Karimah bint Abdul-Aziz -- (The Beginning of the Road) is the winner of the Kwame Ahooffe Memorial $1000 scholarship award.  She writes because she has so much to say.

Mindy Aber Barad -- (The Last Shot) moved to Israel in 1977, has a BA from Washington University (St. Louis), and an LLB from Hebrew University. She practiced law, but writing is her first career choice. In 1997 she won second prize in the Jewish Librarians' Choice competition, for a children's story. Her poetry, stories, book reviews and essays have been published in Wild Plum, Current Accounts, the Jerusalem Post, the Jewish Press and other publications both on and off line. Most recently Mindy has become the Israeli co-editor of The Deronda Review.

Kimberly Alfrey -- (Dream High) is a mother of three grown children.  Over the years theu have inspired many poems.  She has written poetry for over 35 years and finds inspiration in the smallest of things sometimes.  “Dream High” was inspired by our recent trip to Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains.

Connie Arnold -- (Limitless Love) is an author and poet residing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with her husband and has two children and three grandchildren. She is the author of Beautiful Moments of Joy & Peace and Abiding Hope & Love, inspirational poetry collections. Her writing has been published in Forever Friends Anthology, Secret Place Magazine, PrayerWorks, Empowered Women Ezine, Lupus Foundation of America’s Lupus Lifeline Newsletter and accepted for two more anthologies and a children’s book. She posts new poems each week on her website, http://www.freewebs.com/conniearnold and blog, http://conniearnold.blogspot.com. Her poetry is uplifting and encouraging, helping those facing difficulties in life, as she does in living with lupus, finding hope and peace in the limitless love offered to each of us.

Vanessa A. Jackson Austin -- (Talk to God, Never Give Up) who began writing poetry at a very young age, is the author of two books of poetry and quotes: Refreshments for the Heart and Live On: Inspirational Poems and Quotes.  Her son, Cedric, and husband, Frederick, illustrated the covers of both books.  She has been featured in The Huntsville Times, WAFF 48 News, WHAM-TV and several magazines.   Born in Gadsden, Alabama, Vanessa is a stained glass and jewelry designer who owns CABBIT Designs in Harvest, Alabama.  She is a member of the Alabama State Poetry Society, Alabama Writers; Forum, and Poets and Writers.  She can be reached at cabbitdesigns@knology.net or via her websites: www.cabbitdesigns.net and www.cabbitdesigns.com

Lucy Jane Barnett -- (Given Pain) is a writer, artist, belly dancer and farmer who lives and works on a micro-farm in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Constantly exploring themes of divinity and whimsy, Lucy works to include spirituality in everything she grows or creates. While flummoxed in writing her first story, she could not figure out how to spell George. Lucy now places rules of spelling aside and lets the words move through her. You can learn more at www.compostellae.com.

Brandon Barr -- (Running for Malaika) is the co-author of the novel, When the Sky Fell.  His short stories have appeared in Residential Aliens, Haruah, Ray Gun Revival, Revelation Magazine, Digital Dragon, among others. His newest novel, Midnight over Midian, is a story of church persecution, and the struggles of a young girl caught in a radically changing American culture.  The novel is due out in 2010.  Visit Brandon at www.brandonbarr.com

Glenda Barrett -- (Whatever, Lord and Pulling Up By The Bootstraps) a native of North Georgia is an artist, poet and writer. Her paintings are on an online gallery called Yessy.com, and at this time her first poetry chapbook titled, “When the Sap Rises,” is on display on Amazon.com. Glenda’s work has been published in Woman’s World, Journal of Kentucky Studies, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Farm & Ranch Living, Rural Heritage, Psychology for Living, Smoky Mountain Living, Georgia Magazine, Living with Loss Magazine and many others.

Susan Berg -- (My Old Lovable New Friend) is a freelance marketing communications consultant with a professional background as a Communications Manager in the Chamber of Commerce industry where she produced award-winning Chamber newsletters and marketing materials.  Her background also included working as an auto sports reporter several years ago, covering the racing events for the USAC Western States Midgets & TQ Series with articles published in National Speed Sport News, Western Racing News and Racing Wheels.  Susan lives in Southern California with her family where she enjoys oil painting and is currently working on her first children’s book, which she hopes will soon be published in order to fulfill her life-long dream of being a published author.  For more information, Susan can be reached via email at ice.bergs@yahoo.com. 

