Wednesday, July 30, 2025

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Linda Rae Apolzon Interview

 

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.

๐Ÿ  Based in: Chicago, Illinois

๐Ÿ–Š️ 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:

  • Max Helps Out

  • I’ll Share With You

  • The Day David Wasn’t There (currently out of print)

  • “How Winston Lost His Math Homework” – SPIDER PRESENTS: SHORT STORIES, BIG LAUGHS

  • “To the Rescue” – RANGER RICK’S STORYBOOK

๐Ÿ’ก Fun Facts from the Interview:

  • Former Aspirations: Linda originally wrote adult stories for The New Yorker, but her passion quickly shifted to writing for children.

  • Writing Setup: She prefers writing at the dining room table, finding it more comfortable than a traditional desk.

  • Family of Writers: All of her siblings write, and her father was a gifted storyteller.

  • Pets: She has a deep love for rescue dogs, citing their loyalty and ability to love unconditionally.

๐ŸŽถ Favorites:

  • Books: Neverwhere (Neil Gaiman), The Beatryce Prophecy, The Magician’s Elephant (Kate DiCamillo)

  • Music: ABBA, James Taylor, and “The Rainbow Connection”

  • Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Now, Voyager, Blazing Saddles, The Producers

  • 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.

๐Ÿง  Advice for Writers:

  • Allow yourself to write terribly at first.

  • Outline strategically—but flexibly.

  • Accept rejection with grace: one day of misery, then back to the page.

  • Celebrate every win—even small ones.

๐Ÿ’ฌ “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.


๐Ÿ“š Visit Linda’s website: www.LindaRaeApolzon.com

๐Ÿ“– 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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