The past couple Monday posts have focused on a couple of our talented FaithWriters’ members – winners and placers in the Writing Challenge Best of the Best. Each had their own little story.
But I know there are several others out there, and we probably don’t know you very well, if at all. So, today we’re going to change that.
I’ve put together a few questions for you to answer in the comments. (and just to be fair, of course, I’ll answer them as well, in the comments) Looking forward to learning more about you all! AND, I’m looking for folks to highlight here on the blog for member spotlights. If you’ve never been interviewed before for the blog and are interested, either leave a note in the comments, or email me.
THE QUESTIONS: (answer as many or as few as you’d like)
What’s your name?
Where do you live?
How/When did you find FaithWriters?
What do you write?
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters?
SEE YOU IN THE COMMENTS!
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36 Comments until now.
What’s your name? Kel (Kelvin Fowler)
Where do you live? Klaipėda, Lithuania
How/When did you find FaithWriters? Randomly on the internet about a year ago.
What do you write? Humour/Travel and poetry
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? That I can write about God or not and not be judged for either.
Thanks for stopping by, Kevin! Had no idea you were in Lithuania. Wow.
My name: Joanne Sher
Where do I live: West Michigan
How/Where did I find Faithwriters: Searching for something (LOL not sure what – Christian writing site, I think) FIVE years ago (can hardly believe it!)
What I write: Mostly Biblical fiction, blog posts, general fiction, and some nonfiction.
What is your favorite aspect of FaithWriters: The friendships I have made.
hat’s your name? Jean Wise
Where do you live? NW Ohio
How/When did you find FaithWriters? I was seeking contact with other Christian writers and think the search engine brought me to your sit. I think about 2 years ago.
What do you write? Christian non fiction, spiritual formation/growth/prayer, devotions, blogs but have a secret heart also to write a children’s story someday
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? Connecting with others so we enjoy the path we are on together. God created community and this is one way to link with others.
I would love to have other visit my blog and be highlighted one week.
Thanks for the offer and today’s sharing.
What’s your name?
Karlene Jacobsen and for the first time in my history, my friends call me Karls.
Where do you live?
Midway between Detroit and Port Huron, Michigan (USA for those in other countries).
How/When did you find FaithWriters?
I stumbled upon Faithwriters via a link in Christian Writers’ Guild as I searched for writing mentors. This July 24 marks my 3rd year anniversary.
What do you write?
Fiction (novel length romance and contemporary); Fiction, short story inspirational; Devotional; and perhaps will be dipping my toe into writing non-fiction biographical sketches soon.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters?
Family, faith, family, home. There has never been another group of people I’ve felt so connected with or safe in sharing my experimentation. Such encouragement, edification, mentoring, and friendships have grown out of Faith Writers.
So nice to meet you, Jean! Isn’t this place a great Christian community? Looking forward to getting to know you better – watch for questions in the near future!
And dear Karls – I’m 100% with ya. these people are AWESOME! (and happy anniversary yesterday – which also happened to be my little brother’s 40th birthday. And my FIFTH FWversary was a week ago – yeah, I forgot.)
My name is Tom Parsons (Thomas M. Parsons)
I live in Central Ohio
I found FW two or three years ago. I was looking for a website that encouraged Christian writers and promoted Christian-themed writing.
I write a variety of materials – blogs, articles, stories, fiction and non-fiction, historical. I have self-published three books and I just finished editing a book for a friend that will be self-published by her this month. I also contributed some material to her book. I am one of those individuals who finds writing relatively easy to do, but promotion, well, that’s a different story.
My favorite aspect of FW so far is the encouragement I get from knowing I am not the only “faith writer” out here. I am attending the conference in Livonia next month where I hope to strengthen my ties with other Christian writers.
Looking forward to seeing you at the conference, Tom! Glad you found us, and thanks for introducing yourself.
My name is Lisa Keck and I live in southern California.
A friend sent me the link and I joined in ’08 or ’09.
I wrote devotionals up until that time but was working on a memoir. Thru the weekly challenge I am exploring the art of short story. My memoir, Then Monday Came took 2nd place at the OCCWF conference in May. I also took 2nd place at a conference in April for my devotional Touching The Words of Christ which is 80 devotions using the King James and focusing on what is called the short form words in Braille–basically Braille shorthand–but it is not about Braille.
I like Faithwriter’s for the feedback and the opportunity to share what God has done in my life. Some of my short stories are based on real life. I’ve got good material to work with: a blind, but very independant mother who died of blood cancer, a father who was gone too soon and a brother who was an alcoholic and also left us too soon. And that’s just my family of origin. My husband and 2 kids inspire me as well. Check out Ears In The Cornfield to find out more about me, just in case this long answer wasn’t enough.