 Sandra Berris -- (An Intimacy of Matter) was co-founder of Whetstone in 1982, which she edited until 2000.  The Literary Magazine garnered numerous Illinois Arts Council/NEA annual literary awards and a 1995 American Literary Magazine Award for editorial excellence.  Her poems have appeared in many little magazines including Arts Alive, The Midwest Quarterly, Prairie Schooner, Rhino and Willow Review.  She was a recipient of Prairie Schooner’s Hugh J Luke Poetry Prize, and her poem “Clock Shoe” was included in the anthology Best of Prairie Schooner (University of Nebraska Press, 2001).

Marguerite Guzmán Bouvard -- (Renewal) is the author of 6 books of poetry, her latest The Unpredictability of Light was published this year.  She has also written 11 non-fiction books in the fields of human rights, grief, illness and women’s issues and numerous articles on illness and spirituality.  She is a Resident Scholar at the Center for Research on Women, Brandeis University.

Maria Bruce -- (Running For Malaika) is a native of California.  Since meeting Malaika and caring for her physical needs, Maria has been pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science and begins nursing school fall 2009.  With these new skills, her desire is to return to Africa and continue to love and care for the needs of children like Malaika.  The burden still weighs heavy on her.

While Nancy Brewka-Clark (Saving Ground) is a produced playwright, published poet and longtime writer of short fiction, her first job was in newspapers and it was there that she learned to distinguish fact from fiction only to mix them up with joyous results. She lives on Boston’s North Shore with her husband Tom, a fellow writer and her beloved sounding board.

Gwendolyn Carr – (Matins) Although my writing career began when I was over fifty, I have published three poetry books: Starts and Songs, Diamonds In A Daisy Field and Legacy of Words.  I have co-authored with my husband, Fierce Goodbye (a book on suicide, which includes seventeen poems as well as text.)  I am a professional dressmaker/designer and I enjoy opera, theater, gardening and interior decorating.  Many of my poems have been put to music, won prizes and used in Christmas cards.  My books may be ordered by writing to me at Lloyd.carr@gordon.edu.

Rebekah Crain – (A Small Voice) I have been a runner for fifteen years. I have wanted to be a writer since I learned how to string words together on paper. People inspire me; I believe each person has a unique and fascinating story. After graduating with a BA in English, I went into the military on active duty. I thought with exposure to new places and people I would find better, richer stories over time. Now I work for Minerals Revenue Management, and am a mother of a fiercely independent little girl. I am also a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

William (Bill) Creed -- (My God Hug) began his writing career as a teenager when he approached a local newspaper editor with the idea of writing a weekly column for teens.  While in the Air Force living in Germany, Bill penned a guide for servicemen entitled, G.I. in Germany.  After his discharge, he spent the next twenty years producing and promoting concerts and other entertainment events with such artists as Dottie West, Little Jimmy Dickens, Box Car Willie and many others.  A talented singer himself, Bill also recorded his own songs in the mid-1980’s.  Since 1998, he has written three critically-acclaimed books, Comes the End, The Gathering and The Promise.  He spends a great deal of time traveling around the country doing book signings at book stores and military installations.  He currently lives in Romeo, Michigan with his wife, Sharon.  Together they have five children and two spoiled dogs.

Kerri Davidson -- (I'm Not Dying) is an Indiana native who graduated with a BA in English and Dance from Otterbein College in Ohio.  Upon graduation, Kerri achieved her childhood dream of moving to New York City and currently works in the publishing department of Practising Law Institute.  Kerri is an active volunteer with New York Cares and a writing mentor with Girls Write Now.  She has written articles for Girls Write Now’s blog, newsletter, and anthology; and has read memoir and poetry pieces at several New York City venues.  In her free time, she loves to dance.  Kerri can be reached at 3kerri@gmail.com.

