Meet the Contributors

Click the letter of the last name to link to the page containing the contributor's biography.  

A, B, C | D, E, F | G, H, I, J | K, L, M | N, O, P, Q, R | S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Judi Sadowsky is a writer who has done television and magazine work. She has been married for 35 years to the love of her life and has 2 fabulous children and one amazing daughter-in-law. She is currently working on a book of essays and patiently waiting for her first grandchild to be conceived. jsadowsky@earthlink.net

Joyce M. Saltman, EdD, has been a professor of special education at Southern Connecticut State University since 1975. She also teaches graduate courses on "The Enhancement of Learning Through Humor" every semester, as well as at a graduate Institute called HELP: Healing, Education, Laughter and Play. To lighten people up, in her spare time she travels throughout the world giving 100 lectures a year on "Laughter: Rx for Survival" and "Dealing With Difficult People." (203) 272-9519.

Lisa Sanders is a writer specializing in family and education articles; however, her true peace comes from reading and writing inspirational essays. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, Rich — who she says is her best friend, boyfriend, and one true love — and their children, Torri and Teague. Lisamarie is currently working on an inspirational anthology for teachers, tentatively titled Chalkdust on the Sleeve of My Soul. www.Joy-Writer.com. Lisamarie@Joy-Writer.com

Mary Sass, MA, Counseling, is a writer, artist, lecturer and former teacher who has published many essays, short stories and articles about writing. Her radio scripts and television documentaries have won awards. She has also won awards for her oil paintings, exhibiting in juried one-woman and group shows. She has written novels and illustrated a Christmas novella, The Katy Ornament. A member of Mystery Writers of America and the MWA Speaker's Bureau, she is listed in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who of the Midwest and Who's Who in Entertainment. (847) 674-7118, and (616) 432-4466 June - September.

Harriet May Savitz was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up during the depression. She is the award-winning author of 21 books and 2 essay collections, Growing Up At 62 and Messages from Somewhere: Inspiring Stories of Life After 60 (Little Treasure Publications, Inc.). To learn more, visit www.harrietmaysavitz.com.

Holly Noelle Schaefer, a Business Systems Engineer, says she realized that sometimes life hits you head-on, like a Mack truck. During the past year, she was rear-ended twice, transferred to a new job, lost 4 friendships, had a stroke, discovered that her husband was having an affair with one of her best friends, and started divorce proceedings. At that point, she decided to either write or to run away to Paris. She lives with her 6 year old daughter, True Noelle Saenz in St. Anthony Village, Minnesota. She is currently working on a collection of short stories. Just in case, she keeps an Air France plane schedule in her purse at all times. hollyschaefer@yahoo.com

Sharon Schafer was raised in the mid-west and now resides in Conroe, a small town just north of Houston, Texas. She writes using all genres, with mystery/romance being her favorite. She also loves writing about her life experiences and her children, who, she says, are an endless source of material. She has been published numerous times on the Internet and won a short story contest. She currently works as an editor for an on-line magazine. SAS457@aol.com.

Patti Schechter worked as a court reporter at the Morris, N.J. County Courthouse for 18 years where she met the love of her life, Dennis. Together they built a large insurance and securities business with Primerica Financial Services where she is a motivational speaker. In conjunction with PFS, she has served on the Partnership Board of Directors; is involved with CASA, Center on Addictive Substance Abuse; and serves on the company Field Cabinet Board of Directors. She resides in Mendham, N.J. with her husband and beautiful daughter, Savannah. She wants to thank Dennis and her parents for their constant love, support, inspiration and friendship. (908) 879-4909. Pschechter@aol.com

Kelly Scheufler is a San Diego based writer, foster child advocate, and mother of three. She has published several articles about peace activists as well as personal essays. She is currently gathering stories from her relatives and aspires to put together a book chronicling her family’s ancestors. Scheufler@email.msn.com

Jean Schneider is retired and lives with her husband, Bob, in York, Nebraska. She has been published in NebraskaLand Magazine and writes primarily to record a family history for her four grandsons. (402) 362-4778. rs83256@alltel.net

Lisa Naeger Shea is a stay-at-home mom who can't seem to stay at home. When she isn't in the minivan, she hides in her room and writes about life in the carpool lane. Her work has been published in several national magazines and a variety of websites. She lives in St. Louis with her patient husband and their three adorably chatty daughters. Her monthly column, Notes From the Tub, can be read at www.sanitycentral.com. LNS@att.net.

Deanna Doss Shrodes is a minister, who has served with her pastor-husband, Larry in churches for the last fifteen years. She is a pianist, singer, composer, recording artist, choral director, and freelance writer. In addition to pastoral ministry, she enjoys a wide range of speaking engagements at many church services, revivals, retreats, conferences, camps, and community events, with her forte' being ministry to women. Bringing a message that life circumstances are not meant to break, but to shape individuals, is her life's passion. She and her husband have 3 children, Dustin, Jordan and Savanna Rose. Her Web site ministry is devoted to women pastors and pastor's wives whom are "highly involved" in church ministry: www.pastoringpartners.com. PastorDeanna@aol.com

Leigh Senter has 4 short stories published in literary magazines. She has dozens of poems and pen and ink drawings published in magazines as varied as Lonzies Fried Chicken, Sow's Ear Poetry Review and Limestone Circle. The Urban Hiker occasionally prints her thoughts on everything from diets to religion. She lives at Purnell Crossroads in North Carolina with 2 teen-aged daughters, Doc Watson (the dog) and several goldfish.

