Meet Leigha Huggins | Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leigha Huggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leigha, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Quotation: “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

Variations: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

-Thomas Jefferson

I’m always inspired by the wise, who seem to leave a forever residue in my heart, mind, and way of being. The older I get, the more I read, experience, and obtain, the wiser I become… Good quotes of wise men/women change the way you look at things, they open your mind to a new point of view. And sometimes one little quote can change you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my creative offerings have always opened the doors of opportunity. I’m so excited that I found my passion and purpose and I can’t wait to continue to share my heart with the world. I think the sheer amount of intentional stories that I plan to publish will set me apart from many. With 3 books published and 5 more on the way, this is just the beginning of a long, wonderful, and unpaved journey, with so many possibilities and undiscovered doors. I can’t wait to see what I will continue to create over a lifetime to come.

I was put on my author path by creating heartfelt crafts and stories for my own little loves, that turned into something else, then changed again, and more after that- Until I finally created my first book worthy of publishing: Love Lottery!

It took me about a year of heavy research daily work towards creating my finished project and it was sent to print in 2020! It was a very long and rewarding year… Someone once asked me… How did you handle the best and the worst year all at the same time? I simply replied, ” I just took turns with my emotions” 🙂

My brand/ my stories all have heartfelt intentions behind every stanza – If I take someone’s time, I want it to be worthwhile. And if someone buys my book, I want it to be cherished, valuable, or something to call on later. It’s my heart, my wisdom, my intention, my creativy made into a moment to be shared by many.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel like I’m such a homebody… especially now after the year 2020! (Has anyone else started wearing house slippers as shoes)? No? Just me… Dang, it 🙂

But in a land hypothetical opportunities, this would by my Itinerary:

I think life is always best when you are creating something new, so I would be open to a lets wing it itinerary where we food hop (progressive dinner you may call it) Disperse some of our food purchases, and give big tips to our server, as they are recovering from a hard year too.

I would take my friend camping, to sit, chat, and be still. With a campfire under a star-filled sky, and good conversation as the time passed by.

Eat sushi!

Then off to home, as I feel like I’ve already been gone too long 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, this is a great question and instantly makes me think of so many that have been so helpful on this journey of mine, in becoming a published children’s book author. Most of these people were found in the following group: Except for my crazy talented illustrator: Melanie Darling! I’m forever thankful that together we created a beautiful book that will continue to touch the hearts of many.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/187350425346975/

I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for finding the following editors early on in my writing journey. Sam Cabbage followed by Amy Maranville, Karen Austin, Sheri Wall, and Bobbie Hinman, I have enjoyed working with all of them and have learned valuable information from each.

April Cox- Self Publishing made simple (Highly recommend… I even took her course twice!)

I learned so much from Mr. Jay’s courses and watching his own self-publishing journey. Laurie Wright (such a wealth of information), Lisa Ferland (Kickstarter Guru). All of these mentioned above, have added valuable information, motivation, and courage to help me chase my passion.

And for PDIC (Puppy Dogs and Ice Cream), who believed in my books and were excited to sign me as one of their authors! I’m so excited to see where all these wonderful partnerships continue to lead me on this heartfelt outlet of creativity.

There are so many more… friends, authors, inspirations that were not mentioned above, I believe everyone who crosses our path, helps us make sense, learn, develop, or encourage us on our path of existence. So if I know you, most likely I’m thankful for you too! Everyone on my path in some way, somehow helped guide me to my current situation of publishing books and chasing dreams.

Website: https://www.leighahuggins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelotterybook/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigha-huggins-92b29811/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveLotteryBook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelotterybook

Other: Publishers site: https://try.pdicbooks.info/love-lottery-author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Lottery-Leigha-Huggins/dp/1953177840

Image Credits
Illustrator- Melanie Darling