Adele Frances is a career counselor who helps people find the courage to walk their true career paths and get the juice out of their lives. An aspiring freelance writer with a half-dozen published articles and essays, Adele recently relocated from New Jersey to New Mexico. She is learning to balance her career with writing on a daily basis. She offers encouragement to every novice writer with the same dream. Her advice, "Don't quit your day job yet." She can be reached at her e-mail address:
[email protected].
Mindy Pollack-Fusi is a health-care writer living in Bedford, Massachussetts, with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, a cat and a house rabbit.
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Eileen Goltz was born and raised in the Chicago area. She attended Indiana University and attained her B.A. degree through the Independent Learning Program. This program allowed her to construct a major not currently listed within the university structure. During her senior year she attended the Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris and graduated with an elementary certificate. She recently finished a cookbook that Feldheim Publishing will publish in the fall of 1999.
Arthur Gordon attended Yale University. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, England and served as an Air Force officer in World War II. He then spent several years in New York City, on the staffs of prominent magazines. He has served as editorial director at Guideposts, and his articles and stories have appeared in The Saturday Evening Post, Colliers, Redbook and Reader's Digest. The author of the bestselling A Touch of Wonder, he is a freelance writer at his home in Savannah, Georgia.
Cynthia M. Hamond is a freelance writer whose most rewarding success have been her contributions to the Chicken Soup books. She and her husband, Bruce, live in a small town along the Mississippi River where they have raised five children. Her parents, whose story is in this book, live right up the street. She enjoys her school visits and answering her mail from readers. She can be reached at 1021 W. River St. Monticello, MN 55362 or at
[email protected].
Charles A. Hart lives in Seattle with his wife of thirty-two years. They have two adult sons, the older has autism, as does the author's seventy-eight-year-old brother and two sons of his first cousin. Charles is a published author and has won awards for his writing.
Magi Hart received an R.N. degree from Mt. Saint Mary's. She has a B.A. in human services, philosophy, future policy studies and psychology. She wrote newsletters, policies, procedures and educational material. As counselor for HIV support groups in South Bay, Los Angeles, she wrote articles for the newsletter South Bay Alive. Between efforts to publish she visited some of the world including China, Japan, India, Tibet, Italy, Russia and Mexico. She continues to write educational materials and to experiment with "creative media."
Joyce Harvey is a motivational and inspirational speaker, trainer, facilitator and writer. She has conducted numerous training sessions on sales, leadership, empowerment and personal growth. Joyce lost her only child in October of 1995. She facilitates a local bereavement support group, FOCUS, for families who have lost children. Watch for Joyce's forthcoming books (both still in manuscript form): Swan Lessons, the story of her journey through grief, and I'm FineI'm with the Angels, an illustrated children's book on death and dying. Joyce can be reached at P.O. Box 196, Lambertville, MI 48144-09163, or by fax at 734-854-3942 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Deborah E. Hill has enjoyed writing since her junior high school days. "Sensory Deprivation" was written during a very difficult period in her life when she was separated from her family and those things that she holds most dear. Her greatest joy in life is her son Travis.
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Margaret (Meg) Hill writes articles, short stories and young adult books. Recent titles are Coping with Family Expectations (Rosen, 1990) and So What Do I Do About Me? (Teacher Ideas Press, Libraries Unlimited, Englewood, Colorado, 1993). Kirk is the pen name used when writing from the viewpoint of a teenage boy.
Bill Holton is graciously allowed to share his home with three demanding yet adorable Siamese cats and his demanding yet adorable wife, Tara. Bill is a freelance writer from Richmond, Virginia. When not feverishly begging magazine editors for assignments, he actually dreams of retiring to the Florida Keys where he will concentrate his boundless energy on fishing. He can be reached at
[email protected].
Bob Hoppenstedt is the author of Coaching from the Heart, Knights of the Sun and coauthor of Peak Performance. In addition to his writing, Bob has coached over eighty teams at the high school and college levels, with over two thousand career victories. Bob was elected to Who's Who of American Teachers, was a finalist as The Most Caring Coach by USA Today and was inducted into the Illinois High School Tennis Coach Hall of Fame. Bob is currently teaching and coaching at Wheaton North High School and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Irvine Johnston is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. His story/messages have been a hallmark of his ministry to all ages. Irvine can be reached at R.R. 1, Napanee, Ontario, Canada K7R 3K6.
Paul Karrer has published over fifty articles and short stories. His story "The Babyflight" had over 300,000 copies published in A 4th Course of Chicken Soup for the Soul. He has taught in Western Samoa, Korea, England, Connecticut and currently teaches in California. He may be reached at 457 Archer St., Monterey, CA. You may contact Paul by e-mail at
[email protected].
