Today we’d like to introduce you to Leann Woodley.

Hi Leann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Leann and I am the writer and designer behind Painting with Words by Leann. I have been writing for as long as I can remember and I have always liked designing. My page and small business, Painting with Words by Leann, encompasses both of those creative aspects.

In October of 2019, I began my public writing page on Facebook to share my writing with the world. I have often been told that others find their voice in my writing and it helps them to feel less alone. I write in such a way that others can translate it to their own lives. I have had my writing added to published works of various poets. The first time that I had some of my writing published in books of that sort was over 20 years ago. I still remember that one of them was called Never and the general idea of what it was about.

Around November of 2023, I began designing logos and supplies such as business cards for other creators. I was already doing my own designs and supplies, so it seemed a natural addition to what I do.
Both my writing designs and creator designs have been shared by other creators and mentioned to refer my work to others. I have grown strong bonds with some of my fellow creators and now consider them family.
These days some of my closest friends are crafters and published authors. I’m grateful to them for both their friendship and support of my work.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a very long road and I have yet to reach my goals in writing. I have always wanted to have my own writing published in books with only my writing. When I was younger, I wrote stories, as well as quotes and poetry. I still remember the general gist one of my favorite stories written by myself. It was called The Long Way Home and I had hand drawn a mock map for the cover. After being published in my 20s with various other poets, I went through more experiences in life that made me choose to become more invisible. For several years, I kept my writing to myself, only occasionally sharing it with friends.
In October of 2019, my children and I had been out of a domestic violence house for a few months. I had shared my writing with the domestic violence workers, whom loved it enough to feature it at a fundraising event. I shared some of it with my friends on Facebook and some suggested that I needed to get my writing seen by more people. My public page Painting with Words by Leann was born from that. It became my way to share my writing with more people.
It has been suggested many times that I publish books of my writing. Severe anxiety has been a large obstacle. Paperwork and forms sets me on edge. Even this interview does not come easy for me, but it is a step towards my greater goal. Through my page, I have become close friends with Indie authors, one of whom, has offered to help me navigate self publishing. I, now, hope to have my first book done within the next year.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write and design. I write quotes and poetry. I write in such a way that others find their own lives in my writing. I hide small pieces of myself in my writing that very few are able to detect. Unless you know me personally and know what has happened and is going on in my life, you don’t actually know what I am writing about. You see it through your own eyes and translate it as though it is written about yourself or someone else that you know. I love that people are able to relate to my writing and feel helped by it. I also love my ability to put my writing out there, while still being able to hide myself. As one of my poems says, I will paint worlds for you.
When doing designs for others I give them a questionnaire to find out things that they want for their brand (ie. Colors, elements, fonts). I, then, do mock-ups of designs for their approval. There are multiple creators using my designs for their various social media platforms and promotional items. People often tell me that they absolutely love my work and get compliments on their designs created by me.
My work and adorable guinea pigs can be found and shared through 2 public pages and 1 public group all run by myself on Facebook. The group has multiple creators that also share their work and followers of creators.
Painting with Words by Leann
The Guinea Pigs of Painting with Words by Leann
Painting with Words by Leann~ Small Businesses

What are your plans for the future?
My goals include publishing multiple books of my own writing. I am planning to have books of my quotes and poetry, possibly with my designed backgrounds and to also eventually publish stories. It will be a HUGE step for me and I am hoping to have at least one book available no later than next year. I continue to do designs and supplies for other creators as well. I do have a few regular clients that contact me whenever they need digital designs and/or supplies.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/painting_with_words_by_leann/profilecard/?igsh=YnB6b2tyYXQ1bndh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintingWithWordsByLeann?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553382890832&mibextid=ZbWKwL