Peculiar
People
&
creating unique Christian fiction through group writing projects
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:13-14
& About Peculiar People
Amy Michelle Wiley founded Peculiar People in 2005 with the idea that, "One of the most important things a story-teller needs is strong characters. I admire writers who have characters with personalities so strong that when they speak you know who it is without being told. What better way to get unique characters then to have a different author writing each one?"
The goal of PeP is to bring together Christian writers so that they can have fellowship while combining their skills to make a strong whole. The hope is that PeP will be well known as a group that provides clean entertainment and enrichment by telling stories that are unique in every way.
& About the PeP Authors
PeP's authors find homes all over the US as well as in Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. They range in age from teenagers to retirees. Some are just beginning to test the writing waters, and some have been writing for a lifetime. To contact a specific author, either find their private contact information by following the link on their name, or email PeP and address your note to that writer. (note: these bios have not yet been updated to include all of the authors involved in the postcard project.)
& Author Bios
Al Boyce is a former wire-service reporter living in Raleigh, NC, where he and his wife, Cindy, have a thriving homeless ministry. Al currently works as a systems engineer, and writes a Christian column for Crossmap.com. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Amy Michelle Wiley is a homeschool alumnus who lives in the Pacific Northwest and is currently training to become a sign language interpreter. Amy is the founder and director of Peculiar People and a conference coordinator for FaithWriters writing conference. She has been writing since she was young and has been published in a number of anthologies and internet magazines. Though she dabbles in most writing genres, Amy primarily writes fiction, believing it touches people with the truth and love of God in a special way. (Director and contributing author to all PeP projects)
Ann Grover lives in northern British Columbia, Canada with her husband and homeschooled daughter, and besides writing, enjoys reading, painting, and playing the flute. She received second and third place in FaithWriters' 2006 Best of the Best awards, and is currently co-authoring a book on spiritual companioning. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Caitlynn Aley Lowe is a student at a small, Christian college, where she majors in Digital Media Arts. This is her first written contribution published in print, however, she has contributed several comics to the Megazeen--a small-time Christian comic magazine--both on their website and in print. She lives in and attends school in the Midwest U.S. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Carolyn Kenney is a lifelong resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts. For over four years, Ms. Kenney has written weekly reflections for her church bulletin. Some of these developed into a devotional book titled Meditations of the Heart. Ms. Kenney has also contributed articles to various newsletters and websites. Her main interest is devotional writing, but she is also pursuing an interest in writing fiction stories. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Cassie Memmer, a former postal employee, and retiring township trustee lives in southwestern Indiana with her husband, Ed. Married in 1969, they have one daughter, Katie. She is active in their church where she is a part of the praise and worship team. Cassie has written on and off for many years; poetry, short short stories, songs, and true life accounts. She has been published several times in e-zines, also in Faithwriter's anthologies, along with a couple of other print publications. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Charles “dub” Wright grew up in a military family, spending his first years in Quonset huts along side runways and on the edge of military bases. Later, his parents would be among the group who built the schools and highways of the United States. He was educated in the best public schools; however, he graduated from undergraduate school at William Jewell College, a private college. He would later earn a Master’s degree from Southern Tech, a college of the University of Georgia. He has completed advanced certificates in English as a Second Language, as well as, Adult Literacy. He currently serves on the adjunct staff of Liberty University. Dub and his wife Patricia have three sons, and eight grandchildren. They are members of Centenary United Methodist Church in New Bern, North Carolina; and they reside near the village of New Bern, North Carolina. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek and the postcard project)
Claudette Wood has been writing poetry for many years and has been published in several poetry compilation books. She lives in North Carolina with her husband of 30 years, Dave. They have two children and three grandchildren. Claudette recently moved from poetry and began writing short pieces about her life, in preparation for a future book. Her chapter in this book is her first non-fiction endeavor. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Chrissy Siggee has two adult children and three grandchildren. She lives with her husband of twenty-seven years, in Brisbane Australia. After serving many years in children and youth ministries, she dedicated herself to Pastoral Care and Counseling to shut-ins, hospitalized and those with special needs. Chrissy rediscovered her childhood desire to write in 2006. With her unique blend of experiences, she writes both fiction and non-fiction. She has been published in Footprints Australia Magazine, The Vine (New Zealand), the FaithWriters anthology Heroes, Villains, and Everyday People, and has been featured in Riders and Reapers ezine. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
