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Author Interviews
Janet Sketchley
Janet Sketchley is a Canadian author with a passion for fiction. Like Carol in Secrets & Lies, she loves music and tea. Unlike Carol, Janet isn't related to a dangerous offender, has a happy home life, and has never been threatened by a drug lord. May those tidbits continue to hold true! You can find Janet online at janetsketchley.ca. Christian suspense fans are invited to join her writing journey through her monthly newsletter: http://bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews.
Valerie Comer
Valerie Comer's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.
Valerie writes Farm Lit where food meets faith, injecting experience laced with humor into her award-winning Farm Fresh Romance stories.
Susan Sleeman
Susan Sleeman is a best-selling author of inspirational and clean-read romantic suspense books. Her first book, High-Stakes Inheritance, was an ECPA bestseller. Award nominations include The Christmas Witness and No Way Out for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence. Additionally, Thread of Suspicion was given the 2013 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Best Book Award. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts the popular website TheSuspenseZone.com. She currently lives in Oregon but has lived in nine states. Her husband is a realtor and they have two daughters, a son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.
Deborah Malone
Deborah Malone's first novel, Death in Dahlonega, finaled in ACFW's Category Five writing contest. Deborah was nominated for 2012 and 2013 Georgia Author of the Year Award in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine Georgia Backroads. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in Tales of the Rails, edited by Olin Jackson. She is a current member of the Georgia Writer's Association, Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, and the Georgia Authors Guild. A current member of ACFW, she has established a blog where she reviews Christian Fiction
Robert Tate Miller
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Robert Tate Miller was raised in the North Carolina mountain town of Hendersonville and began writing at an early age. He began his writing career with homespun essays of small town life that were published in such publications as Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s and wrote successful family-oriented telefilms for NBC, ABC Family and the Hallmark Channel. Robert lives in Northridge, CA with his wife, Gina, and stepdaughter, Chloe June.
Cindy Loven
Cindy Loven, an avid reader all her life, is seeing her dreams fulfilled with the publication of her first novel, Swept Away, part of Abingdon's Quilts of Love series. She co-authored this book with Laura V. Hilton. Born and raised in Arkansas, she loves her home state and is happy to live there with her husband of nearly twenty-nine years and her adult son. She and her family are very active in their local church, serving in many volunteer positions. She and her husband are very serious about informing parents about the dangers of the choking game, after loosing their youngest son to this dreadful 'game' in 2009. When not busy with church or her job as a "PR gal" for another author, you can find Cindy in her craft room,sewing, crocheting or making cards.
Roseanna M. White
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two small children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of 9 historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her upcoming British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Kristy Cambron
Kristy Cambron writes vintage-inspired, historical Christian fiction titles, which placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations & 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and finaled in the 2013 Lauries. She is the author of The Butterfly and the Violin, Book One in the Hidden Masterpiece series on the prisoner camp art of the Holocaust. A Sparrow in Terezin (Hidden Masterpiece #2) will release in April, 2015.
She's a proud Hoosier, living in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Patricia Bradley
Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi and is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum. But her heart is tuned to suspense. Patricia's romantic suspense books include the Logan Point series—Shadows of the Past and A Promise to Protect—and Matthew's Choice, a Heartwarming romance. Her workshops on writing include an online course with American Christian Fiction Writers and workshops at the Midsouth Christian Writer's Conference in Collierville, TN. When she's not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
Jodie Bailey
Jodie Bailey writes novels about freedom and the heroes who fight for it. Her novels include Freefall and Crossfire, from Love Inspired Suspense, as well as Quilted by Christmas, from Abingdon Press. Her devotions have appeared in Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. She is convinced a camping trip to the beach with her family, a good cup of coffee, and a great book can cure all ills. Jodie lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.
Carrie Stuart Parks
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She has spent the past two decades teaching law enforcement personnel across the USA and Canada how to catch killers, sexual predators and other unsavory characters on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list through forensic art. She also teaches cops "Content Statement Analysis," which combines spotting verbal signs of deception and body language clues to find out when bad guys are lying. Mentored by New York Times best-selling author Frank Peretti, Carrie began writing fiction while battling stage II breast cancer. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling through the effects of cancer.
Marissa Shrock
Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her fun seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW. Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel.
In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, and playing golf.
Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly Rose Johnson holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two teenage sons, and their yellow lab. She writes sweet Christian romance for Heartsong Presents and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband and dog, reading, dark chocolate and time with friends.
Ane Mulligan
While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, Ane has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast). She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. President of the award-winning literary site Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and two dogs of Biblical proportion. You can find Ane on her Southern-fried Fiction website, Google+, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Jennifer AlLee
Jennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent her first ten years living above a mortuary one block away from the famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine. Now she lives in the grace-filled city of Las Vegas, which just goes to prove she's been blessed with a unique life. When she's not busy spinning tales, she enjoys playing games with friends, attending live theater and movies, and singing at the top of her lungs to whatever happens to be playing on the car radio. Although she's thrilled to be living out her lifelong dream of being a novelist, she considers raising her son to be her greatest creative accomplishment. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Her novels include The Pastor's Wife, The Mother Road, A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, Last Family Standing, and the upcoming Vinnie's Diner from Abingdon Press; Diamond in the Rough, Vanishing Act, and Curtain Call from Whitaker House and co-written with Lisa Karon Richardson; and the novella Comfort and Joy in the Christmas anthology Mistletoe Memories from Barbour. Visit her at www.jenniferallee.com and www.inkwellinspirations.com.
D'Ann Mateer
Anne Mateer has a passion for bringing history to life through fiction. She is the author of 4 historical novels as well as a contemporary short story in this fall's Cup of Christmas Cheer II. Her novel Playing by Heart releases September 15. Anne and her husband of 27 years live in Texas and have three young adult children.
Jayme Mansfield
Jayme H. Mansfield—author, artist, and teacher—provides vivid imagery and a passionate voice as she melds her inspiring writing and artistic talents.
Her debut novel, Chasing the Butterfly, releases October 14, 2014, by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Wings and Succession follow to complete the compelling, literary journey. Her passion for weaving stories about God-loving women who find their strength in the Lord, continues in Rush, a historically compelling tale of the Oklahoma Land Rush in the late 1800's.
Jayme has owned, operated, and shared the joy of creating visual art in the Piggy Toes Art Studio in Lakewood, Colorado for the past eighteen years. She provides art instruction to children and adults—growing a wide-reaching group of aspiring artists by word of mouth and the studio website. Jayme's interest in her artists expands past the paint and paper. Instead, she invites her students, especially women, to discover talents, rejoice in blessings, and find a peace that is often compromised in the hectic pace of life.
After a career in both the business and creative sides of advertising, Jayme received her teaching and Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Creative Arts. She has taught elementary school for seventeen years and shares a deep passion for literacy and the writing process. Her advanced writing experience has developed under the expertise and mentorship program in the Christian Writer's Guild. She completed the Craftsman program, the highest level of instruction, in a four-year period and received the honor of placing in the Top Ten Semi-Finalists in the 2011 Operation First Novelist Contest with Chasing the Butterfly.
Blessed with a beautiful family—a husband, three boys, and a menagerie of pets, Jayme has continued to chase her dreams, find adventure, and grow a passionate heart for writing with an ever-present artistic flair.
Tiffany Amber Stockton
Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood. Today, she is an award-winning author, speaker, and partner with Nerium International in the anti-aging skin care industry. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. She is a work-at-home mom with two children, and a vivacious Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. She has released/contracted fourteen books so far , the latest being A Grand Design, and she is represented by agent Sandra Bishop. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter
Dani Pettrey
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the author of the bestselling romantic suspense novels Silenced; Stranded, winner of the 2014 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense; Shattered, multi-award winner including Christian Retailing's Best Award 2014 Winner; and Submerged, winner of the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel and the Colorado Romance Writers 2013 Award of Excellence. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson.