What’s your name? Catrina Bradley, or Cat, or Cathy.
Where do you live? South of Atlanta GA
How/When did you find FaithWriters? From Joanne Sher five years ago!!
We were (and still are) friends in a Yahoo group. She started talking about Faithwriters and shared links to her writing. I thought, “I’d LOVE to do that!” And here I am.
What do you write? Everything AND the Kitchen Sink. All genres of fiction & non-fiction, poetry, blogs, church bulletins and newsletters, Facebook statuses and FaithWriters posts.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? Everyone else pretty much wrapped it up. I guess I love it so much because I feel free to grow into me here, and be encouraged and loved always.
Where in So Cal do you live, Lisa? I was born and raised there. Sounds like you have a wide variety of writing you do – and fabulous for your wins lately! Congratulations.
And my DEAR Cat – glad I dragged you (kicking and screaming
) to FW back then. You’re such a special friend – and I can’t WAIT to see you again in a few weeks. Can you believe it?
What a brilliant idea, Jo! Can’t wait to check out all the peeps above and read more from fellow FW family members.
What’s your name? Diana Dart (threedee) or just plain Di.
Where do you live? New Dundee, Ontario, Canada
How/When did you find FaithWriters? Found the link through a Christian writer’s blog a few years ago (um, around 3 years, I suppose). It’s out of character for me to “join” stuff, especially online stuff, but the FW gang was just so… incredible.
What do you write? I’m with Cat – I write almost anything… EXCEPT poetry (pretty emphatic about that one). Currently doing a lot of corporate writing and web content, while working madly on a YA suspense/adventure.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? The people really and truly ROCK. Genuine, caring, encouraging and a fount of information. You can just feel the blessings of the LORD through the peeps at FW
My name is Susie Klein, I live near Sacramento CA. I found FW while browsing for christian sites and I need to confess (hangs head) that I only came to promote my blog and get on your listings. I have not been back much. But I will look around now and see what all these comments have been raving about!
Oh yeah, “What do you write?”…I write a blog that will someday be part of a book designed to encourage christian women to stop striving to get Gad to love and accept them because He already has. Especially pastors wives and women in leadership who are weighed down with guilt at never doing enough.
Thanx for asking this question, it is the joy of my life.
My name is Marijo Phelps and I live in the middle of a mountain meadow in Colorado.
I found Faith Writers almost 3 years ago and have since then posted over 760 pieces here.
I love the Free Reprint Articles because you can actually see how many people who clicked on your article actually printed off a copy. Shows me more about impact than just a “click”. I also love the safety of a Christian community – many websites out there are brutal in comments on matters of faith.
Love those FWers, Di – you included, of course
Glad we reeled ya in 
And Susie – SO glad we may have convinced you to spend some more time at FaithWriters. We really are a family – and more than happy to get more brothers and sisters! And your blog sounds wonderful – may have to go check it out. Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
Awesome to read and “meet” all these new members (to me anyway). Lisa, Kevin, and Jean, welcome to the neighborhood.
I’m so glad you found us and hope to get to know you more in the near future.
Tom, you won’t regret coming to the conference. Along with–or is it in addition to–the great workshops that will help hone and motivate us, we have awesome fellowship with one another.
Susie, do explore. We’d love to get to know you and be known by you. FW is an incredible community. Competition, from my perspective, is usually on the game floor at the conference.
AND it’s hilarious fun. Not only do you make professional connections, but personal ones. I’ve been continuously amazed at the cheering section. We get to alternately–and often simultaneously–be the one cheering and the one being cheered.
What’s your name?
Where do you live? Spring, TX
How/When did you find FaithWriters? Through a friend’s referral about a year ago.
What do you write? Bible studies/non-fiction/blog
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? The dialogue with other Christians about the challenges/joy of writing from a Christian worldview. The authors here are amazing and incredibly gifted. I’ve learned so much!
I’d consider it a privilege to be a member spotlight at your convenience. Blessings!
Name: Donna Harrison
Where do I live? I currently reside in College Station, TX. and live there with my hubby Douglas and two children Douglas Jr. or DJ and Caroline and two turtles, Yurtle and Mrs. Myrtle.
How or when did I find Faith Writers?
I believe I found Faith Writers through Twitter. I was doing research about blogging and somehow came across Faith Writers.
What do I write? My writing tends to be about helping others get from point a to point b in their lives. My heart and passion is help others overcome hurdles in their lives. I like sharing things that I have walked through in my own life, believing that someone may learn from my mistakes and hopefully not repeat them.
