Christmas Faith & Fun - Contributing Authors 2014 DCWF Anthology

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS - There are thirty-six members and friends of Delmarva Christian Writers' Fellowship who contributed to the 2014 anthology, Christmas Faith & Fun:

Candy Abbott – Founder and director of Delmarva Christian Writers’ Fellowship, author, award-winning publisher, inspirational speaker, and grandmom, Candy sees herself as a “fruitbearer.” Compiling and publishing this book is a labor of love and evidence of her life’s goal to exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in all she does. She began writing in 1983, around the same time she co-founded Sisters in Christ, a women’s prayer ministry. Candy executive director of Mothers With a Mission, directs the annual Fruitbearer Women’s Conference, is a charter member of Southern Delaware Toastmasters, and an elder and deacon with Georgetown Presbyterian Church. She and her husband, Drew, have owned and operated Fruitbearer Publishing LLC since 1999. They have three children and four grandchildren, all in close proximity to their home in Georgetown, Delaware. Call Candy at 302.856.6649 or email her at info@fruitbearer.com. For more information, visit Candy at: Fruitbearer.com, DelmarvaWriters.com, or MothersWithaMission.com.

Gail Atlas – Gail’s aim in life is to show who God really is, as best as mortal beings can understand Him. She finds great fulfillment as the children’s supervisor for Bible Study Fellowship in Milford, as well as serving in church relations for Operation Christmas Child. Her advent book, Expecting Jesus, was released in 2013. She loves to read, write, and travel around the country with her semi-retired husband, Steve, in their RV. Gail lives in Seaford, Delaware. She and Steve have four grown children and nine grandchildren. You can contact Gail at makarios1225@yahoo.com.

Anna Buckler – Anna is fiercely in love with Jesus. She and her husband, David, have been married eight years and live in Blades, Delaware. They have ten grown children—five in Maryland, two in Massachusetts, one in Tennessee, and two in Florida. Her Christmas stories now appear in three of Delmarva Christian Fellowship’s anthologies, and her book, There’s FIRE in the House, was released in November 2014. She worships at Victory Tabernacle Church of God in Laurel and can be reached at 302.262.0481.

Victoria Cannon – Victoria (Vicki) Handy Cannon is incredibly active in her church, Power and Love Ministries Inc. She is a prayer warrior, helps with fundraising, and enjoys reading her Bible. Her favorite Scripture is John Chapter 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. She likes to write poetry, create bead jewelry and needlepoint pictures, as well as other arts and crafts projects. She was ejected out of a window of a DART paratransit bus which even rolled over, but she survived which she says is all because of God. She is recovering now from major injuries. Vicki is happily married to C. J., whom she met at the ACE Center in Seaford, Delaware. She can be reached at 302.858.3007.

Jenna Caraway – Jenna is an elementary school nurse for the Dallas Independent School District. She writes scripts and performs puppet shows for schools, libraries, churches, and for her family and friends. Jenna’s hobbies include ventriloquism, balloon twisting, and going antiquing. She lives in Duncanville, Texas, with her two labs, Sarah and Simon. She can be reached at jcaraway34@hotmail.com.

Wilma Shepard Caraway – Wilma compiles quotes and writes articles, poems, and children’s stories. Her book, 101 Surprises! Sayings with Scriptures You Didn’t See Coming, was awarded the 2014 Christian Small Publishers Association’s Gift Book of the Year. She is a member of Delmarva Christian Writers’ Fellowship and hosts its annual writing retreat at Collins Pond. Wilma is an educator and lifetime honorary member of the Texas Parent and Teacher Association. Wilma resides with her husband, Elton “Lucky” Caraway, in Georgetown, Delaware. They have two children and two grandchildren. Watch for her work-in-progress book, Kids’ Sayings: Priceless. She can be reached by email at wiletc@comcast.net or by phone at 302.337.7181.

