The First Day Of The Rest Of My Writing

Writing isn't exactly like opening up an arm vein for me, as a famous writer once said, but it has its craziness! Many of the moments are beautiful and just finding the right word to express something can be magic. When I read another writer's glorious creation, and I am held spellbound by their words and their story, it's like living in their world for just a little while. Alice In Wonderland, Gone With The Wind, Mama's Made Up Her Mind, The Runaway Bunny . . . and so many more expressed emotions that held me captivated. The first time I read the Outsiders, A Wrinkle In Time, and Island Of The Blue Dolphins--thousands more--I could barely move from the excitement of discovering new worlds. I can so well remember my mother telling me to put the book down and go outside to play!

So I learned I, too, loved the wonder of words. But publishing--that was a whole different beast! Rejection, excitement, doubting, rejoicing, panic, and craziness all have differing effects on the purity of the creativity. The best writers probably learn to balance the wonder of the words with the dilemma of trying to publish a work, and even after thirty books, I find it still presents a challenge!

Right now my journey takes me on a quest for new publishing houses, in order to be able to give my readers something new and sexy and sassy Tina Leonard! Talk about jumping off the ledge with no parachute! But blessed with a fabulous agent, supportive friends, and a trusting family, I think I'll find that place where I can begin to make that new kind of magic for my readers.

Writers, readers, booksellers, promotional gurus all share a bond. Readers are the reason to pan for that one best word and that memorable story, and writers understand that. Promo folks, editors, and booksellers are the wonderful link between the two. Readers are the spirit which drive this writer, and I've been lucky to get to know so many of mine over the years. I consider it the very best of shared sisterhood, and a blessing to bring joy to anyone who loves the beauty of words on an individual canvas.

I'm very excited to paint a new canvas! On my blog, I will share the wonderful moments, the agony of defeat, and submissions which never made it for the thousands of reasons books sometimes don't see publication. I hope you'll find my website, and my blog, fun and inspirational! Feel free to post comments, questions, and whatever else. Some days will doubtless be tearjerkers, some non-events, and some exciting.

Life is a journey! Share it with me!

Love, Tina