Meet a member: Verna Gates

Verna Gates

The Alabama team is hard at work finalizing plans for this September’s NFPW conference in Birmingham. Verna Gates is a bundle of energy and is known for being a hard worker. She also has a talent in putting great professional tours together. She is using that talent to plan the NFPW pre and post tour in Alabama. She’s a character and participants should have a great time exploring Alabama. Meet this outstanding member and then register for the conference tours. 

Name: Verna Gates

City and State: Birmingham, Alabama

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Alabama Media Professionals, COA 2009, Alabama, and  runner up National COA

Years a member of NFPW: 19

Tell us a little about you.

I was born with too much energy. My interests range from journalism to storytelling to ethnobotany (cultural study of plants).

My career started when I called a new cable news service every day until they let me answer the phones for two days. I left four years later. That’s how I landed on the start-up crew of CNN. My career has been a fabulous adventure. I was a stringer for TIME Magazine, Reuters, The Guardian, and still work for an NPR station as a commentator and special correspondent. When Reuters closed its Southeast bureau, I lucked out when I popped into the Alabama Department of Tourism to visit a friend. I found myself inviting my journalist friends on press trips to my beloved home state. It is a blast! And it is a lot more fun taking people to eat haute cuisine, drink fine wine and spin around in Space Camp than it is to cover tornadoes and felony trials.

The science part of my brain founded a non-profit in 2006, Fresh Air Family, that teaches outdoor environmental biology to kids and families. We cover the state, but are based at the second largest urban park in the nation with 1045 acres. In 2016, my tiny staff of three, plus as-needed naturalists, served 1,164 kids in our award-winning Gross Out Camp (it’s science but please don’t tell the kids) and 1,328 kids in our school field trip program, and 8,000 people on weekend field trips. In our camp program, nearly 60 percent of the kids come on scholarships. We work hard to change the world!

I am also a storyteller, having won the Biggest Liar in Alabama contest, twice. It is a tall-tale competition, but in the South, we call it what it is, lying. It is something I do just for fun. With my ethnobotany, I also speak quite frequently on plants and botany.

As I said, too much energy!

Verna Gates in Bermuda.

Any career advice you would give?

Always, always give it your best. When you always do your best, people notice. And they call you. TIME, Reuters, The Guardian and NPR – all called me.  So did Alabama Tourism. And keep re-inventing yourself. I must be on the 10th upgrade by now!

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing well.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I choose to live in the heart of American culture — the Deep South. Where we don’t hold back on the butter in the batter, we still hold doors open, and the kids say “yes, ma’am.” Alabama is also number 5 in biodiversity in the nation and for a nature nerd, it is nirvana!

What book are you reading?

I have a review copy of Hairy, Scary and Mostly Merry Fairies — a nature book for kids.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I played first bass in the all-state orchestra in North Carolina when I was a sophomore in high school. And I have won the lottery three times. I have the $16 to prove it!

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

I get great leads, great info and have made lifelong friends. As a single person, my affiliate has been so supportive. When I had major surgery, they organized a dinner caravan that was a life-saver.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

http://www.vernagates.com and Verna Gates on Facebook.

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Meet a Member: Kathryn Cόrdova

Another dedicated, long-time NFPW member is Kathryn (Kathy) Cόrdova of New Mexico. She is always willing to help out and also one of the first to express appreciation for the hard work of others. I remember the  nice thank you note and gift she sent me after the NFPW conference in Idaho in 2008. I was impressed with her thoughtfulness. She is also a talented writer and teacher. She is also willing to share her talents with others. I am proud to call this unique and unbelievable member a friend.

Name:  Kathryn (Kathy) Cόrdova

City/State: El Prado (Taos County), New Mexico

Kathryn (Kathy) Cόrdova

Affiliate and Leadership Positions:

New Mexico– Past positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Communicator Of  Achievement Chair.

NFPW– Communicator Of Achievement Chair; Membership Chair; Student Membership Chair; POPPS Vice President/ Treasurer and President; NFPW Treasurer; and NFPW Second Vice President.

