July Member News

Mary A. Hake had a request from Story Mates to reprint her children’s story “Longing for Li Sue” about adopting a little girl from China. It will be republished in December 2023.

Charlotte Kardokus will have her true story “Not in a Million Years” in the August 13 issue of LIVE.

Lois Kennis reports that Rise on Eagles’ Wings, a contemporary novel set in Iowa, was released in June by Elk Lake Publishing. Orphaned at 13, it isn’t long until Talitha Joy Dahlen is a married teen mother. Talitha’s wry sense of humor helps in raising her sons, but can she let go of past hurts to trust a guide she cannot see? Note: This manuscript won a 2020 Cascade Award.

Darlene Lunsford had her first book published by Winged Publications. It is a contemporary inspirational romance titled Land of Promise.

Barbara McCourtney had a piece accepted for an upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul compilation. It will be in Just Say Yes, coming out next summer.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing recently received her author copies of Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus 2024—the first Guideposts devotional book to which she has contributed. In mid-May she also turned in several devotionals for Mornings with Jesus 2025. Her award-winning books, Love’s Faithful Promise: Heart-Stirring Short Stories and Poems of Romance and Faith and Everlasting Love: Romantic Vignettes for a Woman’s Heart, are available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, powells.com, and walmart.com. Keep up with her latest at www.JenniferAnneMessing.com.

Lyla Swafford will have a devotional published in the 2024 May/June issue of The Upper Room.

Three of our members are semi-finalists in the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) 2023 Carol Awards: Jane Daly for Broken—A Story of Redemption (contemporary), Karen Barnett for When Stone Wings Fly (historical), and Carrie Stuart Parks for Fallout (mystery/suspense/thriller). There are also several other friends of OCW on the list of semi-finalists, including past and current conference faculty members.

Each of the following members has an article in the June issue of The Christian Journal: Jon Drury, LGayle Gustafson, Linda Kruschke, and Maxine Marsolini.

June Member News

Heidi Gaul was published in her 12th Chicken Soup for the Soul compilation. All You Need Is Love was released May 30.

Mary Hake learned that her two books, The Smell of Spring (released in December 2022 and recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award) and The Smell of Summer (released May 15), the delightful children’s books about a blind girl enjoying the seasons through the sense of smell, will be featured on Arkansas PBS’s summer reading TV program Rise and Shine. Following the broadcast, the video will be posted on YouTube. For examples of the show see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-dOs71sxGs&list=PL0j1Y5NdFHD2u1xLIV4EHUEOLEEeDuxrI

Sharon Chase Hoseley reports that A Bridge of My Own is a 2023 Gold Winner from Human Relations Indie Book Awards in the category of Personal Relationship Memoir. Each of her books in the Bridge Series has now been named a Gold Winner.

Lainey La Shay released her book More Than a Survivor: A Devotional for Trauma and Abuse Survivors on May 7. The book is available on Amazon or at laineylashay.com/shop.

Debby Lee has a book signing on Saturday June 10 from 2–4 p.m. at the Olympia, Washington, Barnes and Noble, 1530 Black Lake Blvd. Her book Beneath a Peaceful Moon was released on June 1 by Barbour Publishing. During WWII, Mary Wishram, an orphaned Yakima tribal member, becomes a spy. John Painted Horse, a proud Navajo, joins the Code Talkers. Will these two wounded souls find healing from their past traumas and a deeper relationship with God before it’s too late? Or will they lose their chance at love and everything they hold dear?

Susan Maas discovered that Pathways: Moments with God had reprinted four of her devotionals in their spring edition. Because they had bought all rights, they are now just reprinting old ones and using their own staff for new ones.

Marty Magee has a devotional in the summer issue of The Secret Place.

Nicole Miller reports that after 20 years of editing, rewriting, pitching, and reworking the manuscript, she signed a contract with Revell. This has been a lifelong dream, and her book is scheduled to hit the shelves in June 2024. It is about the great, great, great, great grandsire of one of her horses.

Shirley Mozena has had her devotionals published regularly in Arise Daily, online devotionals sponsored by AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). She was in the October 2022 and March 2023 issues, and her most recent, “Adopting a Family Resemblance,” was featured on May 19.

Garyanna Stalick has an article in the summer issue of Just Between Us.

Each of the following members has an article in the May issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jon Drury, L. Gayle Gustafson, Linda Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, and Jan Sheerin.

May Member News

Karen Barnett reports that because there was such great feedback on When Stone Wings Fly and her other National Park novels, she signed a contract with Kregel Books for two more novels set in our beautiful national parks!

Carolyn Bolz was the winner of the inaugural Insect Fair Poetry Contest in Riverside, California with her poem “Insects Are Resilient.” She will also have a short piece in the October/November issue of Guideposts Magazine.

Gail Denham had a poem in the spring edition of LIVE.

Mary Hake’s first picture book, The Smell of Spring, has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services by the Mom’s Choice Awards^®. She is looking for reviewers for both books in the Smells of the Seasons series and can provide an ebook.

Sam Hall was notified that his book, A Place to Stand, is a finalist in the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the nonfiction category. Out of 210 entries, 36 books were selected as finalists in five categories.