Mary Murray Shelton is Senior Minister of the Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science in Southern California, and is Dean and Director of The Holmes Institute: A Graduate School for Consciousness Studies. A minister since 1986, she currently serves on the International Board of Trustees for the United Church of Religious Science. Originally trained in theatre, storytelling is one of the ways in which she loves to bring messages of Truth into real life terms for our every day living. (714) 969-1331.

Karen Sheridan has expertise on the topic of women and money. She encourages and teaches women how to take responsibility for themselves. She is a Registered Investment Advisor, educator, professional speaker and the author of Never Take NO For An Answer - One Woman, One Life and The Money Mystique. She has helped thousands of people explore their relationship with money, and transform it so that they can manifest their dreams. (503) 620-5098. MakeWealth@aol.com

Shelley Sigman is a freelance writer and photographer who, after 21 years heading her own landscape design company, traded her T-square for the tools of writing. She is an entertainment reporter for the Main Line Times in suburban Philadelphia and former lifestyle feature writer and restaurant columnist for Gannett Newspapers. She's had articles, humor and fiction featured in the Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia's Exponent, Green's Magazine and Reader's Break. siggie@enter.net

Robin Michelle Silk, MS, CCC, is a speech language pathologist in the public schools. She specializes in working with the preschool and elementary population. She has had her poetry appear in Womankind, In Friendship’s Garden, and This Is My Beloved. She lives with her best friend and husband, Alfredo, 2 wonderful children, Christian and Brandon, and loyal cat, Rio, in San Carlos, California. She feels so blessed to have the love and support of her families and friends. mllelapin@aol.com

Libby Simon, MSW, is a freelance writer living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has worked for 20 years as a school clinician and parent educator. Her articles and books include bibliotherapy for children and families, articles on social/educational issues, personal narratives and humor. She has been published in newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals in the U.S. and Canada. She has developed a violence prevention program for K-3 called 'Don't Fight, It's Not Right.' For further info: (204) 334-7180. libby@escape.ca

Hildie Sittig is a freelance writer who majored in zoology, minored in art history, has a Masters degree in education and has taught foreign languages for many years. She practices real estate in southern California. "To die young as late as possible" is her living motto which creates a positive environment of good living and healthy eating habits. Born in Germany, she came to the United States in the early 1930's and continues to travel extensively. Almost resenting the intrusion of mandatory sleep at night, she cannot wait to experience the fresh "newness" of tomorrow. (714) 731-6663.

Beth M. Skarupa was born in Chicago, lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil as a preteen, then moved to Alabama when she was in high school. She has a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Alabama at Huntsville and an MA in Critical Studies of Film/Television from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has been a reporter for an Army newspaper for the past three years and currently works as a freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Alabama with her husband Andrew and their three young children, Alexis, Elena and Nicholas.

Carol L. Skolnick writes humor, personal essays, and performance text, in addition to her award-winning work in creative marketing. Her writings have appeared in Glamour, The Sun: A Magazine of Ideas, The English Journal, DM News, and on the websites mx.Aprimo.com, Writer Online and Themestream.com. New York audiences enjoyed her two-character play, "Hopelessly Devoted," as part of Love Creek Productions' One-Act Festival in 1996. Carol lives and works in New York City's historic Greenwich Village. sput6@aol.com

Joanna Slan is an author, speaker and contemporary storyteller who inspires audiences of all sizes to reawaken their sense of wonder by taking a new look at life. She is the author of Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience (Allyn & Bacon), and Scrapbook Storytelling (Writer's Digest Books). For more information, call her at (800) 356-2220, fax 314-530-7970 JoannaSlan@aol.com

Judith Sloan is a speaker, book reviewer and freelance writer whose articles have appeared in The New York Times, Newsday, Archives of Internal Medicine and Children’s Hospital Quarterly. She also sings with the Juilliard Choral Union. A former English teacher at New Rochelle High School, she was Senior Writer at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She received her BA degree from Brandeis University and a MAT degree from Harvard University. Judith and husband Mort live in Sands Point, New York. jsloan@optonline.net

Alaina Smith is a writer. Although she works part time as a legal assistant, her heart belongs to her primary passion: creative writing. Besides having contributed multiple stories to the Chocolate series, she has completed a novel and is currently seeking an agent. She lives in the Northwest with her loving and supportive husband, Frank. writersmith@yahoo.com

Debra Smith is a mail carrier who moved to Colorado after graduating from Michigan State University. She lives on 5 acres outside of Parker, Colorado with 5 cats in the house, a feral cat in the barn, 4 dogs, 3 chickens, 2 ducks, 2 horses and an occasional family of skunks. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Maxfund Animal Shelter. Recently she rode in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 mile, 2 day bike ride fund raiser.