Lori Ciccanti – Lori enjoys sharing the Gospel through various forms of writing, teaching Bible studies, and raising awareness for the plight of persecuted Christians. Having a son with autism, she is also involved in ministries for the disabled. Some of her hobbies include reading inspirational true stories and devotionals, visiting historical sites, collecting dolls, and thrift shopping. Most of all, she enjoys spending time at home with her husband, Lou, three children, and two adorable cats. She can be reached by email at DLAlsina@mchsi.com.

Leslie F. Claunch – Leslie is a graduate of Delaware Technical & Community College and has taken courses in Library Technology and Medical Secretarial. Even though she has had jobs over the years in both fields, her true passion is writing poetry and prose. She has compiled one poetry anthology and is in the process of a second one as well as two novels, two children’s books, and a nonfictional account of some of her misadventures with traffic cops. She has written articles and/or poems for seasonal anthologies for Wesley United Methodist Church and Delamarva Christian Writers’ Fellowship as well as speeches for Toastmasters. Leslie can be reached at lesliemissleslie@aol.com or 302.856.7124.

Michael Derrickson – Born in December 1962 in West Ocean City, Maryland, Michael graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland. After being introduced to the works of Shakespeare, a whole new well of creativity opened up to Michael, and he has been writing poetry ever since. Michael has an Associate’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Faith Bible Institute, Lewes, Delaware. He presently attends The House of Praise for All People in Greenwood, Delaware. He and his wife, Virginia, reside in Harrington, Delaware. Contact Michael by email at stewder7@yahoo.com or by phone at 302.398.9758.

Gina Dubbs – M. Jean (Jeana) Dubbs is a graduate of Bloomsburg University and Wilmington University. She retired in 2008 after twenty-five years of teaching Special Education. Gina writes short stories for children and hopes to publish her first book in the near future. She is an active member of Delmarva Christian Writer’s Fellowship. In addition to writing, Gina enjoys ballroom dancing and cooking. You may contact her email at mdubbs1633@verizon.net.

Peggy Ely – Peggy is an award-winning International speaker and has been a professional speaker for over fifteen years. She thrives on adding much humor in her life and is thrilled to add laughs to others’ lives as well. As a leader in many organizations, she found coaching and training to be her passion. Peggy has lived up and down the State of Delaware and, therefore, has been active in a few different churches in a variety of ways. She was Local Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church, a Servant Ministry Coordinator for Connection Community Church’s Dover Campus, and a facilitator for a spiritual gifts and talents assessment program called “Network.” At the Milford Church of God she taught the adult Sunday school class and led speaking engagements for the Women’s ministry. Today she lives in northern Delaware with her husband, Sam. They share six children and five grandchildren. She and Sam enjoy their new church home at the Love of Christ Church in Bear, Delaware. She is open to speaking engagements. Email Peggy at peggy.ely@msn.com or call 302.542.4930.

Marilyn Watrous Emanuel – Marilyn grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, the twin daughter of a college professor and English teacher. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned her B.A. in English from the University of Maryland, College Park. With an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland, she was a Licensed Addictions Professional. She worked as a psychotherapist for twenty-four years, including sixteen years at Father Martin’s Ashley, Havre de Grace, Maryland, where she developed their first therapeutic Family Wellness Program for loved ones of alcoholics. She also introduced Couple’s Retreats and the first family program for Moscow, Russia. Marilyn led Christian programs for youth, women, couples, and churches for almost fifty years. She has written since childhood, but this is her first published story. She is married with two grown daughters and two granddaughters. She and husband, Jim, enjoy their retirement in Lewes, Delaware, where she now has time to focus on good health, community service, and her first love, writing. She currently writes her reflections, “Ponderings,” on Facebook, as she looks out on a lovely pond. Contact Marilyn at emanuelmarilyn@gmail.com or 443.391.6473.

Debra Fitzgerald – Debra is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She works as a clinician/counselor with adults and children to overcome issues in their lives. She writes to empower and educate people by using her own experiences as well as others’ to bring a message of the hope of Christ. While in California, she wrote a couple of articles for Teaching Home magazine. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading and sewing. Debra encourages people who hurt to journal their feelings or express themselves through art and music. Her email is: dwfitzgerald@gmail.com.

