Let me tell you a storyβ¦
Hi! Iβm Talena.
For as long as I remember, Iβve been telling stories through my art. Whether itβs through music, personal essays, or novels, I hope the stories I tell connect with you by sharing the heart of what makes us human.
I believe in Godβs saving grace, I believe in the magic in small things, and I believe stories can change the world. Thank you for taking the time to hear mine.
If youβd like to stay connected, please check out my newsletter. You can also contact me.
For press and event organizers (and to read my back story): Visit my Media Kit.
βWeβre all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?β
Life Lessons,
Stories, and Tea
You donβt get this far without learning a few things.
Lifeβs too short for monochromatic beige, bad books, and lukewarm coffee.
Most tasteless dishes can be fixed with salt, garlic, or thyme.
There are very few mistakes you canβt recover from. Itβs okay to figure things out as you go along.
You can accomplish a lot more than you think you can if you just keep at it.
Godβs dining table has room for all kinds of people.
Kindness can change the world.
The perfect cup of tea only comes along once in a while, so take time to stop and enjoy it while it lasts.
I was thirty-eight years old when I finally realized I wanted to be a writer when I grew up.
By then, Iβd already written a full-length musical, won some songwriting awards, started my own knitwear design label, and owned several other businesses. Iβd birthed three sons and adopted a fourth. Iβd also had to kiss our youngest son goodbye when heaven took him home in 2015 at the age of three.
I didnβt grow up wanting to be an author, even though writing in some form has always been part of my life. But ever since this dream of writing for a living got hold of me, I havenβt looked back.
Iβm now a multi-genre author with published titles in genres including young adult epic fantasy, romantic womenβs fiction, clean and sweet small-town romance, and more.
Helping other authors develop their craft and businesses is one of my biggest passions. I now work as an author coach and freelance editor, as well as a book description copywriter.
And recently, God has brought music back into my life in a big way, and Iβve started releasing my original songs.
I canβt believe I get to do this beautiful creative work every day. Has it been easy? Nope. You donβt learn bits of wisdom like I shared above without struggle. But as my tagline says, I get to save the world, one page at a time. And so do you.
Thank you for adding my words to your story.
Now, time to go make a hot cuppaβ¦
Where Stories Grow
Author
Dive into heartfelt, gripping, and action-filled stories of love, faith, redemption, and hope against all odds.
Get two free stories when you join my Books & Inspiration newsletter list! And I would love to have you join my Books and Tea League reader community!
Editor
Collaborate with an empathetic editor who understands storytelling and the publishing industry from both sides of the editorβs desk. Your story deserves to shine!
You can also get regular inspiration about the craft and business of writing when you join my Word Wizard Academy newsletter. (Plus a free plot structure book.)
Artist
Explore my original music in a wide range of genres. You can also check out my favourite recipes, photography, and other adventures. Iβm always trying new things!
I most often post what Iβm into on my Wintersβ Day In blog. Be sure to subscribe while youβre there!
βYou can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.β
β C. S. LEWIS
Recent Blog Posts
Navigating the holidays can feel like standing in the tension between darkness and light. In this post, I reflect honestly on the irony of Decemberβhow twinkly lights, parties, and celebrations can magnify our grief, loneliness, and losses and invite you to find small, intentional ways to make the season merry and brightβfor yourself and for someone who needs your light.