Linda Wilgus, a debut author, discusses her novel 'The Sea Child,' which follows a group of smugglers on the Cornish coast and a young widow with a mysterious past who becomes involved with them and their charismatic captain.
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Wilgus was born and raised in the Netherlands, and has lived in Italy, Belgium, and the United States. She now resides near Cambridge, UK, with her husband, three children, and a dog. Her passion for storytelling began in childhood, fostered by weekly trips to the library where she would check out the maximum number of books allowed. It wasn't until she was around eleven or twelve that she began writing her own stories, inspired by a creative writing exercise at school.
Among her early influences, she recalls reading 'Wipneus en Pim,' a Dutch children's book, which sparked her love for folklore. An important turning point in her journey as an author was 'Crusade in Jeans' by Thea Beckman, which inspired her to pursue writing. Her favorite novel remains Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' appreciated for its subtle romance and tragic elements.
'The Sea Child' is set for release on January 20th. Wilgus describes it in five words: magical, atmospheric, adventurous, deeply romantic. The novel presents a blend of romance and adventure against the backdrop of the rugged Cornish coast in the early 1800s, following Isabel, a young widow who becomes involved with smugglers and faces the societal constraints of her time.
The inspiration for the book came during a family visit to Cornwall, where the landscape and legends captured her imagination. Wilgus enjoys writing the dynamic between Isabel and Jack, as well as the supporting characters, including the slimy Lieutenant Sowerby and the nurturing Mrs. Dowling.
Wilgus faced challenges during the writing process, particularly with the extensive research required for historical fiction, all while managing her family life. However, her family's support allowed her to write more quickly than usual. Having started to write seriously about ten years ago, she transitioned from short stories published in literary magazines to writing novels, culminating in 'The Sea Child' after several attempts with previous manuscripts.
Looking ahead, Wilgus is currently editing her second novel, set to be published in Spring 2027, which is also set in Cornwall but in the early Victorian era. She is excited about upcoming releases, including 'The Book Witch' by Meg Shaffer and 'The Woman and Her Stars' by Penny Haw.