We’re excited to feature children’s author Linda Rae Apolzon, one of the many talented contributors to 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42². Her story, “I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED CREATURES OF THE WOODS,” appears in the Werewolf category and reflects her knack for voice-driven storytelling and emotional honesty—even in just 42 words.
๐ Based in: Chicago, Illinois
๐️ Published Works:
Linda writes primarily for children and has been featured in beloved magazines such as SPIDER and RANGER RICK. Some of her titles include:
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Max Helps Out
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I’ll Share With You
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The Day David Wasn’t There (currently out of print)
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“How Winston Lost His Math Homework” – SPIDER PRESENTS: SHORT STORIES, BIG LAUGHS
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“To the Rescue” – RANGER RICK’S STORYBOOK
๐ก Fun Facts from the Interview:
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Former Aspirations: Linda originally wrote adult stories for The New Yorker, but her passion quickly shifted to writing for children.
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Writing Setup: She prefers writing at the dining room table, finding it more comfortable than a traditional desk.
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Family of Writers: All of her siblings write, and her father was a gifted storyteller.
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Pets: She has a deep love for rescue dogs, citing their loyalty and ability to love unconditionally.
๐ถ Favorites:
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Books: Neverwhere (Neil Gaiman), The Beatryce Prophecy, The Magician’s Elephant (Kate DiCamillo)
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Music: ABBA, James Taylor, and “The Rainbow Connection”
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Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Now, Voyager, Blazing Saddles, The Producers
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Sweets: White cake with buttercream frosting, Snickers, and bridge mix
✍️ Writing Process:
Linda starts each session with a comforting cup of coffee or hot chocolate. She’s a big believer in writing freely—especially bad first drafts—and stops mid-scene to make it easier to return later. Her plotting method involves a detailed chapter grid to track arcs, tension, and subplots.
๐ง Advice for Writers:
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Allow yourself to write terribly at first.
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Outline strategically—but flexibly.
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Accept rejection with grace: one day of misery, then back to the page.
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Celebrate every win—even small ones.
๐ฌ “I want readers to feel something when they read my work.”
And yes, her last name is pronounced “apples on”—as in, apples on a tree.
๐ Visit Linda’s website: www.LindaRaeApolzon.com
๐ Read her story in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² – now available in print, audiobook, and ebook. www.42storiesanthology.com
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