Sailing Back To Unpubbed Island

Hello Everyone!

It's Almost here. Are you ready?

Did you have a marvelous Christmas?

Are any of you celebrating Boxer Day?

And 2018 is just around the corner.

Oh my, what a wonderful time of year.

You are probably wondering what I’m talking about when I say I’m sailing back to Unpubbed Island. No it wasn’t a typo. I’m actually planning to retire from writing at the end of this year.

Our first Seeker get-together and we meet face-to-face for first time.

This winter has been kinda tough and although I’ve managed through it with flying colors, it has illuminated what I’ve been suspecting all along. God has another plan for me. It’s as simple as that.

More fun at our first Seeker get-together

For the past year, I’ve been hearing the call. When things started happening, I stopped writing and truthfully haven’t missed it one single bit. That is a strong indicator that its time for me to move on.

The Seekers at Atlanta RWA

Now that doesn’t mean I’m giving any of you the excuse to join me on the island- tempting as it might seem. We all have situations in life and there are many posts in the archives that give good advice on how to mush through them. In fact, some of my best writing was during times of stress and struggle with life’s issues.

Debbie and Sandra head for the beach before Anaheim RWA

But this time is different for me. When I’m called to something and everything around me seems to fall in place for that to happen—well, I’ve learned enough over the years to listen.  Chuckle.   So maybe you do get a little wisdom with age.

Ruthy and Sandra roomed together in Orlando RWA. Guess what Ruthy loved most.

These past years have been a wonderful blessing and experience for me. Some of my most treasured friendships are the writer friends I’ve met and the fun times at writing events like craft fairs, conferences, writing meetings, etc.

Fun with Seeker friends in Anaheim RWA

I’ll be sad to not be hanging out with my Seeker friends. They have been one of the prized joys in my life. My experiences here in Seekerville have kept me up to date with social media (Thank you Miss Tina) and have blessed me with so many of you new friends via the Internet.

Pam and Tina at ACFW

Over the years, I’ve seen the Christian fiction industry grow by leaps and bounds. I’ve watched Seeker friends become published and establish their own presence on the Internet. I have helped many to the publishing process and I’ve been published by some of the top names in the industry. What more could I ask for?  

The Seekers had fun in Atlanta

So I’ve made a couple trips back to the island and will be dusting out my hut and hanging up my hammock. Ahhhhh Paradise.

Ruthy and Sandra enjoying the beach.

And the great thing about retiring from writing is that I will finally be able to really tackle my “To be read” pile.   Yay.  

Cara and Sandra roomed together in Denver and visited the Rocky Mountains

So folks, the books I’ve written are still out there on Amazon. And I’ll catch a ride on a passing sailboat once in awhile and come visit you all. But for now, I’m going to kick back and re-acquaint myself with sand trickling between my toes and the sound of waves lapping on the shore.

Presenting a workshop at RWA

Thanks to all of you for being such a wonderful part of my life. You all are a gift from God. Best wishes on following your dreams and your own plans. I am praying for all of you to succeed in your writing endeavors.  

Sandra with a fan of her desert animal children's books

Sandra Leesmith wrote sweet romances to warm the heart. Sandra loves to play pickleball, hike, read, bicycle and write. She is based in Arizona, but she and her husband travel throughout the United States in their motorhome and enjoy the outdoors. You can find Sandra's books here on Amazon. Three of Sandra's most popular books are also audio books at Audible. You can read more of Sandra's posts here.