What is my favorite aspect of Faith Writers? I would have to say I am able to share things of my faith here and not feel judgement. That is a great thing!
Marijo, my dear – you are the writing MACHINE! Love how much you use general subs and free reprints. I ALWAYS know where to find you!
And how about that – two Donnas, and both living in Texas! Donna P – the dialogue is WONDERFUL. Can’t find better folks than these.
And Donna H – Love your turtles’ names – and sharing our own struggles is SUCH a blessing and gift. Keep doing it!
My name is Cathy Hasek.
I live just West of Cleveland, Ohio.
I found Faithwriters.com when I was reading a blog from someone who is a member and recommended it. I can’t remember who it was now as it was several months ago.
I like to write Christian non-fiction articles and memoir. I enjoy blogging on my website and building my platform through social media.
I like the diversity of Faithwriters in that we all enjoy writing Christian themed messages, but not one of us writes the same!!
Hope to see you all at my first Writer’s Conference…Faithwriters! This August.
Blessings!
Hi, Cathy! SO glad you’re coming to the conference. You will love it, and learn SO much. And you’re SO right–the diversity is wonderful.
My name is Barb Miller.
Being that I married a Canadian 31 years ago, I live up in Kelowna, BC…that’s up there in the Okanagan eh.
I found Faithwriters through a client in October or November of 2010. I do Medical Insurance Exams where I go to people’s homes and fill out paper work for life insurnace, do vital signs, collect their blood, and a urine sample. I know, my job really sucks…but I just like to needle people.
I say that “I write because I can’t help it”. I have always been pathologically creative. From childhood on I have been artistic but when I was in my thirties I joined the church drama team as sort of a “good for me” healing process. It was a time in my life where God became Abba and I started to actually allow Him to reveal to me the Barbie that He created. Ever since then I consider the opportunity to use the God given talents of my creative nuature as if I am performing or writing for Daddy. From the acting stemmed writing skits and eventually combined into a stand up comedy period of my life. I am at a stage now where writing is my passion.
I write short Christain dramas, short stories or articles, (mostly what my blog is – and usually comedic in nature) as well as children’s books (which is odd because I never had children). I hope to turn my concept for a TV sitcom into a book if it does not get accepted from any broadcast companies.
I enjoy Faithwriters for the venue and the challenge of writing and getting feed back from writer’s who also understand what it is like just starting out. And, I made a New Year’s resolution to write more. I am still learning to navigate and discover all that Faithwriter’s offers. I’ll have to check out that Free Print thing. We creative types often have that insecurity of our abilities and it always helps to get that encouragement to keep writing.
My blog: barbsbarkers.blogspot.com
What’s your name? MARITA THELANDER A.K.A. MARI LAVELL
Where do you live? RENTON, WA
How/When did you find FaithWriters? DEC 2007 IN SEARCH OF FREE/CHEAP CONTESTS TO ENTER TO SEE IF I WAS ANY GOOD.
What do you write? FICTION, WORKING ON A CONTEMPORARY NOVEL AND IT’S SEQUEL, DEVOTIONALS, I BLOG AND ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE I CAN MANAGE A POEM OR TWO INCLUDING A COUPLE DR. SEUSS STYLE POEMS.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? THE WRITING CHALLENGE AND THE FRIENDSHIPS.
Welcome to FaithWriters, Barb! Love your passion for writing – and please keep exploring the site. There are SO many treasures there!
And dear Mari
You’re “any good.” Hope you know that. Can’t wait to see ya in a few weeks!
My name is Michael Okyere Asante. I live in the West of Africa, specifically, Accra, Ghana.
I found FaithWriters in February 2009 through an article I saw on my church’s website, which linked back to FaithWriters. Already, I had been searching for a place like FaithWriters where I could share my thoughts on the Christian life through article writing. And when I found FaithWriters, I just knew this was the place for me, and I have never regretted being part of this family.
Basically, I write devotions and themes related to the Christian life (discipleship, fellowship, backsliding, lukewarmness, sexuality, relationships, stewardship, salvation, etc.)
I love the reprint articles section because it gives me the opportunity to reach millions of people with my articles.
I LOVE FaithWriters.
What’s your name? Emily Akin
Where do you live? Union City, TN
How/When did you find FaithWriters? I’ve known about it for years. Not sure how I first discovered it.
What do you write? Nonfiction, mostly articles for a local magazine and Christian pubs. Devotionals, too.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? Writing Challenge and the free reprint articles offered by other writers.
