Leila Tualla: Mama, Author, & Advocate
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2018's theme: Be Engaged, Be Present.

12/11/2017

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I always do resolutions. I've been doing this "new year, new you," thing since high school. As I've gotten older, I've come to terms with the fact that resolutions - at least in my case - are unattainable. I stopped doing them altogether when I had children. This mama doesn't need one more thing to add to her pile. 
Life does happen even as we plan. However, the only way to help this organized chaos for this anxious mama is to sit down and come up with some semblance of a plan. A few small things that I'd like to accomplish.
In 2017, I only set out to write one book. I didn't plan for it to be a memoir, let alone one riddled with poems. I didn't even plan on being involved in anthologies, but three published my poetry and one is set to publish my novelette. 
I don't know if I can even follow up or top this year, but 2018 is looking promising. I've been fortunate to live in a city where the super bowl was hosted, a world series happened right after a hurricane changed our landscapes and leveled neighborhoods. And a few days ago, a winter wonderland to remind us of how random and beautiful life can be. 
So my writing friends, what will 2018 look like for you? 
In this coming year,
1.) I will do some querying for my upcoming (and work in progress) poetry collection.  the Token Asian writes will find a home somewhere. 
2.) Submit articles to the Mighty, the Huffington Post, Blessed is She and inCourage. 
3.) Submit poems to 12 different publications - 1 poem or 1 publication per month. 
4.) Continue to promote and market books; do 2 different things for marketing once a month. 
5.) Continue to learn, to engage, to participate in the writers' community:
  • Attend a workshop, a conference, read and review 1 book a month from an unknown poet or author. 
I also started a theme earlier this year. For 2017, I choose joy in all things. And it's been a lovely mindset. I've learned to be grateful; to breathe. To know that there are things that come to pass and things that are completely out of our control. I've been contemplating on what I'd like 2018's theme to be. I am going with Be Engaged. Be Present. 
  • Be engaged in family, in fostering friendships, in my mama tribe, in my children's education, mental and physical health.
  • Unplug once a week.
  • Go on a trip without needing to feel like "checking in" on social media. Some times are sacred and we should remember to honor our time with our loved ones while we still can.
  • Be engaged in the writing community. Learn from others, ask away, answer questions, reach out for help and be a guide for those struggling. 
  • I need to be more engaging in my content. I've had friends and strangers reach out to me and tell me about their preeclampsia and depression. I believe one of the reasons most writers write is to touch one person and I'm so grateful that I already have to several mamas. The connections I've made this year have humbled me and made me realize that we are not immune to darkness, no matter how much light we emit. I want to be more involved in maternal mental health, in whatever shape or form. 

So as we reach the end of the year, I'd like to thank you friends who have helped shaped my 2017. Get to writing.
And in case I don't have time to write again, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family. I'll see ya next year! ​
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2017 Poetry Marathon Anthology LIVE

12/4/2017

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Do you remember that poetry half marathon I did back in August?? Once the marathon ended, those who "won" the marathon, full or half, could submit their poetry to be included in an anthology. So excited to announce that my poem, "Rainbows," written in hour 10 of the half marathon is published here among talented poets. Get your copy here: 
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hey there, December

12/1/2017

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Well, I "only" had two November goals and I failed them both. *sigh. 
November:
1.) NaNoWriMo - 100 poems for my the Token Asian writes poetry collection. - ummm I wrote 10? 
2.) be inspired and read poetry! I'll be reading through the poetry books that I bought and reviewing the authors that have inspired and supported me. - I'm down to three poetry books, so yay?! 

I don't have a whole lot of things going on as far as writing goals this month. I will continue to read as much as I can and review those that I already have. Excited for next year, though! I enjoyed reading up on new authors and reviewing. I've been fortunate to have 2 different contributing blogger experiences that I'm thinking about taking 2018 into a freelance writing work. Who knows. But as we wind down for the year, I am thankful for you all who have kept up with me and my writing journey. 
Stay on the course. 
Keep writing. 
Stop dreaming and start striving. 
​
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    Hi, there!

    I drink too  much coffee, read too many books, and in between raising miracle babies, I find time to write.


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Hi there! Here's a quick bio

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Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American poet and author based in Houston, Tx. Leila’s books include a YA contemporary romance called Letters to Lenora and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. Her poetry is featured in several mental health anthologies and she is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes and identifies. Her chapbook “pmdd & me,” will be out this Spring 2022. ​

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  • HOME
  • about me
  • Blog
  • News & bookshelf
    • Media
    • Books >
      • Letters to Lenora
      • Love, Defined
    • Poetry >
      • PMDD & me (poetry chapbook)
      • Storm of Hope
    • Anthologies >
      • The Sacred Feminine II
      • The Poetry Marathon 2021
      • Remnants of Home
      • Poetica II
  • ADVOCACY
    • RESOURCES for PMDD warriors >
      • IAPMD
    • Community resources for moms >
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
      • 2020 Mom
      • Preeclampsia
      • Momma's Voices
      • Shades of Blue Project
  • Contact