The Ten Most Intriguing Non-Fiction Writers on AC for 2008

It's that time of year again; time for me to do my "10 Most Intriguing Writers" List. Because there are so many good writers at Associated Content, I tried breaking the list into three categories - - non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. I'm sad to say more than half of the people I wanted to include on my list of "10 Most Intriguing Fiction Writers" declined to participate. So in that category, I'll have to hope for better luck next year. On a positive note, I'm extremely pleased with the four writers that I will be able to highlight.

This year I asked people to nominate their favorite writers in the various categories, rather than choosing them all myself. Consequently, I checked out a wide variety of new writers; all of who were outstanding candidates. But I had to narrow it down and choose just 10 to make the final cut. These writers are all very good at what they do. Some are humorous. Some are instructive. Some are inspirational. All of them are wonderful individuals that I'm glad to call colleague and/or friend.

Let's begin with my top ten non-fiction picks. They will be divided into two separate articles - - Part One and Two - - in order to give each one of them the attention they deserve.

Amy Browne hails from Athens, Pennsylvania. She is someone I am honored to call friend. This amazing woman churns out exceptional article after article; writing on multiple sites and for various print publications.

Amy has written over 750 articles for Associated Content where she is a proud recipient of the top 1000 content producers of 2007. Very much a family person, she enjoys writing fiction that speaks to the heart and soul.

When I asked what makes her passionate about writing, she responded, "I like to write articles that touch someone's soul and make then think about the realties in life."

Her favorite article is "The Notebook Revisited," which can be found at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/373550/the_notebook_revisted.html?cat=41 It is not only a recap of the movie. It also shares the story of a couple she met while working as a nurse's aide in a nursing home.

She says, "this real life couple reminded me of the main characters in the notebook. As I wrote the story of the real life couple, I was crying. That couple, whose real names are Carl and Nellie, have passed now, but they taught me that real love does endure and is strong until the end."

I asked what others would be surprised to learn about her. She responded, "that I have major doubts of my talent as a writer, I truly am my own worst critic." Her life motto is "reach for the stars, you never know how many you will reach. "

She says she admires strength in people as well as the ability to keep going when she might have quit. I think she sells herself show. Amy never quits either and she has a great deal of strength herself.

She and I agree on her major pet peeve with regard to people. "I dislike those who judge other people blindly. They tend to condemn others without knowing the real story." To that I say, amen!

Her favorite writers on AC include Alban, Michele Devon, Don Pennington, Donna Porter, and Angel Sharum. She likes reading humorous, lighthearted pieces as well as true-life stories.

Finally, her greatest writing hope for next year is that she finishes her novel and that she can secure a publisher. On a personal note, she wants " to be the best mom, grandma, girlfriend, daughter, sister, and friend that I can be."

Up next is Carol Bengle Gilbert who is an excellent news writer and a great political analyst. Carol as been writing for AC for two years. She's a former federal attorney and the mother of three.

Carol says she loves "writing about anything quirky or unusual, particularly things with a people angle. During the election season, I developed a passion for writing about politics."

Her life motto is "just because it was done that way in the past doesn't mean it's the best way to do it now." She admires people who are compassionate, open-minded, optimistic, creative, and solution-oriented. She doesn't care for those that are negative, petty, or stingy.

Her favorite writers here at AC include Gary Picariello and The Barefoot, although she says she has too many to list here. She like reading articles with humor, those based on life experiences, and political pieces.

Her hope for 2009, on a personal level, is that her family remains healthy. On a global level, she hopes to see the new President establish a new relationship with the world that reflects the best of what Americans can be - - peaceful, compassionate, generous and innovative.

My next writer goes by the name of Jcorn.She comes from the Midwest; Indiana to be exact.

For her bio, she offers the following, "from the time I was young, my life seemed to revolve around books, reading and writing, partially because of a hearing loss that went undiagnosed till I was almost school age. Books were my companions for a long time since I really couldn't make sense of what people said (but my observational skills were put to the test!). Once I learned to read, I was hooked. Everything since my ear surgery has been gravy but my greatest joys today are my family and friends and being able to write."