Years in NFPW: 27

Tell Us a Little About You:

I prepared for dual careers in Journalism and Education, as these were the times when women did not receive many opportunities in the newsroom.  Fortunately, I was able to work at both careers as a teacher and a freelance writer.  I have also served in editorial positions on community publications and professional newspapers and magazines.  Throughout the years, I have written four different columns, and continue to write one, “Know Your Neighbor” on a weekly basis for our community’s newspaper.  I have also contributed to and written books, mainly biographies.  Family is very important to me.

Kathryn (Kathy) Cόrdova

Career Advice: 

People should work at what they enjoy and about what they feel passionate.  Doing so brings joy to the worker and those around him or her.  When one is happy, it is contagious and obvious in the finished product.  We are all lifelong learners, and as such, must embrace learning something new as much as possible.

Which talent would you most like to have?  Art.  The best I can achieve in regard to completing an art piece is to draw a stick doll.

If I could live anywhere, where would it be?

I love where I live right now.  I enjoy traveling, but it’s always a joy to return home.

 What book are you reading?

I’m an avid reader.  I just started the book Laci, about Laci Peterson, by Michael Fleeman.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

As a Doctor of Education, I teach courses such as Children’s Literature and deep-thought texts.  As a former high school teacher, I taught American Literature. Therefore, it may surprise some to learn that I love to read and write (unpublished) what my dad used to call “trashy books.”

Why your affiliate and NFPW are important to you. 

An organization is only as good as its members.  I would never trade the friendships I have made, the people I have met, things I have learned and the places I have visited as a result of attending conferences, meetings, etc.  The networking is available to all the members, and it’s refreshing to note that the Press Women organization does not confine itself to only one small facet of the careers and interests of the members.  The broad base is very appealing.

What is the best way to follow you- website, Twitter, Facebook, etc.?  Much to the chagrin of my children, I do not follow social media.

 

 

Meet a Member: Cora Weisenberger

A love for writing has helped shape a career for Cora Weisenberger. She has always loved to write. These days she is sharing her talents with Illinois Woman’s Press Association where she is president-elect and chairing the high school communications contest. She is dedicated and dependable and NFPW is lucky to have her as a member. Meet this unique and unbelievable member.

Cora Weisenberger

Name: Cora Weisenberger

City and State: Chicago Heights, Illinois

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Illinois Woman’s Press Association – Social Media Coordinator (2013-2015); High School Contest Chair (2015-2017; President-Elect (2016)

Years a member of NFPW:

I was a member from 1996 to 2004. After taking time off for graduate school and rebuilding my career, I rejoined in 2013.

Tell us a little about you.

It seems like it was always in the cards that I would be a writer of some sort; even as I kid I pretended to write novels (the subject was usually my long-enduring passion: horses). But it wasn’t until I got to high school that I thought about writing and journalism as a career.  The advisor for the school newspaper said she believed that I could write professional.  That was something that stuck with me.

Eventually, I received my undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in communications and journalism; and a master’s in journalism from the Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. In my career I have worked at a daily newspaper; a B2B publication, a direct-selling business and am now Communication Manager at The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional Association for real estate appraisers.

My husband, Greg, and I live in a suburb of Chicago with our sons David and Jonathan, and our two furry “children,” dogs Abby and Moonie.

Any career advice you would give?

Be flexible. The communications profession is unpredictable. No matter your skills set or your years of experience, you might find yourself out of a job or working in a new media that didn’t exist 5 – 10 years ago. No matter the format, good fundamental communications and journalism skills are needed. Be willing to try something new.

Cora Weisenberger in the rain at Niagara Falls with the American Falls behind her.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Anything athletic. I would have loved to have been in the Olympics, but I have no athletic ability whatsoever!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

In the country on enough land where I could have a separate studio for writing and art, and my gearhead husband and sons could have space for their hobby cars.

What book are you reading?

“Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World,” by Matthew Goodman.  Nellie Bly is a well known, but I had never heard of Bisland. In addition to their exploits, this book reveals how hard it was for 19th-century woman journalists (the same time IWPA was formed, incidentally) to get into the profession and to be taken seriously.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I own the farm that has been in my family from more than 100 years.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

They are both ways we can encourage the communicators of today as well as encourage future generations.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc. 

You can find both me on Facebook. I have a Twitter account but rarely tweet.

Meet a Member: Monica Springer

Monica Springer joined Kansas Professional Communicators and NFPW after moving from the newsroom to the marketing department of Servi-Tech in her hometown of Dodge City. She immediately involved herself in the organization through leadership roles, including planning the 2016 NFPW conference in Wichita, and now serves as president of the affiliate. She is an outstanding NFPW member and one of reasons the conference was such a success. I hope you enjoy getting to know her better. 

Monica Springer

Name: Monica Springer

City and State: Dodge City, Kansas

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Kansas Professional Communicators. I’ve been president since April.

Years a member of NFPW: Three I think.

Tell us a little about you.

I work at Servi-Tech in Dodge City. Servi-Tech is an agricultural consulting and laboratory testing company. I’ve worked in the communications department for five years.

I have three of the cutest nieces you’ll ever meet, including almost 3-year-old twins and an almost 1-year old. Being an aunt is the coolest job I’ve ever had. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone that much until they were born.

In my spare time when I’m not killing it as an aunt, I enjoy gardening, canning, and fixing my house that was built in 1900. I also have three Pugs: Penny, Raven and Pickles.

Any career advice you would give?

Be willing to change and be open to new ideas. Don’t be one of those people who always say, “But that’s the way we’ve always done it!” Those people are annoying.

Monica Springer with her darling niece Kaylee, one of the 3-year-old twins.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I want the ability to stop time. That way, if I’m in the middle of a meeting and I want to take a nap, I could just press a button, go home and take a nap.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I have a soft spot for Oklahoma City. I also like the beach. If I could move OKC to a beach where hurricanes don’t happen, and if my family were willing to move with me, and if I won the lottery and I didn’t have to work, that’d be where I want to live.

What book are you reading?

My latest book club book is Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I’m about halfway through. The last book we read was The Girl on the Train. If you’re wondering, the book was way better than the movie. Don’t even waste your money on the movie.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have different colored eyes. My left eye is blue and my right eye is green.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

If I have a question about something, someone is always willing to help. When I’ve asked for help, no one has ever told me no. Plus, it’s good to have friends in different parts of the state!

Way to follow you on a website, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

My blog: kansasmusings.blogspot.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/monica.springer.73

Twitter: twitter.com/monicaspringer

 

Meet a Member: Loretta Hall

Each year one National Federation of Press Women member is honored as Communicator of Achievement. It is the top honor given by the organization. Affiliates select a member to represent their organization and then a national panel of judges select the recipient. Loretta Hall of New Mexico was honored as the 2016 recipient. She is serving at the affiliate president and is an outstanding writer and author. Her eighth book is at the publisher now. Meet another of our unique and unbelievable NFPW members.

Loretta Hall

Name: Loretta Hall

City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Affiliate and any leadership positions: New Mexico Press Women (Zia Book Award Chair, 2012-2014; Treasurer, 2014-2016; President, 2016-2018)

Years a member of NFPW: 5

Tell us a little about you.

I’m a freelance writer and nonfiction book author. At first, I wrote articles for a variety of consumer and trade magazines. My first article, “Have Phone, Will Travel,” was published by Home Office Computing in June 1990. It was a guide to shopping for a cell phone in those early days when they came in the forms of bricks, bag phones, and car phones. After answering an ad in a civil engineering newsletter, I was assigned to write three chapters for a book called When Technology Fails. That opened the door for assignments for writing chapters in books on various topics published by what was then called Gale Research. Eventually, that evolved into commissions to write two books for their UXL imprint.