Nick Harrison recently signed contracts to write two books.

Linda L. Kruschke published her third poetry book, in so few words, available on Amazon, and she has seven devotionals in the summer 2023 edition of David C Cook’s The Quiet Hour devotional booklet.

Pat Lee will release her seventh book on May 20. In Search of Forever is a Mountain Brook Ink title and joins her Mended Hearts series.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had a nonfiction article, “Second-Chance Parenting: 10 Ways to Love Your Adult Children,” accepted for reprint publication in a January 2024 issue of LIVE, a print Sunday school take-home paper.

Kim Robinson will have devotionals in the June–August issue of Fruit of the Vine, Barclay’s Friends devotional magazine. Christian Devotions also publishes her work.

Kit Tosello recently signed with Revell for her debut novel, tentatively titled The Color of Home.

At the last minute, Kristen Joy Wilks was able to attend the Vision Christian Writers Conference and entered their writing contest very close to the deadline. The topic for the contest was courage, and Kristen won the contest with her entry “Scraped Off the Bone.”

The following members each has an article in the April edition of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jon Drury, L. Gayle Gustafson, Maxine Marsolini, and Jan Sheerin.

April Member News

John Avery’s latest devotional/Bible study book, The Kingdom of God: Our Life with Jesus the King, released on March 1. A collection of 38 short pieces reflecting on Bible verses about the kingdom, it is available on Amazon in paperback ($12.99) and ebook ($5.49), and from www.Bible Maturity.com/product/kingdom-of-God. He is almost finished with a draft of the next in the series.

Karen Barnett’s When Stone Wings Fly is a finalist in the adult religious adult fiction category of the Foreword INDIE Awards. This same title is also a finalist in the Selah Awards.

Laura Bradford has four items in the current quarter’s issue of LIVE. Three were reprints that LIVE had previously published and one was new.

Danika Cooley has three new books publishing in her middle grade Who What Why Christian history series from Christian Focus Publications this summer. Plus she has a middle-grade book coming out in February 2024 with The Good Book Company—and she’s finishing another three books for the Who What Why series for 2024.

Jane Daly’s second book in the three-book Broken series, Broken Silence, was released in March by Elk Lake Publishing. She also signed a contract with Elk Lake Publishing for Where Is My Sister. This novel is her fourth with Elk Lake and will be released later this year.

Dawn Caldwell De Wulf recently signed a nine-book contract for her Picking the Fruit (of the Spirit) children’s book series. The first book is titled I Don’t Like Patience, scheduled to release before Christmas of this year. She is represented by Dr. Sharon Norris Elliot at Authorize Me Literary Agency. The series will be published by Winged Publications’ Little Blessings imprint.

Heidi Gaul just signed another contract with Guideposts, this time to write an introduction for a book titled Pray a Word for Strength. This month she is working on three separate projects for Guideposts.

Mary Hake had a true story, “From Crushed to Cherished,” in the March 19 issue of LIVE. Her second picture book in the Smells of the Seasons series about a blind girl, The Smell of Summer, is now available for preorder on Amazon. It will release on May 15. Mary has been featured in several newspapers with articles about her writing and first picture book, The Smell of Spring, which continues to receive positive reviews and just had a blog tour with a giveaway.

Charles Earl Harrel has two stories in upcoming issues of LIVE. One for Pentecost Sunday on May 28 that is titled “Praying in the Spirit.” The other is “One Saturday Morning,” scheduled for summer 2023.

Tracie Heskett received word that her devotional will be in the March/April 2024 edition of The Upper Room.

Kristen Johnson signed a contract to write three devotionals for the 2025 edition of Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures devotionals. She finished a book she’s hoping to publish this summer and is editing two more.

Susan Maas just received an acceptance from The Upper Room for a devotional that will be in the March/April 2024 issue.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had her short story, “Reunion of the Heart,” reprinted in the March issue of CaféLit, a UK-based online magazine. It was originally published in a 2021 anthology from Glittery Literary, a Great Britain-based publication. She also has three true-experience articles: “Birthday Surprise,” “Eyes of Love,” and “Night Psalm” published and reprinted in various spring 2023 issues of LIVE, a weekly Sunday school take-home paper.

Shirley Mozena has an article, “See You Later, Mom,” in the May 14 issue of LIVE. It is a true story about Judi Mayfield, an OCW member who passed away in September 2021.

Patricia Oliver has written four half-page articles for The Newport News-Times this year. The series was titled “A Tribute to Other Cultures.”

J.D. Rempel’s Christian contemporary middle-grade novel, Melanie at Camp Redwoods, is scheduled to release on April 20. It is the sequel to Melanie on the Move in The NorCal Girls series published by Ambassador International. Her first book is available wherever books are sold. In 2018, Melanie on the Move won a Cascade Award in the unpublished MG category and in 2022 it was a finalist in the published MG category. To preorder the new book: https://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Camp-Redwoods-Norcal-Girls/dp/164960386X/

Garyanna Stalick had a short piece accepted by Just Between Us for their summer issue, and LIVE purchased one of her stories for the fall issue.

Lyla Swafford thinks she may have broken a record. She sent a story, “Scars of Hope,” to LIVE one evening and had an acceptance email in her inbox the next morning. It is tentatively planned to appear in January 2025.

