

Man in the Moon was released by Jigsaw Press July, 2011. The book is now available in either paperback on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=linda+boltman&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Alinda+boltman and eBook on Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=man+in+the+moon.

The Sheriff

The Sheriff
A book by Linda Boltman

THE SHERIFF

The Sheriff, a psychological thriller set in the Midwest. The surprise ending is both shocking and tender. The teaser reads:

Otis is a tough old bird. A product of an abusive father and a mother who never provided any love or affection, he's grown up a loner. Circumstances have placed him in difficult situations, even as a child. As a result, he's become somewhat hardened, a characteristic that has served him well as a Sheriff.

Deciding Otis could us some help, the City Council hires Freddie, a young man fresh out of the Police Academy. Idealistic and sensitive, Freddie is shocked by Otis's cavalier attitude, especially over the tragic death of a well-loved farmer, Clarence Rasmussen. Determined to be the best Deputy he can be, Freddie's decisions change Otis's life in the most unimaginable way.

Download a copy of The Sheriff onwww.smashwords.com/books/view/245657.

Flash and Dash

Flash and Dash
Eight, unique, short stories and flash fiction by Linda Boltman

FLASH AND DASH

When your day is full of constant interruptions, lunch hour is the only available time to read, you're on a cross-country flight and bored, the kids are down for a nap, or you have time while the laundry's in the dryer - Flash and Dash is the answer. These eight, unique, short stories and flash fiction range from under 1,000 to over 3,000 words. Readers can choose the size for the time they have available.

Whether it’s a psychological thriller with a slight "twist" at the end for a delightful, unexpected surprise, or a warm-your-heart story, good for a laugh, these short stories and flash fiction are sure to keep you entertained.

Here’s a sample of what’s in store:

Poor Sal. All he wanted was to take a long-anticipated trip to Las Vegas. Instead, he finds himself behind the wheel of a large motor home, bound for the Grand Canyon. His eyes glaze over as he stares at the white lines of the blacktop road, the nagging voice of his wife ringing in his ears. In forty-five years of marriage, he’d never gotten to do what he wanted to do. Mile after mile, the only thought that runs through Sal’s mind is, ‘Just kill me, God!’ (The Grand Canyon Trip – 625 words)

The courage of a kidnapped young girl is tested, but her strong will to live will not allow her to become a victim. This dark story of sustained suspense focuses on the thought process of this young woman as she awaits the return of her captor and culminates in a surprise ending. The Captive was selected by San Diego Writer’s Ink Anthology, Vol 4 as one of San Diego’s finest writers. The story lends itself to a quick, but intense read. (The Captive – 884 words)

Carrie Saunders’ typical day as an ambitious, New York criminal attorney is about to change when her last appointment of the day shows up at her office. His simple question, “Do you know who Sal Giamano is?” makes her heart quicken and immediately turns her life upside down.(The Move to Cedar Springs - 2,755 words)

In the midst of The Great Depression, a woman slowly makes her way to the back of the bread line. Wallowing in despair and self-pity, overwhelmed with a feeling of hopelessness, she feels there is no way out of her unfortunate predicament, until she strikes up a conversation with the people around her. (The Bread Line – 1,982 words).

A light snow falls as Charlie Peterson makes his way down Main Street. His heavy boots crunch in the wet snow. He pulls his jacket collar high around his neck and shoves his hands into his pockets. That meeting was his last chance. He’d hung every expectation on that thirty-minute encounter. Now he’d run out of ideas...and hope. No job, a wife with Alzheimer’s and a work injury has almost put them financially under. Life isn’t fair. (The Job – 3,050 words)

An innocent man, Casey Thompson has resigned himself to death by lethal injection. As the guard comes to his cell to take his request for his last meal, the choice Casey makes may change his life. (The Last Supper – 1,283 words)

Be sure to check this eBook out at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Linda+Boltman

The Captive

The Captive
A psychological thriller by Linda Boltman

THE CAPTIVE

The Captive is a fictional, fast-paced thriller complete at about 900 words.

This dark short story focuses on the thought process and will to live of a kidnapped young girl who refuses to become a victim. The tension as she awaits the return of her captor culminates in a surprise ending. It lends itself to a quick, but intense read.

In February The Captive was selected for San Diego Writer's Ink Anthology, Vol 4 as one of San Diego's finest writers. I was honored to read my piece during their February 14th Press Release Party.

Download a free eBook copy of The Captive on Smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/89245.

The Valet of Darkshire Manor

The Valet of Darkshire Manor
A psychological thriller by Linda Boltman

THE VALET OF DARKSHIRE MANOR

The Valet of Darkshire Manor is a psychological thriller.

The advertisement simply stated, “Wanted – valet for large household. Must love animals.” Desperate for a job, Edwin Thorpe responded and was immediately accepted. A train ticket arrived within a week for the evening departure to Darkshire the following Friday. There were no further instructions. Now he stood at the train depot, a small satchel in hand, about to be greeted by two very strange men in long, dark capes.

Edwin had been a valet for almost forty years now, trained by his father’s cousin in the art of caring for the rich, yet in all the years he had been a valet, never had so little been asked of him. He had never been privy to such an unusual employer. Parties went on until early dawn, Lord Darkshire and his Russian Wolfhounds went hunting late at night, and staff spoke in low whispers. All in all, Edwin Thorpe wasn’t quite certain what to make of it.