Judi Folmsbee – Judi is a retired teacher after twenty-five years in special education classrooms. She has written three children’s books. The second edition of Bubba, the Busy Beaver was released in 2013. Her work is published in anthologies, church booklets, and religious and secular newspapers. She enjoys photography, gardening, scrapbooking, family time, and her newest hobby, playing the banjo. Visit Judi at www.JudiFolmsbee.com, email her at info@judifolmsbee.com, or call 302.684.3603.

Jacque Fredricks – Jacque resides in Seaford, Delaware, with her husband, John, and her beloved Sassy and Rascal. She is a member of Kingdom Writers Fellowship and especially enjoys writing songs and animal stories. Contact Jacque at 302.228.2452 or jlafred@msn.com.

Hans Jurgen Hauser – Hans’ writing background includes published articles in Mesa Tribune, Journal of Christian Healing, Creation Illustrated, The Victory News Journal, a book entitled One Touch from the Maker, and most recently, an article in The Christian Journal. He has also had devotionals published in The Spiritual Voice newspaper with a reprint of one of them in “The Gem.” In addition, he is the author of two self-published novellas entitled Suddenly Stranded and Joe’s Warriors. Hans can be reached via email at hjhauser8@gmail.com.

W. T. Hendry – W. T. (Bill) Hendry, the calligrapher, is now deceased, but his work continues to bless others. Wilma obtained permission to use the calligraphy from her cousin, Margie (Bill’s wife), who lives in Texas. With Bill’s artistic talent and Margie’s creativity, they designed numerous greeting cards. Bill enjoyed working in the yard, cooking for family and friends, hunting, and fishing. Margie can be reached at mbhendry34@gmail.com or 903.938.1951.

Earl Hoopes – Earl, like his father and two older brothers, had a love of music and loved to sing and play the guitar at home and in bars. When Jesus changed Earl’s way of living, He changed his way of singing. He began singing in local churches. Then he sang with The Christmas Troopers, one of the most popular groups in the area. They not only taught him more about singing, but inspired him to start writing songs. In 2005, he was invited by Craig Banks, a local gospel music promoter, to go to New Orleans to play and sing for those so devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Craig, his nephew Greg, and Earl started the trio, “The Good New Tour,” inspired by their trip to New Orleans. Craig and Earl went to a gospel music convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where he was awarded a trophy for the “Best New Male Artist.” Since then, they have traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida and again to Louisiana. To do this, Earl says he has been blessed with the support of his precious Christian wife, Gayda. He has written and recorded almost thirty gospel songs. He also loves writing poetry and recently began a book. He is grateful to God for the gifts He has given him, not to receive trophies and applause, but to encourage and inspire others. Contact Earl by phone at 302.629.3413.

Betty Lewis Kasperski – Betty is an educator, business leader, certified lay minister, writer, and inspirational speaker. Coming from a family of educators and business owners, she feels comfortable in a variety of settings, including public speaking. Her first book, Severed Yet Whole, was released in 2012. She holds a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University and resides in Georgetown, Delaware, with her husband, Stephen. Visit Betty online at www.severedyetwhole.com or call 302.381.3198.

Lanette Kissel – Lanette lives in southern Indiana with her pet Yorkie-Poo, Benjy. She sings in the church choir. She has been writing Christian poetry, articles, and essays for more than twelve years. Her work has been published online and in print. Lanette can be reached at 812.476.8903 or hobbywriter14@gmail.com.

Eva C. Maddox – Eva is a graduate of Wright State University and has taken courses in counseling and nursing as well as several Bible courses through her local church. She won the 2008 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers’ poetry contest. Eva writes devotions, articles, poems, and stories and has recently completed her first novel about forgiveness, Roses for Betts. A number of her writings have been published in a variety of Christian publications. In July 2012, she began Kingdom Writers Fellowship, a Christian writers’ group that meets monthly in Seaford, Delaware. You may contact her at evacmaddox@comcast.net or check her blog: http://maddoxmatters.wordpress.com.