John Wozniak recently published Mojave Man, the sequel to his award-winning adventure book Mojave Rift, which was a finalist in the 2022 Cascade Writing Contest.

Elinor Young’s book, Running on Broken Legs, has received several awards. Not only did it win an OCW Cascade Award as an unpublished memoir in 2020, as a published book it is now a finalist in the memoir category of the Selah Awards. It was also chosen by IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) as one of two books in the “inspirational book” category as a Distinguished Favorites Independent Press Award for 2023. It is now also available on Audible.

The following members are finalists in the Selah Awards Contest: Karen Barnett for When Stone Wings Fly (general fiction), Katie Powner for Where the Blue Sky Begins (general fiction), and Elinor Young for Running on Broken Legs (memoir). Winners will be announced at the end of May. Other finalists include faculty members who have been (or are coming to) an OCW conference and some who have finaled in the OCW Cascade Writing Contest.

Each of these members has an article in the March issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, Jon Drury, LGayle Gustafson, Suzanne Koonce, Linda Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, Shirley Mozena, and Jan Sheerin.

The following members contributed to the latest Short and Sweet compilation titled When the World Wore Masks: Life and Love in the Days of COVID-19: Denise Arzoian, Jon Drury, Pamela Groves, Marty Magee, Maxine Marsolini, Allison McCormick, Kim Robinson, Susan Wade, and Peg Willis.

March Member News

Gregory D. Hall, of https://rethinkingscripture.com/, has released Rethinking Rest: Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn’t Working. Published by Deep River Books, it is available on Amazon.

Bev Hislop just released her memoir, I Took You: The Making of a Shepherd. Published by WestBow Press, it is available on Amazon.

Donna Hues, who lives in Mt. Angel, offers a workshop for writers at her local library once a month. The youngest attendee is ten years old. They have lively discussions and learn from each other. Contact her at prayer@oregonchristianwriters.org for details.

Marty Magee has a devotional in the spring issue of The Secret Place.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had a fiction short story, “Reunion of the Heart,” which was first published in Glittery Literary’s 2021 book anthology (print/e-book), recently accepted and reprinted in the March 2023 issue of UK-based online magazine, CaféLit. She will be teaching a few workshops at this year’s Cascade Christian Writers Conference, including “Seven Steps to Design and Publish Your Print/E-Book on Amazon” and “Heart-Songs: Expressing Life and Faith in Poetry.”

Lori Ann Wood has a column in the spring issue of Just Between Us.

February Member News

Carolyn Bolz has a story, “Catnapped,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons Learned from My Cat, which just went on sale. Although she doesn’t have a cat, she wrote the story about her sister’s cat.

Merry Broughal has her story, “Battle in the Night,” included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Well That Was Funny, which comes out in April. This is a first for her.

Heidi Gaul recently signed contracts to write pieces for a couple more books—25 devotionals for Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus–2025 and the sidebars and preface for Exploring God’s Promises: Hope. An upcoming Chicken Soup anthology will be reissuing her story “Dream Date” in an upcoming edition called All You Need Is Love. It releases at the end of May.

Mary Hake had a story, “Time for a Change,” published in Story Mates in January about preparing for Sunday to be on time for church. Her first picture book, The Smell of Spring, will be on a blog tour with Celebrate Lit in March with a giveaway of a hardcopy and a $25 Amazon gift card. She turned in the text and signed the contract for her second picture book in the Smells of the Seasons series, The Smell of Summer. It is scheduled to release mid-May.

Penelope Kaye has three books available at any online bookstore or they can be ordered from a brick/mortar store: Making Crooked Places Straight: A Spiritual Warfare Journey to Become Shining Stars in a Corrupt World, a spiritual warfare training manual. Her second book, Land Media Interviews Without a Publicist: 8 Essential Keys for Authors, is for authors of any genre who want to get those interviews, especially radio. It is endorsed by Nick Harrison. I Do Not Like the Rotten Egg Scent in Yellowstone National Park, her third title, is a picture book about Fiona and her aversion to the rotten egg smell in the world-famous park. She has also published devotionals for CBN’s online Spiritual Life and Arise Daily for Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, an organization to support Christian women speakers and writers.

Sherri Langton has had several reprints appear in recent issues of LIVE. She just finished an assignment for Standard, and her article, “Facing Down Goliath,” was in a January issue of Standard. Sherri is currently working on a new assignment for AG News.

Christina Suzann Nelson was the featured author in an interview hosted by Lisa Bartelt in early January: “Even after winning a Christy Award, Christina wouldn’t describe her writing as ‘smooth sailing’ but rather as ‘an art that will never be mastered, which makes the challenge even better.’” You can read the interview here: https://www.fictionfinder.com/author_interview/read/interview_with_christina_suzann_nelson1. Her latest title, What Happens Next, released January 17.

Each of the following had an article in the January and/or February edition of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer (both), Jean Davies (both), Jon Drury (both), L. Gayle Gustafson (both), Suzanne Koonce (January), Linda Kruschke (both), Maxine Marsolini (both), Shirley Mozena (February), Sue Mix (January), and Jan Sheerin (both).

