Desert Hot Springs Library celebrates Women’s History Month with author Linda Carlson

March is National Women’s History Month and the 2023 theme is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Stories." Emerging author Linda Carlson will share her life as an educator in non-traditional fields along with her unusual book, “The Journey of the Jade Ring,” from 1-2:30 pm on Thursday, March 16, at the Desert Hot Springs Library.

Below is a conversation with Carlson that has been edited for clarity.

Where were you born and what are some of your early memories?

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky where I lead a sheltered life. My family did not believe in dancing, playing cards or any frivolous pastimes. Because of my upbringing, I never got into trouble, but did miss out on some things like flying a kite or dancing. My father was very much into tools, and I learned about tools at an early age. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a master’s degree in teaching. I eventually became an administrator for adult and vocational education. I wrote many grants and started unique programs with industries. When I retired at an early age, the district hired three men to take over my job.

What brought you to the desert?

While attending a conference in Washington D.C., I was struck by what the keynote speaker was saying about the innovations in developing programs for at-risk students. We exchanged information, and he suggested I look at some programs in San Francisco. After retirement, I decided to come to California and through mutual friends happened to meet up with him again. It turned out Wayne Carlson and I were two souls walking in the same direction, and ended up together in the desert.

Can you explain the “two souls” concept and how that worked into your novel?

This is best explained by something Wayne read to me. “Ours is a story of two people, each with a journey in search of a distant horizon. Two souls whose paths were allowed to cross, whose words felt right at home, and whose smiles discovered that walking the way together could lead to a kind of happiness that only comes along once in a lifetime. We were given a gift that many people search all their lives for and never manage to find.”

What inspired you to write this novel?

Because of my strict childhood, I wanted to have fun. I asked Wayne if we could fly a kite, and he just happened to have one. I began to wonder who invented the kite. My research led to Lu Ban, the father of carpentry and his wife, who lived in China in 500 B.C.

How did your understanding of tools, technology and history help you research the novel?

I was motivated, then amazed, at how isolated China had been and yet, has developed so many innovations unknown to the Western world. Written accounts of Lu Ban’s life credit him with inventing the frame saw, plane, chalk line, shovel and many other tools used today. Legend holds he invented a mechanical bird to carry him home to his wife when work separated them.

How would you describe your first book?

“The Journey of the Jade Ring” is historical fantasy with all the lore of ancient China. When an expert in Asian jade explained the jade stone has magical quality to span many generations, I wondered, could this be the portal to follow two lovers through time and immortality? It is a beautiful love story of “two souls” who meet in the great forest in the center of the world where they vow to find each other in the next life. The male spirit reincarnates as Lu Ban who encounters a girl destined to be reborn as a beautiful daughter of a man who learns of the ring’s power and covets it for prestige, wealth and power. Can Lu Ban remain faithful to his mantra, “Do good deeds always or suffer in your next life,” or succumb to his power -hungry father in law and the murderous warlord  who strive to control him?

If you go: Linda Carlson, a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild and National League of Pen Women, will be presenting her book at 1 p.m. March 16 at the Desert Hot Springs Library Community Room, 14-380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs. Books will be available for sale and signing. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call 760-329-5926.

Sally Hedberg is the curator of the Friends of the DHS Library Author Series.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Desert Hot Springs Library to feature debut local author Linda Carlson