Blog Entries for: Interviews

Interview and Book Give-Away with Author/Speaker Jan Coates

Happy Tuesday to you! Today I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Jan Coates. God uses Jan as a Difference-Maker within His Kingdom to help others experience a new perspective filled with positive change from the inside out.

A non-denominational Christian, Jan has served in ministry for more than 25 years. She is a savvy, highly-respected sales/marketing/motivational professional with more than 20 years Fortune 500 experience as well as a Christian speaker and author.

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August 24, 2010 | 21 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give-Away with Author/Speaker Laura Petherbridge

This is the fourth Tuesday, which means it's time for an author interview and book giveaway! Today it's a joy to introduce my friend, author and speaker, Laura Petherbridge. Laura is an international speaker who serves couples and single adults with topics on spiritual growth, relationships, stepfamilies, co-parenting, and divorce recovery. She's also the author of two books. Her first book, When "I Do" Becomes "I Don't"-Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce, was endorsed by Billy Graham's daughter, Gigi, and Multi-Dove Award winner Kim Hill. Her newest release, The Smart Stepmom, is co-authored with stepfamily expert Ron Deal and endorsed by Gary Chapman (Five Love Languages).

Laura has spoken at the Billy Graham Training Center, The Cove, in Asheville, NC and has been featured in Australia, South Africa, and England. She has appeared on many TV and radio programs, including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Moody Broadcasting, and is frequently published in top Christian magazines and websites.

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July 27, 2010 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

To Blog or Not To Blog? By Guest Blogger Jean Matthew Hall

Well, today is a fifth Tuesday, which means it's Guest Blogger Day! Jean Matthew Hall is Coordinator of the planning team for the Write2Ignite Conference for Christian Writers of Children's Literature. I've had the joy of teaching and keynoting at Write2Ignite and highly recommend attending if you're interested in writing for children. Jean's credits include essays and poems published in Mature Living, Sasee, The Vision, Bible Advocate, The Christian Communicator; devotions published in Open Windows; and personal experience essays published in anthologies such as The Embrace of a Father, Whispering in God's Ear, Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul, The Ultimate Gardener, and Christmas Miracles.

Please join me in welcoming my friend and fellow writer, Jean Matthew Hall.

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June 29, 2010 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Speaker Pat Ennis

Many of you have heard me say that homemaking is not one of my spiritual gifts. And if you have any doubt about the truth of that statement, just ask my family. Well, today I'm talking with someone who truly knows what hospitality and homemaking is all about. And yes...I have a lot to learn!

It is a joy to introduce to you my friend, Pat Ennis. Pat is the author of Precious in the Sight of God, the Fine Art of Becoming a Godly Woman; co-author, along with Lisa Tatlock, of Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, A Guide to Your Biblical Potential (Moody Publishers);Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God (Moody); and Practicing Hospitality, the Joy of Serving Others (Crossway Publishers). She has also contributed to several anthologies. Becoming a Young Woman Who Pleases God (New Hope Publishers) will be released this fall. Pat taught Home Economics for the San Diego Unified School District before developing and establishing the Home Economics Department at Christian Heritage College located in El Cajon, California at the request of Dr. Tim LaHaye. She moved to The Master's College in 1987, at the invitation of Dr. John MacArthur, to establish the Home Economics-Family and Consumer Science Department that she currently chairs. She is the co-founder of the Royal Ladies' Tea Society, whose motto is, "Serving the world through Biblical hospitality one person at a time." And for more information about hospitality, be sure to visit Pat's blog Unfading Beauty.

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June 22, 2010 | 14 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Speaker Sarah Bush

(I'm sorry this is late. I've been sick.)

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May 25, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interivew and Book Give Away with Michele Huey

I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Michele Huey. She has an amazing list of accomplishments, but since I want to include her great story, I'll just tell you that she's an award-winning newspaper columnist, has her own daily radio program, and is the author of two books, Minute Meditations: Meeting God in Everyday Experiences, and I Lift Up My Eyes: Minute Meditations Vol. 2. Both are compilations of her columns and have been sold nationwide.