Hi, Michael! So glad you stopped by the blog and introduced yourself! It continues to amaze me the different countries represented at FaithWriters. And free reprints are GREAT. I really need to start putting my own stuff there. I also use it some for devotionals for this blog – so maybe I’ll find one of yours to use soon!
And welcome, Emily! So glad you’re here. I also love the Writing Challenge. It definitely made me a better writer.
What’s your name? Sarah Elisabeth
Where do you live? East Texas
How/When did you find FaithWriters? About two years ago when God brought writing back into my life, a quick internet search for Christian Writers Forums led me straight here
What do you write? Mostly fiction, but also devotions, blogs (4, soon to be 6), etc.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? The Challenge! Love, love it. Entered every week for sixteen straight months (except the few times I was a volunteer judge). Just this past weekend we brought together around 30 people (crew and actors) and made one of my Challenge entries into a short film (about 6 minutes). So you never know!
Looks like tons of response, but if you still need interviews, shoot me an email
Love ya Joanne!
My name is Bob Valleau. I live in Dallas, Texas, and I found FaithWriters by searching for Christian writing sites. As a freelance writer, my writing is a mix of mostly Christian marketing material. But, personally, I love writing feature articles for print or digital platforms. I like how FaithWriters allows both beginning and professional writers to showcase their skills through various ways and the support everyone receives from each other.
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah Elizabeth AND Bob! That is SO cool about the little film, Sarah. You really DO never know!
And Bob – the many levels of writers here IS a huge benefit, isn’t it?
Name Helen McConnell
Location Western Nebraska
I found FaithWriters on Facebook and signed on to bolster the concept that I am a writer. I write a daily six word devotional thought on FB and am working on putting them into a booklet or calendar. Otherwise, I write family stories and longer devotionals. I really haven’t spent enough time on FaithWriters to get acquainted.
I happened to find faithwriters.com on the internet looking for something else. I like the site because it is so easy to navigate. I became a Platinum member right away because I wanted to build a web page, and the site made it so easy. I also enjoy writing faith-based stories for children and young people, and was wanting to gain exposure and find a venue – faithwriters.com is perfect. Along with short stories, I have written memoir and poetry, as well as spiritual essays. I hope to post my children’s story collection in your e-bookstore soon! I’m not a “techy” but this site offers lots of help, so I am very encouraged and excited about the possibilities!
Thanks for stopping by, Helen and Toni! So glad we got to know you a bit better. And Helen – I hope you take the time to get to know us – we’re a friendly, Godly, fun-loving bunch!
-I live in Mesa, Arizona
-I found FaithWriter’s on the web while I was publishing a book with WestBow Press
-I write books for teenagers and young adults…a Bible Study Guide was just published called My Rules To Live By, and two books are in process.
My favorite aspect of FaithWriters at this time is “looking in the window” just to see what it’s all about. I’m both impressed and intimidated so far.
What’s your name? Crissy Ramirez
Where do you live? San Antonio, Texas
How/When did you find FaithWriters? Through a search of other Christian writers and came upon this website, and Facebook.
What do you write? Currently, poetry and small stories. I aspire to write children’s books, and other stories.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? I’ve been on Faithwriters for awhile and began exploring the site. I haven’t gone as deep as I’d like, and have post some writing. I’ve been exploring my love for writing for about 8 years, and testing different types and styles. Poetry is fun and automatic! This summer I started my own blog…which is a little scary but fun at the same time. I still would love to share and learn from and with other writers. I made some friendships on Facebook with authors and writers and welcome their input and encouragement.
I still feel very new, or “fish”, in the whole arena of writers, but love it!
What’s your name? Debbie Button
Where do you live? Maryland
How/When did you find FaithWriters? I just can’t remember how I found FaithWriters.
What do you write? I’ve been writing caregiving articles/essays telling about caring for my youngest son who passed on 3 years ago (after caring for him for 25 years). I enjoy writing to encourage others to pursue whatever path God places before us. I’ve self-published a cookbook for those with chewing and swallowing difficulties, “I Can Eat That!” I’ve just recently started a blog.
What’s your favorite aspect of FaithWriters? I feel accepted and love that we are able to glorify God!
Oh, Don – don’t be intimidated! Not even ONE of us will bite!
This is a wonderful, friendly, supportive community. And you WILL improve your writing if you make use of it. It happened to me! 
And Crissy – SO glad you stopped by. We’re an incredibly welcoming bunch. Have fun here! Write for the challenge – my favorite advice
So glad you feel accepted, Debbie – and that cookbook sounds like a WONDERFUL idea for those who need it!