January Member News

Julie Bonn Blank has released Innocent Voices, the second book in her Guardians of Grace series. Both books 1 and 2 are currently free on Kindle Unlimited. The ebooks are $4.99 each if you’re not a Kindle Unlimited member, and both are available in paperback.

Mary Hake had her first picture book, The Smell of Spring, release December 15. It is about a blind girl and the sense of smell, available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

Linda L. Kruschke has a story titled “Our Miracle Dog” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons Learned from My Dog, releasing January 24, plus an article titled “Intercession Brings Hope” in the winter 2022 issue of Breakthrough Intercessor magazine.

Charlotte Kardokus has written for LIVE for many years. She received a request from the editor to rerun her story, “Prescription for Stress,” that ran seven years ago. Char updated the article, and it will appear in a late 2023 issue.

David Mackey has published two books with Luminaire Press in Eugene. The titles are Fires in the Night and Plague. Both are available on Amazon, and you can get signed copies by contacting David at weftandwrite@peak.org.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing just received and accepted a new assignment to write several devotionals for Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus 2025 daily devotional book.

Sue Miholer had “Countdown to Christmas,” her riff on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” published in the online Cybersalt Digest. She wrote it many years ago and has been tweaking it ever since. It also appeared in the 2021 edition of OCW’s Swallow’s Nest.

2022

December Member News

Kathy Sheldon Davis was a contributing author included in the recently released Warner Press book, Seeking His Presence: 30 Devotions Featuring the Art of Warner Sallman. (Many of us grew up with his “Head of Christ” painting in our home.)

Mary Hake had an article about her 50-year high school reunion published online in August and a puzzle published in Partners in November. She just got the galleys for her self-published picture book, The Smell of Spring, about a blind girl who experiences the season through her nose. Plans are to publish a book for each season. The first Smells of the Seasons book should be available on Amazon later in December with a hardcover version coming from IngramSparks.

Nick Harrison just released his latest book: You Can Succeed as a Christian Writer: What You Need to Know About Publishing, Proposals, Platforms, and More. It is available on Amazon.

Linda L. Kruschke has an article, “Redemption on the Broken Road,” in the November/December issue of Today’s Christian Living.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing has a fiction short story, “For Mama with Love,” in the holiday book anthology, The Gift, now on sale in print and e-book formats on Amazon. She had a holiday book-signing with fellow OCW authors Dawn Shipman, Jan Pierce, Jill Williamson, and Rachel D. Russell in mid-November at Three Creeks Library in Vancouver, Washington. All of Jennifer Anne’s books are available from various retailers, at Barnes & Noble, and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing.

Susan Mary Mix received a contract from Elk Lake Publishing for her novel White Stone.

Yvonne Kays and Marty Magee have one devotional each in the Winter issue of The Secret Place.

The following members each had an article in the November and/or December edition of The Christian Journal: JoAnne Bowles (December), Susan Brehmer (December), Jean Davies (both months), Jon Drury (December), LGayle Gustafson (both months), Suzanne Koonce (December), Linda L. Kruschke (both months), Maxine Marsolini (both months), and Jan Sheerin (both months).

November Member News

Julie Bonn Blank is releasing her second book in the Guardians of Grace series at the end of November. Title is Innocent Voices. In the meantime, you can download two free e-books by Julie at www.innocentjourneys.com. Julie also designs professional websites and offers a large discount for OCW members. Contact her at juliebonnblank@gmail.com.

Virginia Johnson had her article “The Bouquet” in the September/October 2022 issue of the Bible Advocate magazine and her article “To the Other Side” in Now What? the online publication of Bible Advocate Publishers. In January her article “Six Buttons’ Journey—From East to West” was in the online publication Western Regional Button Association. She rewrote that article, and it appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of the Oregon State Button Society Bulletin.

Linda L. Kruschke had an article published in the November issue of Today’s Christian Living, a devotional published in Arise Daily (also on Crosswalk) in October, and has a story accepted for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons Learned from My Dog due out in January 2023.

Maxine Marsolini was notified that her story “Grace Among Us” (tentative title) will be included in the Short and Sweet Book XI from Grace Publishing. The tentative title of the book is My Covid Story and will be available in 2023.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing’s National Indie Excellence award-winning third book, a collection of short fiction stories and poetry entitled Everlasting Love: Romantic Vignettes for a Woman’s Heart has a new cover and a newly re-published e-book version and paperback version (210 pages). It’s now available at Barnes &Noble online, Indiebound, Books-A-Million and on Amazon. You can get more information about Everlasting Love and all of Jennifer Anne’s books at: https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing

Jan Pierce had a book published by Elk Lake Publishing that released in late June. Title is The Exploits of Edna and Gertie, which is three novellas about two “women of a certain age.” They travel together and get into all sorts of mischief. She also continues to write for Askgranny.com and for Regional Parenting Magazines.

Dawn Shipman reports that Quest of the Queen, the second book in her YA fantasy series The Lost Stones of Argonia, was released by Elk Lake Publishing in September.

Frank V. Yates’ unpublished historical fiction, Codename Vatikan, finaled not only in the OCW Cascade Writing Contest but also in the same category in the PNWA (Pacific Northwest Writers Association) writing contest.