Michele's radio program, God, Me, and a Cup of Tea is currently broadcast on WMUG 105.1 LF/FM in Indiana, PA, and she has produced three CDs of meditations from the radio program: God, Me & a Cup of Tea: Favorite Meditations (2004), The Ten Commandments and Beatitudes for Today (2005), and Treasures in Jars of Clay: Thoughts on Aging with Grace (2006). You can find her books and CDs here.

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April 27, 2010 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Kathy Howard

What a privilege to introduce my friend, Kathy Howard! Kathy is a Bible study author and speaker, and has been teaching the Bible for over 20 years. She's taught a wide range of topics to an even wider range of students - everything from basic Bible stories at a middle school to teacher training for church leaders. Kathy particularly enjoys speaking at women's events and retreats to encourage women in their faith. She has a Masters in Christian Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and serves on a church staff in West Texas.

Kathy and her husband have three children and one son-in-law. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix! Kathy says she writes to have something to do while drinking coffee (but I know better than that :-). Find out about Kathy's Bible studies and speaking ministry and get discipleship and leader helps at her website, www.kathyhoward.org. Find out more about God's Truth Revealed at www.godstruthrevealed.org

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March 23, 2010 | 15 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Mary DeMuth

Dear friends, have you suffered abuse, hurt by those who are supposed to love and protect you? Has your past followed you into your present? Does it whisper words of defeat and failure in your ear? If so, then you're at the right place today.

I'm honored to introduce you to my precious friend, Mary DeMuth. Mary helps readers turn their trials to triumphs. Author of eight books, Mary mentors writers at The Writing Spa and through the popular blog Wannabepublished. Her writing is authentic, truth-filled, and full of redemption.

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February 23, 2010 | 21 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Deborah Dunn

It's almost Valentine's Day, so love is in the air - or is it? According to my dear friend and southern sister, Deborah Dunn, it may not be love. In her book, Stupid About Men: 10 Rules for Getting Romance Right, Deb helps women learn how to make good choices in men. Deb is a licensed family and marriage therapist, as well as an author and speaker. She's also the founder of the Southern Christian Women's Conferences, and I'm honored to be part of the Southern Sisters Team!

Deb and her husband, Rick, live in NC and have been married since 1969. They have two children and a beautiful granddaughter.

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January 26, 2010 | 18 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Kathleen Y'Barbo

What an incredible joy to welcome Kathleen Y'Barbo to the Christian Writer's Den! As the best-selling author of more than thirty books, Kathleen is one of the most prolific authors we've had here at CWD. Her numbers would make any of us writers drool! In all, over 850,000 copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad. She has been named as a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year contest every year since its inception in 2003, often for more than one book.

In addition to her amazing writing career, Kathleen is also a publicist at Books & Such Literary Agency. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, the Public Relations Society of America, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and Authors Guild and is also a degreed paralegal specializing in criminal and family law. A native Texan, Kathleen has three grown sons and a teenage daughter.

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December 22, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Laura Leigh Harris

What a joy to introduce Laura Leigh Harris. Readers, believe me when I say you don't want to miss this interview. Laura Leigh is not giving away one book this week--she's giving away TWELVE! Yes, when you leave a blog comment, you will automatically be entered into the drawing for a full set of her books!

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November 24, 2009 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Renae Brumbaugh

In 2007 Renae Brumbaugh went to a writer's conference. They said authors should have a blog. She went home and started a blog. They said writers should send out queries. She sent out queries. They said writers should be in a critique group. She joined a critique group. Two years later she has two traditionally-published books with three more contracted, a syndicated column, and has had over 200 articles published. Lucky girl.

Yea. Right.