Download a free eBook copy of The Valet of Darkshire Manoron Smashwords at

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/113684

The Copper Box

The Copper Box
A science fiction thriller by Linda Boltman

THE COPPER BOX

The Copper Box is a sci-fi thriller. While excavating a new business site, heavy equipment operator Doug Stone hits something with his backhoe bucket. Dr. Alicia Evans from the University is called in and during excavation, discovers that this unusual copper box has a mysterious and nefarious history. Irrevocably drawn to the box by a power he can’t explain, Doug stays late that night to lock up and once alone, hurries back to the box. A strange power compels him towards two strange keys which open the box. Initially disappointed at finding a black onyx stone, Doug soon finds that this stone contains properties like no other. Once touched, it passes on a piece of itself; something that only rare stones possess – eternal life. But once blessed with this new power, the recipient soon finds that never having to worry about time again may not be a blessing at all.

Download an eBook copy of The Copper Box on Smashwords at

Lover's Leap

Lover's Leap
A psychological thriller by Linda Boltman

LOVER'S LEAP

Lover’s Leap is a fictional, fast-paced psychological thriller.

This dark story takes place over one weekend, when a young, college woman is thrown into an unimaginable situation. Caught in the wreckage of a car accident in a remote area, the heroine must overcome the death of her fiancé and pursuit by the crazed man responsible. Bleeding and growing weaker, the next few days will not only test her will to survive, but it will challenge her mental stability as she is held captive in the car with her dead fiancé. Put in the darkest of situations, the heroine faces insurmountable odds and must delve deep within herself to overcome the greatest of odds to persevere and survive.

Download an eBook copy of Lover's Leap on Smashwords at

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/89188.

Plum Loco

Plum Loco
A humorous and heartwarming story by Linda Boltman

PLUM LOCO

Plum Loco is a humorous, heartwarming story about a single woman's quest to replace her favorite red plum tree after firefighters are forced to cut it down in an attempt to save her home during the San Diego Witch Creek Fire of 2007. Grateful for the firefighter's extreme efforts to save her house, she is devastated at the loss of the three. She had nurtured and loved it since it was a sapling and it had grown into a beautiful twelve-foot tree that was a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds. Lost without it, the author goes on a quest to find a replacement. The resulting story is her journey to bring the red plum home.

Plum Loco was accepted and published by GreenPrints Magazine in September, 2011. Download a free eBook copy of Plum Loco on smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92553

Moon Pies

Moon Pies
A heartwarming and funny look at first love by Linda Boltman

MOON PIES

Moon Pies is a humorous look back at a first true love.

There’s no way a woman from a small farm town in northern Illinois can be prepared when her future mother and father-in-law reach down and spit chew into a Campbell’s soup can. But when my boyfriend, Rick invited me to join him for a drive to the hills of Georgia for a family reunion, chewing tobacco was only the start of many surprises. I didn’t anticipate, however, that I would be the cause for the family being run out of town.

Moon Pies was first published in Idea GemsMagazine 'sAdventures for the Average Woman in April, 2011. Download a copy of Moon Pies on smashwords at

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90093

The Christmas Challenge

The Christmas Challenge
A warm hearted story of family by Linda Boltman

THE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

The Christmas Challenge is a warm-hearted look at a family Christmas.

Trying to recreate a family tradition when my Grandpa Shorty took me with him to cut down and carry home the family Christmas tree, proved more difficult than I thought. Each year my children and I would traipse out to our local tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree, deck it with ribbons and bows as identifiers, then come back to cut it down in time for Christmas. Each year our Christmas tree got taller and wider. Our family tradition culminated in the Christmas my friends and family still refer to as the year of the “Mother Lode Tree”.

Download a free eBook copy of The Christmas Challenge on smashwords at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/113700

Work in Progress

FLASH AND DASH II

I've started on my second Flash and Dash book in the series. These books are geared towards the reader with no time. This accumulation of short stories and flash fiction is perfect for picking up and putting down during lunch hour, when the chores are done and the kids aren't home from school yet or when you need something to do while waiting at the airport. Ranging from around 1,000 to over 3,000 words each, you can chose the size you have time to read.

I've already completed the first story, The House at the End of Main Street. A psychological thriller at 1,846 words, it may have you thinking twice about locking your doors and closing your windows at night.

AN UNASSUMING MAN

For Henry Ridler, life is a series of deliberate ruts. For thirty years his routine has never changed. Every day he sits in the back corner of a small basement office, lit only by a flickering incandescent light, with everything neatly in place. He eats the same lunch every day at 12:00 and has the same snack, prepared the same way, every day at 3:15. His lifestyle and his job fit neatly within his OCD behavior. But when a young, brash, insensitive manager is hired to oversee him, Henry’s world comes crashing down. Steve Sheidman taunts Henry relentlessly, pushing his buttons like no one else ever has. For Steve it’s a game, but he has no idea the deadly impact his cruel behavior has on this seemingly mild mannered man.

THE UNPRETENTIOUS HERO

Milton J. Smidley looks exactly as his name implies. A bald, middle aged man, now a little bit older and bit heavier than during his prime, Milton sports a pair of black horned rimmed glasses that consistently perch on the end of his nose. Only five-foot-four, he walks like a duck in a hurry, his feet waddling outwards, his neck thrust forward ahead of his gait. Yet strangely enough, in reality, Milton is never in a hurry.

You see, Milton is not in a particular rush to get anywhere. His life’s hours come in a slow succession of consistency. Like a clock whose second hand clicks from one second to the other in uniformity, Milton’s minutes click from day to day. He hadn’t wished his life to be so, life just sort of happened. Comfortable in the rut he has created, his daily routine changes little. For the most part, he’s never been an interesting human being, even as a child. On August 10, 2008, that all changed.

Look for my books, Battle for Gray Tower, Man in the Moon, The Sheriff, The Copper Box, Lover's Leap, The Valet of Darkshire Manor, The Captive, Plum Loco, The Christmas Challenge, Moon Pies AND Flash and Dash at http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=linda+boltman.

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