I continued to write articles, mostly for trade and professional journals in the civil engineering and construction industries. But I found that I really enjoyed writing books. My eighth book is with the publisher now, and it should be available around the end of this year. Since the mid-2000s, my interest in manned spaceflight has been rekindled. As a teenager, I was enthralled with our progress toward landing men on the moon. Now, with the emergence of the commercial space industry, that fascination has again captured me. My last four books are about space exploration, its history, and its future.

Loretta Hall in a space suit. The last few books she has written have focused on space exploration.

Any career advice you would give?

For freelance writers, I would suggest focusing on trade publications or niche-market magazines rather than the big-name consumer magazines. It’s much easier to get regular assignments that way, and the pay can be comparable.

For aspiring authors, I’d caution against expecting significant income from writing books. If income is your goal, keep writing for magazines. Or write “works for hire” for educational publishers; you won’t get royalties, but you’ll earn several thousand dollars for each book. Of course, there are other reasons for writing books, and I love doing it.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d like to be more athletic. I’ve never been particularly good at sports, and I’m more inclined to sit at my computer or curl up with a book.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

In the world’s largest English-language library!

What book are you reading?

I enjoy two kinds of reading. For fiction, I choose mysteries and legal thrillers. Currently, I’m reading The River Is Dark by Joe Hart. For nonfiction, I usually pick something about space exploration. I just ordered a copy of The Science of Interstellar, which was written by the science advisor for the film.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I spent two days learning to drive an open-wheel, formula race car on a road track.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

In our short-attention-span, sound-bite society, I believe it is more important than ever to promote good journalism and work toward a more informed public.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

My primary website is AuthorHall.com; from there, you can find others that relate to some of my books.

My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/loretta.hall.73932, and on LinkedIn I’m at https://www.linkedin.com/in/loretta-hall-b8249518.

 

Meet a Member: Wilma Moore-Black

One of the Kansas members ready to welcome NFPW members to Wichita is Wilma Moore-Black. Wilma was national co-membership director while I was NFPW president. She has spent the last year helping with preparations for this year’s national conference in her hometown of Wichita. Meet another unique and unbelievable NFPW member I am honored to call a friend.

Wilma Moore-Black is a hat lady. You will see her in all types of hats, especially a red one and cowboy hats. She purchased this hat in Jerusalem during a 2014 trip to Israel and Jerusalem with church members and friends of LOV Ministries of Dallas.

Name:  Wilma Moore-Black

City and State: Wichita, Kansas

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Kansas

Years a member of NFPW: 10 according to NFPW, but my records for membership while in Norfolk, Virginia from 1973 to 1980 with a byline of Wilma Tillis at The Ledger Star cannot be located. I think it’s more like about 17 years.

Tell us a little about you.

My name is special. You’ll remember when you think of the beautiful, intelligent woman who is married to Fred Flintsone? (Wilma). Why settle for less in life when you can get more? (Moore-my maiden name) and the beautiful color I possess is? (Black-my spouse’s surname). You’ve now met Wilma Moore-Black. I’m unique. I know that I make a difference in this lifetime and with anyone I meet. It’s my job to make sure that you realize, accept and learn to promote the best about yourself after you’ve met me. I’m a trailblazer and a change agent in my own right.

Wilma Moore-Black met Mr. Louis Gossett Jr., before she presented a speech at a luncheon sponsored by the National Association of Black Journalist last year in Minneapolis. Her speech won a national award in this year’s communications contest. Her speech was titled “Mr. Gordon Parks: A Genius Whose Legacy Lives On in Kansas and Worldwide.”

Journalism, photography and mass communications have been three means to connect with people and help make this world better. The media is very powerful. It’s important that people not abuse and misuse it because people can be encouraged, informed, improved, and even hurt by what the media does.  Freezing life’s memories in a snapshot just thrills my heart. I am now loving retirement and sharing time with my grandchildren.

Any career advice you would give?    

~ Try the triple-H threat. Be honest to yourself and others, be happy and stay healthy.

