Linda A Marshall

"A Long Awakening to Grace" was a 2019 Silver Winner as a Personal Relationship Memoir through Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

From a young age, I kept a journal. Without being fully aware, I was attempting to connect with the Divine within. As a contemplative, I write as a spiritual practice and am known for giving voice to difficult topics in a heart-felt, vulnerable, and courageous manner.

My blog, "Heart Ponderings," can be found on my website, www.LindaAMarshall.com.

In addition to being a mother, I have worn several professional hats including business education teacher, ordained minister, retreat facilitator, family therapist for those caught in the pain of addiction, Living in Process facilitator, Imago Relationship Therapist, and couples' coach trainer. After I retired in 2007, I was able to devote more time to my passion for writing.

In 2011, I joined Story Circle Network, a non-profit organization for women with stories to tell. I am grateful for the enormous support and encouragement this group of women writers give to each other.

In 2012, I found my writing partner at a Senior Citizen's Center. We met every two weeks, so I had to have something to read to her for each meeting. That provided a structure that helped me complete writing "A Long Awakening to Grace." It was published in August 2017.

Writing my memoir gave me a whole new perspective on my life and proved to be transformative. Publishing my story with honesty about my faults and revealing shameful secrets proved to be freeing. I no longer need to hide.

During this time, I collaborated with four other women in writing, editing, and publishing "Sophia's Table: Women's Wisdom in Five Voices." It was published in 2013.

My disabled daughter lives with me in Dayton, Ohio. We enjoy the antics of our Siamese-mix cat, Kiko.