Coming up ...

2018 bookings ...                                
  • ANDERSON: 9-noon Saturday, Oct. 27, co-teaching a free workshop with Debbie McCray at Ovid Community Church on how to write inspirational devotions. Follow-up session is Saturday, Nov. 10. Contact me for details: newsgirl.1958@gmail.com.

  • NEW CASTLE: Thursday, Nov 8, Altrusta Literary Club. Speaker.

  • NEW CASTLE: Saturday, Nov. 17, New Castle-Henry County Public Library. Featured speaker: Phil Gulley.

  • CENTERVILLE : Throughout 2018 ... WARM GLOW CANDLE CO. STORE: Both books are available in the Artisans & Java Building now through 2018. Unique gift store complex with Indiana-made candles at the Centerville, Indiana exit off Interstate 70.  
Need a speaker? Contact me at newsgirl.1958@gmail.com.
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Indiana artist Marilyn Witt created the cover for both of my books. This is the second, which is second in a series about the fictional life of a woman who starts over in her small, Hoosier hometown. If you would like an autographed copy, send $17.79, which includes book, tax and postage to: Donna Cronk 8754 Carriage Lane Pendleton, IN 46064
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Sophie, Billy and Ivy Walker of Walker County with my book at the fall 2016 Pumpkin Fest at Whitetail Tree Farm near Springport, Indiana. The Walkers live and write music in Nashville, Tennessee, and open for topnotch country music groups all over the U.S.A. The family is from Sulphur Springs, Indiana. I've written about them for many years in the newspaper and in her magazine for women.
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     Sample programs:
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS tell the stories of our lives.  
BACK TO THE FUTURE: IT'S NEVER TOO LATE
WHAT'S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Go ahead and tell us!
BLOOM BEFORE YOU'RE PLANTED. What are you waiting for?
SO YOU WANT TO PUBLISH A BOOK. Tips and things to consider.
WHAT'S YOUR CLUE? For kids or kids at heart.
I can tailor a program for your occasion. Contact Donna: newsgirl.1958@gmail.com.

WORK

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  • • Author, That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland, inspirational romance.
  • Author, Sweetland of Liberty Bed & Breakfast, a women's Christian fiction novel.
  • • Contributor, Undeniably Indiana, book published by Indiana University Press.
  • • Neighbors Editor, Columnist, The Courier-Times, New Castle, Indiana.
  • • Founding /current editor, her magazine for women, a publication of The Courier-Times.
  • • Public speaker, featured at women's banquets, programs, book clubs.
  • • Freelance writer and editor. Various regional and national magazines.

AWARDS

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  • Hoosier State Press Association awards including for feature stories and columns. Her magazine for women first place for special sections, 2016.

• Associated Press Managing Editors  Newswriting Contest, multiple awards.

• LifeStream Services Award for coverage, body of work.

• Mental Health Association state award,  story of the year.

• Honorary Henry County Extension Homemaker.

• First recipient Henry County Extension Homemakers Friend of Extension Award.

KIND WORDS

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Christy Ragle, founder of WholeHeart Communications: "Often laugh-inducing and subsequently thought-provoking, you won't want to miss this journey to 'That Sweet Place.'"

Roger Ambrose of Kansas: "I have finished both books, really enjoyed them and look forward to any more you decide to write, Thanks for writing them, God Bless you and your family!"

Debbie McCray, Ohio Christian writer and blogger: "... The twists and turns of the story with humor sprinkled throughout remind us of the struggles and victories in our lives ... Samantha's story encourages us in our faith walk that God does have that sweet place for each one of us."

Kirkus Review: "The short, snappy
chapters will keep readers turning pages, and a climactic courtroom scene offers several surprises ... a terrific debut, which also
includes a separate list of the recipes mentioned in the story. A lovely Midwestern tale that’s as cozy and charming as a B&B."
-- On Sweetland of Liberty Bed & Breakfast 
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