Katie Snyder has dedicated the majority of her young adulthood to traveling the world. Her adventures abroad have taken her through Southeast Asia, the Indian sub-continent, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe, Northern Africa, and Central America. She has passion for traveling and has learned to "expect many miracles" from her various experiences globe-trotting. She hopes to inspire and motivate others to follow their souls and seek out their dreams through writing and public speaking. (952) 890-3075. ktsnyd@iwon.com

Kirsten Snyder is an 8th grade student at Lincoln Middle School in Cottage Grove, Oregon where she lives with her mom and dad and younger brother, Sean. She enjoys writing short stories, drawing and sketching, creating greeting cards and being with her family. Besides raising guide dogs for the blind, her passion is ice-skating. She is currently training for freestyle figure skating competition with her coach, Cindy. (541) 942-2022. ksnyder@lane.k12.or.us

Janice A. Sperry graduated from Snow College, and Westminster College with honors. She is currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and her cat.

Anne Spollen, MA English Literature, is certified to teach Spanish, and English, which she has taught at just about every level from seventh grade through college. She writes poetry and fiction, has been published in numerous literary journals, and in 1998 received a Pushcart nomination for fiction. She still "perceives" the unspoken about Christopher and Philip, and is hoping for the same for her newborn daughter, Emma. shawangunks@msn.com

Laura Stanford has been writing poems and short stories since childhood. She works as a mortgage loan officer and Massage Therapist in San Antonio, Texas, where she also volunteers with pet adoption efforts. She is most grateful to Lynn — friend, teacher, and healer — who led her through a reconstruction of deep beliefs to an increase of faith. Her desire now is to facilitate spiritual healing for others. 2103517132@archwireless.net

Joyce Stark was born and lives on the North East Coast of Scotland. She recently attended an open learning course on how to get published. She’s had short stories, non-fiction and travel articles published mainly in the US, but also in the UK. She is currently working on her first novel. She is married to her husband Eric, has 3 cats and loves to travel. She says her writing “is a bit like Chicago’s O'Hare — masses of ideas on the ground, some taking off and heaps more circulating and waiting to land!” joric.stark@virgin.net

Sheila Stephens is an international award winning poet, writing teacher, columnist and speaker who enjoys helping people build their lives "from the inside, out." To her, self esteem is a spiritual journey of accepting the seed of love that divine spirit places in each heart. She has just completed Walking With the Flowers: 50 Weeks of Quiet Meditations for a Woman's Busy World. Her professional services include Creativity Coaching; personalized Correspondence Writing Classes (available worldwide); and "Walking With the Flowers" Seminars.

Jody Stevenson, Director of Soul Purpose Ministries, teaches comprehensive technology that accelerates soulful awareness towards the discovery of your special contribution to humanity, your Soul's purpose. Her delight is assisting you to awaken to your personal passions. Author of Soul Purpose, and Soulutions, she is currently a counselor in private practice, speaking nationally and leading seminars on creative expression and Soul Purpose Principles. (503) 977-5128. Jody@SoulPurpose.org

Donna Stone is a freelance writer and stay at home mom. She writes articles and essays on various topics, including parenting, health, family, and environmental issues. She is currently working on journalizing the difficulties of coping with multiple chemical sensitivities in our modern world. donna_stone_m@yahoo.com

Francine M. Storey is a poet and playwright and her production, The Hour of Lead at The Ensemble Theatre, was accepted into The Samuel French Short Play Festival, 2000. Other plays have been produced Off-Off Broadway by The Women’s Ensemble, The Abingdon, The Impact and The Vox Theatre Companies. A collection of poems, Dead in the Snows of Love, was filmed by The Vox. Her poem, Instructions for Search, winner of The Dylan Thomas Poetry Prize from the New School, NYC, is featured in the film, A Fish Out of Time, Third Wave Media Productions. Publications include The Journal of Irish Literature, The Art and Craft of Poetry and By Actors, For Actors, Volumes I, II, and III. She has been accepted into The Pen and Brush, one of the oldest women’s art organizations in the United States.

Kathleen Sturgeon still occasionally trembles at podiums, but finds writing very un-traumatic. Her nonfiction articles have appeared in the Randolph Air Force Base Wingspread, Living & Learning, Air Force News Online, Renaissance, The Kelly Air Force Base Observer, Alamo Area Horse Gazette, and Chocolate for a Teen’s Heart. She’s currently penning an inspirational novel set in 1880’s Texas. klsturgeon@aol.com

Patty Swyden Sullivan is a free lance writer living in Overland Park, Kansas. Sisterhood is an excerpt from a larger work entitled "So This is How it Feels to be Put Asunder." Special acknowledgment goes to her husband Robert Sullivan and to her daughter Victoria White who continually provide sage insight and skilled editing to her writing.
pss@kc.rr.com

Suzy Sutton, Certified Speaking Professional, is a professional speaker, trainer and entertainer. She is a working actor in film and TV commercials; and for 16 years, she produced and hosted the Philadelphia radio and TV show, "We Can't Stop Now." She is the author of Practical Steps to Speaking Up and Out, and the co-author of Build a Better You. (215) 493-4766.

Linda Ross Swanson is a freelance writer who frequently publishes essays and poetry. She is currently completing her first book, Beheading the Hydrangea. (503) 292-4755.