Marilyn King is a two-time Olympian (Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976) in the grueling pentathlon (100-meter hurdles, shot put, high jump, long jump, 800 meters). Her twenty-year athletic career includes five national titles and a world record. Her story launched her exploration into the field of exceptional human performance. Her joint Russian-American venture called the Peace Team, prompted two invitations to speak at the United Nations. She is currently featured in numerous articles and books including Dream Makers by Michelle Hunt and Spirit of Champions by Lyle Nelson and Thom Baclon, and appeared recently on the News Hour with Jim Lehrer.
Emily Peri Kingsley is a mother, lecturer and professional writer who has received thirteen Emmy awards for her work writing scripts and songs for Sesame Street. A frequent speaker on the subject of disability rights, she serves on a committee to improve the way disabled people are portrayed in the media. She and her son Jason, who has Down's syndrome, have appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and All My Children.
Karen Klosterman is a wife, married twenty-five years to Pete, and mother of two daughters, Molly and Margo. She is a junior high school language arts teacher in
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Piqua, Ohio, and a cancer survivor. She taught in the 1970s, was a stay-at-home mom in the 1980s and came back to the classroom in the 1990s. Karen earned her master's in education in 1996 from the University of Dayton. Her writing was submitted as part of the 1998 Ohio Writing Project for Miami University.
Paula Bachleda Koskey originally wrote "Dear Jesse" for her son when he graduated from high school and since then she has had the privilege of witnessing his graduation from college. Paula is a freelance writer who enjoys reading, walking, dancing and chocolate but her biggest joy comes from spending time with her children, Jesse, HopeAnn and Luke. Correspondence may be sent to 1173 Cambridge, Berkley, MI 48072.
Tom Krause is a motivational speaker, teacher and coach, and the founder of Positive People Presentations. He speaks to teenagers, teaching staffs and any organization on dealing with teen issues. He also speaks with business organizations in the area of motivation and stress reduction. He can be reached at: 4355 S. National #2206, Springfield, MO 65810, by calling 417-883-6753 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Linda LaRocque has written short stories for Guideposts and Signs of The Times. Her first book is currently under review with a publisher. This award-winning author of five plays contends all writing to be a form of ministry. She writes from her home in South Haven, Michigan.
Patricia Lorenz is an internationally known inspirational art-of-living writer and speaker. She's the author of Stuff That Matters for Single Parents and A
Hug a Day for Single Parents. Patricia, a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, has also had over four hundred articles published in magazines such as: Reader's Digest, Guideposts, Working Mother, Woman's World and Single-Parent Family. She can be reached at 7457 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154.
Heidi Marotz lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with her husband, Scott, and children, Chase, Jillian and Hayden. Heidi has a graphics business, White Porch Design, and is the supervising graphic artist for the Idaho Falls School of Ballet. She delights in working in her herb and vegetable garden. Heidi believes her relationship with Jesus Christ is the light that illuminates both the challenges and celebrations of life.
John and Edna Massimilla wrote the poem "Heaven's Very Special Child" soon after the birth of their third daughter, Ruth, in 1952. Edna, who liked to write poetry since childhood, seemed to make her personal project to continue this talent from then on, with concern for all mentally retarded children. Her husband, Rev. John, devoted his ministry to this cause, becoming chaplain of Delaware's institution for the disabled. When columnist Ann Landers printed "Heaven's Very Special Child" in her column, the Massimillas received thousand of letters from parents and other caregivers; they answered them all. For the past several years Edna and John have opened their home to be a respite provider for the mentally retarded. John is eighty-seven and Edna is eighty-two. They are supposed to be retired but instead seem to be "refired." They received the designation "Composers Laureate" for the disabled.
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Walter W. Meade started writing at the age of fourteen. His first story was published in Colliers magazine when he was twenty-two. He wrote short fiction for the Saturday Evening Post, Gentlemen's Quarterly and several others. He then turned to writing nonfiction for magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Redbook and the Reader's Digest. Later he took a position in the publishing world and became the managing editor of Cosmopolitan and then the managing editor of the Reader's Digest Book Club. His last position in publishing was president and editor in chief of Avon Books, a position he held for ten years. Today, Walter is retired and writing articles for Reader's Digest as well as many other magazines and periodicals. He can be reached at 4561 N.W. 67th Terr., Lauderhill, FL 33319.
Susan McElroy has been an animal lover all of her life. She has worked with animals for years as a veterinarian's assistant, Humane Society educator, dog trainer and zookeeper. She makes her home in Oregon at Bright Star Farm. She can be reached at NewSage Press, P.O. Box 607, Troutdale, OR 97060-0607.
Robert Tate Miller is an internationally published writer who has also worked as a television promotions writer/producer. He has written four screenplays and a number of essays on his early years growing up in a small North Carolina mountain town. He can be reached at 950 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024.