~ Use this formula often: H1B1 – Help one, bring one along the way. Shared with me by my friend Cindy in Phoenix.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Besides playing the flute for eight years, I would love to have had drum and piano lessons.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 

Wichita, Kansas, my hometown because it is a good place to raise a family.

Wilma is telling Sanata her wish is for a great NFPW conference in her hometown of Wichita. She said the conference is going to be a rocking good time and she looks forward to seeing everyone soon.

What book(s) are you reading?           

“United” by Corey Booker, “The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can Change Politics,” by John Danforth, “The Butler: A Witness To History,” by Wil Haygood and “365 Read-Aloud Bedtime Bible Stories” to my grandchildren.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

1. That I was the 1973 Homecoming Queen at Kansas State University.
2. Also, I graduated in three years with my first bachelor’s degree in 1973; I earned a 4.0 GPA while carrying 24 hours.
3. That I have retired from Wichita State University as the associate director of Communication Upward Bound, and I’m working for a non-profit organization Maple Grove Heritage Association as the executive director and marketing coordinator.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

Kansas Professional Communicators –  A statewide effort to promote the highest ethical standards in the communications field. Being involved offers the chance to really see and respect what the state offers by hosting annual conferences throughout the state. You can be as involved and step forward to share, learn and grow through KPC. I have enjoyed serving as a state president and other positions and working to promote the 2016 national conference.

NFPW – networking, traveling and maintaining professional development; presence for diversity as a person of color in the media. This national group offers an excellent opportunity for national recognition and from your peers of one’s work through the communications contest.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.         

Facebook, email, LinkedIn or just call me—at work is fine. 316.682.4821; leave a message if I don’t answer.

 

Meet a Member: Ruth Anna

Ruth Anna spent two years serving as NFPW president (1995-1997) and this year is celebrating 40 years as a member. She is passionate about First Amendment and Freedom of Information issues. She is willing to fight for what she believes in. It was great seeing her again this spring at a dinner with Colorado Press Women. The dinner was organized as part of the NFPW spring board meeting in Denver. She is another example of a unique and unbelievable NFPW member. Meet my friend, Ruth Anna.

Ruth Neil Hein Anna

Name: Ruth Neil Hein Anna

City and State: Littleton, Colorado

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Joined in North Dakota in 1976. Affiliated with Colorado in 1978 or 79 and have been here since. Worked on many committees and have been the representative to the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition since 1988 and its Treasurer since 1994. Past President (3 years) and Vice President (1 year) of Colorado Press Women. Past CPW Communicator of Achievement.

Years a member of NFPW: 40 years. Past NFPW President 1995-97. Appointed NFPW Representative to the National First Amendment Congress-3 years.

Tell us a little about you.

Raised on a family farm near Otis, Colorado that my grandparents homesteaded. Fourth generation Coloradan and University of Colorado School of Journalism-Radio/TV graduate. Have over 40 years of diversified experience in private and public arenas. Started as the Radio Traffic Manager in Casper, Wyoming, doing news work sporadically. Next was Rapid City, South Dakota, where I hosted a TV talk show “Two Bits with Ruth Anna”. Bismarck, North Dakota, followed where I was the Alumni Director for Mary College (now Mary University) and then the Public Information Officer for the Attorney General and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Ruth Anna and husband, Larry, will celebrate 45 years of marriage this year.

Six months after our daughter was born I realized how much I was missing and quit to open my own Public Relations consulting business. Since 1977 I’ve been the CEO of Anna Public Relations Consultants. Services include: promotional publications, targeted community outreach programs, nonprofit fundraising/event planning, specialized workshop presentations, campaign management, and conference planning. Clients include: professional associations, scientific firms, human service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and political candidates.

Recent community service includes: Trustee for our public library (13 years), elected to the national Executive Board of the Urban Libraries Council (6 years); and served on several community organizations’ Board of Directors. When I kids were in K-12, I was very involved and an elected district and state leader in PTA, School Accountability efforts, etc.

Any career advice you would give?