Mary Hamilton
Mary L. Hamilton grew up at a Christian camp much like the setting for her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series for tweens. Hear No Evil, Book 1 in the series, was a 2012 Genesis Semi-finalist. When she's not writing, Mary enjoys the outdoors and nature. She also opens her home to weekly teen Bible studies, pancake suppers, and breakfasts with her special recipe waffles. Mary and her husband live in the Houston, TX area within range of their three grown children.
Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, and In Perfect Time in the Wings of the Nightingale series from Revell. On Distant Shores received second place in the 2014 Golden Scroll Awards from both CAN and AWSA, and Sarah received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn't ferrying kids to soccer and tennis, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies.
Jerusha Agen
Jerusha Agen is a lifelong lover of story—a passion that has led her to a B.A. in English and a highly varied career. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Jerusha is the author of the Sisters Redeemed Series, which includes the titles This Dance, This Shadow, and This Redeemer. Jerusha co-authored the e-books A Ruby Christmas and A Dozen Apologies from Write Integrity Press.
Jerusha is also a screenwriter, and several of her original scripts have been produced as films. In addition, Jerusha is a film critic, with reviews featured at the website www.RedeemerReviews.com.
Jerusha relishes snowy Midwest winters spent with her large, furry dogs and two small, furry cats.
Visit Jerusha's website at www.SDGwords.com. Follow Jerusha on Twitter @SDGwords and Facebook (Jerusha Agen-SDG Words).
Laura Hilton
Award winning author Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor's wife, a stay-at-home mom and homeschools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.
Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love. A non-Amish book, Swept Away, will release November 2014 from Abingdon Press. She is contracted for another three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, begins in November 2014 with The Snow Globe, The Postcard in June 2015, and The Bird House in September 2015, and A White Christmas in Webster County (Amish) releasing in September 2014. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.
Cindy Thomson
Cindy Thomson is a writer and an avid genealogy enthusiast. Her love of history and her Scots-Irish heritage have inspired much of her writing, including her new Ellis Island series. Cindy is also the author of Brigid of Ireland and Celtic Wisdom: Treasures from Ireland. She combined her love of history and baseball to co-author the biography Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story, which was a finalist for the Society for American Baseball Research's Larry Ritter Book Award. In addition to books, Cindy has written on a regular basis for numerous online and print publications and is a mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Historical Novel Society. Cindy and her husband have three grown sons and live in central Ohio.
Vickie McDonough
Best selling author Vickie McDonough has been an ACFW member since April, 2001. She served as the past ACFW Critique Group Coordinator and as ACFW's treasurer for three years. Vickie helped co-found WIN, ACFW's first local
chapter in 2005 and served as the group's first treasurer. Vickie is a moderator and resident blogger of the Christian Fiction Historical Society, a member of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and CROWN Marketing Group, NINC, Sisters in Crime, and the founder of 19th Century Writers, a research-based loop for historical writers.
An award-winning author of over 30 historical fiction and contemporary romance novels and novellas, Vickie makes her home in Oklahoma with her husband of 38 years. They have four grown sons and one daughter-in-law, and they enjoy having a feisty eight-year-old granddaughter.
Rebecca DeMarino
Rebecca DeMarino lives in the Pacific Northwest, and inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother, a love of horses, reading and writing from her dad, and a wanderlust gene from both parents. No one knows where she got her passion for jogging and hiking! A Place in His Heart is a historical romance inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton, and is book one of The Southold Chronicles.
Lisa Jordan
Married 25 years to her own real-life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two young adult sons. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator. By night, she is an award-winning novelist for Love Inspired, writing stories that promise hope and happily ever after. In her free time, she enjoys good books, romantic comedies, crafting with friends, and feeding her NCIS addiction.
Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers
Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers write to reveal God through story. They were born into a writing family, and began at an early age critiquing manuscripts for their mother, Newbery winner Betsy Byars. They went on to become authors of more than thirty-five children's novels. Their first book for adults, The Shepherd's Song, was released by Howard Books in March 2014. They live in Georgia.
Carla Stewart
Carla Stewart is the award-winning author of five novels. With a passion for times gone by, it is her desire to take readers back to that warm, familiar place in their hearts called "home."
She launched her writing career in 2002 when she earned the coveted honor of attending the Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then she's had numerous magazine and anthology articles published. Carla was the 2011 trophy winner of the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. "Best Book of Fiction", an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (Faith, Hope, and Love) finalist in 2011 and winner in 2012, a two-time Genesis winner, and an Oklahoma Book Award finalist four times. She and her husband live in Tulsa and have four adult sons and six grandchildren (with one on the way!).
Liz Tolsma
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella Under His Wings appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her website & blog at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma). She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.
Ronie Kendig
Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband live a full life with four children, a Maltese Menace, and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook, Twitter (@roniekendig), Goodreads , and Pinterest!
James Rubart
James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of Rooms, Book of Days, The Chair, Soul's Gate, Memory's Door, and Spirit Bridge. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight-of-hand. No, he doesn't sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and two sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he's young enough to water ski like a madman.
Debby Mayne
Debby Mayne has published more than 30 books and novellas, 400 print short stories and articles, more than 1,000 web articles, and a slew of devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor for Long Ridge Writers Group, and a copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. For the past eight years, she has judged the Writer's Digest Annual Competition, Short-Short Contest, and Self-Published Book Competition. Debby also writes etiquette articles for About.com.
Laura Jackson
Laura Jackson loves books—reading and writing them. After graduating with a BA in English and history, she taught 7th grade language arts for eight years and fell in love with YA books. Wanting to share her passion for books with more kids, she earned a Master of Library Science degree. During the day, she shares stories with kids as a school librarian in a Houston, TX, suburb. At night, she works on her own stories. Winner of the March 2014 Clash of the Titles, Worth the Wait is her debut novel.
Rebecca Waters
Rebecca Waters draws on her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother as well as her vast experience as an educator and researcher for her writing. Rebecca sees writing as both a gift and a ministry. Although she has published in professional journals in the field of education, Rebecca now turns her pen to the world of fiction. She has published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Lookout Magazine, and Home Health Aide Digest. Breathing On Her Own is her debut novel.
Sarah Price
Sarah Price is an Amazon Top 100 Author for Books and eBooks: December 2012, January 2013, February 2013, April 2013, May 2013, August 2013 and September 2013.
The Preiss family emigrated from Europe in 1705, settling in Pennsylvania as the area's first wave of Mennonite families. Sarah has always respected and honored her ancestors through exploration and research about her family history and their religion. At nineteen, she befriended an Amish family and lived on their farm throughout the years.
Twenty-five years later, she now splits her time between her husband and children in the NYC Metro area and a home that she shares with an Amish woman in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she retreats to reflect and write.
A masterful storyteller, Sarah prides herself on presenting an authentic Amish experience to her readers. Many of her stories are based on actual people she has met and her own experiences living among the Amish over the years. She started out as an Indie author but has recently signed on with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House.
Myra Johnson
Award-winning author Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. She is a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award finalist and winner of the Romance Writers of America 2005 Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters and are also grandparents of four rambunctious grandsons and three precious granddaughters. Although Myra is proud to claim "Native Texan" status, she and her husband of nearly 43 years now reside in North Carolina, where they share their home with a couple of pampered pooches. Myra writes full-time and currently serves as president of ACFW-Charlotte Chapter.
D L Koontz
D. L. Koontz was born in Pennsylvania but now, with her husband, splits her time between mountainous West Virginia and their cattle ranch in coastal plains Georgia. She has a son and a step-daughter. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors), and is a former journalist, business consultant, spokesperson, and college instructor. She has been writing since she penned an award-winning poem in fifth grade.
Norma Gail
Norma has had a love-affair with words since she first learned to read. She served eight years as a Discussion Leader in Bible Study Fellowship and has led women's Bible studies at her church for the last ten years. Her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in The Secret Place.
Norma is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, FaithWriters, and New Mexico Christian Novelists. Land of My Dreams, a contemporary Christian romance, is her first work of fiction. It is scheduled for release on April 22nd.
