WRITER’S DOZEN, MY FAVORITE CRITIQUE GROUP
By Geni J. White, RN, MS
If I hadn’t dreamed of writing since elementary school, my desire to write would have died at the hands of my first critique group. One woman in particular nearly destroyed me with her hateful words. When that group evaporated, I was SO relieved.
Around then, I located Writer’s Dozen, a bunch who treat each other with respect. We meet weekly for two hours, and I’ve been with them about five years. We’re a well-matched crew who motivate, encourage and teach each other. Sometimes we share by e-mail between meetings, to critique, encourage and fellowship.
Robin Illers, is 
a poet who cares deeply about the world’s persecuted churches. Robin sold her first poem (for real money!) several weeks ago. Congratulations, Robin. This lovely woman doesn’t brag, ever, so we only slowly learned how multi-talented and brilliant she is.
Zena Caulley, 
wife of a retired pastor, writes devotionals and paints pictures to accompany them. She’s hoping to complete a gift book, soon.
Loretta Miller Mehl
is a born storyteller.
Her writing shows an appealing range of emotion and immediacy. She’s had stories in several anthologies, published a number of devotionals, and is editing her book on growing up in rural Arkansas during the Depression. Loretta feels she’s still learning to write, but she’s sure a fast learner.
Denise Nash 
Denise, a fellow RN, married at age forty-two, which gives me hope for our never-married offspring. Denise often knits at full speed while she listens to our writing.
Her sharp ear and quick mind catch every lapse of logic and every unclear line or word in our manuscripts. She’s the most valuable member of our group because of her excellent editing skills. Denise has been published numerous times in various publications.
Catherine Fox
is our grammar and spelling expert. She’s published four books, some especially for her family, and a number of articles.
Catherine and Geni both claim the State of South Dakota as a childhood home. Catherine is a gifted musician and can still dramatically recite poetry she memorized in high school. Right now, she’s editing her late husband, Ken’s many wonderful and humorous stories for possible publication.
Geni J. White (pen-names-Gene Ivy and Yuna de Boodle) has rough-drafted four books and sometimes hear the Lord whispering, “Finish what you started.”
“Yes, sir, one of these days,” she replies with the hope that she’ll soon obey. She’s published articles off and on for fifty years. Geni loves to explain the technical reasons for changes she suggests in other’s writing. She’s edited a number of books for various writers and loves editing as much as creating her own stories.
Ruth Wood. 
Ruth is our prize-winning lyrics writer and recently produced her first CD. She helped her husband write and self-publish his first novel and now a major publisher is putting out his second book. Her husband is writing his third book and Ruth dreams of writing her own novel.
She’s been part of this group for many years and attends whenever she can.
Louise Mitchell 
was first published as editor of her high school newspaper. Later in life, she self-published a business-related monthly newsletter. Her background is elementary education and business. Louise’s goal: to motivate and train Christians to publish true stories of how God has worked in their lives. She prefers non-fiction with an emphasis on spiritual dimensions. The mother of three, grandmother of three and a widow, she currently owns and operates a Christmas tree farm.
No Pictures
Christina Rothman: A skilled writer, though her writing time is limited. Christina has been with this group for many years and attends when she can.
Jana Dibala. Jana is learning to write between moments of raising her active pre-school son. She teaches Child Evangelism classes during school months at the same time we meet, so often isn’t able to attend our critique group.
Margaret Silebi. Margaret, also an RN, writes dramas, often with her son. She’s produced many of her plays at her husband’s church. Her work schedule has kept her from attending for a while, but we keep in touch with occasional e-mails.