The following members each had an article in the October edition of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, Jon Drury, L. Gayle Gustafson, Linda Kruschke, and Maxine Marsolini.

October Member News

Gail Denham continues to have her poems published and win or place in nationwide contests. Here’s just a sampling: Sold a poem to LIVE. Quill & Parchment used “Sensing the Change” in their October issue. Won several prizes in the Missouri Poetry Contest and second place in the Massachusetts Society contest. Three of her poems were in the Wyoming Poetry Society newsletter. Pennsylvania Poetry Society used her poem “My Rebellious Feet.”

Sam Hall published a memoir, A Place to Stand, about the early years after his father died.

Lydia Harris had three pumpkin recipes from her In the Kitchen with Grandma cookbook published in the October/November issue of Brio, Focus on the Family’s magazine for teenage girls. You can see the recipes online here: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/…/brio-magazine-freebies/

Kristen Johnson has an article in the October issue of Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine. Title of the article is “Truth Pursuer: Truth of Trick?”

Charlotte Kardokus had her true article “Not in a Million Years” accepted by LIVE for their summer 2023 edition.

Dr. Hannah Kolehmainen just self-published the workbook edition of her new book Quit Wandering—15 Strategies to Find & Fulfill Your God-Given Mission. It is available on her website http://furtherthefaith.com.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had her short story “For Mama with Love” accepted for publication in the holiday book anthology The Gift, which will be released in print and e-book formats this December. She noted that the editor responded to her submission in just seven hours, the shortest turnaround time she’s ever experienced.

Each of these members had an article in the September issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, L. Gayle Gustafson, Linda Kruschke, and Maxine Marsolini.

September Member News

Carolyn Bolz had the picture she took of a prickly pear cactus on the one day a year it blooms posted on Birds and Blooms website.

Lydia Harris has had several things published recently: two stories in LIVE, a story in Can,Sir! a collection of stories about cancer from Grace Publishing (Terri Kalfas), and two short articles in Bible Advocate. This is in addition to her column “A Cup of Tea with Lydia” that she’s written for 23 years. She is thankful for the teaching and networking through OCW conferences. Both of her grandparenting books are a result of connections there—her Bible study book Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting: For Grandparents at Any Stage of the Journey (AMG, 2010) and her cookbook In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together (Harvest House, 2019).

Virginia Johnson had her article “To the Other Side” published in the March 2022 issue of Now What? And her article “The Bouquet” will appear in the September/October issue of Bible Advocate magazine.

In August, Lois Kennis signed a contract with Elk Lake Publishing for her debut novel, Rise on Eagle’s Wings. The manuscript won the 2020 OCW Cascade Writing Contest for Unpublished Contemporary Fiction. Lois is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to the next steps on her writing journey.

Linda L. Kruschke signed a contract with Guideposts for six short devotionals to be included in the next edition of their Pray a Word a Day devotional.

Rachel Lulich had her first middle grade novel, The Red Door, accepted for publication by Bandersnatch Books. This book was the winner in the Unpublished Middle Grade Book category in the 2021 Cascade Contest.

Marty Magee has a devotional in the fall edition of The Secret Place.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had a personal-experience short story entitled “A Birthday Surprise” accepted for publication in the Spring 2023 issue of LIVE, a weekly take-home paper for adults. This true story was previously published/reprinted in four different magazines and one compilation book. Jennifer Anne prays its message of forgiveness and new beginnings between her (as a grown-up daughter) and her mother will touch hearts.

Lori Ann Wood has an article in the fall issue of Just Between Us, a women’s magazine from Jill Briscoe’s ministry.

Each of these members has an article in the August edition of The Christian Journal: Jean Davies, LGayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, and Maxine Marsolini.

Each of these four members has an article in the September–October issue of Bible Advocate: Lydia Harris, Virginia Johnson, Yvonne Kays, and Jeri Stockdale. Sherri Langton, also an OCW member and summer conference favorite, edits this magazine. This is the first time she remembers having so many OCW members in one issue.

August Member News

Mary Hake had a puzzle in Partners in July and just had a children’s story accepted for Story Mates for the January 1, 2023, edition. LIVE also requested to reprint a true story, to be published next spring.

Charlotte Kardokus had two articles, “The Best House” and “May Basket,” accepted by LIVE for their spring 2023 issue.

Linda L. Kruschke had a poem published in the Wholly Loved Gala event booklet, which was distributed at the Gala on June 5, 2022.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing has two true experience short stories (both are reprints) entitled “His Eyes of Love” and “Night Psalm” accepted for publication in Spring 2023 issues of LIVE, a weekly take-home paper for adults.

Carole Marie Shelton is a 2022 Serious Writer Book of the Decade semifinalist for her middle grade novel, Cosmic Chaos.

The following members had an article in the July issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, LGayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, Shirley Mozena, and Jan Sheerin.

 

July Member News

Danika Cooley signed a contract to partner with the The Good Book Company on an upcoming book on an important biblical doctrine for elementary-aged kids. It will be in a hands-on format they will love! The next installment of the Who What Why Christian history series will be out in spring 2023, and this book will follow, making it the tenth book she has written for families.

