Welcome to our New Faces column, where we are pleased to introduce the latest authors to be found on your romance shelves. This time we're visiting with Wendy Lindstrom, whose first book is Shades of Honor from St. Martins Press.

Wendy, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself.

I spent my early years in rural upstate New York with my five brothers and two sisters, climbing apple trees, playing in the creek and the life-size covered wagon my father built. I was a dreamer and a talker and made up enough stories to drive my siblings nuts. My mother finally gave me a diary and there began my life as a writer, although I didn't realize it until much later in life.

The publication of my first novel, SHADES OF HONOR, the leading book in a planned trilogy for St. Martin's Press launched my career as a romance author. I am the winner of numerous writing awards, including the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award. I now weave my stories from my home nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in upstate New York.

When not writing, my husband and I love to attend music events, sometimes performing in our own band, or sitting-in with musician friends. I enjoy writing articles and speaking on self-esteem and motivation issues, as well as the craft of writing.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

In addition to writing romance I am a territory manager for a metals distribution company (a unique job in a predominantly male industry), but I plan to retire from Corporate America in the near future to write full time. I love writing historical romance, but will soon broaden my writing base to include articles and books on self-esteem and empowerment issues for women.

What led you to write romance?

Like many romance authors, I first fell in love with the genre by reading Kathleen Woodiwiss, LaVyrle Spencer, and Joanna Lindsey. After reading all their books, I craved more of those deep, emotional love stories so I wrote one of my own (Shades of Honor), which began my career as a romance author.

Tell us about your road to publication.

Shades of Honor is my first book that I wrote over a period of three years (at one point I was going to throw out the manuscript and start a new book, but my husband told me to keep it and come back to it later, so it sat in my drawer for a year). When I revised it, Shades of Honor won third place in the Indiana Romance Writers (RWA) contest and first place in the Nashville RWA contest, and eventually the Romance Writer's of America's 2000 Golden Heart Award.

At that time I received offers from three agents to represent my book. Five months after my agent sent my manuscript out, we got an offer from Leisure, and two days later a fabulous counter offer from St. Martin's Press for the series.

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I read memoirs and history books on the Civil War, as well as taking a trip to Gettysburg, which is where my hero's regiment, the 149th NY Volunteers, fought the battle (a real regiment formed in Syracuse, NY that fought all the major battles of the war).

I also researched my local area in upstate New York, which is where I set this story. In addition, I researched the lumber industry and how sawmills were powered in the late 1800's.

Who are your influences as a writer?

LaVyrle Spencer has influenced my writing the most, but I enjoy many other authors, both historical and contemporary in almost all genres. I love reading and devour tons of books!

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

My husband and family are extremely supportive and have encouraged me to live my dream from the first day I told them I was writing a book. My husband hired a band and had a huge party for me when I sold Shades of Honor to St. Martin's Press. All my family and friends came bearing gifts any writer would love, and we danced into the morning hours. It's a night I'll never forget.

Tell us about plans for future books.

Shades of Honor (June 2002) is the first novel in a planned trilogy with St. Martin's Press. Shades of Love (tentative title) is slated for release in late 2002 or early 2003 (TBA), and Shades of Remembrance (tentative title) is the third novel (no contract or scheduled release date for this book yet).

This particular series has the potential for another trilogy, but it's too soon to discuss it with my editor.

How can readers get in touch with you?

Contact me through my website, www.wendylindstrom.com or via email at wlindstrom2000@yahoo.com or via snail mail at Wendy Lindstrom PO Box 002 Allegany, NY 14706

Wendy, thanks for joining us, and best of luck with your trilogy! June 30, 2002