Ysabel de la Rosa -- (Alone at 1 A.M., And I Will Go There With You) has been published in 40+ publications in the US, Latin America and Spain. Her poetry has appeared in Calyx, Nimrod, Oregon East, Phoebe, Southwest American Literature, Connecticut Review, Confluence, Wisconsin Review, and Eclipse, among other publications. Her work was also published in the anthologies, Texas Poetry Calendar and The Weight of Addition. She is the editor of DreamBones by poet Shelia Campbell and was a finalist for the Pablo Neruda Award in 2006. She is a member of the Authors Guild, Academy of American Poets, and Editorial Freelancers Association. http://www.ysabeldelarosa.com, http://ysabeldelarosa.blogspot.comwww.artislingua.com

Bruce Dethlefsen -- (Artists) has three books of poetry.  His latest, Breather, was published by Fireweed Press.  Bruce is a retired educator and lives in Westfield, Wisconsin.

Karen Elvin -- (A Mountain Top Experience and How It Changed Me) has published A Collection of the Therapist's Heart: Art Therapy and Spirituality. Her expressive art works have been in juried shows through Western PA and in the Washington D C area as well as a Lilly Co-sponsored travel exhibit of art and healing. A television interview was held in the NE Ohio viewing area about her book and personal art via a show titled: Creative Living. An art exhibit was featured in Clearfield, PA about a "Creative Senior."  While Karen's main career was in professional counseling and family therapy, her main passion is encouraging the art process for those persons in nursing homes or community health programs.  In witnessing the transformation of a person of health challenge as stroke, mental illness, cancer or autism, Karen has found this most rewarding.  Please reach Karen at Kelvin@sssnet.com or write to her at 1826 Lake Creek Cir, NW, Massillon, OH 44647.  Karen is available for workshops, retreats or sharing her stories and art.

Susan (Willms) Fast -- (What is Hope) began writing spiritual poetry and journaling as a way of healing herself from bouts of anxiety, panic attacks and low-grade depression.  As an active member of the Niagara United Mennonite Church, she currently participates in their choir and support groups.  At 69 years old, she has been speaking for Stonecroft ministries and their Christian Women’s Clubs for the last two years.  Married with two adult daughters and two granddaughters, Susan has so much more to share and would love to hear from you at - sue.butterfly@live.com or R.R.#3, 2029 Four Mile Creek Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Can. L0S 1J0.

Robert D. Fertig -- (It's A Matter of Attitude) has hundreds articles/stories and six books published: two on travel, another on cancer plus three business manuals. With large, small screen and stage credits plus Hearst Sunday bi-lined columnist, advertising copywriter, Radio & TV Director/Producer, adjunct professor Golden Gate University, San Francisco. Former central board member California Writer’s Club and Bay Area Travel Writer’s Club, he held several senior level corporate positions and currently teaches 2 classes on travel, another on etiquette. His work has appeared in Porthole Cruise, Transitions Abroad, Marco Polo, Complete Woman, International Living, Traveller (UK), SpeciaLiving. Family Fun, Cooking, Fifty Something, Nat’l Mgmt Assoc., Not Yet Retired, Grit, Travel Times, Human Resources Bulletin, I Love Cats, Art Times, I Love Dogs, Senior Times and Senior American News. Please visit his website at www.robertfertig.com or email him at robertfertig@yahoo.com.

Gary W. Fort began his poetry career in l982, one of his very first poems, "Reunion" was published by Fine Arts Press.  He has contributed to the following magazines, True Confessions, Modern Bride Magazine, Class Magazine, Essence magazine, Modern Romances.  He has written and sold greeting cards to major companies and has won numerous awards and published in over l00 literary magazines and is a published songwriter.

Kathleen Gerard -- (Bells and Whistles) Her writing has been widely published in literary journals and anthologies, as well as broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR).  Her fiction was awarded the Perillo Prize, the Eric Hoffer Prose Award and was nominated for Best New American Voices, all national prizes in literature.  "Bells and Whistles" is an excerpt from Still Life, a spiritual memoir.  She lives in Northern New Jersey and can be reached at katgerard@aol.com

Annette Geroy -- (A Crippled Crow) After 32 years as a teacher in public education, Annette now works extensively with women who have suffered sexual abuse.  She is a lay minister with Mount Horeb House Ministries in Kerrville, TX.  Her recently published book, Looking With New Eyes, My Journey from Bondage to Freedom examines her personal healing journey from childhood sexual abuse.  It was adopted by Precept Ministries, Int’l. and has been used extensively in prison ministries.  Currently working on a new book entitled My Favorite Color is Turquoise, Learning to Walk in Freedom, she is also a conference speaker and freelance writer.  She can be reached at www.mounthorebministries.com.