Follow your passion. And, whatever your career choice, stay true to your beliefs and do not ‘prostitute’ yourself. As a PR practitioner I must believe in what I promote, or I’m raising money for, whether an organization or an individual. If I don’t, I have enough confidence and respect for my professional and personal ethics to decline or leave the situation or client.

From sixth grade on I’ve been passionate about FOI and 1st Amendment issues. I remain actively involved in open meetings/public records/First Amendment issues in Colorado, and often on national issues.

Ruth Anna, right, with current NFPW President Marsha Hoffman, center and Teri Ehresman, immediate past president, left.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Many times I’ve thought it would be great to be a stand-up comedian like Bob Hope. I once thought writing the great American novel would be super, but for many years I now think writing a great screenplay would be splended!

An attribute I do need more of is patience.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I would have loved moving to a small or medium sized college town once my husband, a geologist, retired. (I haven’t retired yet, but know my consulting career could move with me.) We both enjoyed living in North Dakota and appreciated the friendliness of the entire state. But, our daughter and family live only a ten  minute walk from our home, and having grandchildren that close is something I would never want to change. In fact, being a grandmother is the best thing in the world!

What book are you reading?

I’m hooked on audio books. I spend a lot of time in my car and they are wonderful. And, they are free from your public library in so many accessible formats. Some of my favorite authors are Agatha Christi, Clive Cussler, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, James Mitchner, Sue Grafton, and many others. Except for Christi I’ve met and chatted with all those I listed and more. Currently listening to Cussler’s latest book.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Maybe, that I’m actually shy. However, I learned at an early age that I have an insatiable curiosity and drive to change things I object to, and to support things I genuinely like. Additionally, I find people fascinating. Discovering things about people I meet makes life so much more interesting.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

In the beginning it may have been for the professional networking and support. Now it’s for the friendships and experiences we have shared.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

Sorry, my only use of social media is for client work. It’s simply not my thing. Besides, you never know how it will be used or where or how it might impact your life. Sharing personal type stuff on the internet is crazy. I prefer, and enjoy, letters, phone calls, get-togethers, etc.

Meet a Member: Jessie Fernandes

She might be one of our oldest NPFW members. At 95 years young, Jessie Irene Fernandes still has a passion for writing and she is still entering the NFPW communications contest. She is writing a book she hopes to have published in time for next year’s contest. She is still having fun and is greatful for all her experiences. Meet this unique and unbelievable NFPW member.

Jessie Fernandes in India with Taj Mahal in the background.

Name: Jessie Irene Fernandes

City and State: Bellevue, WA

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Member NFPW member since 2007. Washington Press Association is no long active, so I am an at-large member.

Tell us a little about you.

All my life I have told stories and by the third grade, a short research paper on local trees. garnered me a red ribbon. By high school, I was writing stories about cowboys and Master Fu Manchu to fit the portraits drawn by my friend.

My college years were blessed with an English teacher who mentored a group of aspiring journalists. We did a lot of writing and I won a prize for poetry in a state wide contest and edited the college literary journal. Those days, I dreamed of being another Martha Gellhorn.

My senior year began in 1941, the year of Pearl Harbor. World War II was the seminal experience for most of my generation. Instead of becoming a foreign correspondent, I worked as secretary in the Public Relations Office at Cochran Army Air Base, Macon, Ga. My journalism dreams vanished when I fell in love with a charming British Royal Air Force pilot and I joined him in an England at war. It was not until 2015 that I fictionalized our marriage in Long Time Passing, the novel that I submitted to this year’s NFPW contest. After World War II, as a young widow with a son to support, I found a career as director of the medical records department in a hospital on Long Island, New York. Not what I had planned for my life, but it fed and clothed my son and me and, once my son fled the nest, I was free to travel. Commercial airlines opened the door to world wide travel and I took advantage of that. To file drawers full of poetry, story ideas and character profiles, I added travel journals.

