Writing to Change the World

Sarah, Jerri, Susy Flory and Sue

Jerri, Sarah and Sue attended the Christian Writers Seminar in Castro Valley this weekend. Susy Flory, the featured speaker, inspired us to tackle challenges that seem a little out of our reach. She is the author of Thunder Dog, a New York bestseller and story of Michael Hingson, a blind man and his guide dog who were on the seventy-eighth floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 when the jet crashed through it. The page-turner tells how the two escaped with others through the stairwell to safety before the building collapsed.

Every workshop gave us tools to bring home and use in our writing. We rubbed shoulders with the greats and came home exhausted.

"The handout I received from Pat Sikora's "Turbo-Charged Internet Research--Work Faster and Smarter" was worth what I paid for the whole conference," says Sue. "She delivered great information with a sense of humor and took the intimidation out of research for me."

Jerri and Sarah raved about Ken Jones' class on storytelling and how to tell your story. Sue ordered the CD so you can all enjoy.

Jeanette Hanscome, author of Running with Roselle (Michael Hingson's story written for children), led a workshop on how to write for the next generation. "Great information for writing and working with teens," says Sue.

"I remember the first Christian Writer's Seminar I attended," says Sue. Jon Drury, founder and coordinator, said he started his career writing devotions. He said, "If you can write a devotion, you can write anything. You have to tell a personal story or anecdote, give Bible application and write a powerful takeaway in 300 words or less." The Upper Room was the first to publish Jon's writing and since Sue chose the same path, The Upper Room also started Sue's writing career. Thank you, Pastor Jon.

Although Jon Drury is retiring and moving away, the seminar will continue under new leadership. Mark your calendar for next February to attend. You will be glad you did.