Constance Gilbert --(A Calming Storm) is the editor of 4Him2U. As a retired nurse, an adoptive mother, and a   “gramma” living in the mountains of Oregon, she is filled with inspiration for her writing. Her stories have been published in several anthologies and she's currently writing several e-books, which will be available at http://www.4Him2U.com. Connie's Coda, her monthly column on surviving emotional abuse, can be found at www.positivelyfemininee.org. She delights in mentoring other writers and desires above all else to encourage others through her written words. She can be contacted at constancegilbert@gmail.com.

Hanoch Guy -- (Donna de la Pena) who grew up in Israel, is a bilingual poet in Hebrew and English and an Emeritus professor at Temple University.  His poetry has been published in Genre, Poetry Newsletter, Tracks, The International Journal of Genocide Studies, Visions International, Poetica and In Other Words. Hanoch draws his inspiration from desert landscapes, imaginary journeys and discoveries of unique spiritual gems as Donna de la Pena.

Lyn Halper -- (Now I'll Dance) Her creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry has been published in such literary journals as Bellevue Literary Review, Karamu, Fiction International, Snake-Nation Press Journal, Pinyon, Wreckage of Reason: An Anthology of Contemporary Women Writers and others.  In 2005, she was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Fiction International.  She is the author of Adventures of a Suburban Mystic and Mystic Souls: Nineteen Remarkable People Tell Their Stories. For many years she taught out of the Philosophy Department of Rockland Community College of SUNY and presently is with Cabrini Immigrant Services in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Carolyn T. Johnson -- (Intervention, A Sincere Letter of Gratitude) A former banker and now freelance writer from Houston, Texas, draws on her colorful life experiences in the US, Europe and South Africa as sustenance for her essays and poetry. Her subject matter comes from the heart, the hurt, the heavenly and sometimes the hilarious. Life has provided many twists and turns over the years but when she gets a chance to sit it out or dance, she follows the advice of Lee Ann Womack and dances.  She has been published in the Austin American-Statesman newspaper, Zygote in My Coffee and Tower Notes of St. Andrews Methodist Church.

Lynn C. Johnston -- (Snapshot of Destiny, Glimmer of Hope, To See The Night Sky) is the founder of Whispering Angel Books and has been awarded five Editor’s Choice and two President’s Awards for Literary Excellence for her poetry.  More than a dozen of her poems have been published in several anthologies, including Forever Friends, Timeless Mysteries, Antiquities, The World Awaits, Turning Corners and Bridges.  Lynn’s work has been featured online at Blue Turtle Crossing and Mirrors of Expression, reprinted in inspirational newsletters and used by therapists in grief counseling. Her poetry has also attracted poetry lovers at several California book festivals, including the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.  Originally from New York, Lynn is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz.  She moved to the Los Angeles area in 1988 where she currently lives with her teenage son.  For more information, please visit her website at www.lynncjohnston.com or view her poetry videos at www.youtube.com/lynnthepoet.

Julia Katz -- (In Your Hour of Darkness) A second year college student, loves her new puppy, Isabelle.  Julia enjoys painting and writing poetry in her spare time.