Lynne Swartzlander is a businesswoman, writer and speaker who uses humor " (I found out recently that Superwoman doesn't live at my address. I'm still stunned!") and insight to encourage others on life's journey. Her love for people and animals, and her passion to be a positive influence in an often negative world keep her looking for new and often humorous ways to cope with the 90's. (360) 574-8055. ohnomocha@aol.com

Lea C. Tartanian is a medical secretary, writer, a member of Toastmasters, and has written for over 22 publications. She has also published devotionals in three books: Treasures Of A Woman's Heart, and Seasons Of A Woman's Heart by Lynne Morrissey; and More God's Abundance by Kathy Collard Miller. Her goals are to publish inspirational books, conduct journaling workshops and be an inspirational speaker. She resides in Endwell, New York. (607) 754-3671. dtartani@stny.rr.com

Helen Taupe has been a Specialist with Behavioral Psychology Services for the Province of Manitoba, Canada for nearly twenty-five years. She presently practices in the City of Winnipeg. One of her passions is writing human interest stories. (204) 452-9767.

Julie Teasdale is currently a domestic engineer at her home in Bakersfield, California with her biggest projects being daughter, Abby, son, Adam, and hubby, David. In her “previous life” she was an elementary school teacher. Now, when the children sleep, she enjoys writing, reading, animals, and managing The All Better Club, a charity that was founded in Abby’s honor to help hospitalized children and their families. If you would like to know more about their organization, visit their Web site at http://members.spree.com/family/allbetter or email allbetterclub@aol.com.

Sheri Terjeson lives in the Northwest and graduated from Washington State University. She’s raised money for education and health organizations for seven years. She sees biking as a mode of transportation, soccer as a reminder that youth is never lost, and friendship as everything beautiful and good. crolph@teleport.com.

Eileen Mayer Thiel is a freelance writer and helps her husband run an organic farm on the edge of the wilderness in North Eastern Oregon. She holds a Food Processing Technology degree and has written a technical food column for Agri-Times Northwest. Her essays have been published in several books including the Fishtrap Anthologies, stories from the experience and concerns of writers in the West, Woven on the Wind, a collection of essays about the friendship of women living in the west and All About Wallowa County: People, Places and Images. Her work has also appeared in literary magazines, Country, and several trade magazines. She was awarded a Fishtrap Fellowship in l999. She is first and foremost a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of 1. eileenthiel@eoni.com

Michelle Thomas is a recent college graduate with a degree in Sports Management. She works in the Sport Marketing/Event Management field in Florida. A couple of years have gone by since her story originally took place. She says, "Time does not let us forget, but it does make us stronger and heals our wounds. Life is now good!" AM101WCU@aol.com.

Jennifer Tompkins is a 17-year old high school graduate who enjoys music, running, and hanging out with her friends. She is currently attending Southern Nazarene University.

Pam Thompson, LPN, is "a little bit country" and loves living where she grew up, Palatka, Florida. She has been a nurse now for nine years. In addition to doing home care nursing, she is also a nurse at the Marion County Jail and accompanies police on calls involving runaway children and pregnant teens. She has 3 children and is raising 3 foster children. She still loves to dance, and would too, if she had time!

Carrie D. Thornton is a Virginia native who graduated from the College of William and Mary and transplanted to the Big Apple where she works as an assistant editor for Three Rivers Press. Someday she hopes to return to the South where she will tend a garden, read storybooks to her grandchildren, and live at the beach.

Nancy Tomazic is the published author of several short stories. She is presently working on her first novel. writinfool@simcon.net

Judy Torres is a professional recording artist of 14 years. She is best known for her hits, "No Reason to Cry," and "Come Into My Arms" receiving national radio airplay, and charted on Billboard’s Dance Charts. Her albums, "Love Story" and "My Soul" debuted her video, "I Love You For All Seasons." She performs in nightclubs nationwide. When in New York’s tri-state area, she’s a radio personality on KTU 103.5 FM Morning Show, Monday-Friday, 6 to 10am and Sunday nights 9 to midnight. She models plus size fashions for Ashley Stewart and Hanes for which she appeared on Good Day NY. She resides in New Jersey. (212) 647-1575, or (201) 222-1353.

Jo Ann Townsend is currently pursuing her passion for writing personal essays while grandmothering and living happily-ever-after with her husband. In her once-upon-a-time life in Iowa, she was a high school secretary, ran a home typing service while being a mom, and had an antique business for which she published newsletters, a cookbook, and wrote articles for Collectors Journal. (503) 635-2957.

Susan B. Townsend is a writer and stay at home mother to 5 children ranging in ages from 13 to 16. Transplanted four years ago from the West Coast of Canada, she and her husband, Tom, live on a 300-acre farm in southeastern Virginia with their children and a multitude of pets. She is at work on her first novel. (804) 834-2245. monitor@visi.net

Paula J. Toynbee is proud to have obtained her goal of becoming a Correctional Officer in 1991. She enjoys the many challenges that it brings her. She is happily married to James (her "guardian angel"). They live in rural Vacaville, California on three acres with their four children. Her newest challenge is to pursue her passion of writing and hopes someday to write of the joys of her "blended" family. Fax: (707) 448-6900.

