Writing took Lin Weich by surprise. It now consumes her days.
“I’ve never been a writer,” she said with a shy smile.
A veteran educator and accomplished kayaker, who enjoys wilderness camping, photography, reading and writing, Weich was travelling along Highway 16 (Highway of Tears) when a large billboard warning of the dangers of hitchhiking sent chills down her spine.
Adding to that, enthralling stories from a sea captain coupled with her natural curiosity and vivid imagination, Weich was on the way to her first book, Strength of an Eagle.
The book focuses on a young woman, Maya, who, after being thrown off a remote cliff, survives and realizes she must kayak to safety, away from the man who wanted her dead.
Overwhelming challenges, including a disastrous run-in with drug smugglers, cause the main character to develop the survival skills and strength of character to survive all the ordeals.
Weich said she started the writing process with an outline for the book and tried developing her manuscript from that, but soon realized she preferred writing vignettes which she then tied altogether.
“My first editor helped polish the story and tighten the plot,” Weich said.
“I then basically rewrote the story
and added the common diabolical threat.”
Finding an editor and deciding to self-publish her work was the best option for this novice writer.
“I had given up on established publishing houses and agents; they work with published authors with proven works. I chose to go self-publishing, but that also comes with a price both in time and money,” she said.
“I found an editor online and we connected right away.”
By the time Strength of an Eagle was ready for publishing, Weich had finished her second book and decided to publish them at the same time.
Half Truths and Total Lies draws on Weich’s experience as a teacher in both remote and more urban schools.
“The plot basically came to me in a dream,” she said.
“Then I created the protagonist which tied the story together.”
This book plays to the weaknesses in everyone and particularly to the three teachers and one administrator the murderer set his sights on.
Weich believes both books are quintessentially Canadian, reflecting the reality of life.
“It’s the Canadian way,” she said with a smile.
“My books reflect what happens to real people in a real life. I also sought the wisdom of family, friends and colleagues who could shed light on the psychology of my characters.”
Both books are compellingly sinister and filled with suspense, which is, for anyone that knows Weich, a complete about face.
“My books are a far cry from the image of a gentle teacher surrounded by little children,” she said.
“The books are dark, violent and have sexual aspects that have shocked those who know me.”
Weich is thoroughly enjoying her retirement and the new path she is following.
“I have three more books in my head and can’t wait to start,” she said with a big grin.
“I expect to continue creating sinister suspense thrillers.”
As she navigates the unfamiliar and challenging world of marketing her books, Weich is learning about social media, websites and most importantly how to ask for the help she needs.
“So much of the process has been a steep learning curve, but I’m thriving in this new direction.”
Strength of an Eagle and Half Truths Total Lies are available from a variety of sources including Friesen Press bookstore, E-book sources such as Amazon, Kobo and several others, from the author’s website linweich.com and in bookstores.