Barbara Linert

I attribute my success to the example set by my mother and her family. My aunts, uncles, and especially my mother were incredibly hardworking people who believed in taking responsibility for their own lives. My mother was determined to raise us without relying on public assistance, and her work ethic left a lasting impression on me. Growing up in that environment taught me the importance of setting goals, working diligently to achieve them, and relying on your own effort and determination.

Another value that has guided me throughout my life is honesty and being forthright with others. I believe that treating people with integrity builds trust and meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally. Those qualities have helped me navigate different roles and experiences over the years, allowing me to connect with people in an authentic way.

I have also always believed in making others feel welcome and included. Even as a child, I developed the habit of smiling at everyone I met because I wanted people to feel comfortable and valued. That simple approach carried into my career and daily life. When you treat people with warmth and openness, you build stronger connections, and those relationships often become one of the most rewarding parts of both work and life.

The best career advice and inspiration I have received came from people very close to me, especially my Aunt Gayle and my twin sister, Aleta. My Aunt Gayle, who passed away a few years ago, had an incredible gift for storytelling. She could walk into a room and have everyone completely captivated. I remember sitting in my grandparents’ living room as a child, listening to her tell stories while everyone leaned in and hung on every word. As a naturally introverted child, I remember thinking that if one day I could share stories in a way that made people feel that same sense of connection and engagement, it would be something truly special. Her ability to bring people together through storytelling has been a lasting inspiration in my life. I also owe a great deal to my twin sister, Aleta. When our mother passed away when we were just twenty-six, we leaned heavily on each other. Having grown up with a hardworking single mother, that bond was already strong, but it became even more important as we navigated adulthood and family life. Aleta has always been someone I could turn to for honest advice and steady support. Over the years, she has encouraged me through many stages of life, whether it was parenting, career decisions, or simply facing life’s challenges. I am incredibly grateful to have someone who has always believed in me and offered encouragement along the way. The support and inspiration from both my aunt and my sister have played an important role in shaping who I am and the path I have taken.

Writing is a skill that takes time, practice, and patience to develop. My advice to young women—or anyone interested in becoming an author—is to write as often as possible. Write anything and everything you can. The more you practice, the more your voice and confidence will grow. It’s also important to take the time to carefully edit and proofread your work. Don’t try to perfect everything in one sitting. Instead, step away from your writing and return to it later with fresh eyes. Reading your work out loud can also help you catch things you might otherwise miss.

Another important part of becoming a better writer is being open to feedback. Share your work with others and welcome constructive criticism. Listening to different perspectives can help you improve and strengthen your writing. Growth comes from being willing to learn, revise, and continue refining your work over time.

One personal habit that helped me practice writing began in my twenties. Each year when I sent out Christmas cards, I included a Christmas letter. I’ll admit that I never liked the typical holiday letters, but I challenged myself to write one that people might actually enjoy reading. It became a yearly exercise that helped me develop my storytelling and writing skills. Small, consistent efforts like that can make a meaningful difference over time.

One of the biggest opportunities in writing today is the ability for authors to share their stories more independently than ever before. With the growth of self-publishing and digital platforms, writers now have many ways to bring their work to readers without relying solely on traditional publishing paths. For me, that opportunity made it possible to publish my book and begin sharing the stories that were meaningful to my family. At the same time, it also means authors must be willing to learn new skills—everything from editing and publishing to promoting their work and connecting with readers.

A challenge in this field is that writing and publishing a book requires persistence and patience. It takes time to develop a story, refine it through editing, and find the right path to publication. There can also be uncertainty along the way, especially for first-time authors. However, those challenges can be incredibly rewarding because they push you to grow, improve your craft, and stay committed to your creative vision.

For me, this stage of my life is an exciting new chapter. I am inspired by the people who have supported me along the way—family members, friends, and mentors who encouraged me to share my stories. I hope to continue connecting with readers and with other women in my community who are pursuing their own passions. By sharing my journey and experiences, I hope to inspire others to tell their stories, pursue their creative interests, and support one another along the way.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith in God, family, creativity, and appreciating the simple joys of everyday life. Being a grandmother is one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I cherish every opportunity I have to spend time with my grandchildren. My family means everything to me, and I always try to make time for the moments that bring us together. This summer, we are planning a special family trip with all of the grandchildren, and I am truly looking forward to that adventure and the memories we will create together. After I stopped working in 2013, I was able to focus more on my home and the things that bring me peace and fulfillment. My husband and I live in a Victorian home that we have lovingly restored and furnished with beautiful antiques, and antiquing has become one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy the history and character that antiques bring to a home, and I take pride in creating a warm and welcoming space for family and friends. I also love gardening and spending time outdoors whenever I can. We live on a half-acre lot filled with perennials, and during Minnesota’s short gardening season I spend as much time outside as possible tending to the plants and enjoying the beauty of the yard. Whether it’s caring for my garden, restoring our home, or gathering with family, these activities reflect the values that guide my life—appreciating beauty, nurturing relationships, and making the most of the time we have together.