Teresa D. Marine – Teresa is a single mom of two amazing teenagers, Erin and Jordan. She is a lover of the written word and faithful employee of eighteen-plus years at INTEGRA Administrative Group. She lives in Seaford, Delaware, where she has served in many capacities in her home church, Atlanta Road Alliance, including divorce care, children’s church, and women’s ministries. She can be reached at tdm4him@yahoo.com.

Cat Stenger Martin – Cat is the wife of Jim Martin. She works as a volunteer peer in mental health recovery and has an active life as a mother and grandma. Cat is a charter member of DCWF. In addition to writing poetry, she finds fulfillment in ministering to the homeless. She’s a member of Georgetown Presbyterian Church. Cat can be reached at faithandactions@hotmail.com or 302.519.6675.

Teresa Martin – Terri is a teacher, mother of two sons, and an author of children’s books. She has numerous articles published in Christian periodicals, many about family issues. Terri holds degrees from Bryant University and Norwich University. She and her husband, Bob, live in Rhode Island. Contact Teresa by email at luluthelab@aol.com or by phone at 401.487.7012.

Mary Morgan – Mary, songwriter for their family band, “The Morgan Family and Uncle Bean” (www.morganfamilyband.com), is in the process of making “The Star” (see music on page 154) into a children’s book ready for Christmas 2015. Plans include having a CD of “The Star” in the back of the book and available on Amazon as an mp3 download. Mary, her husband David, and their four children Maggie (14), Jessie (13), Abbie (10), and Henry (7), travel together performing for churches, veterans, festivals, and wherever their band is asked to play. Their highlight was when asked to premiere for the RFDTV network’s Shotgun Red Variety Show in Branson, Missouri, which aired nationally in January 2011. They play a variety of music in which the children are the main vocals, and triple fiddles. Their repertoire includes selections of Country, Bluegrass, Southern Gospel, Patriotic, and original songs with their unique style. To contact their band, or listen to some of their music, you can visit their website www.morganfamilyband.com.

Ruth O’Neil – Ruth was born and raised in upstate New York and attended Houghton College. She has been a freelance writer/editor for more than twenty years and has published hundreds of articles in dozens of publications as well as a few books. She has spent the last few years working closely with writers, editing their books, preparing them for print, and hosting writer’s forums. When she’s not writing or homeschooling her kids, Ruth spends her time quilting, reading, scrapbooking, camping, and hiking with her family in Virginia. Contact Ruth at 434.847.2465 or oneilruth@gmail.com.

Linda Y. Sapienza – Linda is an R.N. graduate of Delaware Technical & Community College and recently completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Wilmington University. After eighteen years of passionately serving and caring for patients in the Emergency Department at Beebe Medical Center, she took a teaching position in 2012 at Cape Henlopen High School leading young aspiring students to be passionate health care providers in the Career and Technical Department. Linda has published an article on Quality Nursing Care and is currently writing a book about God’s many blessings in her life. Her two grandchildren, Noah and Gabriel, are her inspiration to make the world a better place by identifying opportunities in every challenge. She delights in teaching them that God is ever present in all circumstances, working all things for good for those who wait and trust in Him. Linda can be reached at jlsap2007@aol.com or 302.934.7574.

Kathryn Newman Schongar – Kathyrn is a native of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She received her B.S. in Secondary Education from Keuka College, New York, before teaching English in Massachusetts and Ohio. After treasuring her time as a stay-at-home mom, Kathryn worked for the Avon Central School District in New York as a substitute teacher, a tutor for students in grades K-12, and an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor. She did all this while earning her Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Geneseo. Kathryn retired to Peterborough, New Hampshire, with her husband so they could be closer to family. She has joined the Monadnock Writers’ Group with plans to write more about her inspirations: her college mentor and poet Ralph W. Seager, her family, her students, and her life. Contact Kathryn at kschongar@gmail.com.