Teresa Elizabeth Traxler is 17 years old and a senior at Le Center High School in Le Center, Minnesota. She enjoys many activities such as volleyball, track and field, drama, and jazz band. She believes that a positive attitude is one of the main components of a happy life. She would also like to thank the people who have supported her throughout her high school years and the continual support in which each person generously gives. (507) 357-6542. ttrax17@hotmail.com

Gayle Trent is the author of Photo Finish, a romantic suspense novel published in 1999 by Neighborhood Press, and of Mama Liked Blue, a children's book published in 2001 by Kudlicka Publishing. She also enjoys writing non-fiction articles such as "How To Write A Business Plan," and "Valuing Your Small Business," Venture Portfolio (online); "Summer Boredom Busters," The Dollar Stretcher newsletter; "Self-Promotion for the Emerging Writer," Writing-World.com. In addition, she has her own newsletter, "Writing Up A Storm." http://hometown.aol.com/gayletrent/myhomepage/profile.html

Beverly Tribuiani-Montez is 35 years old, married, has a daughter named Jessica, and a chocolate lab puppy named Maddy. Although she has been many things by profession, from a wedding consultant, to an account executive, to a high school teacher, she says she is by nature a writer. She writes to process her life. She has done freelance work for the Contra Costa Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, and has written and directed plays for her local church. Her story, Just A Daughter, is an excerpt from one of her current projects, a book titled Did I Mention My Family's Italian? Her other project is a book of poetry, not yet titled. Bevie1967@aol.com

Geraldine (Gerry) Trickle balances write-for-business projects with creating fiction and non-fiction. She is a published author of personal essays. Her writing voice speaks with the wisdom gained from navigating the rocky shoals of Love and Loss, surviving the Straits of Single Parenting, and sailing in Relationship Regatas. Today, she frequently drops anchor in GrandChildren Bay then heads back to New Jersey to tend to a novel-in-progress. www.writer-online.com or gtworks@home.com

Susie Troccolo has recently transitioned from owning a consulting business in the high tech industry to a new hybrid life. These days she works two days a week from a home office, two days a week in her organic vegetable garden, and one day a week doing volunteer work with children. Swearing off girl shoes and panty hose, she now walks Rufus and Sassy rain or shine in Portland, Oregon. To celebrate growing older, joy, and change, she has just written a book entitled Growing Down Stories as a gift for family and friends. Auguri@ix.netcom.com

Annette V. wishes to remain anonymous. She also wishes to recognize the DRW for their love and support.

Mari Pat Varga is a speaker, educator and coach. She travels internationally presenting workshops and seminars on how to be an excellent communicator. She is the author of Great Openings and Closings and The Presenter's Journal: A tool for making presentations memorable. She has inspired, entertained and challenged business audiences since 1985. (773) 989-7348. maripat@vargacom.com or website, www.vargacom.com.

Catherine Vaughan-Obregon is a full-time English Instructor at Redlands East Valley High School, Running Springs, California, and she teaches part-time at California State University San Bernardino in the Education Department. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education, and a Concentration in Communications. She writes for her own catharsis. obesecret@aol.com

Melissa Sandy Vela is currently 21 years old and lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is a senior at St. Mary's University, working toward her BA in the field of English/Communication Arts. Her poetry has been published in many anthologies, journals and in her hometown newspaper. This is her second essay to be published in the Chocolate for Women series. She is currently planning her wedding to a loving man who helped her realize true beauty could never come from just a pant size. She hopes to always feel the peace and accomplishment writing gives her and wishes to continue to create art through the simple scribbles of her pen across paper. vela101@hotmail.com

Kate McKern Verigin is a licensed minister who focuses her energies on creating ritual and ceremony to celebrate all aspects of life. She is in her 4th year of leading moon ceremonies for women. On Friday nights Kate serves as minister to a group called Heart & Soul — eclectic ceremonies for women, men and children designed to open the heart and celebrate the soul. By degree she is an educator and communicator. Through life experience she is an EMMY Award-winning television producer, publicist, spiritual counselor and mentor, wife, step-mom and cat lover. She lives in Portland, Oregon. 503-768-9320. katev@europa.com

Peggy Vincent is a retired midwife who has welcomed more than 2500 babies into the world. She lives in Oakland, California with Roger, her husband of 36 years, and Skylar, their teenage son. Two adult children, Colin and Jill, live nearby. Her first book, Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife, was released by Scribner in the spring of 2002. In addition to working on a sequel, she also writes fiction and short essays. www.babycatcher.net. PV@peggyvincent.com

Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., is a doctor of psychology, lecturer, and the author of The Lightworker's Way published by Louise Hay House Publishers. She has appeared on Oprah, Leeza, Sally, Ricki and 75 other national and regional talk shows. For information on Dr. Virtue's books, tapes and seminars, please call (800) 654-5126 ext. 0 www.AngelTherapy.com

Kim Dixon Waldman is a former Texas Bank Executive. She currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband Neal, son Zachary, and daughter Kelsey. This is her first publication, and she hopes to write many more. nkwaldman@cs.com

