The book contains seven sections: Pain, Legacy, Spirituality, Black Experience, World View, Love, and Musings. Linda's artwork precedes each section. Health challenges and her death in 2021 prevented Linda's desire to publish her work. However, Carolyn's love for her has made Linda's dream come true.
MANA: Can you share some personal memories or anecdotes about your cousin, Linda, that might show her passion for writing poetry?
Carolyn Printup (CP): In response to this question, I do not have any specific personal memories. I can only state that after Linda moved to Michigan as an adult, she shared many of her previous experiences and how she found writing as a way to express how she felt. Her ability to draw was another gift she possessed as a means of expression.
MANA: Do you know if there were any specific events or people who inspired Linda to pursue writing?
CP: Specific events were the painful ones she experienced growing up. As a way to handle these events, she moved from her parents' home to live with her grandmother. Her grandmother, along with a dear aunt, inspired her to read and instilled in her the desire to succeed. In addition to these two, spiritual leaders had an influence.
MANA: Were there any challenges or obstacles Linda faced while writing her collection of poetry?
CP: To my knowledge, there were no obstacles or challenges Linda faced while writing her poetry.
MANA: What messages or themes are included in Linda’s collection of poetry?
CP: I would say that the way Linda categorized each section expressed the emotions or thoughts she had on that subject. Whatever message a reader gets would be based on their individual experience.
CP: Linda was not an “artist.” She had the ability to draw or sketch pictures. She enjoyed drawing facial pictures and birds.
MANA: When did Linda’s interest in art begin? Has she had any of her artwork published?
CP: I cannot answer the question as to when she began drawing. I would say at an early age. She did not have artwork published.
CP: No, there is no other work.
MANA: How did you decide to get involved in publishing Linda’s collection of poetry?
CP: It was Linda’s desire, for a long time, to try and have her writings published. She assembled and selected the titles before her death. Since I knew this was something she wanted, I was fortunate to meet Soror Cesena and with the help of MANA, I was able to have Linda’s writings published.
MANA: Besides yourself, did Linda have other people supporting her in her writing journey?
CP: Yes, there were other people supporting her.
MANA: How do you think Linda would want her work to be remembered?
CP: I am not sure how she would want her work remembered. I would say, that knowing Linda and the type of person she was, she would want her writings to serve as a comfort for those experiencing painful situations and to know they are not alone. For others as a source of inspiration and hope that regardless of the challenges that we all go through continue to have faith and that success and happiness will come.
MANA: How do you feel about Linda’s work being published posthumously?
CP: I feel honored that I have been able to complete a desire Linda wanted so passionately to accomplish.
MANA: What significance does this hold for you, Linda’s legacy, and your family’s legacy?
CP: For those individuals who knew Linda and interacted with her on her journey of life, either completely or partially should feel blessed and honored to have known her. Linda was truly a wonderful, compassionate, and loving Lady. Her legacy is of tremendous significance to me, her family, and those who knew her.
MANA: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
CP: I would just like to add that I sincerely hope that anyone reading Linda’s writings is inspired by her creativity, strength, and compassion.
Visit MANA's website at MarketingNewAuthors.com to learn more about of Touchings of the Heart: Legacy of a Lady by Linda Diana Franshun Callahan.
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