She loves the mountains and enjoys tackling 4x4 trails in her Jeep. She is a former RN and homeschool/soccer mom who loves family research, history, and Scotland. She and her husband of 37 years are the parents of two adult children. They make their home in the mountains outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lillian Duncan
Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.
Lillian is a multi-published writer who writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God's Word.
To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com as well as her personal blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com
Christina Rich
When Christina Rich was younger, she tried to dig herself to China, loved Three Billy Goats Gruff, and had an obsession with maps. She gave up her dig to China but still jumps at the chance to travel even if it's just down the road. She loves watching modern takes of fairy tales and mythologies on the big screen and still has a huge obsession with maps. The older, the better.
Born and raised in Kansas, where she currently lives with her husband and children, Christina loves to read stories with happily ever afters, research, take photos, knit scarves, dig into her ancestry, fish, visit the ocean, write stories with happily ever afters and talk about her family and Jesus. Her debut, The Guardian's Promise from Love Inspired Historical, releases March 2014.
Lynette Eason
Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series, the Deadly Reunions series and the newly released Hidden Identity Series.She writes for Revell and Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013 Carol Award for When a Heart Stops in the Romantic Suspense category. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.
Pam Hillman
Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove the Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of! Claiming Mariah is her second novel.
Cara Putman
Cara Putman is the award-winning author of 16 novels and one non-fiction title with more books on the way. She is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, adjunct faculty at a community college, homeschooling mama, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids. She lives in Indiana with her family. You can learn more about Cara and her books at www.caraputman.com.
Stephanie Landsem
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she's explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she's not writing, she's feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.
Paula Mowery
Paula Mowery is a published author, acquisitions editor, and speaker. Her first two published works were The Blessing Seer and Be The Blessing from Pelican Book Group. Both are women's fiction, and their themes have been the topics of speaking engagements. In November 2013, her first romance released in the anthology Brave New Century from Prism Book Group, Her first solo romance, Legacy and Love, releases in March of 2014. Reviewers of her writing characterize it as "thundering with emotion." Her articles have appeared in Woman's World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living.
As an acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group, Paula particularly looks for romance stories with Christian values at its core. She's especially attracted to those manuscripts that leave the reader mulling over the story long after turning the last page.
Having been an avid reader of Christian fiction, she now puts that love to use by writing book reviews. She is a member of ACFW and is on the Featured Author Interview Team.
Paula is a pastor's wife and mom to a first year college student. She homeschooled her daughter through all twelve years, and they both lived to tell about it. Before educating her daughter at home, she was an English teacher in public school.
Carole Brown
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Lisa Lickel
Besides landing her first contract for her Buried Treasure series with Barbour's Heartsong Mysteries and a dozen or so books in print, Lisa Lickel writes feature newspaper articles, short stories, radio theater, and has a series of early reader historicals, First Children of Farmington. She is the editor-in-chief of Creative Wisconsin magazine and loves to encourage new authors. Lickel, who holds a BS in history from the University of Wisconsin, is also an avid book reviewer and blogger, a freelance editor, a writing mentor, and writing workshop leader. She is married to a high school biology teacher, and they have two sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and a grand-kitty.
Katherine Reay
Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long love affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries and can't seem to leave them out of anything she writes. She left them behind for a bit in college and studied history and sociology at Northwestern University and earned a Master's degree in marketing from there as well. After a few years working in marketing and a few moves, including stops in England and Ireland, Katherine and her family now reside in Seattle, WA, where she spends her days running, writing, cooking and trying to clean the house and keep up with the laundry.
You can also find Katherine at http://www.katherinereay.com on Twitter @katherine_reay as well as lurking somewhere within the pages of her first novel, Dear Mr. Knightley. She's also lurking in her second novel, Lizzy and Jane, but you can't find her there until November 2014.
Richard Mabry
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of six published novels of medical suspense, which have won multiple awards. You can learn more about Richard at his website, rmabry.com. He can be found on GoodReads, Twitter, and on Facebook, where his fan page is "rmabrybooks."
Diana Wallis Taylor
Diana Wallis Taylor, an award winning author, has completed her fifth book of Biblical Fiction. She has written three other books of fiction and a book of poetry. Along with her books, her writing has appeared in various compilation books and magazines. Diana recently completed an Easter cantata, "Glorious", with her fellow collaborator, Carolyn Prentice, who did the music. Diana lives with her husband Frank in San Diego, California. where she serves on the Board of the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild. She enjoys speaking and sharing her heart with women of all ages.
Melissa Tagg
Melissa Tagg is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she's not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies and daydreaming about her next book. She's passionate about humor, grace and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at her website.
Kathryn Bain
Award winning author Kathryn J. Bain's fifth book, Beautiful Imperfection, was released September 29, 2013. Her book Catch Your Breath took Third Place in the 2013 Heart of Excellence Contest for Inspirational Romance and Breathless took First Place for Inspirational Romance in the 2010 Royal Palm Literary Awards.
She was the President of Florida Sisters in Crime from 2010-2012 and is currently the Public Relations Director for Ancient City Romance Authors. Kathryn has also been a paralegal for over twenty years and works for an attorney who specializes in elder law.
Born in Spokane, Washington, Kathryn grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In 1981, she moved to Boise, but it apparently wasn't far enough south because two years later she headed to Jacksonville, Florida and has lived in the sunshine ever since.
Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Central Arkansas author Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom/pastor's wife. She lives in a town with a population of around 100, if you count a few cows. Vannatter won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award in the short contemporary category, The 18th Annual Heartsong Awards 3rd Favorite New Author and #1 Contemporary Award. Learn more about Shannon and her books at her website and check out her real life romance blog . Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Vannetta Chapman
Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. Her novel Falling to Pieces was a 2012 ACFW Carol Award winner for best mystery. She writes Amish mysteries for Zondervan, Amish romances for Harvest House and Amish novellas for Abingdon. All of her books have been Christian Book Distributor bestsellers. Chapman lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband.
Shannon McNear
Shannon McNear has been writing one thing or another since third grade and finished her first novel at age fifteen—but it would be more than thirty years before she'd receive her first book contract. In the meantime, she graduated from high school, attended college, met and married her husband, birthed nine children, lost one, taught five to drive, revised that first story innumerable times, and completed six others.
A Midwestern farm girl transplanted more than 20 years ago to Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history, especially the colonial era, but is currently preparing for the impending shock of a move to North Dakota. She's a homeschooling mother, military wife, and a member of ACFW, RWA, and My Book Therapy. When not sewing, researching, and leaking story from her fingertips, she finds joy in worship, women's ministry, and encouraging whoever God brings across her path.
Her historical romance novella, Defending Truth,.released September 2013 as part of A Pioneer Christmas Collection
Maggie Brendan
Maggie Brendan (aka Brenda Lott) paints with words. It is impossible to extract a page or two from any of her books and not see the brush strokes, the picturesque backgrounds, the quintessential glance of a daydreaming bride, like in Perfectly Matched, the final book in the Blue Willow Brides series that released in October. Brendan's specialty is historical romances set in the Old West.
Brendan was a finalist for The Maggie Award of Excellence, The Heart of Excellence Award for her novel Twice Promised for 2013, and a finalist for Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in 2012.
She is a CBA Bestselling author, member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; The Author's Guild; Romance Writers of America, Faith, Hope and Love; and Georgia Romance Writers.
Elizabeth Byler Younts
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer's wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Jennifer AlLee
Jennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent her first ten years living above a mortuary one block away from the famous intersection of Hollywood & Vine. Now she lives in the grace-filled city of Las Vegas, which just goes to prove she's been blessed with a unique life. A multi-published author, she's worked with four different publishing houses in the genres of Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, and Historical Romance. When she's not busy spinning tales, she enjoys playing games with friends, attending live theater and movies, and singing at the top of her lungs to whatever happens to be playing on the car radio.
Robin Caroll
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 22 published novels.
When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?
She gives back to the writing community by serving as Executive Director for ACFW. Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.
Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of eleven inspirational romance novels and novellas. Her latest are The Governess of Highland Hall, Snowflake Sweethearts, A Man To Trust, and Surrendered Hearts. Carrie lives in New Jersey with her husband Scott who is a pastor, speaker, and the author of several parenting books. When she is not writing she likes to travel with Scott on ministry trips and to visit their kids and grandkids, work in her flower gardens, and cook healthy meals for family and friends.
Margaret Daley
Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-four books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn't traveling, she's writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household.
Winnie Griggs
Winnie Griggs is a multi-published author who writes for Love Inspired Historical. Her writing has garnered enthusiastic reviews and numerous awards, including a recent RT Reviewer's Choice Award.
Winnie spent her childhood in an area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. She and her two younger siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. Once she 'grew up' she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed is disguised as a tractor and whose kingdom is nestled in a small rural community she happily calls home. Together they've built their own storybook happily-ever-after, including four now grown children who share Winnie's vivid imagination and her husband's steadier influences and who are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate is a magazine columnist, inspirational speaker, and the author of nineteen mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novel Blue Moon Bay was a Booklist Top Ten of 2012 pick. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.
Deborah Raney
Deborah Raney's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after 20 happy years as a stay-at-home mom. Since then, her books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Deb's 24th novel will release from Guideposts/Summerside Press Fall 2013, and she is currently working on a five-book series for Abingdon Press Fiction.
Deb enjoys teaching at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband, Ken Raney, recently traded small-town life in Kansas––the setting of many of Deb's novels––for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.
Gail Sattler
Countenance can be a tell, an insight into the psyche. So it is with author Gail Sattler. She has a mischievous smile that lights her face and makes one wonder what secret she might share. Take a look at the covers of her books. They confirm her sense of play and the contents prove how her imagination spills onto the pages as she writes.
Daily, Gail juggles the roles of author, musician, mom, dog owner and lizard lover. She also loves reading good books and playing the piano for her church worship team in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Lynette Sowell
Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over 15 titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. Her fiction has been a finalist and a winner of ACFW's Carol Award, and her weekly local newspaper column "My Front Porch" has won awards from both the Gulf Coast Press Association and Texas Press Association. When Lynette's not writing fiction, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for her local newspaper. Lynette was born in Massachusetts and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband, a pair of cats, and a Texas heeler. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a road trip.
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo is a Carol Award and RITA nominee of forty-five novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad and nominations including a Career Achievement Award, Reader's Choice Awards, Romantic Times Book of the Year, and several Romantic Times Top Picks. A proud military wife and tenth-generation Texan, she now cheers on her beloved Aggies from north of the Red River.
Fay Lamb
Fay Lamb is an acquisition editor for Pelican Book Group. She also provides freelance fiction edits.
Her emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Fay has recently contracted with Write Integrity Press for two four-book series. Stalking Willow, the first in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series is currently available for purchase, and Charisse, the first release in her The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series will be available in July, 2013. The second story in the Amazing Grace series, Better than Revenge, is set for release in September 2013.
Fay is a past-secretary for American Christian Fiction Writers. She served for four years as the moderator for ACFW's critique group, Scribes. For her volunteer efforts for ACFW, she received the Service Members Award in 2010. She was also a semi-finalist that year in the ACFW Genesis Contest.
Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and five grandchildren (with the sixth on the way).
Julianna Deering
Julianna Deering has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, Summer 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, Spring 2014) and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, Summer 2014). She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).
Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a recipient of the Rita Award, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of Swept Away, book #1 of the Trouble in Texas series, also the bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge, and Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and two spectacular grandchildren.
Carla Gade
Carla Olson Gade has been imagining stories most her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing historical Christian romance. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers, Carla is the author of The Shadow Catcher's Daughter, Carving a Future in Colonial Courtships, and many articles in periodicals and online. She and her husband share their home in Oakland, Maine, with their two young adult sons and two spoiled kitties. To learn more about her, please visit her website CarlaGade.com or her popular blog WritingToDistraction.blogspot.com.
Lacy Williams
By day, Lacy Williams is a stay-at-home mom battling dirty diapers and dog-hair dust-bunnies. By night, she is a novelist whose books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (twice), the Booksellers' Best (BBA) and the Golden Quill. She recently signed another 4-book contract to continue the Wyoming Legacy series, which starts with Roping the Wrangler.
Janelle Mowery
Janelle writes historical inspirational fiction. Writing professionally since 1998, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing for their Heartsong Presents Mysteries in 2006, and has since written an historical series set in Colorado for Harvest House. Most recent work includes Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho and Always Remembered, her current release, both with Summerside Press.
She is an active member of ACFW, an organization she says provided her with opportunities for growth and development. Her work has received four-star-reviews from Romantic Times.
Born in Minnesota, Janelle lives in Texas with her husband and two sons. She enjoys assisting with her church's teen program.
Sherry Kyle
Sherry Kyle is the award-winning author of The Christian Girl's Guide to Style, a nonfiction book for tween girls published by Legacy Press. Her second book for 8-12 year olds, The Girl's Guide to Your Dream Room, releases July 31, 2013. Sherry also writes for women and is the author of two novels, Delivered with Love and The Heart Stone, both published by Abingdon Press.
Sherry grew up in Colorado, but was drawn to the warm weather and sandy beaches of southern California where she met her surfer husband at Biola University. There she received her degree in Communications and a minor in Bible. Before becoming an author, Sherry was a preschool teacher and a surgical assistant for oral surgeons, as well as a treatment coordinator for an orthodontist. Sherry and her husband have four children between the ages of 13-20 and live along the coast of Central California.
Renee Ryan
Multi-published, award-winning author Renee Ryan sold her first book in 2001 by winning the inaugural Dorchester/Romantic Times New Historical Voice Contest. She sold her second book to Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line in February 2009 and has since sold ten manuscripts to the historical and contemporary Love Inspired lines.
Renee grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf very poorly. Armed with a degree in Economics and Religion from Florida State University, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She also taught high school Economics, American Government and Latin while coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband and a large, fluffy cat many have mistaken for a small bear.
Lisa Richardson
Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, Lisa Karon Richardson's early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she's (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She's been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a brand new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city. Her most recent releases include: The Magistrate's Folly, published by Heartsong Presents in February of 2013 and Diamond in the Rough, which was just released in May, and was co-authored with Jennifer AlLee. Diamond in the Rough is the first in the Charm and Deceit, series from Whitaker House. Book two in the series, Vanishing Act, is coming out September, 2013 as is a novella from Barbour entitled "Midnight Clear," part of the MISTLETOE MEMORIES collection.
Carol Cox
Carol Cox is the author of 30 novels and novellas. A third-generation Arizonan, Carol has a lifelong fascination with the Old West and hopes to make it live again in the hearts of her readers. She makes her home with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where the deer and the antelope really do play—often within view of the family's front porch.
Ginny Yttrup
Ginny L. Yttrup's issue-driven fiction has received critical acclaim and her first novel, Words, won the 2012 Christy Award for Best First Novel. Ginny's books are known for their messages of hope and freedom. When not writing, Ginny is creating jewelry and gift items for her online business Bookish Baubles. She loves spending time with her young adult sons, friends, and her dog Bear. She is an avid gardener, cook, and reader.
Cynthia Ruchti
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels, novellas, nonfiction, and speaking events, drawing from 33 years as the writer/producer of The Heartbeat of the Home radio ministry. Her books have received recognition as an RT Reviewers' Choice finalist, Family Fiction Readers' Choice, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist, Retailers' Choice finalist, and as a Carol Award finalist, among other honors. Her recent release—When the Morning Glory Blooms (Abingdon Fiction)—received 4.5 stars and a Top Pick from RT Reviews. A nonfiction called Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices releases with Abingdon's Christian Living line in July. Cynthia and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin.
Creston Mapes
Creston Mapes is the author of Fear Has a Name, Nobody, Dark Star, and Full Tilt. A journalist, copywriter, and editor, he works from his home-office in Atlanta for some of the nation's top media companies, Christian ministries, and nationally-recognized corporations. His early years as a reporter inspire many of his novels. Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and began his writing career 30 years ago.
