Linda Morris

Writer for Mahogany, Journeys encouragement line

Although it’s been a couple years since she has lived in her hometown of Los Angeles, and near her beloved ocean, Linda Morris’s writings for Hallmark are still sweetened with that healing sea breeze. From her new perch in Kansas City, words have become her waves – organic, melodic, and powerful.

She has worked as a professional chef and in the entertainment industry, but for Linda, nothing compares with the gratification she receives from being a writer in Hallmark’s Collaboratory. For her, writing is all about the connection.

“Everything I write is for the sole purpose of connecting in a positive way and that is amazingly fulfilling,” she said.

Being a single mother of two boys aged 10 and 11 has informed her being. She brings a maternal sense of nourishment and nurture to card writing.

“Loving care has always been a necessity in times of great turmoil or great triumph,” Linda explained.

In an increasingly dynamic world, her diverse experiences allow her ideas to connect an increasingly unconnected population. Linda’s sensibilities dovetail perfectly with Journeys, Hallmark’s new line of encouragement cards.

“Everyone needs to feel they are not alone in the world, whether it’s to receive solace during the tough times or congratulations for the good,” she said. One of her favorite cards in the Journeys line reads Sticks in a Bundle… Cannot Be Broken, because she feels it is a beautiful way of conveying, "Hey, you’re not alone – lean on me."

“It’s something everyone needs to hear, especially those who find it hard to reach out and ask for help in hard times,” she said.

Linda pulled from personal experiences and relationships to guide her writing for Journeys, and listened to the need of friends, family, and acquaintances for messages they could give or receive during difficult, stressful, or important times of their lives.

They say this too shall pass… begins one of her Journeys cards. Linda was thinking of her teenage niece as she penned the card.

“So many teens need to know that their feelings are valid and things take their own time. It’s the decision to not take the stance of ‘It’ll all work out, you’ll see,’ but agreeing ‘Yep, it’s tough, if you feel it is, but I won’t negate your feelings by telling you when it will go away, because no one knows that.’”

Being a voracious reader, fiction writer, and screenwriter allows Linda to explore her endless curiosity of all things human. For peace, for fun, and for life, she always ends up back in the kitchen, combining amazing ingredients to evoke an emotional response… a connection.

“I’m very proud of the work all of us have done on the Journeys line,” she said. “It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of words.”