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.

🏠 Based in: Chicago, Illinois

🖊️ 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

💡 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.

🎶 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.

🧠 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.

💬 “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.

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📚 Visit Linda’s website: www.LindaRaeApolzon.com

📖 Read her story in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² – now available in print, audiobook, and ebook. www.42storiesanthology.com