Rick Kempa -- (Nothing Dies Here) lives in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where he teaches writing and philosophy and directs the Honors Program at Western Wyoming College.  His work appears frequently in Bellowing Ark, a bimonthly journal which affirms that the human condition is a hopeful one, The Chrysalis Reader, a contemporary journal of spiritual discovery, and The Healing Muse, a journal devoted to the themes of medicine, illness, disability and healing.  "Nothing Dies Here" was included in Keeping the Quiet, a collection of his poems, published by Bellowing Ark Press in 2008.   http://wiki.wyomingauthors.org/Rick-Kempa

Melissa Kesead – (The Seeing Blind) I am the mother of two wonderful children who constantly give me ideas and inspire me to write.  I started writing when I was a child, using poetry to express myself when words alone wouldn't do.  I am the author of: Walter the Dreamer and The Pirates, Walter the Dreamer and The Parade, Walter the Dreamer in the Jungle and Walter the Dreamer in the Enchanted Wood. When not writing, I enjoy fishing and lobstering at home in Key West. You can find me on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissa.kesead, WritersCafe: www.writerscafe.org Authors Den : www.authorsden.com/melissakesead and my website www.melissakesead.com

Judy Kirk -- (Empty Prayers, Thank You For This Day, Lord) describes her poetry as “a bit of whimsy, a lot of heart and an occasional surprise.”  She began her career as an advertising copy writer, and after retirement began writing poetry.  In 2007, she self-published her first chapbook, Eclipsing the Gray, a collection of poems about growing older.  In 2008, she self-published The Poetry of Prayer as a fundraiser for her church.  Judy has also taught copywriting and memoir writing.  She is a graduate of Indiana University and lives in St. Louis Park, MN.  You can reach her a lilymaepress@earthlink.net.

Edward Louis -- (The Eagle Has Landed) is a widower and retired executive. He is the father of three and grandfather of four.  He enjoys spending time with his family, solving Sudoku puzzles and traveling via plane and cruise ship.

Susan Mahan -- (War Story, Swan Dive) Born in South Boston, Susan has been an editor for the South Boston Literary Gazette since the fall of 2002.  She began writing after her husband died in 1997.  Poetry has been a great source of solace to her.  She has published three chapbooks, Paris Awaits, In The Wilderness of Grief and Missing Mum.  In addition, she has been published in numerous publications and anthologies.

Vincent F. Maher -- (Bless An Angel/First Blessing) is a lawyer, political economist, clinical ethicist, registered nurse and poet, is a tenured full professor of legal studies and management in the Hagan School of Business at Iona College, NY. He has written or presented over 200 articles and papers in scholarly publications, national and international conferences on a variety of themes relating to law, ethics, economics and health policy. Vincent belongs to multiple professional societies including the NY Academy of Medicine in which he is a Fellow, and the NY State Bar Association.  In his work as a published poet he has participated in workshops led by David Watts, Kim Addonizio, John Fox among others.

Olga Mancuso -- (I'll Meet You There, Raindrops on a Broken Wing) is an antiquarian book dealer, poet and freelance writer. She’s a columnist for The Christian Journey News and has written for The Homeless Voice, Teen Challenge, and Hearts with Hands. Her lifetime encompasses a 20-year indulgence in Human Services with qualifications in Advocacy. She’s been a devoted worker for Kids in Distress and is a member of the DBSA Speakers Bureau advocating for the Mental Health Parity Act. She’s certified in: Mental Health, Nursing, Domestic Violence, HIV/AIDS, Behavior Analyst Techniques and she’s a Foster Parent. Presently, Olga is forming A Not For Profit for the Deaf community, ASLplace.com

Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D., -- (Baby Steps) is a practicing counseling psychologist and the author of 13 books, five book chapters and numerous articles on trauma recovery, relationships and other psychological topics. Information about her publications and articles for download are available on www.matsakis.com. She’s conducted over 50 presentations for national and international groups, had over 40 media presentations and taught at the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. She’s a regular contributor to several Greek-American publications and her poetry has appeared in Open Minds Quarterly, The Writer’s Circle On Line, Moon Journal,  The Greek Star, She Mom and Love’s Chance Magazine.

Barbara Mayer -- (Living To The Full) is a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS. She has been a teacher, journalist, and public relations director. She enjoys writing short stories, poetry and personal essays.

Precious McKenzie -- (In Excelsis Deo) holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of South Florida.  She teaches writing and literature at the college level. Her writing and research interests focus on issues of gender, class and power. She has published poetry, short stories, children’s literature and academic articles. Her recent books include Steller Sea Lions, Whooping Cranes, Manatees, and Forces of Nature. In her spare time she enjoys walking with her dogs, horseback riding, and music. 

