Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: I never had what you would describe as an “aha moment” with regard to becoming a writer—I have been a writer and a researcher my whole life. I was in the second grade when my father introduced me to the card catalogue for research on my first paper , about the Great White Shark.

My fiction career began with two works in the third grade: (1) Remove the Numbers—a short story about an enchanted house for which I won a set of Holly Hobbie stationery at school; and (2) a Halloween story I co-wrote with the boy who lived across the street, just for fun. However, it was my sixth grade teacher, Sister Laurian, who recognized my talent and told me that writing, words, and language would one day become a part of my personality, my life, and my destiny. I’ve have remained forever grateful to her for recognizing my gifts and giving me that important early encouragement.

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By Damaria Senne

I recently met a young woman who made me think about the impact our words – as writers and speakers and human beings – have on the people around us.

I was sitting in the reception room of the South African Broadcasting Corporation, waiting for someone from the Current Affairs department to come get me for an interview.

The woman was in her mid-to- late twenties, well-dressed and looked a bit nervous. So I thought she was an interview subject for one of the shows. That is, until she mentioned she was at the studios to intercept a radio presenter who was on air.

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In addition to being an author and member of NAWW, I am also CEO of Extreme Diva Media, Inc. We publish the “Devotions to Go” series in addition to other titles. I will be in Dallas October 22-23 and am scheduling appointments with women who wish to discuss writing projects with me. I know you and many of your members are based in the Dallas area. If anyone would like to meet with me to discuss a project, they should first visit the EDM website, www.extremedivamedia.com, first to study our guidelines.

If anyone would like to meet to discuss their writing/speaking career, I am available to do that as well. I know how frustrating it can be when someone keeps getting rejection letters and they are not sure what they are doing wrong. I also know how frustrating it is when an author wants to move ahead and is unsure how to proceed. We can discuss these things.

If any NAWW members are interested in meeting with me, just send an email and we will schedule a time. Emails may be sent to:

Roadtrip2007@extremedivamedia.com

In addition we are working to schedule a get together while I am in Dallas. We have many Divas in Dallas and we want them to meet each other and we want all of you to meet also. I love a party and this is a great way for us to mingle and get to know each other. If anyone is interested, drop us an email at the address above. We will send the details as soon as we know.

I look forward to hearing from you and the members of NAWW.

Jean Ann Duckworth