Presidency Message

Well, after two years, it is time for me to hang up my spurs as ANWA's general vice president. I have learned a great deal during that time--both from you as fellow writers and for you as I helped put together conferences, newsletters, and retreats. My first and now my second novel have been accepted for publication during my time of service, and I now call myself a writer without any hesitation--a gift all of us eventually bestow upon ourselves whether we end up publishing or not. I have learned that knowledge and truth may be discovered and shared through the process of writing. It is an act of creation and therefore should be considered sacred. I firmly believe that writing is an honorable way of serving my Father in Heaven, and I am constantly aware that He blesses me with inspiration and motivation on a daily basis.

ANWA is getting stronger, larger, and has more to offer than ever before. Your dedicated presidency--Theresa, Marsha, and Stephanie--will guide you in this next stage of its development. Oh, the places you'll go!

Thank you, my Sisters of the Keyboard, for allowing me to serve you.

Best Wishes to All of You,
Jeni Grossman

Greetings! I tried to come up with some clever intro but decided to just spill the beans...I am your new General Vice President. Jeni Grossman's shoes will be tough to fill, but I am excited to work with Theresa and Marsha. I have been the president of Mesa's Salt River Scribes Chapter for several years, and was able to pass the baton this year when our group voted in Harriet Dodge as our new president. She is very capable and talented. I loved working with our wonderful members but was thinking a break would be nice. Our illustrious General President and Secretary had other plans!

I live in Mesa, Arizona. Jim and I will celebrate 32 years of marriage this summer. We are the parents of five children and have six grandchildren!! Great fun!

I have been writing for as long as I can remember and have had a few stories published. One article was in "Women's World" magazine about our youngest son, BJ, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 10. When he relapsed for the last time, I began to write updates of how he was doing and emailed them out to family and friends. They became my record of those times and also proved to be very therapeutic for me.

I enjoy nearly every genre and have gone back to school at Scottsdale Community College, in their film department, with tracks in screenwriting and media arts.

I'm anxious to get to know more of you sisters as we learn from and help one another. ANWA has been spreading across the nation as LDS Women writers seek their own. May we have a wonderful year in 2002! Let's share this great organization with those that are looking for guidance and fellowship as they reach for their dreams and offer up their talents in ways that would honor our Savior and Father in Heaven.

Love and Blessings,
Stephanie Abney