Vicki Hinze
Vicki Hinze is the award-winning, bestselling author of nearly 30 novels, four non-fiction books and hundreds of articles published in as many as 63 countries. She's recognized by Who's Who in the World as an author and an educator. Vicki sponsors many "special projects" to benefit others, including Writers' Zone, ChristiansRead.com and The Edna Sampson Benevolence Fund.
Tina Radcliffe
Romance author Tina Radcliffe claims she's been scribbling for years. Indeed, she sold dozens of romantic short stories to popular publications prior to penning her first novel. Her manuscripts were twice finalists for the Golden Heart. She twice won the Maggies and three times won the Heart of the Rockies. In 2012, her novel Oklahoma Reunion was a Carol Award finalist.
After a tour abroad in the Army, Tina spent a decade in nursing then six years as a library cataloger, before taking a position with a national mail order pharmacy. Originally from Western New York, she now makes her home in Arizona, where she continues to write heartwarming and humorous romantic fiction.
Her most recent release is Mending the Doctor's Heart, published by Love Inspired.
Susan Sleeman
Susan Sleeman is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. Her first romantic suspense title, High-Stakes Inheritance, earned a spot on the ECPA bestseller list and The Christmas Witness, was named a finalist in the 2011 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to writing, Susan hosts the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. She currently lives in Oregon, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.
S. Dionne Moore
S. Dionne Moore is an award winning multi-published author of historical romance. She enjoys life in the historically rich Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania where traffic jams are a thing of the past and there are only two stoplights in the whole town.
Sandra D. Bricker
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role as Caregiver. "I guess most people would see my career as a publicist for the soaps as a sort of dream job, but giving it up turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me!" she declares. That's when she combined her love of books with her passion for writing, and a reader favorite was born! She has written three novels for middle-grade readers and several romance novels, including Wish I Weren't Here, Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas, The Big 5-0H!, and the Emma Rae Creations series.
Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Pamela Meyers
A native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Pamela S. Meyers lives in suburban Chicago. She served on the ACFW Operating Board for five years and has also served her local ACFW chapter in leadership roles.
Her debut novel Thyme for Love released November 2011, and its sequel, Love Will Find a Way, is set to release in March 2013. Her historical romance that is set in her hometown, Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, releases in April 2013. She has published many magazine articles and is a contributor in a non-fiction compilation book.
You can often find her nosing around Midwestern small towns, looking for story ideas or coordinating the ACFW Genesis writing contest. She leads a woman's life group in her church and enjoys reading and cooking.
Maureen Lang
Maureen Lang writes stories inspired by love of history and romance. An avid reader since childhood, she started writing the stories she wanted to read. Before publication she won RWA's Golden Heart and ACFW's Genesis, and her published books have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, a Holt Medallion, and have finaled in the Christy, Rita and Carol Awards. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, children and Labrador retriever.
Angela Breidenbach
Angela Breidenbach is a speaker, coach, and author of A Healing Heart (Abingdon Press Quilts of Love series). She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Angela's experience as Mrs. Montana International led to promoting women's heart health with the American Heart Association in Montana and greatly influenced her desire to make women aware of how different women's symptoms are during a heart attack. She'll be traveling the Pacific North West on a speaking and book tour April 20-30, 2013—details on her website under the Appearances tab
Katie Ganshert
Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she's not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook.
Carolyne Aarsen
Carolyne Aarsen, originally a city girl, was transplanted to the country when she married her dear husband Richard. While raising four children, foster children, and various animals Carolyne's résumé gained some unique entries, such as growing a garden, sewing blue jeans, baking, pickling and preserving. She learned how to handle cows, drive tractors and snow machines, ride a horse, and train a colt. Somewhere in all this she learned to write. Her first book sold in 1997 and since then she has sold over thirty books to three different publishers. Her stories show a love of open spaces, the fellowship of her Christian community and the gift God has given us in Christ.
Terri Reed
Terri Reed grew up in California, in a small town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains where her pastime included creating stories. With encouragement from others, she began setting pen to paper and declared she would one day write a book.
She has now fulfilled that dream several times over, writing for Harlequin's Love Inspired lines. Today, Terri is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her college-sweetheart husband and two wonderful children in the Pacific Northwest. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.
Jordyn Redwood
Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood's Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction. Her first two novels, Proof and Poison, garnered starred reviews from Library Journal and have been endorsed by the likes of Dr. Richard Mabry, Lynette Eason, and Mike Dellosso, to name a few. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at www.jordynredwood.net.
Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter, both of which were Christy Award finalists; The Healer's Apprentice won The National Reader's Choice Award for 2010's Best First Book, and The Merchant's Daughter won the 2012 Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama. She has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.
Gina Holmes
Gina Holmes is a Publicist with Silver Seas PR (http://www.silverseaspr.com), the President and founder of the popular literary site Novel Rocket, and an award-winning author. Crossing Oceans, her debut novel, won the 2011 Carol Award, INSPY and RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice. Dry as Rain was a 2012 Christy Award Finalist. Now, Holmes brings us Wings of Glass, a story of an abused young woman who picks up her broken heart and self-esteem to push through her fears, supported by the nurture and nerve of two unlikely but kindred spirits.
Ann Shorey
Ann Shorey has been a full-time writer for over twenty years. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul, and in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut with The Edge of Light, Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove series for Revell, followed by Books Two and Three, The Promise of Morning and The Dawn of a Dream. The Sisters at Heart series, beginning with Where Wildflowers Bloom, is her latest offering from Revell. Book Two in the series, When the Heart Heals, released on February 15.
In addition to writing, Ann has won many prizes for her culinary skills. Her recipes have appeared in Country Woman magazine, and in several national cookbooks, including Taste of Country and Taste of Home. Recently author Patti Hill included one of Ann's recipes in her Garden Gates Cookbook. Ann has been privileged to present cooking demonstrations to young women from her church as part of the Apples of Gold mentoring program.
Ann and Richard share their home in Oregon with a lovable Belgian Shepherd named Amber.
Christine Lindsay
Christine Lindsay writes historical inspirational novels with strong love stories, but she doesn't classify them as straight romances. She takes pride in her Irish roots. Her great grandfather and grandfather worked as riveters in the Belfast shipyard. One of the ships her ancestors helped build was the Titanic. On her mother's side it was stories of ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in India that seeded Christine's long-time fascination with the Raj and became the stimulus for her Twilight of the British Raj series.
The Pacific coast of Canada, about 200 miles north of Seattle, is Christine's home where she lives with her husband, David, and they enjoy the visits from their adult children and grandchildren. Like a lot of authors, Christine's chief editor is her cat.
Dani Pettrey
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
Janice Cantore
: A retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years (16 in uniform and 6 as a non-career officer), Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments: patrol, administration, juvenile investigations and training. During the course of her career in uniform, Janice found that faith was indispensable to every aspect of the job and published articles on faith at work, one for a quarterly newspaper called "Cop and Christ", and another for the monthly magazine "Today's Christian Woman". With retirement Janice began to write longer pieces and several novels were born. Janice is excited and honored to now be a part of the Tyndale Publishing House family. Accused, the first installment in her new suspense offering, The Pacific Coast Justice Series, was released February 1, 2012 and kicked off a brand new chapter in her writing career. Abducted followed in July 2012 and the third installment in the series, Avenged, is due out April 2013.
In addition to suspense and action, her books feature strong female leads. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep you engrossed and leave you inspired.
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author of Amish fiction and non-fiction, the host of a weekly radio program called Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine. The Waiting was a finalist for a 2011 Christy Award. The Choice and The Search have been finalists for Carol Awards. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World and Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life were both finalists for the ECPA Book of the Year (2010, 2011).
Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. She travels back east a couple of times each year for research. For fun, too.
Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. She has an underlying belief in her books–you don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles into your life: simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily, trusting in God.
When Suzanne isn't writing, playing tennis (badly!), or bragging to her friends about her grandbabies (so cute!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.


