About the Bling Bling Bird Author
I think I’ve always been a writer. But being a writer starts with being a reader, and I was an avid reader growing. I enjoyed escaping into other places in the pages of books. As I moved into high school, I found myself looking at movies with a more critical eye, pondering alternate scenes, dialog and endings. My thinking was generally, “I would have written that differently. What if…,” and it would take off from there.
In school, I wrote poetry and short stories. I competed in a few scholastic writing contests, and won a couple, and that fanned the flames even more.
Once I entered the work force, I gravitated toward communications due to my love of writing. It seemed like a natural fit, and it was.
I’ve worked in communications for more than 20 years. I enjoy the creative challenges it presents, but it can be limiting when the task is to help the client tell their story. I still had the desire to tell my stories.
When my grown children continually reminded me of stories I made up to entertain them when they were young, they asked me if I had considered writing children’s books. I had toyed with the idea but never acted upon it.
In the summer of 2018, I was reflecting upon the current state of pre-adolescent children and I noticed how many were focused on material gain, celebrity lifestyles, and wanting to live out what they see and hear in today’s music. This was concerning. I had an idea for a children’s picture book, and I started to write. I wasn’t sure what I would do when it was finished, but I had to write it.
I think I’ve always been writer. But being a writer starts with being a reader, and I was an avid reader growing. I enjoyed escaping into other places in the pages of books. As I moved into high school, I found myself looking movies with a more critical eye, pondering alternate scenes, dialog and endings. My thinking was generally, “I would have written that differently. What if…,” and it would take off from there.
In school, I wrote poetry and short stories. I competed in a few scholastic writing contests, and won a couple, and that fanned the flames even more.
Once I entered the work force, I gravitated toward communications due to my love of writing. It seemed like a natural fit, and it was.
I’ve worked in the communications for more than 20 years. I enjoy the creative challenges it presents, but it can be limiting when the task is to help the client tell their story. I still had the desire to tell my stories.
When my grown children continually reminded me of stories I made up to entertain them when they were young, they asked me if I had considered writing children’s books. I had toyed with the idea but never acted upon it.
In the summer of 2018, I was reflecting upon the current state of pre-adolescent children and I noticed how many were focused on material gain, celebrity lifestyles, and wanting to live out what they see and hear in today’s music. This was concerning. I had an idea for a children’s picture book, and I started to write. I wasn’t sure what I would do when it was finished, but I had to write it.
A few friends read it and encouraged me to get it published. I tried to find an affordable illustrator, but the cost was more than I could handle, so I decided to illustrate it myself. It was a challenge, to say the least, but I got the job done.
I met my publisher, Willa Robinson of Knowledge Power Books through a referral from a friend. She read my book and said she wanted to publish it.
I was elated! My dream of being a published author was about to come true. I kept thinking that I wish my parents, both deceased, could see what I’d accomplished. I know they would have been proud of me.
Now, I spend my days working on publicizing and marketing my book, and spending time with my adorable grandson, Legend. I hope he learns to love reading as much as I. My children and my husband continue to encourage me. If it had not been for their support, I would not have stepped out on faith to pursue my dream. I believe that all things are possible to them that believe and are called according to God’s purpose. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Linda M. Gentry
