Besides journaling and blog posts, I've written a children's picture book and have started a second. I also have a slow-moving start to a young adult novel. (It's full of great character voice but little plot so far.) I really need to connect with a writers' group in my area to grow as a writer and to move these pieces toward publication.

You'll probably notice a lot of poetry on the blog. This is a new venue for me, and I'm learning! I didn't even like poetry until last fall when I picked up Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge. It has reignited my love for language and given me the courage to try writing my own poetry pieces. Poetry has helped me to express my feelings during a difficult season in life. When you're overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions, it's sometimes easier to get a grip on them with fewer but more potent words.

I'm passionate about welcoming, encouraging, connecting with, and communicating with others. Transparency is an important part of that; I hope to share about my life in ways that remind you of yours. A difficult road is always easier to walk when it's shared by two! Things I struggle with and that you'll probably read about at one point or another: depression, being timid & fearful, recurring nightmares, and tone of voice. (Yes, you read that correctly! My Mom was right when she repeatedly told me, "it's not what you say that gets you into trouble; it's how you say it." Still learning that one!) I'm so grateful that God knows and accepts me in his mercy and grace and that He is able to change me little by little! Rest assured, He's working on me!

One aspect that I love about being a writer is how it compels me to notice and live life in the moment. A part of my brain is constantly processing events, people, and nature around me and helping me to focus on details I'd otherwise miss. When this habit is combined with a grateful heart, beauty, joy, and creativity result.

Favorite Comfort Movies: The Emperor's New Groove (a favorite of the whole family) & Game Plan (My kids hate watching this movie and have to be coerced into doing so. Don't call DSS.)

Favorite Place: A beach. Any beach. I grew up in Michigan three blocks from Lake Huron, so sand and surf are a part of my DNA.

Pet Peeves: Rolling eyes. Lying. Being called "Debbie." Oh, and ridiculous songs by the Beatles. (There's a whole list of their songs that my kids are banned from singing, and "Yellow Submarine" tops the list. I just hope they don't get back at me by playing it at my funeral. You're in charge of making sure that doesn't happen.)

Purposeful Writing Quirks: Generally I am a rule-keeper by nature; however, when it comes to certain grammatical/syntactical commands I am a criminal felon! Case in point: You've probably already noticed this...but I adore exclamation points!!!! As a writer, I know to use only one, but they seem to be made for exuberance! And the more exuberant, the better!!!! WRITING IN ALL CAPS also accomplishes this feeling! Another example: I know it's not proper to begin a sentence with a conjunction or to use fragments as sentences. I just tend to write like I speak, rather informally, even though it means breaking the law. I hope it'll be an endearing quality rather than an annoying one. Picture me smiling at you, eyes shining, my arms flailing around to emphasize my points. There, does that help?

The punctuation mark that mocks me: Commas! Arggh! I want to follow them, but the rules of commas confuse and confound me! Rules I learned in school have been called into question by my children's teachers of today. If you have a firmer grip (and that would not be difficult at this point) on the best usage of commas, please instruct me. Clear examples and perhaps colored pictures may help.

How You May Picture Me Writing: At times with my laptop, other times with paper and pen, and occasionally on restaurant napkins. Usually with my favorite hot beverage, tea. I write in a variety of places ranging from my home to the park to coffee shops to Burger King.

Dog or Cat Person? Though we don't have either at this time, I have a passionate preference. Cat, definitely cat. (Ducking from zealous dog lovers.)

Personal Kryptonite: Babies. (I swear I was born with an internal infant magnet! Love them!) M&M's or Hershey's Chocolate. (Forget that fancy junk! Give me the good stuff!) Oh, and the Sweet Potato Cake from The Brick Street Cafe in Greenville, SC. It's divine! (And I'm not a fan of sweet potatoes. Weird. I know.)

Collections: Teapots, baskets, roosters, snowmen, clutter, and dust bunnies.

Olympic Skill: Procrastination (although my children are also shooting for the Gold in this department...apparently it's a family sport.)

Favorite Activities: Reading, writing, napping, eating out (and if they happen along a beach... well, can't you hear the angels singing?!)

Favorite Season: Spring in South Carolina is lovely, although Autumn is starting to woo my heart as well. Summer is nice, but hot and humid. Really hot. And did I mention sticky?

The most important thing you need to know about me: I am a horrible housekeeper. This is an area where my aforementioned Olympic skills really shine. Unfortunately. When one wants to visit, advance application (in triplicate) must be submitted at least three years in advance. Even then you can't expect much. I kid you not.

Well, I'm sure that was more than you really needed or wanted to know! I apologize! Without a doubt, I'm wordy!

I hope you'll be back often and that we'll connect through this blog.

Keeping in touch:Opportunites to email me, send snail mail, or find The Word Weaver page on Facebook or DebWordWeaver on Twitter are located on the Contact Me page.

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Until next time,
Deb

I'm delighted when folks share my writings with friends; it's a great honor. I only ask that if/when you do so, you include my name &/or website address for copyright protection. Thank you for understanding!

My "Check it out" page holds recommended books, studies, online blogs, & ministries. There's also a section of meaningful quotes. You may head there by clicking here.