Charles Harrel has two stories in upcoming issues of LIVE: “Hand Upon My Shoulder” in the summer 2022 issue and “The Repairer” for the winter 2022 issue.

Charlotte Kardokus had two stories, “Missing Pieces” and “God Answers Prayer, accepted for the winter 2022–2023 edition of LIVE.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing noted that her National Indie Excellence award-winning book Everlasting Love: Romantic Vignettes for a Woman’s Heart, a collection of short stories and poetry, has a new cover and a newly re-published e-book version. The updated print book version will be released very soon. The e-book is on an introductory summer sale; get more information and look inside the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing

Shirley Mozena was published twice in June (June 11 and 26) in the online daily devotional Arise Daily from www.crosswalk.com.

Dr. Sonya Privette has written several books: My Father, My Lord, My Love: Now Reveal Your Glory; My Father, My Lord, My Love: A Demonstration of God’s Love; My Father, My Life, My Future: Now God Has Spoken; The Clergy Boot Camp Manual; The Need for Evangelism in a Dying World: A Guide for Sharing Your Faith; and a series of books entitled Living Life for God: Devotions for Kids. All books are available at https://app.thebookpatch.com/BookStoreResults?search=Sonya+Privette&ddl=authors

 

June Member News

Jane Daly reports that her second novel, Broken, A Story of Redemption, releases this month from Elk Lake Publishing.

Donna Y. Gurr has completed a set of seven devotionals for The Quiet Hour that will appear in that publication in November 2023.

Sharon Chase Hoseley received The Human Relations Indie Book Gold Award in 2017 for A Bridge Named Susan under the category of Life Challenges. She submitted the second book, Crossing the Bridge, in the category of Personal Relationship Memoir and was the 2022 Gold Winner.

Charlotte Kardokus had her story, “Praying for Friends,” accepted for the Winter 2022–2023 issue of LIVE.

Linda L. Kruschke had an article titled “Grasping Grace” published in Now What?, the online magazine of Bible Advocate, and a devotional titled “His Power Is My Power” published in Arise Daily Devos.

Marty Magee and Stacey Womack have one devotional each in the summer issue of The Secret Place.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing has a poem, “Heavenly Purpose” in the summer 2022 issue of Pure Joy Digest magazine. Her award-winning book, Love’s Faithful Promise received a new five-star review. “I am so enjoying Jennifer Anne’s short stories and poems. They reignite that youthful promise of love and romance that is so easy to lose with the passing of time. I love the hope expressed through these stories—that true love, innocence, and the healing power of love can last a lifetime. Your talent is a blessing of hope in a far too cynical world.” All of Jennifer Anne’s books are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing.

Julie Zander won a certificate (second place) in the Society of Professional Journalists contest for Editorial & Commentary among medium-sized journalistic organizations in the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana). She had submitted three of her weekly columns she writes for The Daily Chronicle in Centralia, Washington.

These members each had an article in the June issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, Jon Drury, L. Gayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, and Shirley Mozena.

May Member News

Stan Baldwin is hosting a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at North Clackamas Park in Milwaukie, Oregon. It is also a book release party for I Didn’t Want to Leave without Saying Goodbye. Think of this new book as replacing the usual obituary handed out at memorial services, only this one is 216 pages of fascinating stories about Stan’s life.

Carolyn Bolz has a really cute poem, “Dinner Disaster,” in the current issue of The ST Quarterly. ST stands for Spasmodic Torticollis, and Carolyn is a frequent contributor to publications dealing with that condition.

Camille Eide had her novel Wings Like a Dove noted in the April issue of Christianity Today as “New & Noteworthy Fiction.”

Cara Grandle released The Ribbon on May 2nd with WhiteFire Publishing (Ashberry Lane line).

Susan Maas has an article, “In All Circumstances,” in the March–May issue of LIVE. Lydia Harris, Yvonne Kays, and Sherri Langton also have articles in that edition. And several former members are also included.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing passed the audition and had several devotionals accepted for publication in Guideposts Mornings with Jesus, 2024 daily devotional book. She was also asked to contribute more devotionals for Mornings with Jesus, 2025.

Christina Suzann Nelson was interviewed by Family Fiction about her latest book. You can read the interview here: https://familyfiction.com/womens-fiction-author-qa-christina-suzann-nelson-shaped-waves/?fbclid=IwAR0nNCh7qSTJGlNzEVXOodU4ru-PPdxac7-mU2RdNoj6yIV1PILCJuT9Nc8

Jeri Stockdale reports that her novella, Outspoken Love, was published by Winged Publications and is available as an ebook on amazon.com with print on demand to follow. The setting for this historical romance is Seattle in 1910 during the suffrage movement. Two more in the series will follow.

Four of our members—Lois Kennis (Contemporary), Becky Little (Young Adult), Kit Tosello (Contemporary), and Erma Ullrey (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)—are semi-finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest. Congratulations, ladies. Finalists will be announced on June 15, and winners will be revealed at the ACFW conference on September 10.

