More Cozy Critters

Today, I’d like to tell you more about these astute readers and writers, these remarkable ladies I call the Cozy Critters. First of all, they have a marvelous sense of humor. Laughter is very important in our critiques. I’ve asked them to write a bit about themselves so you will get to know them better.

As Jane so astutely puts it (didn’t I tell you they are astute?) “Cozy Critters is a diverse writing group cut from the same cloth but in different shapes! We write in different styles and genres. Much like surgeons, we assess, dissect and sometimes, gently remove obstacles that scar the body of our work. We make suggestions with a smile and routine oust the ‘comma disease!’ 

“Being good friends, we tend to mix our passion for writing and poetry with our everyday life events. We are sympathetic ears to each other. Our rules might be stated this way: No Pressure, only Praise; No Embarrassment, only Encouragement; No Judgment, only Acceptance. ”

This is Helen’s short bio: “I enjoy reading, knitting, and traveling. My husband and I are retired and volunteer at Ecclesia, a Christian work college in NWA. My written devotionals and inspirational material are published in books and Christian periodicals. One of my devotions appears in Penned from the Heart.     The Secret Place has also been a good market for my writings.”

But, let me tell you, Helen is modest. Her writings never fail to lift the spirit and lend encouragement. It is an honor to critique what she writes. Her selfless volunteerism has helped countless people, with an emphasis on children and young people all across our wonderful country.

Peg says: “I’ve been a reader all my life. In our house, we didn’t play sports, we went to the library. Over the years I’ve gone through many phases – Nancy Drew; the Black Stallion; Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney; classics; biographies; sci-fy; fantasies; histories. The only books I stayed away from were horror stories. Now I love cozy mysteries. They help me get through long nights. They help me get through hospital stays. But most of all, they’re challenging to my brain and wonderful companions on lazy afternoons and evenings when I can curl up in a comfy chair and lose myself in the lives of those cozy characters who keep coming across dead bodies!”

Judy: “My most favorite book to read is the Word of God, the Bible. I write poetry and inspirational writings which come from life experiences. I was blessed to attend poetry classes with three other “fellow” writers at the home of my favorite poet, friend and sister in Christ, Gloria Okes Perkins, who lived in Springdale. My favorite things are butterflies, redbirds, Royal Albert Old Country Roses China and Texas bluebonnets. “

Jane: “I am an artist, writer and poet. After I studied art, my world changed forever. So it was with writing and poetry. All three inspire creativity, relieve stress and are therapeutic to body and soul, but words are so powerful! They can uplift our spirits or take us to the depths of despair. Ideas for stories come to me in different ways. I will explain one example. When I was a child through my imagination, I would see a person, perhaps a little girl holding hands and walking with someone, and mentally put myself in her shoes. I would momentarily walk with her and try to experience her thoughts and feelings. Walking in her shoes, even for a moment, allowed me to experience her thoughts and feelings. As you can see I have a vivid imagination! Memories also feed my soul and I have recorded many family stories told by my parents and grandparents. When I write poetry, it often flows like a waterfall; I can barely write it down fast enough! Inspiration comes in an instant, so I quickly try to get it on paper. I would encourage all to try writing. Everyone has a story. Writing will change your life in a positive way. It certainly changed mine! Your words and imagination will take you on a journey. The wonder of words, YOUR words, will be a roadmap to a magical world!”

Nancy: “I am a Christ follower, and desire to share the love of God with those around me as a wife, mom to 2 adult kids, grandmom to 3 precious little boys and one soon-to-be-born girl, friend, author, speaker, and musician. I write inspirational non-fiction to bring the hope of God’s grace to others. I enjoy spending time with friends over coffee, taking walks, and giving piano lessons.  Blog is at www.nancykaygrace.com, where you can sign up for my monthly newsletter, GraceNotes. My devotional book, The Grace Impact, was released earlier this year. A recent development is the internet radio show “Living Life Unedited”  at http://www.spreaker.com/show/living-life-unedited.”