Mindy Starns Clark: The Trouble with Tulip (Smart Chick Mysteries, Book 1)
An outstanding, always interesting author whom I admire deeply
Marilyn R. is the latest member of our writing group and a first-time novelist. She continually amazes us at her high-speed learning curve while she keeps us eagerly waiting for more of her story.
Her genre’ is Historical fiction. The tale she's presently writing is set in
Marilyn is a woman of prayer and one whom God often trusts with leadership positions. She’s now our Oregon Christian Writers new program chairperson! She’s a delight to know and a faithful woman of God.
I haven't updated my writing group for months so will post about our two newer members.
Pat Lee most recently sold to Cup of Comfort Bible Promises, an anthology, due out in February 2010. She’s written articles for Moody Monthly, Power for Living, and
Expecting. She was editor of a monthly tabloid newspaper for her church and is writing the Julia series which includes three books and the lives of three women. Julia, a pastor’s daughter, gives up on God after He let her husband die from a terrible auto accident. A well-written tale with an important theme and touches of humor.
Pat Lee places her focus on the great God she serves and writes to explore the truth, that all may be set free.
As a teenager, Pat was a stringer for her middle school and high school to our city’s local newspaper, . She writes poetry and non-fiction and non-fiction articles as well. She’s discovering her playful side with tales about a widow named Minnie and a neighbor, Lucius.
Pat is the mother of two grown children--a son on his way to graduate school and an autistic daughter who is a gifted artist. Pat is the business manager of her daughter’s card and calendar business---Critter Corner Cards and Gifts.
Now that her two children are fairly well grown, Deanna Hershiser writes most days from home. Her articles have appeared in several magazines and the local newspaper. She has taught continuing education writing classes at the local Community College, and she's been known to pet-sit, package toothpaste in a friend's warehouse, and donate plasma. Lately she tries to figure out blogging at http://storieshappen.blogspot.com. Her engineer husband encourages her to put ads on her site so they can pay for college tuition.
I especially admire Deanna's honesty and courage in writing about difficult experiences in her life.
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.