The following members each had an article in the April and May editions of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer (May), Jean Davies (April & May), Jon Drury (April & May), L. Gayle Gustafson (April & May), Suzanne Koonce (April), Maxine Marsolini (April & May), Shirley Mozena (April), and Jan Sheerin (April).

 

March/April 2022

Julie Bonn Blank was recently notified that her book Innocent Lives won a Bookfest award.

Gail Denham has had poems published in numerous publications over the last several months, including Poetic Voices (Pennsylvania), Swallow’s Nest (OCW), Sandcutters (Arizona), Well Versed, Lone Star, Emergence (Wyoming), and Quill & Parchment. And she has placed in several state competitions, including Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Camille Eide’s novel Wings Like a Dove is mentioned in the current issue of Christianity Today under “New and Noteworthy Fiction.” Part of the recommendation for Camille’s book says, “A perfect example of how fiction can teach the most beautiful of God’s truths.”

Mary Hake had a children’s story reprinted in several languages for an outreach publication distributed overseas. She sold a puzzle about Abraham to Story Mates for publication in July.

Yvonne Kays has an article, “When Did the King Come In?” in the March/April edition of Bible Advocate. You can view it here on page 22: https://baonline.org/Issues/Flip/BA-2022-2_March-April/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1_w8L3ZKdnjJ5EC5ANPDgCOAeEi2pRJ1fvTaZHYWXSC9AHUK5dt5R3DKk

Linda L. Kruschke has stories in two compilations set to release this year. The first is Short and Sweet X: What’s in a Name, which includes a cute story about her son’s name. The second is The Cat in the Christmas Tree! and that will include an even cuter story about her son’s cat.

Patti Lee had an article published in the February issue of Fathom magazine. “The Lost Lady of Krasnodar” is the banner story for the magazine’s current theme of harmony. The link is fathommag.com.

Shirley Mozena will have an article in the May/June 2022 issue of Angels on Earth magazine. Title when she submitted it was “Angels Were There,” which the publisher may change.

Kathy Schuknecht received the 2022 Goldie Award for Promising New Writer from West Coast Christian Writers for her soon-to-be released debut novel, Transforming Grace, a contemporary story of life, loss, faith, and the miracle of forgiveness. For more information about the novel and the pending release date, visit Kathy’s website: www.kathyschuknecht.com

Lori Ann Wood has an article titled “Being Okay with Giving Up” in spring issue of Just Between Us.

Book Signing: Friday, May 6 from 5–8 p.m., Chapters Books and Coffee, 701 E 1st St, Newberg, Oregon as part of the downtown art walk. Come chat with some local OCW members: Julie Bonn Blank, Donna Hues, Jan Rea Johnson, and Lynn Shortman (aka Laya Brandt).

Members who had one article apiece in the March 2022 edition of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, Jon Drury, LGayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, Shirley Mozena, and Jan Sheerin.

 

February 2022

Julie Bonn Blank has released two new e-books about side characters in Innocent Lives, Guardians of Grace Book 1. “Rose” is a novella that is only $2.99, and “Penny” is available for free. Go to https://www.subscribepage.com/penny.

Marty Magee has a devotional in the spring issue of The Secret Place.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing is the “Featured Poet” in the recently published 2021 annual poetry anthology Startled by Love (print/e-book). This book was #1 on Amazon’s Bestselling New Releases List (“Poetry Anthologies” category) during the first week of January 2022. Jennifer Anne also had a short article about a heartwarming act of kindness published in the January 17, 2022, issue of Woman’s World weekly print magazine.

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson was released by Bethany House Publishers on February 1st. Available in several formats.

Jeri Stockdale has an article, “More Than a Neighbor,” in the Jan/Feb 2022 edition of Bible Advocate. It is the story of the relationship she built with a neighbor over the years and the opportunities God gave her to share with him when he was terminally ill.

Lyla Swafford had a piece titled “Unexpected Joy” in the February issue of Now What?

Pamala Vincent recently won the silver award for nonfiction authors from the Nonfiction Authors Association. “Women face battles on a wide variety of fronts and knowing who we are created to be defines which battles to engage in for success in our homes, work, and spiritual lives. This book is for women who dare to make a difference.” Can be ordered from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pamala+vincent&i=stripbooks&crid=BYITUVTM2TZ2&sprefix=pamala+vincent%2Cstripbooks%2C125&ref=nb_sb_noss

Kristen Joy Wilks was a recent guest at CalvaryMac Church in McMinnville for the Author Spotlight Program hosted by Annika Klanderud.

Lori Ann Wood has an article in the spring issue of Just Between Us.

The following members have articles in the February issue of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, Jon Drury, L. Gayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, and Jan Sherrin.

 

January 2022

Charles Earl Harrel has a story titled, “Heavenly Messenger,” coming out in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Believe in Angels. The release date is January 25, 2022. It’s an amazing story about an angelic encounter that occurred on Hwy 26—about halfway between Sandy and Gresham, Oregon. Both he and his wife, Laura, witnessed it.