Cammie Walker lives with her eight-year-old daughter, McKenna, life partner, Jim, and their dog, Susitna, in Anchorage and Kashwitna Lake, Alaska where she works as a cost accountant (to fill the cupboards) and a writer (to fuel the soul). She is currently collaborating on a children's novel with McKenna. cammieak@yahoo.com

Karen Walker has 20 years experience as a public relations professional writing marketing plans, brochures, newsletters, feature stories, annual reports and press releases for a variety of clients. She began personal journal writing in 1978 as part of her spiritual quest for healing. She has been working on improving her self-esteem most of her adult life, and is currently working on her first non-fiction book, I’m Nobody, Will You Listen Anyway?... How I learned to Love Myself. She resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband Gary and their dog, Wolf. (505) 344-1387. kgwalker@flash.net

Michele S. Wallace, novelist, is a Brevard County resident and author of Hero of Her Heart, published by Blue Note Books. She has also been a guest columnist for Florida Today Newspaper. Her commentary about Harry Caray brought her acclaim, including a personal thank you letter from Chicago Cub's Chip Caray. Keeper of the Shroud and Margarita, her latest manuscripts, have just been completed and currently are in the editing process. www.netcom.com/~wallace3; mswallace@juno.com

Suella Walsh writes articles and short stories for adults, and novels for children. Her 5th book, Running Scared, which was published in 1998, is a mystery novel for children, ages 8 to 12. Other children’s titles include The Case of Erica’s Weird Behavior and They Would Never Be Friends. Her fiction appears in the anthologies, Beginning From The Middle and Handprint in the Woods. She often writes with her husband, Lawrence. She is a former columnist for Mystery Forum Magazine and a founding editor of Red Herring Mystery Magazine. She is on the editorial board of Whispering Prairie Press. landswalsh@prodigy.net

Laurel A. Wasserman has taught English for twenty-six years and has published poetry, essays, and travel articles. She lives in California with her husband, Lauren. She looks for the lessons in every day experiences. Laurelwasserman@aol.com

Anne Culbreath Watkins resides in Alabama and has appeared in publications such as American Caged-Bird Magazine, Angels on Earth, Bird Talk, Writer’s Digest Forum, and many others. A regular contributor to the Guideposts hardcover book series, Listening to the Animals, she has more stories scheduled to appear in the Guideposts book, Their Mysterious Ways. She is the author of A New Owner’s Guide To Conures, T.F.H. Publications. www.geocities.com/anne_c_watkins

Linda H. Waterman is a successful freelance proofreader who finally decided to do some writing of her own. Born in Connecticut, she has traveled the world and spent a life-changing year living in Rome, Italy. Today she resides in California where she tries to perpetuate a Mediterranean lifestyle — while writing what she hopes are amusing essays. LindaWat@aol.com

Ann E. Weeks, DNS, RN is a nationally known speaker and nurse family therapist who gives her audiences and clients many everyday strategies to heal the stresses of life's passages. Her ever-present sense of humor and real life stories always make her presentations a treat. She is the author of seven books and owns Passages Publishing, a small press dedicated to putting into print the stories that pass on our experience and heritage. She is a self-described "recovering academic," and is former Dean and Associate Professor of the Lansing School of Nursing, Education and Health Sciences. She is a consultant on organizational communication and team building and innovative programs, and has twenty years experience as a legal expert witness. (502) 458-2461. healingpassages@ka.net.

Alice Stern Weiser, a native Bostonian, is a graduate of Boston University. She received her certification from the International Society of Graphoanalysis. A leading expert in handwriting analysis, body language and voice inflection, she was elected the 1995 International Handwriting Analyst. She is a popular motivational speaker, teacher, TV guest, workshop headliner, jury analyst and personnel consultant. Her lectures not only entertain and inform, but promote confidence through non-verbal communication skills. (713) 270-1645.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder and her husband moved to the United States in the mid-nineties, after more than a decade living overseas. She is delighted to be back in her homestate of Florida and is a full-time writer. Now fluent in German, she often does freelance translation work. Her interests include Medieval history, Great Britain, and gardening. Happy to no longer be with the airlines, she is very active in several writers organizations and enjoys the luxury of working at home. Her only travel these days consists of annual trips to England and Scotland to research her romance novels and travel essays. Proud to be of Scots descent, she is a member of the MacFie Clan Society of North America. welfondr@gte.net.

Jean Wenzel has lived in Sierra Leone, Iceland, Germany, Faeroe Islands, and Pakistan before settling in what she believes to be the most beautiful place of all, Oregon. She writes for magazines, newspapers, and websites, teaches writing, and hosts and anchors on community radio. She is an all-weather hiker, voracious reader and a Master Knitter.

Janie M. West lives in the Deep South, USA with her husband and teenage daughter. Together they enjoy reading, writing, hiking, two dogs, and an ever-changing number of cats. 3 married children provide wonderful in-laws, grandchildren, and richer family gatherings — all the result of that first wedding 30 years ago.

