by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea Ever get to that “I need to peel a roll of cookie dough and eat it like a banana” state of stressed? Cookie dough. So good, but so bad. But I’m talking about a shaky-hand kind of stress that goes beyond even the “I have to pour…

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Writing a story from an actual person or event provides an opportunity for readers to explore, invoke sensory perception, and imagine themselves as those who lived through a notable time in history or a contemporary happening. A real or fictitious character who embarks upon the established…

By Theresa Parker Pierce @rowanhistory When I am giving a tour or other presenting to groups, people often ask how I got started. They say, “I would love doing this.” So, here is my short answer. Walk into your local museum and ask, “Do you take volunteers?” Twenty-three years ago,…

by Maggie Wallem Rowe  Since you’re taking a few moments to read this post, it’s safe to assume you’ve got all the time in the world to pursue your calling as a writer, right? Wrong. If you’re anything like me, there aren’t enough hours in the day to take advantage…

 by Jody Allen It was a typical day of running errands. I found myself at the catchall store, Walmart, in search of a housewarming gift for friends. I clanked my rickety cart to the Garden Center in hopes of finding just the right flower that said, “Welcome to your new…

By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett The heady sent of pumpkin spice is in the air, in some places, it’s even a little chilly (not so much in others yet), and children are hitting the books. The NFL season is underway and these things in combination tell us one thing—fall semesters have…