David Ian is the Founder and Artistic Director of "Unchained Productions" an umbrella production company of literature, stage, video, audio drama and online works whose Mission Statement is "to educate, entertain and edify, through a wide range of media, for the Glory of God." David's stage work has received the highest acclaim the city of Portland, OR has to offer (The "Drammy Award", that city's equivalent to Broadway's "Tony Award") and his playwriting (a Shakespearean treatment of Esther) has won national award status and acclaim. His radio work, incorporating seven different voices into one piece, contributed to a national award for genre radio drama (The Mark Time Award). David tours a one man show entitled "The Replacement Disciple" which has been a favorite at events and conferences. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Dara Lowe is an English major at a Christian university in the Midwest. She began her writing career at the young age of four, when she dictated her first book “The Story of the Tulip” to her mom. At the age of twelve, she completed a 170-page book that remains unpublished. She will soon be published in a quarterly FaithWriters anthology. She is currently working on a novel as a part of a trilogy and has dozens of other novel ideas that she hopes to work on in the future. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Darlene Suter was born and raised in Indiana. She is the middle child of five girls and was recently married in May, 2007. She is currently working on her first novel and is part of a poetry ministry. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling to historical sites and reading. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Debbie Roome was born and raised in Zimbabwe and later spent fifteen years in South Africa. In 2006 she moved to New Zealand with her husband and five children. Writing has been her passion since the age of six and she loves to write stories that touch people’s lives and turn them towards God. After fifteen years of owning a toy store, she is now working full time at her writing and has never been more fulfilled. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Deborah Porter is a published writer and popular public speaker, with a particular gift for communicating in a way that is both enjoyable and easy for readers and listeners to understand. As the Coordinator of the FaithWriters' Writing Challenge, Deb has helped to shape this weekly contest into arguably the most popular aspect of FaithWriters.com. She is the editor of FaithWriters' Magazine, as well as for the FaithWriters' quarterly anthologies, and acts as coordinator and reviewer for the FaithWriters' Book Review section. As well as her work at FaithWriters and through her own personal ministry, Breath of Fresh Air, she also runs her own business, Finesse Writing and Editing Service. Deborah lives in Sydney, Australia, and is married, with two adult children and one son-in-law. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Donna Emery is a registered nurse from Lancaster County, Pa. She and husband Ed are the proud parents of 5 children. Donna began online writing by doing recaps and commentary for reality TV shows. She credits FaithWriters with helping her to realize and develop her potential as a Christian writer and poet. In addition to writing she enjoys word games, trivia and quilting. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Ed Pennewell, born in Kansas and receiving only basic education and learning, has sought a Godly life in the world, and from the sorrow there, has placed his thoughts to written words. Taking the name JesusPuppy while in the mission field, his greatest goal in life has been to show God's love and light to all he meets. He places his heart in the things he writes in hopes they touch another's life and bring them hope. JesusPuppy is a simple man, working as a carpenter while writing praise to the Lord, living on the Northwest coast of United States of America. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice and Struggle Creek)
Garnet Miller is a freelance writer living in Greensboro, North Carolina. Writing credits include inclusion in three FaithWriters anthology books, articles in Cross Times and Riders and Reapers, and two columns in the e-zine, Extreme Woman. Garnet is also managing editor for Extreme Woman magazine. She is a married mother of two growing boys who credits God and FaithWriters.com for fostering and shaping her love of writing into a form that He can use for His glory. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Glenn Hascall began a broadcasting career in 1984, and is the current manager and morning host of KHYM. He began writing professionally in 1995 and has contributed to more than 40 books, including textbooks and anthologies from publishers such as Thomas Nelson, Bethany House and Regal. His voice work has been heard internationally, and in 2007, he released his first comedy CD, SKETCH. When he’s not writing or talking he’s busy being a dad and husband, which remain his greatest occupation. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Helen Paynter lives with her husband and three children in Bristol, England. She is a freelance writer of short fiction, poetry, and worship resources. She has completed her first novel and is working on her second. Her passion is to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ is novel in unexpected ways. She is also deeply concerned about issues of global justice and writes extensively on this subject. Her work has been published by Scripture Union and Faithwriters. For further information or to commission a piece of writing, please see her website. (Lead writer for the postcard project)
Jan Ross and her husband Ron make their home in Willard, Ohio; they are the parents of six wonderful adult children who have blessed them with thirteen incredible grandchildren. As a published author, women’s minister, international missionary, and President of Heart of God International Ministries, Jan’s servant heart and deep passion to teach the Word of God continue to bear much fruit to the glory of God. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Joanne Sher was raised in the Jewish faith, and came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in her 30's. Her husband Marc, also a Jew who came to Jesus, is currently on disability due to a brain tumor and assorted complications. Joanne, a "sometimes freelance writer," is working (off and on) on a book about God's presence during their health trials. She has had stories and articles appear in several Christian publications. The Shers live in West Michigan with their two children: Andrew, 7, and Annika, 4. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Joanney Uthe was born in Iowa and has lived in five different Midwestern states. She began writing poetry at age 8 with the encouragement of her Grandma and only recently turned to trying her hand at fiction and devotional writing. She makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and two sons. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Julie Arduini is a
graduate of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild (CWG) under the
direction of Stephen and Janet Bly. She is the facilitator of the CWG
Forum's "Missing Pages Book Club" and the Sunday mom blogger for the "Day in
the Life Series" associated with the forum's blog. She is a member of
FaithWriters and recently placed in
Editor's Choice for publication with her challenge entry titled "Ressurected
Dreams." She also maintains her own blog where she desires to encourage
women with the written word at
http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com. She is a member Shoutlife,
Shelfari, and Facebook. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children.