Lisa West is a freelance writer, computer geek, political junkie and softball fanatic. She is the West Coast editor and editorial columnist for The Einkwell (www.Einkwell.com), and online magazine. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her 2 daughters. thatgirl@pacifier.com

Becky Lee Weyrich of St. Simons Island, Georgia, is the author of twenty-five novels, most recently Swan's Way and Savannah Scarlett. She wrote and illustrated two chapbooks of poetry, and has contributed to five fiction anthologies. She is also a workshop instructor and lecturer. Before turning to fiction in the 1970s, she wrote for a number of newspapers and magazines. A former Navy wife, she traveled the world with her pilot husband (now retired) and their 2 children (now grown). A member of Southeastern Writers Association, Inc. since 1974, she is Past-President of the organization and continues donating her time and efforts as a member of the SWA Board of Directors. beckylw@gate.net.

Garnet Hunt White, a retired teacher, devotes her time to writing articles that appear in Good Old Days, The Confession Magazines, Historical Heritage and newspapers. Her nostalgia writings win in contests. Her "Halo of the Hunt Barn" won 1st prize in the 1998 Smithsonian's Barn Again Traveling Exhibit at Donpihan, MO. She and Judge Glenn E. White married in their mid 30's, flaunting a lifetime declaration to remain and old maid and bachelor. Glenn and her parents encouraged her to write. She organized the Ripley County Writers Guild. (573) 996-4913.

Laurie Wierbick is a bilingual elementary teacher who graduated from Boise State University in Idaho. She currently resides in King City, California. She thanks her father, Leo, for spontaneously telling quirky stories when she was little and her cousin, Christi and Mother, Marilyn for encouraging her to write and share her stories. Their support has inspired her not only to write but to encourage family literacy. Her writing, "The Magic of Family Literacy" was published in an international reading journal in 1995, and she just completed a literacy mural project in a local laundromat. (408) 385-6076.

Beth Williams is currently a high school freshman. She enjoys soccer, piano, mountaineering, and spending time with friends. She loves to travel, and hopes to go abroad her junior year. bethie1111@hotmail.com.

Donna Marie Williams is a single mother, writer, editor, and publisher, Renaissance Nation, Inc. She is the author of Sensual Celibacy: The Sexy Woman's Guide to Using Abstinence for Recharging Your Spirit, Discovering Your Passions, and Achieving Greater Intimacy in Your Next Relationship (Simon & Schuster, 1999). While on her vacation from sex, she also co-authored with Rev. Congressman Floyd H. Flake The Way of the Bootstrapper (HarperCollins, 1999); Black-Eyed Peas for the Soul: Tales to Strengthen the African American Spirit and Encourage the Heart (Simon & Schuster, 1997); and Sister Feelgood: A Year of Health and Fitness for Our Bodies and Our Souls (Crown, 1996). (773) 928-EDIT (3348). www.feelgoodspa.com; dmarie342@aol.com.

Annie Wilson is a wife, mother, and step-mother who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, playing the piano, and writing for self-expression. She retired as a school secretary in Idaho to move and marry Bud, her teen-age sweetheart. With her belief that family history should be passed on, she recently finished a family history book, complete with text and pictures, beginning with her great-great grandparents up through each of her children's lives. (602) 788-9597. anniew@mciworld.com

Karen Wilson is a military wife, mother of two, author, motivational speaker, substitute teacher, self-taught organist/pianist, Jill of all trades. She holds a bachelors degree in history and literature from Black Hills State University and is an active member of her church. In 15 years of marriage, she has had 12 addresses — living and traveling around the world in such exciting places as Italy and South Dakota. Her travels have granted her a wealth of varied experiences. She is currently blooming at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. (618) 746-2782.

Patricia Wilson is the author of the best-selling audiotape series, Living in Excellence, and of 8 inspirational books. How Can I Be Over the Hill When I Haven't Reached the Top Yet, and Why Pray When You Can Take Pills and Worry — a Frazzled Mother's Guide to Raising Teens, continue to be on-going favorites with her readers. She is an international speaker and workshop leader, best known for her down-to-earth style and humorous anecdotes that have charmed audiences from Manila to London, and from Seattle to New York. She lives on a small island off the Atlantic coast in Nova Scotia, Canada. (902) 885-3193 www.deeperwaters.com.

Tammy Wilson is a past contributor to the Chocolate series. She still has a mannequin in her attic. Her work has appeared in the North Carolina Literary Review, Branches and the on-line Charlotte Austin Review, among other publications. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, she resides in North Carolina.

Myra Winner was born and bred in Georgia and has recently returned to the deep south after a decade up north, along the Delaware River. She currently lives on Amelia Island, a barrier island off the Georgia/Florida coast. Her belief in the power of story led her to create tale tellers, a spiral bound brightly colored twelve page book/kit that enables you to write your own story using photographs. She has recorded eleven of her stories on a cassette called Caviar and Moonshine. She is also writing her first novel--working title is Good Morning Glory. Both tale tellers and Caviar and Moonshine are available by calling (904) 491-3300, or through winsedge@aol.com.

Linda Wisniewski is a retired librarian, who lives with her family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She has two sons, ages 25 and 12, a Shih Tzu named Lucky and a gray cat named Missy. She can be found reading mystery novels when she is not writing, volunteering at Planned Parenthood, or watching her retired scientist husband cook fabulous gourmet meals. She is very proud that her memoir on domestic violence was included in an anthology celebrating the 25th anniversary of a local women’s shelter. She is an active member of the International Women's Writing Guild and the Story Circle Network.