She likes writing articles, which can help people in some way, even if only by giving them a bit of joy. If readers are happy or feel helped, I'm happy. One of her favorite pieces is "Our Experience with Tuition Free Colleges," which can be found at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1188341/our_experience_with_tuition_free_colleges.html?cat=9.

In response to my question about what would people be surprised to learn about you, she responded with " I had a dream and, based on that dream I decided to adopt a 5 year old child from another country. A year later, the child got off a plane. He had the face of the child in my dream."

Her motto is, "don't hurt yourself, other people or the larger community. She admires wisdom and courage

to go against the grain, if necessary - and knowing when it is necessary and when to leave well enough alone. She dislikes, "those cowards and bullies who torture children or animals.

Jcorn "enjoys articles which surprise me with unique style and leave me feeling amazed or enlightened. It's hard to describe but I know when I'm reading the work of a rare and special writer."

Her hop for 2009 is "that my family and the larger community does well, stays healthy, loving and happy. As an adoptive parent, she also hopes "all children find their forever families."

The next writer inspires me so I am thrilled to call her my friend. Her name is Kim Linton. Kim and her husband, Gary, have five children between the ages of 16 and 26. As church planters they help pastors and groups around the world to start and grow new churches and ministries.

Kim is passionate in her writing about the Christian faith. She also enjoys writing about life, politics, social issues, and emerging trends.

One of her favorite pieces on Ac is entitled "My Love Affair with Jesus: The Confessions of a Passionate Woman." It can be found at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/467127/my_love_affair_with_jesus_the_confessions.html?cat=34

She says people would be surprised to know that she voted for Hillary Clinton in the primary. Her life motto is "never give up. No matter what we do or don't do, the only way we can be defeated is if we stop trying."

She admires "people who have the ability to empathize with others while also maintaining a sober estimation of themselves. I particularly admire people who are courageous enough to admit when they are wrong." She doesn't care for immature people who are unwilling to learn from others."

Her favorite writers at AC are Michelle Devon and Donna Porter. She enjoys reading political, opinions, editorials, news, and pieces about technology.

Her greatest hope for 2009 is that "our elected officials will make wise and effective decisions concerning the future of our nation."

My final writer in this half of the two-piece article is Dr. Kristie Leong. I love reading Kristie's work because she always teaches me something new.

Kristie is a medical doctor who has had her own family practice for twelve years. She says that somewhere along the way she was bitten by the writing bug and hasn't been the same since. She now practices part-time in order to have time to develop a writing career. She loves to write on a variety of topics, but is partial to "writing health, fitness, and nutrition articles. I love helping other people lead healthier, happier lives."

She says, "yes, I do try to practice what I preach. I run five to seven miles a day and strength train several times a week. I also eat an almost vegetarian, veggie rich diet. I believe in disease prevention which is something that's not emphasized enough in medicine."

Kristie says many people would surprised to know that she owns a bead store. "My husband, mother, and I started it six years ago and its still going strong. Jewelry making is a great way for anyone to express their creativity and it's an excellent stress reliever. Believe it or not, I think it offers health benefits."

Her life motto is "find something you really enjoy doing and are passionate about and learn how to turn it into a business. When you consider how many hours you work a job each day, it has to be something you enjoy or you'll never be fulfilled."

She admires people who are willing to take reasonable risks. She doesn't like those who are too status conscious or try too hard to impress other. She says, " the world would be a better place if people would be who they really are and others would allow them to do so without judgment or ridicule. Why live a lie?"

She enjoys reading creative works of art and poetry, but her favorites "are articles on being a more productive writer and articles that deal with entrepreneurial ideas. I also love reading about unusual business ideas. Creative art and craft ideas inspire me, particularly ones that show how to recycle items you have in your home. The A.C. writer, 3lilangels, is excellent in this department. She always comes up with unusual craft ideas."

Her hope for 2009 is "to help people make healthy choices by providing them with timely medical information and alternative approaches to medical problems. Of course, I want to continue to write. I've found my passion and you can't tear me away from it."

These five are all writers worthy of your attention so I hope that you will check out their work. In the mean time, look for Part Two which will disclose the other five writers in my top ten non-fiction category.