It was not until 1986, when I retired, that retirement allowed the time and opportunity for me to work at writing. Over the years, I had submitted poetry and articles, with moderate success at publication, but in the back of my mind, my college voice said, “Go ahead. Write the Great American Novel.” That never came to fruition, but six or several manuscripts later, I published The Wild Child, which, to my surprise, won first place in the Washington Press Association contest and honorable mention in the NFPW contest. There is no thrill to compare with holding a trade paperback book with your name on the cover.

Now, a grateful nonagenarian, I look back at my life: a tapestry of wonderful colors, characters from a variety of cultures, experiences of pure joy and total despair, music by Beethoven to Paul Simon and beyond — rich beyond gold and jewels.

Long Time Passing was supposed to be my last novel. Every morning felt empty, however, so I dug up a discarded murder mystery from File 13 and am happily revising it, exploring new writing techniques and plan to enter it in next year’s NFPW contest.

Any career advice you would give?

To young writers I say: eat your veggies like mother said, exercise and keep writing whenever you can. You can learn even from drudge work just for pay. The day will come when you can create to your heart’s content. I wish you as happy an old age as I am having.

Jessie Fernandes with llamas in Machu Pichu.

Where would I live other than Bellevue?

I am comfortable living right where I am. I have traveled six continents and could not possible identify a favorite country or city.

What talent do you wish you had?

Ballet dancer? Musician? I love writing and work at that. Mostly, I am grateful for the variety of experiences I have had – successful and unsuccessful. A long life provides many dishes to taste – that’s an old Chinese saying that I just made up!

What are you reading? 

My choice of books to read is eclectic; murder mysteries, general literature.  I just finished Mr and Mrs Disraeli: a strange romance, by Daisy Hay and H. is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald, both worth reading.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People who know me now might be surprised to learn that I spent Saturdays for several years digging with an archeological group. Good exercise and fun.

Why is NFPW important to you?

NFPW is important to me, because it acknowledges women’s place in journalism; it gives us a forum to express our views on the world today and a way to impact that world, one hopes for good. I’m sorry that I didn’t discover NFPW earlier in my life. I would have enjoyed joining you all. The members of the organization inspire me to keep working to improve what I write, to achieve the best of which I am capable.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, etc.

I do not have a website or Facebook – not even a cell phone. I can be contacted at my e-mail address: sammijif@gmail.com and My books are available on Amazon.

Meet a Member: Tammy Keith

When I think of communications professionals, one of the first names I think of is Tammy Keith of Arkansas. Tammy consistently wins honors in the Arkansas and NFPW communications contest. Last year in Alaska she tied for second place in the overall sweepstakes competition. She was honored as the national sweepstakes winner in 2011. Take a few minutes to get to know this unique and unbelievable NFPW member.

Tammy Keith

Name: Tammy Keith

City and State: Conway, Arkansas

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Arkansas Press Women, and I am a past high school contest chairwoman.

Years a member of NFPW: Nine

Tell us a little about you.

I got my first reporter’s job at The Jonesboro Sun the summer before I graduated from Arkansas State University (Go, Red Wolves!). A tall, skinny guy sat at the desk behind me, and he was not my type, but he made me laugh. We’ve been married 28 years, and we have two sons, 26 and 23, and one wonderful daughter-in-law. He still makes me laugh. I am senior writer and columnist for the zoned editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the state’s largest newspaper.

Any career advice you would give?

Don’t be afraid to ask any question or make any phone call. You never know what someone will tell you. Write every kind of story – from obituaries to sports. Experience matters.

Tammy Keith, right, accepts the 2015 Arkansas Press Women sweepstakes award from APW President Debbie Miller. Keith won the NFPW communications sweepstakes award in 2011 and Miller won the honor in 2010.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Having math skills above a third-grade level would be handy. I’d like to be a mind-reader, if by talent, you mean super power.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Somewhere tropical, but only if my entire family could live there, too.

What book are you reading?

