Fort Worth, TX, USA
Industry: Arts
Field: Freelance Writing

Linda LaRue Austin was always encouraged to pursue a career in writing. The daughter of quiet farmers, she took to reading early in life, a pastime easily enjoyed living in a serene and peaceful environment. Her paternal grandmother was a schoolteacher, so books were never hard to come by, and her interest in writing only increased as the years progressed. As a high school student, she was encouraged further by one of her English teachers, Thelma Newby, who praised her writing abilities.

In 1967, Ms. Austin completed a bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian education, with a minor in drama, at Northwest Christian College, an institution to which she received a scholarship. She became an ordained pastor in 1970, and earned a Master of Religious Studies from Lexington Theological Seminary the same year. She has since fulfilled her desire to serve as a minister through Stephen Ministries and the Disciples of Christ Church.

Ms. Austin is an honored member of Fort Worth Writers, and maintains affiliations with the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. and the Romance Writers of America. She is also a former member of the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, and considers herself to be an expert in various subjects, including several areas of history, archery and photography. She credits her successful career to having good friends, good fortune, a loving God, and being persistent.

Now retired from her career as a writing instructor and educator, Ms. Austin currently works as a freelance writer. She has produced several manuscripts, and her fantasy novel, “Midnight Amethyst,” is nearly complete. “You have to learn your craft,” she says. “If you know the craft, there’s just about anything you can do with it.” With that in mind, she intends to continue growing personally and professionally in the future. Continue reading →