A Vote For Humility

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Just before I moved to Salt Lake City in 2011, a librarian friend of a friend asked me to be the featured author at her small Christian school’s Book Fair. After I emailed her my photo and book cover images, she met with the principal and got really excited about the promotional ideas the two of them had planned. But I was not prepared for what she accomplished while waiting for me to fly in. The school sat at the top of a high hill. As we turned in the driveway at the bottom, a huge sign with my face…

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Seizing the Moment–and Wishing that I Hadn’t

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I attended my first writers conference in 1999, convinced that they’d kick me out once they discovered I had no writing talent. The third year, I gathered enough courage to schedule an appointment with the editor of a major Christian magazine to pitch a personal experience article. While the piece didn’t fit his periodical, John liked the basic story and suggested changes to make before I submitted it. I was thrilled that he didn’t just say no. At dinner that evening someone asked if I’d had any exciting appointments. I told them about my meeting with John. Joanne shouted, “He’s…

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A Chat with Author Dianne Neal Matthews

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Welcome, readers. Davalynn Spencer from Colorado here, where it’s snowy and Christmassy already. Please welcome today’s featured author, Dianne Neal Matthews. Dianne, please give us a quick overview of your book Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily. Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily offers a daily dose of encouragement and wisdom for your stepfamily journey. Topics include parenting and step-parenting, strengthening your marriage, grief in the stepfamily, bonding with children, co-parenting with exes, and practical wisdom for bringing family members together. This already sounds like a book someone in my family would benefit from, Dianne. What led you to write…

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Tips From The Pros – Dianne Neal Matthews

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Greetings from Kevin Thompson in the fastest growing, snowbird production facility in the union. I want to introduce you to our Tips From The Pros Spotlight Author, Dianne Neal Matthews! I met Dianne at the Florida Christian Writers Conference a couple of years ago. She was having connectivity issues right before a scheduled workshop, and I was able to help her (although, if memory serves, I wasn’t much help). Nevertheless, Dianne gave me a signed copy of her most recent devotional. Such a kind gesture. Welcome, Dianne! So, tell us about your books. How many books do you have published, and what are a…

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Manna Christian Bookstore

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Angela Breidenbach, the Christian Authors Network president, here to share the first in our series on Christian bookstores making a difference in their communities. This article is written by one of our Christian Authors Network members, Dianne Neal Matthews. Dianne’s expertise in sharing human interest stories comes through as she interviewed Herman and Denese Morris of the Manna Christian Bookstore in Sanford, NC. I think you’ll enjoy their way of managing a bookstore ministry and Diane’s way of delving into who they are and what they do at Manna Christian Bookstore…and by the way, they were one of the two stores…

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Writer’s Paralysis

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Dianne Neal Matthews here, hoping to encourage you on the second Monday of September (can you believe it’s almost autumn already?). Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about “writer’s paralysis”—not that cramped feeling in your hands when you’re pushing against a tight deadline, but another kind that’s more serious….  

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Happy Anniversary to You!

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  Dianne Neal Matthews here, writing from Salt Lake City. Although I’m posting this on the second Monday of July, I actually began writing it on a very special day—the last Friday in June. At the time, my husband and I were starting out on our weekend trip to celebrate our 38th anniversary. Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking…

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A Symphony of Words

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Dianne Neal Matthews here, hoping to share some encouraging words with you on this second Monday of June. When I recently attended a symphony rehearsal, I enjoyed the music—but I also came away with inspiration to apply to the writing life.

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3 Words to Live By

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  Dianne Neal Matthews here, with a word of encouragement for your second Monday of the month. In order to share this message, I’m forced to admit something—and I hope it won’t lessen your opinion of me.

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