Sharron Cosby (Word Weavers Tampa’s incoming president and a Word Weavers Traditional Groups Mentor) is enjoying life in the “between 71-75” years young age group. She was 56 years old when decided to “do something” about her talent for writing, but she first discovered her talent at the tender age of 12. With such a spread in time, I had to ask what happened.

“I was 56 years old when my friend Tina Yeager invited me to attend a meeting of the Tampa Word Weavers group. Later, the first two pieces I brought were published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and War Cry.”

Sharron also has a story in Max Lucado’s special edition of You’ll Get Through This, which is the story of Joseph. “I’ve been published in Guideposts magazine as well as a second Chicken Soup for the Soul. And I have a devotional in a compilation by Dr. Gary Chapman as well as other anthologies.”

This Word Weavers member is hardly sitting still. She’s also had several devotionals in Inkspiration and has served as an editor for the online devotional. In 2013, she self-published a devotional for families who love an addict, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One. “It’s been a stuttering journey for one reason or another,” she says.

Is there something fun we should know about Sharron? “I’m the reigning Miss Pinedale Shores (Alabama) and I’m teaching myself to paint with watercolor and colored pencils.” 

Wait a minute . . . reigning Miss?

“Yes. I received the crown, robe, scepter and title of Miss Pinedale 1969. That was the last year the contest was held which makes me the last, and reigning, Miss Pinedale. Danny [my now husband] was my escort for the event.”

Well, how many can say that? As for her art, I’ve seen some of her work. It’s beautiful and she usually has some to sell in the bookstore at Florida Christian Writers Conference. If you’re coming, check it out!

In the 11th grade of high school, multi-published, multiple award-winning author Dan Walsh (Word Weavers Volusia County) realized he had a talent for writing. “I started to do something about it then,” he says, “but two years later, I shifted my career goals toward becoming a pastor.”

By 2011, when his friend Mark Hancock decided to launch a Word Weavers chapter in Volusia County, Florida, Dan, who falls within the 65-70 age group, had already gotten back into writing. “It was 2007, I was 50 years old, and I started working on a Christmas novel called The Unfinished Gift. After doing everything I could to get it ready, I began to submit it to a number of A List Christian fiction literary agents.”

To his great surprise, 2 of the first 3 liked what they saw and asked to read the entire book.

“I signed with Karen Solem, who landed a contract with Baker/Revell six weeks later. The book released as a hardback in 2009.”

If that’s not impressive enough, in 2010, The Unfinished Gift won two Carol Awards (ACFW). By then, Dan had signed a contract with Revell for the sequel. “Things kind of took off after that. Revell wanted me to write full-time and made that financially possible in 2010. I wound up writing 12 novels for them and one for Guideposts.”

In 2015, Dan made the leap to the Indie world, and has since written 15 more novels on his own. Was there a reason for the switch?

“There was. Revell was working to brand me as the Nicholas Sparks of Christian Fiction. That sounded good until I realized they weren't open to me writing anything outside of that narrow lane. I loved writing these kinds of books but also wanted to write books outside that genre. As an indie, I've begun to write suspense novels.

Dan has also written two successful 4-book series. His last work, which was his 28th novel, came out last October. “What's Best For Them was my best book launch yet.”

Absolutely it was. What’s Best for Them went to #1 on Amazon in 3 categories and stayed there for 10 weeks.

Something fun and interesting about Dan? “I have a great-great uncle on my mother's side who was a famous Civil War photographer. I'm also a pretty decent crooner.”

Next time you see Dan, be sure to ask him to sing for his supper.

At the tender age of 12, Doris Stephens (Word Weavers Lexington) recognized that she had a talent for writing and within a year she decided to "do something about it." But it wasn't until she was 79 when, after a friend invited her, that she joined Word Weavers International. But what about the years in between?

"I published some poems in the 1980s as well as many articles and book reviews in professional journals. The latter continued until the 1990s," Doris reports. "In the past couple of years, I've had several a short article and devotions published."

Her last published works were “Tear Down This Wall” published online by Christian Devotions and “iphone Baby,” published in Living Real.  

Want to know a little something about Doris you may find interesting?  “After retirement, I began working with Christian international ministries with missions trips to Mexico (Tampico/ Cancun), Poland (Krakow/Warsaw),  Germany, and China.  In 2014, I began a three-year project to help a Christian seminary in France began an online program.  Since 2019, I have worked with a ministry to the French-speaking world and served for three and a half years on their board of directors.  In that capacity I went to Nice, France, Paris, and, most recently ( January 2024) to Geneva, Switzerland.”

She is also in the process of finishing  my life story and spiritual journey. 

Anything else? "I enjoy board games when I have time!”

And her favorite(s)? “Trivia and Scrabble.”