text:
About Us
Our Team
ThermaRx, Inc. is a
portfolio company of Houston, Texas based
Fairway Medical Technologies, Inc., one of the
largest medical device commercialization companies in
Founded in 2007
in Houston, Texas, ThermaRx, Inc. has been developing
and marketing products that utilize a proprietary method
of applying localized heat to neuromodulate the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The
initial focus of the Company's products is in the area
of Urinary Hesitancy. Future products will aim at
relieving female menstrual pain and alleviating symptoms
of Raynaud's phenomenon. ThermaRx, Inc.'s products can
be used either as a front-line, initial treatment option
or as a complementary therapy to a patient's current
treatment strategy.
ThermaRx, Inc. has
assembled a talented and diverse team to design,
develop, manufacture, market, and support all of its
current and future products. ThermaRx – The Hottest Name
in Heat Therapy!
Timothy N. Ham, MBA
President and Chief
Executive Officer (2011 – Present)
Tim has over ten years of broad-based corporate and
entrepreneurial experience with emphasis in the
areas of supply chain & logistics, operations,
marketing, sales, financial services, and executive
management in various industries such as
construction equipment distribution, hospitality
(hotels), full-line financial services, and
aerospace & defense manufacturing. A well-rounded
and seasoned executive, Tim holds a Master of
Business Administration (MBA) from the University of
Houston in Houston, Texas and a Bachelor of Business
Administration (BBA) in Marketing with Honors from
Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
Leo Womack
Chairman of the Board
of Directors
Leo B. Womack, has been the President and a director
of Gulf Equities Realty Advisors, Inc., a
diversified real estate portfolio management
company, since 1986. He has been and continues to
serve as the Executive Chairman of Fairway Medical
Technologies, Inc., a medical device
commercialization company and a portfolio company of
the Baylor College of Medicine Venture Fund since
1996. From 1969 to 1978, Mr. Womack was the managing
partner of a local and later national CPA firm. He
has served on the Board of several public companies
and is a past president and Chairman of the Houston
Angel Network. Mr. Womack is licensed as a certified
public accountant, and as a real estate broker. He
is also an active member of NACD the National
Association of Corporate Directors.
Morteza Naghavi, M.D.
Founder, Board of
Directors Member, and Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Naghavi is an innovative medical doctor and
researcher with interests in preventive cardiology,
medical technology, and home healthcare. He
graduated as a M.D. from Tehran University and was
trained as a cardiovascular physician scientist
under distinguished cardiologists Dr. S. Ward
Casscells III and Dr. James T. Willerson at the
Texas Heart Institute and the University of Texas
Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Naghavi is
internationally recognized as a leader in heart
attack prevention initiatives. Through his years of
efforts in advancing the field of preventive
cardiology, Dr. Naghavi founded the Society for
Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication (SHAPE) and
is the Executive Chairman of the SHAPE Task Force,
an international non-profit coalition to overhaul
the traditional (ineffective) methods of identifying
individuals at risk of a near future heart attack.
In 2009, the SHAPE organization helped pass Texas
legislation HB1290 as the first heart attack
preventive screening law in the United States. Dr.
Naghavi has a number of collaborative academic
research projects including NIH and NSF funded
studies. He has numerous publications in scientific
journals, most notably two major consensus
statements (Part I and Part II) and the SHAPE
Guidelines. He is also the editor of "Asymptomatic
Atherosclerosis: Pathophysiology, Detection and
Treatment", the most comprehensive textbook on risk
assessment of the Vulnerable Patient. Along with
academic activities, Dr. Naghavi is also an inventor
and entrepreneur with over 30 patents and 5
companies one of which is listed on NASDAQ: VOLC. He
is currently the President and CEO of Fairway
Medical Technologies and IN3 Ventures. Dr. Naghavi
is passionate about transforming new ideas into
healthcare solutions, and welcomes innovative
proposals from physicians, engineers, and
David Mobley, M.D.
Board of Directors Member and Chairman of the
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Mobley is a graduate of the University of
Arizona, University of Tennessee Medical School, and
Baylor College of Medicine residency program. He has
been practicing urology at Memorial Hermann Memorial
City Medical Center since 1977. He is
board-certified in Urology, and a Fellow of The
American College of Surgeons. Dr. Mobley is a member
of the Department of Urology at Memorial Hermann
Memorial City Medical Center having served as Chief
of Urology, Chief of Surgery, and Chief-of-Staff of
the hospital. He has been elected
Dr. Mobley has published extensively and has more
than 40 peer-reviewed papers in medical literature.
In addition, he has co-authored textbook chapters,
two books, and several educational videos. He has
won awards for his investigative work.
Dr. Mobley has been an FDA-approved clinical
investigator functioning as primary investigator in
almost 100 FDA-approved clinical trials through the
Mobley Research Center located in Houston, Texas.
These have included drug treatment trials for
erectile dysfunction, BPH, urinary incontinence,
arthritis, diabetes, multiple cancers, and
neurological diseases. Dr. Mobley has presented
results of his research at meetings domestically and
internationally. He has taught surgical procedures
to physicians in the U.S., Europe and South America.
Dr. Mobley also serves as a consultant to
pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
Dr. Mobley is the host of "The Houston Health Hour,"
a daily radio show heard in Houston, Texas since
1992 on KSEV AM 700 Radio. The show can be heard
live on the internet at www.ksevradio.com.
Thomas Kraft, Ph.D.
Scientific Advisory Board Member
Dr. Kraft is the
Director of Client Services for the Houston
Technology Center. Dr. Kraft founded several
companies, one of which developed and commercialized
medical and clinical devices in microbiology,
immunology, hematology and clinical chemistry. This
covered a period of four decades and is reflected in
numerous commercial successes and 19 patents. At the
Houston Technology Center, Dr. Kraft plays a lead
role in accelerating technology start ups,
principally in biosciences and bioengineering, as
well as in space and other base technologies. He
completed a doctoral program at Rice University in
electrical engineering and math.
Albert Yen, M.D.
Dr. Yen is a Physician
Scientist with over 10 years of experience in basic
and clinical research trial design, medical device
commercialization, and small business
administration. Prior to joining the Fairway
management team, he performed research studies on
neurodegenerative conditions at Methodist Hospital
Research Institute in the Texas Medical Center and
also worked with a proteomics company based in The
Woodlands, Texas. He received his medical degree
from Baylor College of Medicine and also completed
his Neurology residency and Clinical Neurophysiology
fellowship training there. His other research
interests include stroke and cerebrovascular
disease, traumatic brain injury, primary headache
disorders, and urological neuromodulation.
Dr. Yen currently serves as Fairway's VP of Medical
Affairs, as well as Chairman of the Fairway IACUC
(Animal Use and Care Committee).
Meet the Fairway Medical Technologies, Inc. Management Team
© 2013 - ThermaRx, Inc.
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text:
When I co-founded eventify with the great team we had at Startup Weekend, I wanted to shout about it from the rooftops to everyone and anyone. But, there is also a paranoid side of me that thought, hmm, "what if someone else wants to come in and do the same thing and steals the idea?" Well, it would already be too late for that because Jason Calacanis tweeted about how much he liked our product and we were pitching it on live stream at Startup Weekend. So, I figured, I'm talking to everyone and anyone about this.
Then, I ran across this great post from Aaron Patzer about the most common entrepreneurial fear and why you must ignore it. Aaron says to tell everyone about your idea, and that ideas aren't as important as execution. I've always believe that and believe that execution is the key to any startup succeeding. Everyone that I know that is a successful entrepreneur is amazing at execution, and, it is one of those things that I pride myself at being great at.
People want to help you
Believe it, or not, people do truly want to help you with your idea, not steal it. Over the past few months working on eventify, I've talked about the idea to so many people and they have almost all offered to help me in some way, shape, or form. It taught me a great lesson about not hiding things or holding back on the information that I tell people about what I am working on. As an entrepreneur in the past, I would never tell anyone about my idea and I know others that still won't. The less people you tell, the less people that will help you, it's simple math.
An introduction is likely to happen
All the friends and colleagues that you tell your idea to are likely to have other friends and acquaintances that they can refer you to for advice. People have made some amazing introductions to me and I've learned so much about the industry because of that and has lead me to some great knowledge that will help me as eventify grows into the amazing product that I will force it to become.