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October 26, 2009 | 31 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Kathi Macias

Imagine the horror of being told your mother has been murdered. Now imagine discovering your son committed the crime. That's the premise of Kathi Macias' latest novel, My Son, John.

I'm honored to have Kathi with me today as she shares her writing wisdom with us. Don't forget to leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of her book!

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September 22, 2009 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Sharon Fawcett

Have you ever struggled with depression? Does someone you love suffer with it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you won't want to miss today's interview with author and speaker, Sharon Fawcett. Sharon and I met in the cafeteria line years ago when I was teaching at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Now CLASS Christian Writers Conference) in New Mexico. Although Sharon is multi-published in magazines and anthologies, today we're going to discuss her first book, Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression (NavPress). And as you'll soon see, it's been quite a journey.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Sharon. Thanks for joining us and sharing your message of hope. As a matter of fact, in HOPE FOR WHOLENESS, you combine your own story with solid advice for helping others find freedom from depression. What was your experience with depression like?

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August 24, 2009 | 19 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Jennifer Schuchmann

It's an honor to introduce my friend, author and speaker, Jennifer Schuchmann. Today, we'll be talking about her latest release, Nine Ways God Always Speaks, co-authored with Mark Herringshaw and published by Tyndale (April 2009). In this book, the authors discuss several ways God speaks. Today Jennifer will tell us how God once spoke to her in an unexpected way.  And if you want a chance to win a copy of the book, simply leave a comment and you'll be entered for the drawing. Now, let's get started!

Vonda: Jennifer, in the beginning of your book Nine Ways God Always Speaks, you say that the first time you heard someone say that God spoke to him, you thought he was crazy. Tell us about that.

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July 27, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Cec Murphey

In the past few months, my sister has died of cancer, my mother has been diagnosed with cancer, and now this is the third author we're interviewing with a book on cancer. I never planned any of it. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to tell you about Cecil Murphey's new book and give you a chance to win a not only a free copy, but possibly a grand prize gift basket valued at $300! Check below for more details.

In When Someone You Love Has Cancer, Cec has written a loving inspirational book for cancer caregivers and family members. Cec is not only the author of 90 Minutes in Heaven and a seasoned ghostwriter of more than 100 books, but he's also a friend, mentor, and teacher to writers all over the world. Many of us here at The Christian Writer's Den have benefitted from his generous heart and it is an honor to have him with us today.

Cec's intimate care for his wife as she fought cancer is evident on the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. Prayers for difficult situations are scattered throughout the book and personal illustrations from cancer caregivers help validate and encourage readers. A gentle question and answer session is included. I know you're going to love hearing from Cec, so let's get started.

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July 20, 2009 | 26 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Marybeth Whalen

I'm thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Marybeth Whalen. Marybeth is the wife of Curt and mom of six children, ages teen to toddler and they live outside Charlotte, NC. She's a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker team and a regular contributor to their daily devotions. She served as general editor of For The Write Reason and the upcoming book The Reason We Speak. Today we're going to hear about Learning To Live Financially Free: Hard-Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Marriage and Your Money, a recently released book she co-authored with her husband. Marybeth speaks regularly to women's groups and enjoys sharing stories from her daily adventures as a wife, mom, homeschooler, writer, and, most importantly, a follower of God. You can find her online at www.marybethwhalen.com.

Be sure to leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for a free book!

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June 22, 2009 | 11 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Thelma Wells

Thelma Wells needs no introduction. You've known her for years as the first black member of the core speaker team with Women of Faith, the author of gobs of books, and a businesswoman and entrepreneur. She's been married to George for over 45 years and has three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

We're together today to talk about Thelma's new book, Don't Give In...God Wants You to Win! And you can win a copy of her book by leaving a comment. The winner will be announced next week, so don't forget to check back.

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June 1, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Janet Thompson

What a joy to introduce my friend, Christian author and speaker, Janet Thompson. I watched her onstage several years ago when I attended a LifeWay training session on mentoring. I remember sitting in the audience, thinking how much I'd love to do what she was doing--speaking to women from the stage. Fast forward eight years or so here we are! See, we just never know what God has in store for us!