I’d love to say a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel, but I grabbed The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia out of my mom’s garage-sale books to read. Before that, I read Younger Next Year for Women — Live Strong, Fit and Sexy Until You’re 80 and Beyond. At 52, I’m looking for all the help I can get.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People who haven’t read my column would be surprised to know I gave birth to my second son in the front seat of my car on the Fourth of July. I soon got a new car.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

I enjoy being a part of a group of people who love the journalism profession as much as I do and work to make it better. I’ve learned a lot at NFPW conferences, and I’ve met people I’ll never forget.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

The River Valley and Ozark Edition, for which I primarily write, is available online at http://www.arkansasonline.com/rivervalley. We have a Facebook page, too.

Meet a Member: Lynda Exley

When you get a chance, check out the outstanding Arizona Professional Writers newsletter. The publication is the effort of member Lynda Exley. She also shared her talents when Arizona hosted the NFPW conference in 2012. She is a professional communicator who volunteers her time to share her talents with others. Take a minute to learn more about this unique and unbelievable NFPW member.

Lynda Exley

Name:  Lynda Exley

City and State: Sedona, Arizona

Affiliate and any leadership positions: Arizona Professional Writers Newsletter Chairperson

Years a member of NFPW: 19

Tell us a little about you.

Lynda Exley was recent awarded APW’s 2106 Communicator of Achievement, by Arizona Professional Writers, a.k.a. Arizona Press Women. Her writing career began when she left a successful career as an association executive for the Arizona Hotel and Motel Association to have her son. She decided it was her chance to answer the writing siren, and hasn’t looked back since. She is a former author, editor and publicity agent at Five Star Publications, and editor/writer for the SanTan Sun News, Arizona Parenting, Houston Parent, LA Parent, Ahwatukee Monthly, SWEAT magazine and many other publications.

Exley earned more than 50 national and state awards for editing and writing, and co-authored Arizona Way Out West & Wacky, Arizona Color Me Wacky and Arizona Way Out West & Witty: Library Edition, which won 2012 ONEBOOKAZ for kids. She is the recipient of Arizona Newspaper Association’s Best Entry Outstanding Writing award, a three-time National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest winner for writing and editing, and garnered more than a dozen first-place wins in the APW Communications Contests. She is also a Speakers In The Schools presenter for Arizona Humanities.

Lynda Exley shown at the Chandler Chuckwagon Cookoff with her traveling companion, Johnny Ringo, a puppet representing Arizona’s State Mammal.

Any career advice you would give?

If your writing career is just beginning, network with colleagues in organizations like NFPW, never say no to an assignment and never miss a deadline! AND, become the expert in AP style. In addition, don’t be afraid to expand from newspaper writing to PR, or visa-versa. The more you know about both sides of the fence, the more successful you will be. Read a lot of the type of writing you want to do yourself. Learn every type of technology you can get your hands on and wrap your head around. Technology is the future.

If you have enjoyed a writing career for some years like myself, give a hand up to deserving young writers. This is the time in your life when you should be paying forward for the mentoring you received or becoming the mentor you wish you had when you were just starting out — even if you never had a mentor yourself.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Ha! I wish I could carry a tune! I love to sing, but hate to offend others with it!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

In Sedona, Arizona where I already live.

When a fellow author fell ill at the last minute and couldn’t make her storytelling and book signing at the Children’s Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, Lynda Exley filled in by reading the other author’s book and playing Old MacDonald Had a Farm with visitors.

What book are you reading?

I am in the process of plowing through all of Joel Goldsmith’s books. So far, The Infinite Way is my favorite, but they are all excellent. I like fiction as well, and am getting ready to start All the Rage by Courtney Summers. I’m reading a lot of YA fiction because I am working on a YA novel myself.  I’ve never written fiction before, so I am stretching myself.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I completed the Tour de Tucson years back — a 110-mile bicycle race. People look at our older exteriors, and never guess at the young person lost inside.

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

Networking, the annual communications contest and the prestige of belonging to such a respected organization.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

www.AZWOWW.com

www.HelpingHandsWebsites.com

www.LyndaExleyBooks.com

http://www.Facebook/LyndaExley

http://www.Facebook/LyndaExleyBooks.