I’m so happy that we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with Linda Teed, author of six children’s picture books including her new release I’m Making a Wish, written by Linda Teed and illustrated by the incredible Erin Richardson.

Me: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

Linda: Valentine’s Day is such a beautiful holiday and a time to show others the best gifts of all: friendship and love. I can still close my eyes and remember the excitement I felt as my paper “mailbox” on my desk in my elementary school classroom began filling with Valentine cards left by my friends. Is there anything better than a reminder of the love and friendship we feel for each other? Later as an adult married lady, I loved the extra-special presents my husband Pat left me in so many top-secret hiding places in our home. Valentine’s Day is such a great day; one that I wish would last far longer than one day. 

Me: Do you have a favorite season? Is it winter?

Linda: My favorite season of all is autumn. The brilliance of a beautiful fall day was my inspiration for my current book, I’m Making a Wish. Erin did a gorgeous job creating art to enhance a beautiful Wisconsin car ride in the fall.

Me: How long have you been writing?

Linda: I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. I have kept a journal most of my life and still have many of them. It’s fun to go back in time and remember what I was thinking and reminisce about some special memories that I still hold in my heart. I became a serious writer when I became a teacher.  I created many of the lessons I taught. I have always enjoyed creating meaningful lessons that open up my students’ beautiful imagination. In my classroom there were always extensions of the many things that I taught, most of which included writing. After I retired from teaching my husband was diagnosed with cancer and the days became very dark ones for me. I decided to write a story that would fill some of my time with light and hope. The miracle of this story is that it became a published children’s book. It’s entitled The Nest of Chockablock Hair. This story on so many levels catapulted me to continue my writing journey. Writing is infectious and very contagious! 

Me: What, or who inspired you to write this book?

Linda: I was fortunate to have had two very important men in my life, my grandfather and my husband. This book is a dedication to these two most beautiful souls. I loved my grandfather deeply and found great joy in spending time with him. He never had a little girl of his own so when I was born a great love was also born between the two of us. I found that same great love with my husband Pat. He was such a beautiful soul and reminded me so much of my grandfather. Both were so wise and so humble and made the little girl, now the young lady very happy just being together. This book, I’m Making a Wish, is a tribute book to both of them.

Me: It’s so beautiful that you made this book a tribute to the two special men who have given you so much love and joy. When I read this book, I noticed that same love and joy radiating throughout the story. Tell me a little bit about this book’s journey to publication.  Were there any bumps and bruises along the way, obstacles you had to overcome, an a-ha moment?  You can share the good, bad, ugly lol, or not.

Linda: The most important thing that I have learned about the publishing of my books is that there are ALWAYS bumps in the road! Nothing EVER goes as planned. Not only do authors write books but they are in constant communication with others about so many things. I have learned over the years that patience is a virtue, that deadlines are never set in stone, and that you will drive yourself crazy thinking that you can change some things in the process. Having said that, you must remain diligent in keeping things moving and following up. It’s definitely a balancing act. With this book, Wish, my problems included working around others’ schedules, staying vigilant about attempting to meet deadlines, and of course, no matter the preparation there is always a problem printing the book. There are ALWAYS glitches.  I have learned over the years that some things are in your control and others aren’t and to rush the process is never a good idea. My biggest problem was in the printing of the hardcover version of Wish. When I received my author’s copy two pages were missing that were not missing in the proof.  I knew it was the printer’s mistake. Trying to rectify the situation in a timely manner was difficult.  I had a scheduled book launch party, a large party which included food, drink, and music to celebrate the arrival of this new book. On the day of the party, I had my paperback books but didn’t have my hardcover books. I was grateful to have had the paperbacks. In spite of the missing hard covers the party was a wonderful success both financially, but more importantly personally. People came from all over to celebrate the book with me and to celebrate my husband. My biggest take away always is that despite the hard work put into a book, there are always problems.  

Me: What is one piece of advice you can give writers just starting out or who are still in the query trenches?

Linda: My biggest piece of advice is to believe in yourself, in your ability as a writer and in the dream you have. You will ALWAYS have naysayers who give you advice or make you feel inadequate. Rejection is always tough but makes you stronger and I believe more determined to continue to try. When in doubt, head to the library! There you will find thousands of books written by people who took a leap of faith, who had a story that they were brave enough, bold enough, wise enough to tell through a tough process and who had that undying dream, who fought hard, and realized it. The library is full of heroes. When in doubt, go visit. You will be inspired!

Me: What are your plans for the future?

Linda: 2025 is the year of optimism for me. I am a big believer in the power of writing down goals. This year I set my sights high and wrote down 20 BIG goals. My goals are “all over the place”; from big ideas like traveling, North Carolina in particular, to promoting my book. Along the way are simple goals…extending myself to others in need, smiling more, enjoying the simple things in life, reading, soaking up some sun, bike riding, spending an afternoon in a convertible, singing, being with family and truly enjoying this beautiful life I’ve been given.

Me: I like the idea of setting BIG goals, you’ve really inspired me to do the same! Before I let you go, I’d love for you to share a recipe with me, I have a collection of recipes from friends and family that goes back many years. I would love to include yours, as well as share it with my readers.

Linda: I’ll share my family’s award-winning BBQ recipe.

Me: Thanks so much for your time, it was wonderful getting to know you, and I knew your new book was the perfect story for my Valentine’s Day blog post. I’m off to make a list of my BIG goals now, and maybe, cook some chili.

Click here to learn more about Linda and purchase her books.