Janet is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries. Sharing life's experiences and God's faithfulness is the premise of her books and speaking. She's the author of: Face-to-Face Bible Study Series (New Hope Publishers 2009); Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help, & Encouragement for Hurting Parents (Howard Books / Simon & Schuster 2008); Dear God, They Say It's Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey (Howard Books / Simon & Schuster 2006); and Woman to Woman Mentoring: How to Start, Grow, and Maintain a Mentoring Ministry (LifeWay Press 2000).

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May 25, 2009 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Yvonne Ortega

Hi, writers! Today I'm honored to introduce to you, Yvonne Ortega. Yvonne is not only a speaker and author, but she's also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and cancer survivor. She is the author of Hope for the Journey through Cancer (Revell) and a contributing author to The Embrace of a Father (Bethany House). (That book has my story about my daddy in it, too!) She has also been published in CBN.com, Spirit-Led Writer, The Secret Place, The Quiet Hour, The Virginia Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors VAADAC Views, and other magazines. You can find out more about her at her website.

Vonda: So now, let's get started. Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Yvonne.

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April 27, 2009 | 12 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Jo Franz

Hi Gang! Please help me welcome Jo Franz. Jo is an award-winning author and national speaker for women's conferences, retreats, banquets, etc., and a speaker for colleges, universities, and association and business events. She has inspired audiences since 1984, and she gives God all the glory! She has stories in numerous books and contributed to the writing of several others before writing her memoir. Her newest book is for college students and high school seniors. I had the joy of meeting Jo several years ago at her booksigning at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta. I'm blessed to call her my friend!

You can reach Jo and read more about her and her ministry through these links:

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March 23, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Dianne Neal Matthews

What a joy to introduce my friend, Dianne Neal Matthews! Dianne has written numerous devotionals, magazine articles, and newspaper features and her work has appeared in Focus on the Family, The Quiet Hour, LIVE, The Christian Communicator, and websites, including CBN.com. She is the author of The One Year On This Day (which won her the 2006 Writer of the Year Award at the Write-to-Publish Conference--Way to go, Dianne!), and The One Year Women of the Bible, both published by Tyndale House. Dianne is a 2006 CLASS graduate and a member of Advanced Writers & Speakers, Christian Authors Network, and Toastmasters. She and her husband, Richard, have three grown children, a son-in-law currently serving in Afghanistan, and a gorgeous granddaughter. For more information, you can reach Dianne at her website.

Now listen, you don't want to miss an opportunity to win Dianne's book, The One Year Women of the Bible--and it's easy! Simply leave a comment for Dianne or me and you'll automatically be in the drawing for your own personalized copy!

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February 23, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Linda Rooks

Please welcome my friend, author and speaker, Linda W. Rooks. Linda is the author of Broken Heart on Hold, Surviving Separation. Together with her husband, she ministers to those in marital crisis. Linda's credits include Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover's Soul, Focus on the Family, HomeLife, Light and Life, The Lookout and many other national and local publications. She writes regularly for Tapestry, a Walk Thru the Bible devotional magazine and will soon be featured in Today's Christian Woman. Linda is listed in Who's Who and has participated in numerous TV and radio shows across the nation.

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January 28, 2009 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Linda Gilden

What a great week to introduce you to my friend, Linda Gilden. Linda and I met years ago when we were both students at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and she's been a real gift to me! (Don't forget to leave a comment and you could win the gift of one of her books!)

Linda has written numerous articles, contributed to many books, and speaks regularly at writers' conferences and women's events around the country. She's also a freelance editor who enjoys helping people discover and improve their writing talents. So, let's get started!  