Sarah Merritt -- (Heart) currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her dog, Sadie.  She has an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her current writing includes creative nonfiction and poetry.  Posted on her blog are similar sonnets and excerpts from her memoir at http://swmerritt.blogspot.com/.  Sarah’s writing is inspired by her desire to express the freedom and direction she has found through her faith in God, the source of hope that is always present and available.

Karen M. Miner -- (Hopes 0n High) was born in Rochester, New York, the only daughter of John and Jayne Quackenbush.  It is her theory that one day poetry will be discovered in our DNA. Throughout her life, in times of sorrow or bliss, death or birth, triumph or defeat, she has found solace in verse and rhyme. Her vocation is nursing (RN); through this profession she has met inspiring angels.  She has co-authored two books of poetry with Robert B. Moreland entitled Eternal not Immortal: Prayers Poems and Promises for the Journey of Life (Trafford, 2005) and Postcards from Baghdad: Honoring America’s Heroes (Xlibris, 2008).

Caroline Misner -- (A Broken Earring) was born in a country that, at the time, was known as Czechoslovakia.  She immigrated to Canada in the summer of 1989.  Her work has appeared in numerous consumer and literary journals in Canada, the USA and the UK, including The Windsor review, Prairie Journal and Dreamcatcher.  Her short story, Strange Fruit, has recently been nominated for the Writers’ Trust/McClelland-Steward Journey Anthology Prize.  She currently loves in Georgetown, Ontario, where she works as a jeweler and continues to read, write and follow her muse, where it may take her.  Additional work can be viewed online at www.thewritersezine.com, www.truepoetmagazine.com and www.bewilderingstories.com.

Bob (Robert) B. Moreland -- (Dining with Lazarus, Dancing in the Rain) has a doctorate in biochemistry and has published poems in The South Dakota Review, Towards the Light and Rope and Wire.  He has co-authored a book of poems about facing death with Karen M. Miner entitled Eternal not Immortal  from Trafford Publishing in 2005 and a second collaborative poetry collection with Karen entitled Postcards from Baghdad: Honoring America’s Heroes from Xlibris/ Random House in late 2008.  Bob lives on the Chiwaukee Prairie in Carol Beach near Lake Michigan in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

Sheryl L. Nelms -- (Sunshine) is the author of 13 collections of poetry including, Their Combs Turn Red In The Spring, The Oketo Yahoos, Strawberries and Rhubarb, Rural America, Land of the Blue Paloverde, Friday Night Desperate, Aunt Emma Collected Teeth, Secrets of the Wind, Howling At the Gibbous Moon and Greatest Hits 1978-2003. Her work has also been published in numerous magazines, anthologies and textbooks, including Reader’s Digest, Modern Maturity, Poetry Now, The American Anthology and This Delicious Day. Originally from Marysville, Kansas, Sheryl has edited several literary magazines and taught writing and poetry at colleges and universities around the country. She is currently a member of the National League of American Pen Women, The Society of Southwestern Authors and Trinity Writers Workshop.

Linda O'Connell -- (Christened From On High) is a Member of Distinction with St. Louis Writer's Guild, is an award winning, multi-genre writer. Her inspirational prose, poetry and articles have been published in ten Chicken Soup for the Soul books, numerous anthologies, books, mainstream and literary magazines such as Reader's Digest, Reminsce, Joyful Woman, Whispers from Heaven, Boomer Women Speak, and many more. Linda has been an early childhood educator for thirty-two years. The small, simple things in life make her joyful, evening walks with her husband, Bill, unexpected visits from their children, grandchildren's hugs and dark chocolate. She can be reached at billin7@yahoo.com.

