I love a happy ending. As a minor (but important to me) character in God's complicated romance-adventure-mystery-thriller, I'm glad to know ahead of time that things are going to work out well. The road gets bumpy sometimes, but Jesus is with me, taking my blows and nourishing me with his life.
I stumbled across Faithwriters in the summer of 2004, a wanna-be writer who did more dreaming than writing. This site challenged me to write to a deadline and helped me build a body of work. I have met likeminded writers from around the world here, who encourage and instruct me. I am blessed to call them friends.
Today, because of God and this website, I can call myself a writer. I have been published in a variety of anthologies, webzines and newspapers with more to come. My free reprint tally is now over 1200. I've heard from people in Europe, Africa and across America who say they enjoyed or used my work--I'm honored and so thankful.
Winning Challenge Entries:
Beyond Appearance, 5th Place, Editor's Choice
I See, Highly Commended, Intermediate
Messy Tessie's Valentine, 1st Place, Level 2; 5th Place, Editor's Choice
Heaven's Tears, 8th Place, Editor's Choice
A Lifted Veil, 3rd Place, Level 4; 3rd Place, Editor's Choice
Dating Games, 5th Place, Level 4; 5th Place Editor's Choice
Gossip and Grace, Highly Commended, Level 4
Personal Favorites:
A Lifted Veil (A love letter from God)
Caged (Teen fiction, bullying)
Heaven's Tears (Teen fiction, divorce, rebellion and return)
My Shelter (Katrina testimony/devotional)
Transfigured (poetry)
Circling Forward (non-fiction)
Prince of the Suburbs (edited challenge entry, see regular submissions)
Champ in Progress (Teen fiction, divorce)
Messy Tessie's Valentine (Teen fiction, bullying, romance).
Do Not Read:
The Valley of the Shadow
Use Me Lord
They were sad challenge entries and I'd delete them if I could.