Ferida Wolff is the author of Listening Outside Listening Inside, an inspirational book for adults about listening to our inner messages. She is also the author of over a dozen books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in newspapers, magazines and literary journals. She has an MS in Education and is certified in Holistic Studies. She taught yoga and leads meditation workshops. fwolff@erols.com. www.FeridaWolff.com

Junette Kirkham Woller has a background in the Fine and Performing Arts and Journalism. She writes poetry, essays, short stories, inspirational pieces, and anything else that needs writing. Her training as a music teacher, professional model, handspinner, weaver, calligrapher, bookbinder, and toastmaster are resources for her work. Her interests are varied, but she especially enjoys being an encourager to others, practicing T'ai Chi and Chi Gong, and studying the Scriptures. Her favorite work-in-progress is a biographical collection entitled "A Texas Girl's Scrapbook." She is married, the mother of 3 grown sons, and grandmother of a beautiful granddaughter.

Lee Ann Woods is a feature commentator for the award-winning National Public Radio affiliate, WNCW in Spindale, North Carolina and a children's librarian. Her stories and articles have appeared in various periodicals, and her first children's picture book, Grandpa Whitt's Grocery, Chapter & Verse Publishing for Children is scheduled for release in 2000. She grew up hearing many stories in her Tennessee mountain home, which became a focus in her writing. Bright Mountain Books will be publishing her stories and thoughts on life from the Southern Appalachians. She now lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and their 2 sons, Gabriel and Blaise. Leeawoods@aol.com

Toni Wood is a writer, volunteer, and mother who lives in the Kansas City area with her husband and three lively boys, Alex, Grant and Nicholas. She is a former reporter for The Kansas City Star, and her articles and essays have appeared in many magazines, newspapers and books. She has shared her interest in art and different cultures with children at church and school. (913) 441-0659. toniwrites@aol.com

Sharon Wren is a freelance writer who lives on an island on the Mississippi River with her husband Bud, sons Logan and Tyler, 5 Dachshunds, 2 cats and more geese and ducks than she can count. She enjoys writing about humor, parenting, writing, gardening and cooking. swren1@msn.com. http://i.am/overworkedandunderpaid

Mary H. Wu is a 19 year old Manhattanville College Sophomore. She has been writing ever since I was ten years old and has been published in TeenInk. She is currently working on a novel and her biggest goal is getting the novel published. Besides writing, she enjoys America Online, listening to music, traveling, and doing calligraphy. (914) 747-3849. LiLFortuneCookie@aol.com

Jennifer Bialow Zeidler graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Communications from Tulane University in New Orleans. Her entertainment journalism career has included freelance reporting for People magazine's Los Angeles bureau and producing for the syndicated television shows Inside Edition and American Journal. After relocating to Chicago, she was an EMMY-winning producer for Fox News on WFLD-TV and produced segments for "Fox Thing in the Morning." She now works part-time from home as the Executive Producer of Travel Channel Radio, a nationally syndicated radio show, based on the Discovery-owned television network and works full-time raising her 2 boys, ages 3 and 7 months.

Mary Zelinka lives with her Springer Spaniel, Molly McGee (aka Wild Thing), in Albany, Oregon, where she is the Program Director for the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. There she works to empower survivors to break the cycle of abuse and to rebuild their lives free from violence. Her work has appeared in Chocolate for a Lover's Heart and Chocolate for a Teen's Heart. She actively seeks and finds magic everywhere and has been described as being "chronically idealistic." She still misses Beau who had to be put to sleep in 1988. maryz@proaxis.com

Lynne Layton Zielinski lives in Huntsville, Alabama. A freelance writer, she believes that life is a gift from God, and what we do with it is our gift to God. She has a 17th century historical novel in progress. (256) 883-1592. Arisway@aol.com

Beth Ziemnik is a recent graduate of John Carroll University and is currently on the quest of finding her passion in life. Along this journey she cherishes time spent with family, friends, and every individual who influences her life. She has a special place in her heart for youth and has volunteered at the community center of Big Ugly, WV and the farm town of Immokalee, FL. For seven months she led retreats for high school students in Milford, OH at a Jesuit retreat house. A communications major, she enjoys creative writing and public speaking and one day hopes to work in a non-profit organization's special events department. If she could pick any job in the world, she would love to be a motivational speaker. bethaz@aol.com

Kristine Ziemnik is a native Ohioan, a wife and mother of four. She lives at Chippewa Lake and enjoys boating and swimming. She has a poet's heart and has won a poetry contest with "America is Still the Best Place to Be" and has had one poem turned into a song entitled, "The Bethlehem Story." A floral designer by profession, she’s also has been a crafter all her life. She started her own business in 1997 called Kristine's Kreations and markets a gift item called "Bottles of Tears" quite successfully to Christian bookstores. She was first published nationally in Angels on Earth Magazine and hopes that "A Christmas Surprise" will remind people what is truly important in life. She hopes to write a book someday. (330) 769-2931. Zemies4mom@aol.com