TOP's Tuesday: More than a Writers' Group...We're Family

Last night, my writers' group gathered for a dinner and time of fellowship. We only met a couple times in the past year, with the last time we were all together being over  a year ago. Eight women trying to coordinate one night a month to gather is a challenge yet one we tried to conquer. Instead of a typical writers' critique group, we met at Teddy's Restaurant in Rome, New York. Why no work and all play? Well, it is time for our friend, author, and group leader to move on to the adventure in her life. 

Elaine W. Miller, joins her husband near Corning, New York, as he starts his retirement. We are sad to see Elaine leave the area yet excited for the opportunities God has before she and Dan as they minister through joint marriage retreats and presentations. Elaine will continue to speak and travel with her books, yet the schedule and demands will be lessened and the quality time with her groom, increased.

Elaine spearheaded this writers' critique group and inspired each of us in different ways. We were all grateful for the opportunity to come together last night. We may never all meet again, as a group of eight, but the lessons, benefits, and memories we created in the past four years are bountiful and life changing for each of us.
To learn more, visit Elaine's Blog and check out her books:

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms

We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage And Ten Things You Can

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for  Drained Wives

In the center of our photo above is Melissa and Diane. Melissa (center) organized this wonderful evening and even made the beautiful matching bracelets you see in the last photograph. Her energy, love of the Lord, and writing brought tears to our eyes each time she shared. She has a way with words that opens your heart to God's message. There could be seven of us listening and we each heard a different, and powerful message through her writing. She writes for her church bulletin, poetry, and others. We are excited for the day she takes the next step to publish. Go Melissa!

Diane Estrella, to my right in the photo, is our technology and Internet guru. She keeps up on the newest social media and ways to better market our writing, speaking, and books. Diane is also an amazing writer, one we continue to encourage to share and take the next step. She has many writings but my favorite is a children's series, I pray and hope she finishes it soon. Mags volunteered to be her BETA reader. I'll do it to, I love what I've read already and want more. Hint, hint, Diane.

In addition to her Internet savvy and writing, Diane is blogger extraordinaire. Her blog, "That's What I'm Here For", is a wealth of fun, information, give-aways, and so much more. I marvel at all she accomplishes and maintains, in addition to homeschooling and all she's involved in. She is our go-to-gal when we're in need of guidance for the marketing aspect of our lives. Her joy and knowledge always encourage us. Be sure to check out and subscribe to her blog, you never know, you might win a book or some cool product while enjoying a laugh at the same time. Diane is keeping it real, we love this!

In this photo, to the left of Elaine is Amy Quonce. She joined our writers' group. Her first publication is an anthology of stories written by herself and others in the Oswego County to encourage families living with kiddos of special needs. Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways is an anthology of hope and encouragement.

Since this venture, she has since published two more books: Her first book, Breaking the Silence, is a fictional read, and her most recent book, The First 30 Days in Heaven, is written after the sudden death of her husband at such a young age. 

In the front of this photo, is Mary. Mary's honest and bold writing keeps us focused and driven to write with a similar boldness and love for the Lord. She is published in many magazines, newspapers, and literary pieces. Mary's writing style holds people accountable and challenges anyone who reads her writing, to ask, "Am I doing and being all I can be and/or do?" Mary also has a blog, Look, Listen, and Think, offers a similar challenge. Be prepared to be challenged as you read Mary's writing.

Moving to the other side of the photo, we have, Jody (back left), Paula (green shirt to the right), and Mary (front). Three strong woman with so much to offer, challenging and tightening my writing with each group meeting.

Jody is a college professor, writer, and author. Jody's list of published works is long (click on photo or here to see them all), with one of my favorites to be released this year. I can't wait until she makes the announcement, it's a fabulous children's book.  Check out her blog, Deep Calls to Deep, to stay tuned to the release and more.

Next, we have Paula. Our devotional guru. Her closeness and love for God is always inspiring. Her blogs offer encouragement and hope, Paula's perspective comes with integrity and honesty to inspire and draw other woman closer to God. Her blog, Sharing a Peace in the Puzzle of Life, is a snip-it into her heart and desires for others. Her Christmas devotional, Cherish this Christmas, continues to encourage others. She has others in the works, keep your eyes and ears open.

And finally, there is me. If it wasn't for Elaine W. Miller, I probably wouldn't have pushed forth to revise and finish Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. If it wasn't for this group of ladies prayers, input, feedback, critiques, and love...it may still be a file in my cabinet. A silent help to this was Miss Vie, while she didn't attend our group, God used her in mighty was to expand and challenge my writing. 

Since joining this group in 2010, I've published five books, my newest book, You are a Rainbow, releases this month. It's available on Amazon.com now, actually, you can get it cheaper online than I can sell it for - so feel free to order online and bring it to one of my book signings to have it signed, it will save you money. 

Other books by me: When the Waves Subside: There is Hope - written for the grieving parent to encourage them of their inner strength and beauty. 

Encourage Others: One Day at a Time, is an organizational tool to keep track of life's important dates in the lives of those you love and interact with.

No More Pain: I Can Fly, is a short story written to encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one or friend, too soon.

A special thanks and shout of love and appreciation 
to my writers' critique group. 
We started as writers then transitioned 
to friends, and now...family.