Linda L. Kruschke had an article, “God’s Relationship Plan,” in the Winter/January 2022 issue of Divine Purpose magazine. Four of her poems were included in A Given Grace anthology, and she read two of them plus a Christmas poem as part of the Poetry Festival Singapore, which you can watch here. She also signed a contract to write seven devotionals for The Quiet Hour, published by David C Cook.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing was chosen from among many published poets to be the “Featured Poet” for the 2021 annual poetry anthology entitled Startled by Love, a collection of new poetry in traditional forms. It features several poems by Jennifer Anne, and those written by poets from the US and around the world. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. More information about the book can be found at https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing.

Dan Wagner released his book God Expects! What our Creator God expects of His Creation last month. With God’s proclamation of “Let there be light,” He began His creation of the world we live in and everything else. God, as Creator, has a plan for His creation. Discover the beginning of God’s expectations and see our responsibility, accountability, as well as the consequences both individually for us and corporately for the Church. Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/God-Expects-Creator-expects-creation/dp/B09M79KK9P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G0W8CPJABIXD&keywords=dan+wagner&qid=1639351588&sprefix=dan+wagner%2Caps%2C345&sr=8-1.

The following members had articles in the December and/or January editions of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer (Dec & Jan), Jean Davies (Jan), Jon Drury (Jan), LGayle Gustafson (Dec & Jan), Linda L. Kruschke (Dec & Jan), Maxine Marsolini (Dec & Jan), Shirley Mozena (Jan), and Jan Sheerin (Dec & Jan).

2021 Member News

Charles Earl Harrel has a story titled, “Heavenly Messenger,” coming out in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Believe in Angels. The release date is January 25, 2022. It’s an amazing story about an angelic encounter that occurred on Hwy 26—about halfway between Sandy and Gresham, Oregon. Both he and his wife, Laura, witnessed it.

Linda L. Kruschke had an article, “God’s Relationship Plan,” in the Winter/January 2022 issue of Divine Purpose magazine. Four of her poems were included in A Given Grace anthology, and she read two of them plus a Christmas poem as part of the Poetry Festival Singapore, which you can watch here. She also signed a contract to write seven devotionals for The Quiet Hour, published by David C Cook.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing was chosen from among many published poets to be the “Featured Poet” for the 2021 annual poetry anthology entitled Startled by Love, a collection of new poetry in traditional forms. It features several poems by Jennifer Anne, and those written by poets from the US and around the world. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. More information about the book can be found at https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferannemessing.

Dan Wagner released his book God Expects! What our Creator God expects of His Creation last month. With God’s proclamation of “Let there be light,” He began His creation of the world we live in and everything else. God, as Creator, has a plan for His creation. Discover the beginning of God’s expectations and see our responsibility, accountability, as well as the consequences both individually for us and corporately for the Church. Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/God-Expects-Creator-expects-creation/dp/B09M79KK9P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G0W8CPJABIXD&keywords=dan+wagner&qid=1639351588&sprefix=dan+wagner%2Caps%2C345&sr=8-1.

The following members had articles in the December and/or January editions of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer (Dec & Jan), Jean Davies (Jan), Jon Drury (Jan), LGayle Gustafson (Dec & Jan), Linda L. Kruschke (Dec & Jan), Maxine Marsolini (Dec & Jan), Shirley Mozena (Jan), and Jan Sheerin (Dec & Jan).

Julie Bonn Blank released her novel, Innocent Lives (Book 1 of Guardians of Grace series), in mid-November. It is available on Amazon.

Carolyn Bolz has a funny, true Christmas story, “Poinsettia Mystery,” in the December/January issue of Country Woman Magazine.

Linda Fussell reports that her first published book, An “I Witness” Journey to Bethlehem: A Pilgrim’s Model of Faith, is now available on Kindle and in paperback.

Donna Gurr will have her devotional, “Come as You Are” (based on John 3:17), in the November/December 2022 edition of The Upper Room.

Linda L. Kruschke had several poems published in the online anthology called A Given Grace Christian Anthology, available online here: https://www.a-given-grace-christian-anthology.com/linda-l-kruschke-lkn.

Marty Magee has a devotional in the December–February issue of The Secret Place.

Jennifer Anne F. Messing had a short story, “Reunion of the Heart,” place as a finalist in UK-based Glittery Literary’s International Writing Competition, in the “Lustrous Long Story” category. Her story, together with other finalist and prize-winning pieces, is published in the Glittery Literary 2021 Anthology (print and e-book versions) now available on Amazon.

Darlene Panzera has re-released Homespun Christmas (a Christian contemporary romance previously part of the Christmas of Hope collection). It is now available on Amazon as a newly revised single novella. Details about Darlene can be found at www.darlenepanzera.com. You may also want to check out her new website chockful of great information for writers, https://www.aspiringwriteracademy.com/. There are links to some of the programs she recommends where you can purchase them directly from the provider, but otherwise the Aspiring Writer Academy website is currently a free resource.

Dawn Shipman reports that her publisher, Elk Lake Publishing, has released her novel, Kingdom Lost (Book 1 of the Lost Stones of Argonia series). It is available on Amazon.

Lyla Swafford sold a devotional to Now What? “Unexpected Joy” will appear in that publication early next year.

The following members had articles in the November edition of The Christian Journal: Susan Brehmer, Jean Davies, LGayle Gustafson, Linda L. Kruschke, Maxine Marsolini, and Jan Sheerin.