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Barbara Longley | Writing: Is it a choice, or a compulsion?
A coworker recently discovered Iโm not just a teacher, but also a published
author. He asked me what โmade meโ decide to become a writer. I had to think
about it for awhile. I donโt recall ever making a conscious decisions to write.
Itโs just something Iโve always done. I do recall the day I decided to pursue
publication, but thatโs not the answer to his question.
During my angsty adolescent years, writing was my way of processing all the
drama (mostly manufactured in my own head) going on in my life. You know, the
boy I had a crush on who didnโt feel the same about me, the fight with my best
friendโthe tragic fact that I had to share a room with my younger sister while
dealing with two younger brothers and an older sister. Plus, I wrote about the
trauma of moving frequently and always feeling like the new kid in school. I
went through quite a few notebooks, believe me.
As I matured, writing became a way of working through issues, sorting through my
thoughts, values, beliefs and relationships. I began writing poetry and
childrenโs stories at about the same time I started my own family. I didnโt
decide to write novels for the purpose of publication until around seven years
ago, and guess what? Writing is still the way I process what affects me deeply,
or what catches my interest and attention. It is, and always will be, the way I
interact and respond to the world around me. That I can do so while entertaining
others is the most incredible experience, and I am deeply grateful for the
opportunity.
Back to my coworkerโs question: What made me decide to become a writer? I never
decided; itโs just who I am.
The Love from the Heartland/Perfect, Indiana series are small town,
contemporary
romances with military elements. Perfect, Indiana is the place to be if youโre a
wounded warrior hoping to heal. FAR FROM PERFECT, THE DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
and A CHANGE OF HEART
are available now. For excerpts, visit website.
Cory Marcel worked tirelessly over eight grueling years to develop a successful
military career. After her commanding officer violently assaulted her, she lost
everythingโespecially her trust in people. Despite the emotional damage
threatening to sink her, Cory agrees to accept a new job at a furniture store in
Perfectโa job that could offer the fragile brunette the chance to start over.
Ted Lovejoy cofounded Langford & Lovejoy Heritage Furniture, but lately he feels
like an outsider in his own business. When he meets Cory, Ted realizes his
company can do more than just build furnitureโit can also help rebuild lives. He
longs to help Cory recover from her pain, yet every time he gets too close to
her heart, she pushes him away.
While Cory canโt resist her attraction to Ted, she fears the demons haunting her
will drag down both of them. Could this kind, soft-spoken man help her finally
bury the pastโฆand unlock a future full of hope and happiness?
Leave a message to be entered to win an e-copy A CHANGE OF HEART (Kindle
only)
Comments
19 comments posted.
Re: Barbara Longley | Writing: Is it a choice, or a compulsion?
Thanks so much for hosting me!
(Barbara Longley 8:56pm November 27, 2013)
Being a writer is "letting it all hang out", I think. I can't imagine being able to "share" that much....to the world.
(Clydia DeFreese 10:10am November 28, 2013)
Count me in. Happy Thanksgiving.
(Pat Lieberman 12:00pm November 28, 2013)
I've been writing poetry since I was 16, so I understand.
(Maria Proctor 12:06pm November 28, 2013)
My brother was in the military.
(Richard Proctor 1:31pm November 28, 2013)
I could'nt be a writer. Thanks for a chance to win your book. Happy Thanksgiving.
(Amy Milne 2:28pm November 28, 2013)
I'm not a writer, but I can appreciate your journey. I like military based stories and it's good to see one with the heroine being the one in service.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(Marcy Shuler 3:20pm November 28, 2013)
I think a person has to be born with a certain talent, but then it takes a lot of work to develop it. I hope you've had a happy Thanksgiving.
(Anna Speed 4:00pm November 28, 2013)
Wow, Congrats on your new book: A CHANGE OF HEART. I like the
pretty book cover too! I love to write Poetry also and hope
to become a writer someday too. Your new book sounds
fantastic and I would love to win it and read it this Fall.
Thank You very much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 6:38pm November 28, 2013)
My newphew is in the Navy!!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 6:39pm November 28, 2013)
Happy Thanksgiving!! I think you are right about either just
being a writer or not being one. I know people who want to be
published, but just don't have the commitment to actually
revise their work after asking for editing and other input.
(Glenda Martillotti 9:26pm November 28, 2013)
I understand compulsion. I always have to have at least one book to read
with me at all times.
(Laura Gullickson 11:22pm November 28, 2013)
My bedroom as a bookshelf of unread books at all times. I read about a book a day, unless my grandchildren are visiting. Hurrah for writers.
(Sharon Mitchell 11:49pm November 28, 2013)
I love the written word. So glad you do what you do. Happy Thanksgiving!
(Melanie Backus 12:16pm November 29, 2013)
There is a talent in each of us that calls to us. Some of us ignore that call and there are those of us that listen and is happy with the talent. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Thanksgiving.
(Kai Wong 12:22pm November 29, 2013)
Thanks for all the comments guys! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
(Barbara Longley 7:59am November 29, 2013)
And a special thank you to all of you who have a family member serving in the
armed forces. Bless you, and here's hoping your loved one stays safe.
(Barbara Longley 12:30pm November 29, 2013)
I for one am glad you write.
(Mary Preston 7:41am November 30, 2013)
Ha! Me too, Mary. Writing keeps me out of trouble!
(Barbara Longley 10:23am November 30, 2013)
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