(Contributing author to the postcard project)
Karie Spiller is a 2nd generation homeschooling mother of three who has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 11 wonderful years. She lives in Oriskany, New York. She started writing when she was 15 when she got a poem published in a local homeschool newsletter. She is an active member at FaithWriters. She writes Christian Romance and Children's stories. Besides being active in several Children's ministries at her church she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, and beading. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Karri F. Compton, wife and mother of three, devours Christian fiction whenever possible. Her favorite genre is suspense/thriller, especially Ted Dekker novels. Since promoting biblical worldview fiction is dear to her heart, she belongs to the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and is a staff reviewer for such sites as The Christian Suspense Zone and Dancing Word Writers Network. Her latest published works appear in Cross & Quill and the Peculiar People collaboration, Struggle Creek. She aspires to be a novelist and is a member of such writers’ groups as The Lost Genre Guild, ACFW, FCW, and FaithWriters. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice, Struggle Creek, and the postcard project)
Karen Ward is an Australian writer who loves life and wants to connect with other Christians through her writing. As a mother of three young boys, with a wonderful husband, she feels blessed by God and wants to honor Him by answering His call on her life. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice)
Kaylee Baracskai is a homeschooled teen from Northeast Ohio. Reaching the deaf with the gospel is one of her heart’s desires, which is why she hopes to attend a Christian college that will allow her to earn a degree in Deaf Interpretive Services. She also wants to further develop her talent of writing to glorify God. Kaylee enjoys chocolate, experimenting in the kitchen, shopping, music, photography, reading, writing, crafts of all sorts, and spending time with friends and family. She lives with her parents, four younger siblings, and two dogs. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Kris St. James is a Southern gothic writer who's current projects are called April's Fool (a Civil War tale) and Awaecnian (Frankenstien, 2.0). (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice, Struggle Creek, and The Heirloom Chronicles)
Lauren Bombardier (known as "Wren" to her friends) has had a passion for writing her whole life, but has only taken a serious interest in it recently. When she's not writing, she's either reading, cross-stitching, or taking walks through God's country. Lauren currently resides in Washington. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice and Struggle Creek)
Linda Germain is a former Registered Nurse with a degree in English. She is a Christian humor columnist for www.keepinon.net, a past Department Editor of Faithwriters Magazine, a current FaithWriters Book Reviewer, and author of published articles and stories. She is working on several projects, including writing a book and some freelance editing. Linda resides in the south, USA. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Lynda Schab is a freelance writer from Michigan. Her work has been published in greeting cards and magazines, as well as several FaithWriters anthologies. She is currently at work on her first novel. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Molina Benoit is a pseudonym for a wife and mother who cares about the Earth, its creatures, and our future. Her writing has been in or is slated to appear in PARENTS magazine (recipe), Pattilacy.com (non-fiction), and a FaithWriters anthology (fiction). Her work can also be found on Epinions ReviewsByMo and Zazzle DesignsByMo. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Petra van der Zande is a full-time foster mother of 3 (very) special needs children and free-lance writer. She and her husband of 29 years are originally from Holland, but since 1989 make their home in Jerusalem, Israel. Petra always had a desire to write, but due to the family situation never found the opportunity. She did the Writers Test from LongRidgeWritersGroup, graduated, and has been writing ever since. Presently she has begun her other dream: writing a historical novel. Her motto is: “Me and my mouse, we will serve the Lord.” (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Rebecca O’Connor is an ordained minister of the Gospel for over 25 years and taught in private Christian school for 18 years. Teaching turned into writing, which turned into Zahar Publishing Co. Rebecca and husband Dennis have published 12 Christian instructional books in a little over two years. Besides the love of writing is the love of their two daughters, four granddaughters and a big ol’ basset hound named Lilly-Bo. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Rebekah "Becky" Depp is a nineteen-year-old high school graduate who lives on Maryland's eastern shore. Her dream is to write children's books or write for a magazine. In her free time she loves to play games, hang out with her best friend, help baby-sit her niece and sing in her church choir. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Rick Higginson has always had an active fantasy life, and learned at a young age to incorporate his daydreams into stories. In particular, he enjoys writing science-fiction and light humor. He has been happily married to Nancy since 1980, and together they raised two kids they are positively crazy about. Rick makes his home in Tucson, Arizona, but his mind is usually somewhere else. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek and The Heirloom Chronicles)
