Author and Publisher, Linda J. Hawkins was born and raised in Morgantown, Kentucky where she was inspired by the picturesque settings.

Linda has traveled various career paths that inevitably lead her to helping others, especially children. In addition to having been a volunteer as a crisis counselor with Hope Harbor, an elementary school teacher, and a children’s daycare owner, Linda became an author and publisher of educational and entertainment books for children and adults.

“My love of writing began in the fourth grade. I was a shy child that did not want to share my work with others. After a harsh embarrassment, I vowed to keep my writing secret. It would not be until I turned forty years old and joined a community writer’s group that encouraged me to share that I chose to break my vow. I was honestly shocked, but happy, that others really enjoyed what I was trying to communicate. Now I have an audience and a purpose.”

In 1999, Linda wrote Alexander and the Great Food Fight and sent it off to a publisher.  However, problems ensued when the publisher sold his business and left the book tied up in a legal battle.  Linda decided then to print and market her own books by opening her own publishing house.

She attended writing, marketing, and business classes and in 2003, she not only received her rights back for her first book, but also received her publishing house business license through the Library of Congress. Heart to Heart Publishing, Inc. was born. Two years later, she would also add an imprint, Heart to Heart Christian Books.

“I had to hire a freelance photographer, a layout designer, an editor, a copyeditor, and an artist to work with me”, stated Linda.  Her first book published was Catering to Children with Recipes for Memorable Teas. This would be her first gift book publication, focusing on appreciating family and time spent with loved ones by gathering for a tea; a new dimension of her dream was realized. Soon after, Alexander and the Great Food Fight was republished by Linda’s new business. With this initial success, the publishing house proceeded to expand.

In her first year, Linda spoke on children’s nutrition and tea etiquette and did book signings in fifty-two locations, in and out of state.   “I wanted to produce quality products that families could enjoy.” Linda simply expressed.

Soon, Linda’s new business began to serve other authors, offering an opportunity for their writing to be made available to the public.

Linda became a businesswoman, learning marketing, computers, and billing, so her art could make others happy, and she continues to excel at business as well as art.

Once a book is complete and printed, Linda’s company is responsible for its placement on Bowker, a world-wide data bank of all published titles, and for its distribution to major distributors, such as Ingram, Baker & Taylor, STP, and even Amazon. Ms. Hawkins said, “Similar to building a house, the process can be unpredictable and stressful at times, but it is such a rewarding feeling to see it through to completion for the author, seeing it held in the author’s hands for the first time.”

Heart to Heart Publishing, Inc. began with two personal goals: to help young children understand the importance of healthy eating; and to help families enjoy time together.  Nutrition and relaxation remain top priorities.

Linda tapped into her artistic side and created beautiful products to pass on to others in the form of a fun book with plush fruit and vegetable stuffed Seedies, and costumes that enhance young peoples learning abilities. These are costumes worn by instructors.  Linda said they captivate little children and are well received in public and Christian schools, non-profit health groups, health departments, libraries, and bookstores.

Linda Hawkins’ genuineness caught the eye of The Healthy Family International Advisory Council and in the spring of 2007, she accepted a seat on their board and now helps to offer in-school nutrition programs focusing on preschool to fifth grade groups.

Even though Catering to Children with Recipes for Memorable Teas addresses children in its title, the valuable purpose behind the cover is meant for children of all ages. Linda, like most of us, feels the rush and stress of today’s world and has found a way to escape it that she wishes to share with others through this book and her more recently published work, The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers with Recipes. The new book is set in the Victorian era, a time when people chose to sit down, relax, enjoy friendships, and tea party traditions. “Children learn by example, watching you serve with your best china, crystal, or silverware with gracious etiquette. I remember preparing meals and settings in the formal dining room, and my sons would come in and ask, ‘Who is coming for supper?’ I would let them know someone special was coming – my family.”

Linda presents Victorian-style teas, donning a beautiful Southern belle or Victorian style dress and a hat as she speaks on the history of tea, etiquette, and tea party traditions to several hundred students in a school gym, at a garden club, a Red-Hatters group, or to an energetic girl scout troop.  “I also am blessed because those are the moments I am able to share my personal art with each.  I committed myself to walk through any door that God opened if He would give me the strength to do so.”

Writing, marketing and business classes through Charter Oak State University and Western Kentucky University have enlightened, supported, and guided Mrs. Hawkins. She continues her education with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center at Western Kentucky University.

The Unspoken Language of Fans & Flowers with Recipes won Best Gift/Specialty Book of 2008 in USA Book News. Her work continues to gain national and international attention, which inspires Linda for the future.

Currently, each tea book is being published as a gift set, each with a coordinating item, a fan or a tea game. Beautifully packaged, these little gems are sure to please, especially in these trying times when people need something good. The Gift Sets are available exclusively through Heart to Heart Publishing, Inc., locally at the Family Christian Bookstore, The Wild Bird & Nature Store, Lost River Cave Gift Shop, Barnes and Noble and the games are at Party One stores in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

As for her plans for the future, we can be assured Linda’s goals will remain the same, benefiting others. Any writing, speaking engagements, or publications cannot help but be positive and effectively influential when created from such a love. “We live in an age dominated by media hype, quick celebrity bios and fluff books driven by popular culture, I am an individual that places purposeful living and meaning above money. God must be first in my life, family next. I want quality content above all other consideration in my work. I have not been afraid to ask others, ‘How can I do better? Is there a better solution?’ I passionately desire to help others through my work. As I quoted in one of my books, ‘If you see a turtle on a fencepost, be assured he did not get there by himself.’ That is the way I feel about all my books and work; I never accomplished this alone. First, God inspired me, second, my inward drive and desire to do for others propelled me forward, and thirdly, others saw my desired goals and encouraged me. I have been surrounded by supportive family and friends all along the journey. Please join in as you read my work and share with those you love.”

You can join Linda Hawkins for her book signing and get a hands on view of one of her Tea Parties books at the  Southern Kentucky Book Fest, hosted by Western Kentucky University Library’s and Barnes and Nobles on April 18, 2009 at the Slone Convention Center.  You can contact Linda Hawkins at 270526-5589 or her email at hawkinslindaj@logantele.com. Visit her web site at www.lindajhawkins.com

Ronnie Jaggers is a seasoned sculptor, fine artist and master crafter. Her work can be seen on ChiseledFeaturesStudio.com. She reminds other artists “Trust the beauty of your art, for if you see the beauty, others will too.” To be considered for the featured artist call Ronnie at 791-3505 or email ChiseledFeaturesStudio@yahoo.com