I received my call to write at the age of 20. I well remember the day I first considered the possibility of being called to write. It was a warm, sunny afternoon. I sat in my favorite chair, rocking gently and leafing through the latest edition of Psychology Today. After watching a neighbor bring in her groceries, which was about as much excitement as I got back then, I flipped to the next page in my magazine, and there it was. An advertisement for Long Ridge Writers’ Group , and with a Christian author to boot! I prayed about it, albeit not very hard, and decided to request their free writing assessment. After all, what could it hurt? I took the test and mailed it in almost immediately. I’d received nothing but praise from English teachers throughout my school years, so I just knew I’d be accepted. I figured that, after enrolling, I’d simply keep writing as a side hobby. Meanwhile, I responded to friends’ inquiries about the state of my application by telling them I hadn’t heard back yet, but I probably wouldn’t make it anyway (hey, better safe than sorry, right?). Then, one day, a letter came in the mail with the Long Ridge logo on it. I ripped it open and scanned the contents anxiously. I’d made it! They complimented me on my short story (see “Trust Me”), and gave the pricing details. I talked it over with my grandparents, who agreed to pay for the program in its entirety. Looking back now, I’m surprised whoever evaluated my entry test didn’t laugh all the way to the rejection pile.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot, more from my many mistakes than anything else. And in case anyone is wondering, the Long Ridge course is worth every penny. For more information on the type of writing I do, as well as some writing samples, click on over to my List of Services.

brooke@writersheart.com