Rita Garcia is an inspirational speaker and freelance writer. She is a member of the Christian Writer’s Guild. Rita enjoys writing Christian fiction and Christian devotionals. Her Story “A Daily Pursuit,” will be included in an upcoming FaithWriters anthology. She hosts the Word Of Faith Ministry website. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek and the postcard project)
Sandra L. Petersen (Samara) writes with a heart for the persecuted church, for women who have lost a child or struggle with their faith, and for hurting children. Her more than fifty short stories and poems appear on FaithWriters.com. Eight of her stories have appeared in FaithWriters anthologies. Her non-fiction articles appear on the websites Constant Content and Associated Content. She and her husband have three daughters, two of which live at home. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek and The Heirloom Chronicles)
Shari L. Armstrong is a wife and mother of two, and lives near Cleveland, Ohio. She is the managing editor and staff writer for “Extreme Woman”, the e-magazine for Sister 2 Sister 4 Christ Ministry. Owner of Eagles' Wings Writing; offering freelance writing and editing services. She has several articles published, both in magazines and on the internet. Her story, “Breaking and Entering”, will be included in the upcoming FaithWriters anthology, “Inspiration at Your Fingertips”. She is active at FaithWriters as a Writing Challenge judge and book reviewer. Shari is currently working on several projects, including a Christian sci-fi novel. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice and Struggle Creek)
Shelley Snyder is fairly new to writing, but has had an interest in it for several years. She resides in New Brunswick, Canada where she is an avid knitter and is learning to play the flute. She graduated in 2006, at the age of thirty-seven, from Atlantic Baptist University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. She is currently working toward a certificate to teach English as a second language, and hopes to travel overseas to teach. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Tammy “Ruby” Johnson can’t figure out why she is a writer. Her mind constantly takes her on thrilling adventures and twisted plots that stop just before she gets them on paper. Her full-time thrill is enjoying the pastor husband, dear daughter, and wonderful son God has blessed her with. She continues to write and perform puppet skits for her church’s children’s ministry and a novel is always brewing in her brain. She hopes to someday allow one of those novels out and maybe see it join the few short stories that have found themselves in print with a Christian newspaper and an anthology with FaithWriters. Most days she is happily cleaning house, folding laundry, and cooking meals in the rural Midwest. (Contributing author to Secrets of the Ice and Struggle Creek)
Terri Tiffany has a B.A. in Psychology and has counseled adults for almost twenty years. She co-owned a Christian Bookstore before relocating to Florida with her family where she writes full-time. Her stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Hearts at Home, Purpose, and numerous anthologies and Christian publications. (Contributing author to the postcard project)
Val Clark lives in the Northern Territory of Australia. Her passion is writing. She writes across many genres and in a variety of forms for different age groups. She is seeking a publisher for a young adult fantasy novel and is half way through writing the sequel. She is an active member of the NT Writers Centre and enjoys helping other emerging writers follow their dreams both face to face and on line. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek)
Valora Ann Otis discovered her passion for writing in High School. After an idealistic Whidbey Island childhood in Washington State, she attended Brigham Young University in Rexburg Idaho, majoring in the humanities. Shortly after, she married Terry Otis and they made their first home in Hawaii. Valora and Terry have four sons, Jason, Matthew, Ryan and Hunter. Married twenty-one years, she now resides in the Mid-west. She will soon be published in an inspirational book of short stories for women. Valora strives to use her writing to give hope while lifting hearts, just as many FaithWriters have done for her. (Contributing author to Struggle Creek and the postcard project)