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December 22, 2008 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Sharon Hoffman

I first met Sharon Hoffman at CLASServices speakers' training in Knoxville, TN, where she was a faculty member. I was immediately drawn to her welcoming smile, but it didn't take me long to realize Sharon didn't just have a beautiful smile, she was the real deal!

I can't wait for you to hear about her latest book, but first let me give you a little background. Sharon is a popular speaker and the author of four books. She and her husband, Rob, live in Maryville, TN, where Rob is the pastor of Victory Baptist Church. They've been married forever and have two adult daughters and six grandchildren. (Yeah, I know. She doesn't LOOK like a grandma, does she?) Visit Sharon's website for more information on her writing and speaking ministry.

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November 24, 2008 | 21 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Jenny L. Cote

October 28, 2008

Hi, writers! I can't wait for you to hear from my friend, Jenny L. Cote. But before you do, let me tell you a little about her. Jenny and I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference a few years ago, before she ever had a book contract--and wait till you see what she's done!

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October 28, 2008 | 9 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Brenda Nixon

September 23, 2008

Hello, writers! Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den. Today you are in for a treat! I'd like to introduce you to my friend, speaker and author Brenda Nixon. I met Brenda years ago on one of the writer's loops and we've been hanging around the internet together ever since! In addition to speaking and writing, she's a frequent instructor at writer's conferences across the country. I've had the joy of teaching with her several times and I can tell you she has a teaching spirit and a gift of encouragement. I hope you'll pay attention as Brenda shares her tips on becoming a speaker.  

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September 23, 2008 | 18 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Marty Norman

August 26, 2008

September 7 is National Grandparents Day, a day to celebrate grandparents and how they've influenced our lives; a day to celebrate the bridge between the generations. So this is the perfect time to introduce Marty Norman, author of Generation G - Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray.

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August 26, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin

July 22, 2008

Whew! I'm back from the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando and am so ready to get back to work! But one of the highlights of the yearly convention is having the opportunity to connect with old friends and catch up on what God is doing in their lives.

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July 22, 2008 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Shellie Tomlinson

June 24, 2008 

I knew I'd found a friend the day I found Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. She's not only the owner and publisher of All Things Southern, a website that celebrates "...the charm and heritage of the South," but she's also NOT a girly-girl. And that makes us practically sisters!

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June 24, 2008 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Entertainer Dena Dyer

May 27, 2008

I'm so excited to welcome my friend, Dena Dyer. We initially met online at The Writers View, a site for professional and advanced writers (The Writers View 2 is for beginners, so be sure and sign up for the one that best fits your needs). Then we met in person when we were both on faculty at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico a few years ago. Dena is an amazingly talented woman and I'm honored she agreed to be with us today!

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May 27, 2008 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Allison Bottke

April 29, 2008

The SWAT team left a horrible mess in their wake...Glass cracked under my feet like ice on a frozen pond, ready to break and suck me down...The rancid smell of alcohol and stale cigarette smoke hung in the air...Assaulted and plundered, the house was in ruins--my heart not far behind.

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April 29, 2008 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

Interview and Book Give Away with Author Virelle Kidder

March 25, 2008

I pray this Easter season has found you encouraged and excited because of the promise we have in Jesus Christ. We serve an awesome God! But what if you're not excited? What if you're weary and tired and ready to call it quits?

Lesson #1: You're not alone.

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March 25, 2008 | 16 Comments | View or add comments

John Riddle: Encourager

February 26, 2008

Last week, I told you about my first foray into the writing world--a three line poem I wrote in first grade. The feedback and encouragement I received from my teacher was life-giving. I was hooked! When I was in 9th grade, my English teacher, Mrs. Rabb, read my story, "Requiem," to the class and used it as an example of good writing. That catapulted me on to becoming editor of the high school literary journal and newspaper reporter. English comp classes in college confirmed my calling. There was no question about it--I was going to be a writer one day.

Then the rejections came. I wasn't so sure anymore. I almost gave up.

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February 26, 2008 | 13 Comments | View or add comments

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