Meet Linda R. Herman

Who am I? I am a native of South Georgia. My grandparents raised me and from them as well as my parents, aunts and uncles, I learned the value of hard work. Nothing in life is given; you must earn everything-respect first and foremost. I spent most of my childhood working in watermelons with my grandfather during the summer, and in the pecan orchard alongside my grandmother in the fall and winter months. I hated it but as an adult, that hard work has made me appreciate my blessings today. Now I sit at a console in a building with air conditioning, answering phone lines and dispatching public safety units to citizens in distress. Yes, I am a 911 dispatcher-one of many unsung heroes who strive for excellence day in and day out. But me, I don't want to be praised for doing my job-I just want to do my job well.

I have been married for almost ten years and through the ups and downs, I must say that my husband is now my best friend. He understands those days when I do nothing but sit at the computer, quietly typing to complete my next book. He travels with me, always the one behind the wheel, supporting me in this literary journey. Together we're raising three kids; two teens and a two year-old. It's tough but God has his arms of love and protection around us.

In 2006, I lost my grandmother, mother, and best friend--all in one. Ollie Mae West, my maternal grandmother, died at the young age of 64 and I'd be lying if I said I was over it. I take this journey without her, the only way I can, day by day. Most mornings I wake up with thoughts of her on my mind; and when I doze off at night, I see her smiling face. I know she's in a better place where she is no longer suffering with agonizing pain but it doesn't make me stop wanting her here with me. I've learned to embrace the rest of my family more; I had to realize that I was still amongst the living even though a big part of me died with my grandmother. The bond between a grandmother and her oldest grandchild is unexplainable, but I must say it's a love like no other. (RIP Nanny)

Now that you know a little about me, the woman behind the pen, please stop by often and leave me comments or email me at sunshineroyal75@yahoo.com. Let's keep in touch!