Amy S. Pacini -- (Marvelous Messiah, Shapes of Self, Petition for Piety) is a freelance writer from Land O Lakes, Florida.  She is a 1994 graduate of Houghton College with a B.S. in Business Administration.  She is a volunteer reader for Short Poems website.  She has held memberships in Poets Love, Brandon Poets & Artists Guild. The International Women’s Writing Guild and The Write Time.  Her work has been published in Hanging Moss Journal, Sand, Captains of Consciousness Journal, Moondance Online and Creative Writing Online.  She writes poetry, short stories, personal essays, and motivational quotes.  Any owns and operates A.S.P INK and its site www.amyspacini.com

Perry P. Perkins -- (Waiting for our Miracle), the Christian novelist was born and raised in Oregon.  His writing includes Just Past Oysterville, and Shoalwater Voices, as well as dozens of articles in national magazines. Perry is a student of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild and a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. Examples of his published work can be found online at www.perryperkinsbooks.com

Ed Roberts -- (Whispers, Tears, Prayers and Hope) was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His books include “A Poet’s Last Stand” (2002), “I’m Still Standing” (2003), “Everything Must Have a Beginning, a Middle, and an End” (2005) which are available as an e-book from Sony.com and “Whispers, Tears, Prayers, and Hope” (2008), which is available from Amazon.com. He is the founder, writer, and publisher of the books that make up The Poetry For Life Project. www.thepoetryforlifeproject.com His latest book Whispers, Tears, Prayers, and Hope was nominated for both the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry and the Oklahoma Book Award.

Nikki Rottenberg – (A Jew Finds Faith) I am a Jewish believer living in Ontario, Canada. My profession as a registered social worker is one I find great satisfaction in, but my passion is writing. I have written articles for a local newspaper, recently came in second place in the God Uses Ink Contest for my article, Journey of Faith and I have been featured on Breathe Again Magazine, a radio program in Virginia. I am in the process of publishing my first full length book, In the Eye of Deception. I can be contacted at blueheron123@sympatico.ca or through my blog: www.cultofdeception.blogspot.com. 

Sharon Scholl, PhD. -- (Talisman) is a retired professor of humanities from Jacksonville University (FL).  Author of three poetry collections: Unauthorized Biographies, All Points Bulletin, and Message on a Branch.  She has received a grant from the Witter-Bynner Foundation for Poetry for a six part TV series on local poetry and study awards from the Fulbright Foundation and Woodrow Wilson Foundation.  "I write to try to figure things out and understand more clearly what life is about."

Margie Scott -- (Thoughts of You) is the mother of one grown son and lives in Arizona.  She is disabled with Parkinson's and chronic spine conditions.  She loves writing, sewing and knitting.  She has written Devotionals for Rest Ministries, and published several poems and short stories.  My goals and desires are to write to encourage others that face chronic illnesses and loneliness.  She can be reached at mscott123@cox.net, and Margie Scott on Facebook.

Joanne Seltzer -- (The Holy Dirt of Chimayo) was born in Detroit but has lived in upstate New York long enough to call it home.  Hundreds of her poems have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies, and she has published three small press poetry chapbooks.  Some of her poems have been set to music, some used as classroom texts.  She has served as a contest judge.  Seltzer’s first true poem, “Dreamland,” was written at the age of seven and published the next year in Children’s Playmate Magazine.  Her most recent poetry collection, Women Born During Tornadoes, was released in January 2009 by Plain View Press, an issue-based literary publishing house. For more information about this poet, please visit www.Joseltzer.com.

Frances Seymour -- (The Laugh's on Me) is a published author with 2 books released, The Significance of a Dream and Perils & Promises, Life on Mission.A third title is coming, Mediocrity to Maturity, A Woman’s Journey through Despair and Repair.  Frances has had many articles published through newspapers and magazines.  She is certified in the school of hard knocks.  She has openly shared many life experiences on talk radio.  Frances writes from the heart with a deep passion for who God is and what he means in her life.  You can learn more @ www.authorsden.com/fseymour or view her complete bio @ www.freewebs.com/fsseymour

Elaine Dugas Shea -- (Sunshine Chair Circle) was born in New England, misses the ocean, but loves living in Montana. Shea has enjoyed a career in social justice--working in Civil Rights and serving American Indian Tribes. Her writing was featured in Montana Voices Anthology, Intermountain Woman, Third Wednesday and will soon be published in South Dakota Review and upcoming anthologies: The Light in Ordinary Things and Of a Certain Age: Voices of Experience.  Shea feels poetry is a gift from God – never planned or contemplated, but always appreciated. For fun, Elaine loves playing with her spirited grandsons Arthur and Walter.