Christine Scott – Christine Scott (Boaz) is a native of Pennsylvania and is now a resident of the great state of Delaware. Christine attended college at New Mexico Highlands University. She lived most of her adult life in Maryland and Virginia and retired from the corporate Headquarters of the Navy Federal Credit Union. Guided by her previous background as a Newspaper Editor, Columnist, Church Organist and Choir Director, Instructor, Inspirational Writer, and speaker, she is a natural storyteller and shares her life via short articles and through her book, Vignettes of Small Glories. Selected excerpts from the book are included in the 2013 and 2014 editions of DCWF’s Christmas books, with permission of her son, Jeffrey. Christine’s stories take the reader on a roller coaster ride of laughter, tears, love, and faith. In troubled times, she found that joy was an exceptional event yet hope prevailed. Christine believes that God brings the small glories into our lives. Her stories are a gift from a writer who has lived them and she encourages readers to discover the glories within their own lives. Peace, Blessing, and Love to all from Christine and her family. For more information, contact Jeffrey Scott at 302.703.2608, jeffreyinde@gmail.com.

Joyce A. Sessoms – God has made provisions for Joyce, a retired educator, to launch the vision He gave her. As Director of The ARK Educational Consulting, Inc., she provides the opportunity for parents and students to develop strategies which will help reduce the drop-out rate in her community and provide resources and guidance for youth. Joyce co-directs Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Fellowship, established in 2007 to provide a forum for aspiring and seasoned writers to perfect their craft. She also co-hosts the annual Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Conference held at Crossroad Church in Georgetown, Delaware. Her first book, SuccessAbility! Taking the Burden out of Navigating High School was released in 2010. Joyce is a doctoral candidate at Wilmington University. She and her husband of 21 years, Furman, reside in Laurel, Delaware. Together they have and adore their three children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Joyce can be reached at crownjewel777@comcast.net or 302.875.1650.

David Michael Smith – David writes from his hometown of Georgetown, Delaware, where he has resided his entire life. He solely credits God for his publishing successes, which includes several appearances in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Cup of Comfort and Guideposts. He also covets the faithful encouragement of his wife, Geri, and children Rebekah and Matthew. He writes to bless God’s children. On September 13, 2014, David was ordained a Deacon in the North American Anglican Church. Contact David at davidandgeri@hotmail.com.

Kathleen R. Talbott – During her 34-year career, Kathy attended night classes at Shepherd University, Sheperdstown, West Virginia, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a contributing author to the 2013 DCWF Christmas anthology. She enjoys writing fiction and non-fiction, spending time with friends, reading, and gardening. Kathy and her husband, Travis, attend Crossroad Community Church and live in Georgetown, Delaware, where they live with two dogs and a parakeet. Kathy can be reached by email at nuts4book@comcast.net or 302.855.0799.

Tiara Taylor – Tiara, 16, is a member of Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Fellowship and a junior at Laurel Senior High School in Laurel, Delaware. Her career plans include attending college to study law. To contact Tiara, see Joyce A. Sessoms.

Tyreshia Taylor – Tyreshia, 18, is a member of Vine & Vessels Christian Writers Fellowship and a 2014 graduate of Laurel Senior High School in Laurel, Delaware. She plans to pursue a career in the human services field in the fall at Delaware Technical Community College in Georgetown, Delaware. To contact Tyreshia, see Joyce A. Sessoms.

Ruth Thomas – Ruth is a minister, a chaplain at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, involved with the prayer shawl ministry for the patients, and teaches Bible study in the Cheer Centers in Georgetown and Roxana, Delaware. She enjoys knitting and writing and has a book of poems currently being edited as a book on prayer. She can be contacted at 302.339.3216, or rthomas45@comcast.net.

Mary Emma Tisinger – Mary Emma is a southerner, born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, who now calls Delaware home. A graduate of Berea College in Kentucky, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Delaware. Retired from the office and the classroom, she divides her time among family, church, and community service. Always a lover of words, she writes poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, and has been published in several magazines and church papers. She has also written program material for American Baptist Women’s Ministries and has published a church history entitled A Time to Plant. She currently authors a newsletter for her club and is nearing completion of an inspirational gift book which she hopes to see published in the coming months. Mary Emma can be reached at maryemmat@verizon.net or 302.697.2263.