As a child, I was buck-toothed, asthmatic and had undiagnosed dyslexia. I grew into my teeth, but I still have asthma and wasn't diagnosed with dyslexia until my early 30's. I had always thought I wasn't smart enough to go to college or do many things. The diagnosis set me free. I am currently writing a book about my life as a dyslexic author “Undaunted.”
My family moved frequently, which made school more difficult for a dyslexic child and proved impossible for lasting friendships. Still, it gave me a broader perspective of cultures and geography than the average child at that time. By the time I graduated high school, I had lived in 15 different homes in 6 different states: Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, Arizona, California and Missouri. I have lived in northwest Arkansas since 1970.
I am an artisan. I have drawn, painted, sculpted and carved ever since I can remember. In school, I often gave drawings and paintings to friends. Mom encouraged my artistic skills and turned me onto reading with private coaching. I didn’t start writing until I was in my thirties, but I have published over 60 books since then.
Currently, my passions are drawing, painting, carving, sculpting, sewing and even food art. I sell my creations under the names:
I offer free online reads of my books on my website Dear Tales. No membership or information is required to read on this advertising-free site as often as you like. You may link to this site, but please don’t copy and use other places. (You may print it out to read it, though.) In January of 2026, I resurected DEAR TALES, A Family Circular. It is a monthly zine of short stories and poems. Other writers can submit storries. Be sure to read the rules if you are interested in submitting your work.
Last, but certainly not least, I love creative construction, but not so much the repairs. I have built two chicken coops, a dairy goat milk barn, furniture for the house, a roof over our 12' x 31' deck, a mud room, a pantry, a greenhouse, a work shed a rock wall and many more projects. If one word could describe me, it would probably be; creative. I am writing a book about all my creative projects, called \"Projects of an Intrepid Housewife.\"
At 76, I am caregiver for my disabled husband but I still make time to express my creativity in art and in work around our place. My grandfather said that he wanted his death to come in his sleep after a day’s work; implying that he was still capable of a day’s work. He did.
I feel the same way. Death is inevitable. What we do while we are alive affects not only us, but has the potential to affect anyone who comes in contact with us. I didn't understand what an inspiration my father was to others until after he died. I want to do that - not inspire people to be like me, but to find their own potential.
Like my father, I have always undervalued my work. Monetary gain has never been high on my list of priorities. I have done a lot of volunteering in my life and regret none of it. Still, I have to justify time spent working on my passions, so I timidly sell my artistic creations. I am a lousy marketer, but even in that, I find it difficult to hand to someone else.
As you browse my website and get to know me better, I hope it will inspire you to think of something you do well. If you find yourself thinking \"I could do that,\" you probably can. I encourage you to try. Hearing about your success would make my day!
Linda L. Rigsbee
Author and Artisan