Deb Sherrer -- (A Thing Of Beauty) is a writer, yoga instructor, licensed school psychologist and activist in violence prevention.  She lives in Shelburne, Vermont with her husband and daughters, age 9 and 12.  Her poetry has been published in The Burlington Poetry Journal, The Mountain Troubadour, Affilia and Violence Against Women International Journal.  More of her essays and poems can be read at: www.debsherrer.com

Molly Tienda -- (A Lesson I Learned Today) – I'm from Grand Prairie, Texas and have lived there most of my life.  I wrote this poem about this homeless guy that walked the streets of Grand Prairie.  I'm sorry to say that I haven't seen him for a few years now.  I wish I could tell him that he inspired me to write this beautiful poem and that I still remember him even if his family, friends and society don’t.  I think of him every time I read this poem.  I hope Jesus has a seat with his name on it near his throne.

Gina Troisi -- (Radiation) is a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award for Prose. Her essays are forthcoming in Poemmemoirstory Literary Journal, and in Best New Writing 2009.  A graduate of the University of Maine's Stonecoast MFA Program, she now resides in Dover, New Hampshire, where she teaches community college and tends bar in order to support her writing. 

Katherine K. Walker – (Flight School) I am a published author of a poetry book entitled: Songs of the Feathered Wind.  When going through a particularly difficult time in my life, I began writing poetry as an outlet and haven’t stopped for a moment.  I love to write and my life has been the inspiration behind my work. I have won several awards for my poetry – most recently from lukevi.com for a poem called Hungering and Thirsting, which won first place.  The T-Shirt won second place in the same contest.  You may read these poems at the lukevi.com site.  My website also features my poetry: http://www.freewebs.com/bleep7 and I would love to have you stop by and read some of my poems.  My husband and I have been married for 41 years and spent most of our lives together in Indianapolis.  We currently reside in El Cajon, California.  My book is available from Barnes and Noble.com or Amazon.com or by asking for it at the Barnes and Noble bookstore.

Barbara Watkins -- (Soul in Peril) resides in Sikeston Missouri with her husband of thirty-three years, one psycho kitty named ‘Mila’ and her faithful, loving, boxwieler pup named ‘Hooch.’ In 2005, her first novella entitled, ‘Behind the Red Door’ was released followed shortly after by her second novella, ‘Thorns of an Innocent Soul.’  July of 2009, Mythica Publishing acquired the rights to publish her collection of short stories, ‘Nightmares & Daydreams’ as an e-book and print edition.  Barbara Watkins is a member of The Heartland Writers Guild in Missouri. For more info on Mrs. Watkins or her literary contributions, please visit her web site at www.barbarawatkins.net 

Michele Lee Woodard -- (He Understands) was born in Lexington, KY in May 1976.  She has spent most of her time helping others who are struggling in life, and writing about those situations.  After achieving her lifelong dream of enlisting in the United States Navy, she became the proud mother of two wonderful boys.  She gets her writing inspirations from being a Christian wife, mother, friend and child of God.  Her writing can be found under her name, Michele Lee Woodard.

Cherise Wyneken -- (Back from the Brink) is a freelance writer who found joy late in life through writing prose and poetry.  Selections of her work have appeared in a variety of journals, periodicals, and anthologies, as well as two books of poetry, two poetry chapbooks, a memoir and a novel. She is a member of the Bay Area Poets Coalition, Women’s Potluck and Poetry Salon, and enjoys reading her work at various other local venues.  She is the mother of four, grandmother of eight, and lives with her husband in Albany, CA. 
More at http://www.authorsden.com/cherisewyneken

Linda Zenone – (It Is Well With My Soul) I am the mother of three grown sons and the grandmother of four.  I started out as a teenager writing stories and poems for the school newspaper.  One of my English teachers wrote in my yearbook, “Linda, don’t ever put down that pen.”  I never have.  Mostly I write about little things in everyday life that inspire me and might give encouragement to others.  You can visit my blog at www.blogs.myspace.com/enonez