It's amazing what you can learn
With smart, talented, and driven people, you can learn so much, and our industry is filled with them. I've learned about things around weddings, business models, planning, and technology that I had never come across in the past. All because I shared my idea with one person and it spawned from there. It's important to talk about it with others, because, it can lead to a conversation where you can learn so much from someone who might have more experience or knowledge about the industry.
At the end of the day, it's like I said, it's simple math, if you don't tell anyone about your idea, you're not going to learn anything. People is what makes this industry great and execution is what makes startups great. Ideas are a dime a dozen, if you can't execute, you won't succeed. If you don't talk about ideas, no one will know about it and the likelihood of you learning more is slim to none. Always be open to learning by sharing your ideas with others.


text:
Santana E.
1st Hour
Mrs. Lehnert
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Reflection on:_______________________
Chapter 2: Data Analysis
Chapter 3: Matter-Properties & Changes
Chapter 4: The Structure of the Atom
Chapter 5: Electrons in Atoms
Chapter 6: The Periodic Table and Periodic Law
Chapter 7: The Elements
Chapter 8: Ionic Compounds
Chapter 9: Covalent Bonding
Chapter 10: Chemical Reactions
Chapter 11: The Mole
Chapter 12: Stoichiometry
Chapter 13: States of Matter
Chapter 14: Gases
Chapter 15: Solutions
Chapter 19: Acids and Bases
Hola! My name is Santana E., I am a junior at Shell Lake high school. I love learning new things. I love the outdoors and spending time with my friends and family! I am very outgoing and energetic, I also like to think of myself as funny (: My favorites involve cheese, green, horses, reading, writing, singing, and dancing. I also have a list of favorite people including Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. I have a lot of friends, but some are more special than others, my three main best friends are Amanda, Felicia, and Keyla! I also have another very close friend his name is Joey Kodesh! I get a long great with others, and I love meeting new people. I have an enormous family and ever single one of them has a very special place in my heart. I hate math and love literature. I am going to college to be a nurse, a vet, a lawyer and for journalism. I have a lot of plans for my life and I plan on making them all happen! The main topics were going to cover this year in Chemistry are: Science Process & Data Measurement, Chemical Lab Skills & LAB SAFETY, Properties & Changes of Matter, Structure & Electrons in Atoms, The Periodic Table & Periodic Law, Ionic & Covalent Compounds, Chemical Reactions, The Mole & Stoichiometry, States of Matter & Gases, Mixture & Solutions, and Acids & Bases. I'm excited to learn about new things, and to learn about how things react when they are put together. I would have to say that the topic that I am most excited about would be The Mole & Stoichiometry! Mainly the mole, just because I hear so much about it and I just want to learn more about it. I think the two topics that can relate mainly to everyday life would be The Periodic Table and The Periodic Law. I think those two because they are really the only thing you constantly and consistently is the periodic table. So learning the periodic table and the periodic law are the logical things that compare to everyday life. My short-term goal for this quarter was to pay attention in class and to prioratize. My medium-term goal for this year was to get all of my work in on time including my portfolio and staying on task. My first long term goal is to go to UWEC to be an RN. My second long term goal is I want to major in Journalism in UWEC.
School District of Shell Lake
271 Hwy 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Phone: 715-468-7816
Fax: 715-468-7812


text:
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Betty Boop For President
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This page has been viewed 58 times this month, and 2413 times total.
Betty Boop For President
Alternate Title: Mr. NobodyBetty Boop For President (Mr. Nobody) (1932) - Betty Boop Theatrical Cartoon Series
This page has been viewed 58 times this month, and 2413 times total.
- Betty Boop Theatrical Cartoon SeriesTheatricalSeriesCartoon
- Traditional Animation
- Fleischer Studios
- Distributed by: Paramount Studios
- Cartoon Characters: Betty Boop, Old Dog, Mr. Nobody.
- Voice Actors: Mae Questel, Ann Rothschild.
- Directed By Dave Fleischer.
- Produced By Max Fleischer, Adolph Zukor.
- Animated By Hicks Lokey, Myron Waldman.
- Music: Sammy Timberg.
- Originally Released on November 04, 1932.
- Originally Released Theatrically.
- Running Time: 7 minutes.
- Black & White
Cartoon Summary:
Betty runs for president against Mr. Nobody. They both sing about their policies, and Betty ends up the winner.
Cartoon Production Information:
Alternate Title: "Mr. Nobody (Home Distribution)."
This is the first appearance of a Grampy-like character, although he is not identified as such, and he is much more animal-like than human. Song "When I'm the President," Words and Music by Al Lewis... (more)
Additional Cartoon Pictures:
Betty Boop Series Title Card
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Betty Boop For President
Comments By: Ray Pointer
First of all, the notion that cartoons are for child is a muddled-headed idea that resulted from the popularity of the Disney product. The fact that much of the content of the Fleischer cartoons was adult-oriented and highly satirical is what makes it... (read more)
1 of 6 people found this comment useful
Betty Boop For President
Comments By: Borroloola
"Betty Boop" is an interesting historical document for adults, but I don't recommend it AT ALL for children. Most of the political jokes in this cartoon will be way over kids' heads. For example: why does the audience at Betty... (read more)
3 of 12 people found this comment useful
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text:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Question: If needed, how will residents be evacuated?
2. Question: Are Douglas County Schools prepared for disaster?
3. Question: How will I be warned of a disaster?
4. Question: What do I do if I don't hear a siren or witness a siren not working?
5. Question: Is there a designated radio or television station that broadcasts disaster information?
6. Question: I have family members and neighbors who are elderly and disabled. I worry about what would happen to them in a disaster. How will they be taken care of?
7. Question: Where is the disaster shelters located in my community?
8. Question: What is the emergency plan for Douglas County?
9. Question: How long will it take for help to arrive in a disaster?
10. Question: How can I prepare myself and my family for a disaster?
11. Question: How can I prepare my workplace for a disaster?
12. Question: What should I do if a disaster strikes and the phones don't work?
13. Question: Will my mobile phone work in a disaster?
14. Question: Who is in charge when a disaster strikes?
15. Question: When disaster strikes, what is the best way to help other people in need?
16. Question: Where do facilities send Tier II reports?
1. Question: What is the evacuation plan?
Answer: In the event that an area needs to be evacuated, law enforcement and fire personnel will work together to identify evacuation routes, notify residents, and coordinate transportation. Local officials will also coordinate with the American Red Cross to ensure that shelters are available that can receive evacuated residents.
2. Question: Are Douglas County Schools prepared for disaster?
Answer: Douglas County schools have taken an active role in engaging their staff and students to respond appropriately to the sounding of outdoor warning sirens. Most schools in Douglas County have disaster plans and they train staff and conduct drills on a regular basis.
We encourage parents to ask school officials about their emergency plans. These plans include the manner and methods that school officials inform staff, students and parents to threats of concern. Have they practiced the plan? What do they want you to do in the event of an emergency at the school?
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Answer: In the event of an emergency in your neighborhood, first responders may simply go door-to-door or use public address systems to let you know if you need to evacuate or take some other protective action. There are a number of other tools that emergency officials have to provide warning.
a) News releases – If time allows, emergency officials may simply broadcast emergency information to the news media. We have methods in place to rapidly notify the media.
4. Question: What do I do if I don't hear a siren or witness a siren not working?
Answer: If you witness a siren not working, or if you believe there is an issue with a siren located nearby, report this issue using the Report Siren Issues form.
5. Question: Is there a designated radio or television station that broadcasts disaster information?
Answer: There is no designation station for emergency broadcasts. In the event of an emergency we encourage you to tune to a local radio or television news station for information. The major news broadcasters do a good job in providing current emergency information.
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Answer: Disasters tend to hit the elderly and disabled the hardest. Emergency officials will assist people with special needs in an emergency. However, we have a limited number of emergency response personnel and it may take a while before the elderly and disabled get the support they need.