Jason Morin works for Capitol Erectors as vice president and owns Healthy Living Enterprises. Jason and his wife Tracy borrowed $20,000 and made a video on fighting MS. The tape can be purchased on the Internet at www.megahits.com/healthy, or by phone at 860-628-9133. The cost of the tape is $20, which includes shipping and handling, and can be paid by check or money order. "Coping with this disease has made me a stronger person," says Morin. "At some point, we must deal with a crisis. The way you handle it is going to determine your quality of life." Jason Morin has two healthy daughters, Brooke, four, and Alexa, two. Jason says, "My wife Tracy has been with me and most likely the reason that I am doing great. Thank you so much, Tracy."
Christa Holder Ocker is her kid's mom; that has been her vocation. She is an author and a sailor; that is her present course. Currently she is working on her fifth picture book. Her poems have appeared in "Authorship" and "Concerto." "Merry Christmas, My Friend" appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul.
Diane Payne lives with her seven-year-old daughter near the Mexican border, teaching special education students at the local elementary school. She has been published in numerous magazines, and has a novel coming out from Red Hen Press.
Penny Porter is a mother of six and a grandmother of seven. She is a former teacher and school administrator. Award-winning Penny Porter is a frequent contributor to Reader's Digest. She has also been published in a wide range of national magazines and is the author of three books. Her inspiration is rooted in the love of family and human values which children of today need so desperately.
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Betty J. Reid resides in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and son. Besides writing poetry, she enjoys reading, collecting antiques and traveling with family. Her family and friends are often the inspiration behind her poetry.
Victoria Robinson lives in a small Texas town with her husband, Asa. She is a homemaker and has written poetry and short stories all of her life to get the events of her life on paper. She has two children and four grandchildren. Now that her children are grown, she has settled down to do what she loves: writing! Having her work published is a dream come true! You may contact Victoria at 235 Port Rd., Angleton, TX 77515, e-mail
[email protected] or by phone at 409-848-3530.
William L. Rush is a freelance journalist based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a disability rights advocate. He has written a book Journey Out of Silence and numerous articles. Born with cerebral palsy, he can't talk, walk or use his hands. Rush enjoys fellowship at First Baptist Church, hanging out with his fiancée, Chris Robinson, going swimming, playing chess and watching movies. Chris and William will marry in October 1999. For additional information visit his Web site at: http://www.4w.com/billrush/.
Carmen Richardson Rutlen decided it was time to dream out loud. Writing is her dream. She is working on her first book, Dancing Naked . . . in Fuzzy Red Slippers. She can be reached at Richardson Rutlen Advertising, 236 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Ste. 206, Los Gatos, CA 95030 or by calling 408-658-1808.
Ruchoma Shain is the octogenarian author of Shining Lights (where "Tzippie" originally appeared), Dearest Children, Reaching the Stars, All for the Best and All for the Boss, all published by Feldheim Publishers. With cheer and unshakable faith in divine providence, Mrs. Shain has shared with her ever-growing devoted readership the lessons she has learned from a rich and varied life. Her books are available from Feldheim at www.feldheim.com or at 800-237-7149.
Alan D. Shultz lives on a rural farm in Indiana with his wife, Deb, and their three children. He is a newspaper columnist and author. Alan conducts workshops on how to preserve family stories by writing them down. He calls it the creative side to genealogy. He can be reached at 5852 W. 1000 N, Delphi, IN 46923 or by e-mail:
[email protected].
Robin L. Silverman is an author, inspirational speaker and consultant specializing in human potential. She is the founder of Creativisions workshops and lectures, which have taught thousands of men, women and students how to use their creative power of intentional thought. She authored the award-winning children's book A Bosnian Family, the story of refugees from the war in the former Yugoslavia. She also authored two audiotapes: Love from Home and Relaxation for Busy People. Robin lives in Grand Forks, ND, with her husband, Steve, two daughters, and their collie, Lady.
Anne Stortz is a retired retail salesperson who lives in a retirement community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A widow with two daughters and four grandchildren, she enjoys listening to many types of music, songwriting, reading and watching old movies.
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Darlene Uggen is a fifty-three-year-old, recently retired knitter, quilter, wife and mother. ''My New Set of Wheels" was a poem that came to her, fully formed, in the middle of the night. It represents the feelings of a group of people whom she got to know through an Internet chat line. They are all affected by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective-tissue disorder which affects their joints. This positive and supportive group of people were the inspiration for this poem. Darlene's daughter, Barbara, has EDS and heads a local support group in Washington.
Milly VanDerpool was born in Los Angeles County in 1912 and has lived there all her life except
for two years when she lived in Texas while her husband was building the Red River Dam. It was while living in Texas that the younger of her two daughters was born and her brother, six years her junior, was married in Southern California. Since Milly couldn't attend the wedding, she wrote a letter instead. Many years later on the occasion of her daughter's wedding, her brother sent her a copy of the letter. Much to Milly's surprise, the letter was submitted to Chicken Soup for the Soul.