Leslie Satcher comes from Paris, Texas, and she can write a song. She has nearly two dozen recorded since moving here in 1988. Among her impressive credits: "I Said a Prayer" by Pam Tillis, "You Still Shake Me" by Deana Carter, "A Man With Eighteen Wheels" by Lee Ann Womack and "Jesus and Bartenders" by Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time.

Satcher is clear about her influences. "I stood on the altar at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and learned to sing 'Wayfaring Stranger' because of Emmylou Harris," she writes, "and I tore up my first songs, the bad ones, and tried again because of Willie Nelson."

Now, Satcher has made a fine album, Love Letters, and she is ready to become an artist, singing her own songs the way she wants others to hear them. The album comes out Jan. 30, on Warner Bros. The title track, "Love Letters From Old Mexico," is a masterful piece of writing, given life by the impassioned performance of its composer. Other standouts include "Goin' Down Hard," "Burn Me Down" and "It Can't Be Good to Hurt That Bad." Alison Krauss makes a guest appearance.

Because we like the way she writes, country.com has invited Satcher to share her thoughts about making the transition from songwriter to artist. Each Friday, she'll send us a letter describing the process and how she's feeling about it. We'll share those dispatches with you, and we think it will give you some insight into the creative process.

Read what Leslie has to say:

Jan. 5, 2001: New Artist Part Two: Focus

Dec. 29, 2000: New Artist Part One