7. Question: Where is the disaster shelters located in my community?
Answer: The American Red Cross is responsible for setting up shelters. The Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross has agreements for the use of certain schools, churches, and other community buildings. The locations of shelters will vary based on the type and location of the emergency event, the number of persons directly affected by the emergency, and the intended use of a shelter (e.g., a warming shelter versus a sleeping shelter). For this and other reasons, shelter locations are not pre-announced or posted.
8. Question: What is the emergency plan for Douglas County?
Answer: The jurisdictions in Douglas County have plans for how they will prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster. The plans are consistent with state and federal disaster plans. These plans identify the roles and responsibilities of key officials and departments, establish chains of command and reporting, and establish methods of communication and coordination. For more information see Community Plans & Planning.
9. Question: How long will it take for help to arrive in a disaster?
Answer: The amount of time it takes for help to arrive in your community after a disaster will depend on the size and scope of the disaster. On any given day in our community, we have enough first response personnel to handle a routine number of calls for help. But when disaster strikes, these personnel may be quickly overwhelmed. Just like the rest of us, they have families to take care of. Emergency vehicles may be held up because of blocked or damaged roads and 9-1-1 and public safety communication systems may be damaged.
10. Question: How can I prepare myself and my family for a disaster?
Answer: Develop a disaster plan for your family and practice your plan. A good plan will include special considerations for children, pets, or others with special needs, as well as establishing an out-of-area contact to serve as a message board for you to leave messages for you and your loved ones. As another basic emergency preparedness step you should also assemble a 72- hour kit (as a minimum) with some emergency supplies. You can also take some mitigation steps around the home, school and workplace to lessen the extent of damage when a disaster does strike.
11. Question: How can I prepare my workplace for a disaster?
Answer: As part of your employer's responsibility for providing a safe workplace, they should have plans for protecting employee health and safety during a disaster. Employees should know what they should do in an emergency. They should know how to exit the facility safely and the evacuation meeting location.
12. Question: What should I do if a disaster strikes and the phones do not work?
Answer: First of all, when disaster strikes, you should limit your use of the telephone. Use the telephone to call 9-1-1 only if life and safety are at stake. This will leave the circuits open for more urgent calls.
13. Question: Will my mobile phone work in a disaster?
Answer: Mobile phones are connected into the same phone system that regular, land line phones are connected to. They are not necessarily any more or less reliable then land line telephones.
14. Question: Who is in charge when a disaster strikes?
Answer: The chief elected official is responsible for emergency management in their jurisdiction. But in an emergency, the chief elected official or city manager delegates the responsibility for incident management to their public health and safety agencies. The most qualified person designated to be in charge of the incident is called the 'incident commander'. This person has complete authority for direction and control of emergency operations. In major incidents, where the disaster overlaps jurisdictional boundaries or areas of responsibility, a 'unified command' may be established, where multiple commanders work together to manage the incident. This ensures that these stakeholders can fulfill their critical responsibilities. The incident commander or unified commanders must still answer to the elected official or city manager of the jurisdiction they represent.
15. Question: When disaster strikes, what is the best way to help other people in need?
Answer: The best way to help is with donations of cash to credible non-profit organizations. The needs of disaster victims vary over time, so cash donations provide for the greatest flexibility. Cash donations can also help rebuild the economy of the impacted area. Be sure that you only donate to recognized organizations. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for fraudulent individuals or organizations to take advantage of everyone's desire to help people in need. Be sure to do your research.
Monitor media outlets for a request for community volunteers. Follow the specific instructions on reporting times and places.
16. Question: Where do facilities send Tier II reports?
Answer: Send all Tier II reports to the LEPC.


text:
|Press Room
Press Clippings
Recent Press Releases
|Forbes Travel Guide Awards Five-Star to Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami Beach, Florida
Acqualina Resort & Spa in South Florida introduces new Five-Star Experience package in celebration of receiving the prestigious 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.
SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL. (February 26, 2013) — Acqualina Resort & Spa has been awarded one of the highest honors in the hospitality industry the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Acqualina Resort & Spa is one of 78 hotels to receive the Five Star Award throughout the world and the only Five-Star Award winning hotel and resort on Miami Beach.
"We are honored to receive Forbes Five Star Award and to be recognized as one of the finest hotels and spas around the world," said Deborah Yager Fleming, Acqualina Resort & Spa's Vice Chairman and Principal. "This award is a tribute to the ongoing commitment by Acqualina team members to go above and beyond in delivering a luxury travel experience for our guests."
Accompanying the Miami Beach resort's Five-Star Award are recognitions for Il Mulino New York and Acqualina Spa by ESPA. Il Mulino New York has earned the new 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award, signifying Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa as an exceptional dining establishment. Acqualina Spa by ESPA has also earned the highest rating awarded by Forbes, the 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Acqualina Resort & Spa is the latest installment to the travel ratings system that has been the gold standard in the industry since 1958.
Delivering guests an experience beyond expectations, Acqualina Resort & Spa will be showcased with all of the 2013 award winners on Startle.com, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide.
"The Forbes Travel Guide Annual Star Awards represent the best in class in luxury hospitality. Travelers seeking exceptional experiences rely on our ratings to guide them to the world's finest hotels, restaurants and spas," said Michael Cascone, President and COO of Forbes Travel Guide. "By continuing to evolve our ratings categories, we are establishing a global benchmark for the highest standards in hospitality service and facilities."
In celebration of its latest recognition, Acqualina Resort & Spa is proud to introduce guests their own Five-Star Experience with a new resort package and five-star amenities. Starting on February 26, 2013, Acqualina Resort & Spa visitors will have the opportunity to experience the five-star resort in South Florida with a five-night getaway (complimentary fifth night) and enjoy five special amenities. This exclusive package is available from February 26 – June 30, 2013.
Daily rates starting from:
$875 per night ($700 per night including 5th night free) for an Oceanfront Room from now until March 21, 2013
$650 per night ($520 per night including 5th night free) for an Oceanfront Room from April 3 to April 30, 2013.
$625 per night ($500 per night including 5th night free) for an Oceanfront Room from May 1 to May 31, 2013.
$550 per night ($440 per night including 5th night free) for an Oceanfront Room from June 1 to June 30, 2013
Suite rates are also available.
The Five-Star Experience offer includes:
• Special welcome amenity
• Daily Buffet Breakfast for two by Il Mulino New York
• One $75 Piazzetta Marketplace & Restaurant Credit
• One 50-minute treatment at Acqualina Spa by ESPA
• One bottle of Champagne upon arrival
In addition, The Five Star Experience offer includes complimentary internet access, and children 5 to 12 years old receive complementary access to the AcquaMarine program as part of their hotel stay.
To book the Five-Star Experience, call 855.621.9852.
Shine Like a Star Experiences at Acqualina Spa by ESPA
In celebration of Acqualina Resort & Spa's 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and Acqualina Spa by ESPA's 2013 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, Acqualina is thrilled to introduce the following Shine Like a Star Experiences.
Shine Like a Star Facial Treatment
The 50-Minute Facial exfoliates and cleanses and is designed to firm and restore elasticity to the skin. A 24K Anti-wrinkle Gold Mask along with a skin analysis, steam, exfoliation, facial massage, lymphatic drainage and a nourishing Scalp Massage with ESPA's Pink Hair and Scalp Mud to finish.
50 Minutes- $155 per person plus 20% service charge. Offer is available from March 1 to March 31, 2013. Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers.
Shine Like a Star Signature Manicure
The 50-Minute Signature Manicure is designed to nourish hands and indulge you in luxury. A 24K Gold Mask will be applied to the hands along with nail filing, cuticle removal, hand exfoliation, hot stone hand massage and a Gold Polish application (or color of your choice) to finish.
50 Minutes- $80 per person plus 20% service charge. Offer available from March 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013. Offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other offers.
To book a Shine Like a Star Experience, call the Spa Reception Desk at 305.918.6844.
Press Inquiries | Photo Requests
For any press inquiries or photo requests, please contact Polina Mikheeva, Marketing Coordinator.