When the opportunity to buy Writing to Heal, Writing to Grow^SM came my way I felt compelled to embrace it. Personal experience and research have convinced me that writing yields physical and psychological benefits. Margie Davis developed many of the courses currently offered at Writing to Heal, Writing to Grow with input from medical and mental health professionals. It is an honor to continue sharing Margie's work with others following the same critiquing guidelines as I add writing programs.

I began writing professionally as a corporate editor and marketing writer 30 years ago (more or less), although I have written poetry and essays since my teen years. Fifteen years ago I became a freelance writer and editor covering many genres for consumer and trade publications and business clients. My awards are for personal essay, poetry and feature writing. I also have experience critiquing written works as a participant in many critiuqe groups and as a book reviewer. I am a member of the California State University, Fullerton, University Extended Education Writer's Program Advisory Board and was a memoir faculty member there.

Several completed travel suspense novels await my editor's pen but nonfiction is my professional focus. A few years ago I became a personal caregiver and writing helped me cope with the challenges (now there's a euphemism for you!). My eldercare columns are syndicated by seniorwire.net, appear at www.healthandagingservices.com and are now available here at Writing to Heal, Writing to Grow. I also write advice columns for writers.

Knowing cancer-surviving writers as well as dealings with social workers and health care professionals enforces my belief in the therapeutic value of writing. Over time, more programs will bring the healing and growth power of writing to people dealing with life events not yet addressed here.

I have a BA and an MA in Latin American Studies, an MBA in marketing and finance and am certified in Health-Script: Therapy through Writing. My great passion is travel, a welcoming field for personal essay material. I conduct workshops on travel writing, the business of writing and resale strategies for writers. Credits include: contributions to books published by Broadway Books, Heritage Media (sole author) and McClain's, among others; The Orange County Register and Long Beach Press-Telegram newspapers; Prentice Hall's Business Communications Update and Caregiver's Home Companion newsletters; ArtCalendar magazine; atevo.com and thelongtriphome.com travel Web sites; and many other national and international print and online publications. I also serve as editor of newsletters for nonprofit organizations.

Professional activities include being current president of the Orange County Branch of California Writers Club and a member of the state Central Board Executive Committee, and past president of the Orange County Chapter of the National Writers Association, among many offices I've held with both groups.

While I continue to accept freelance writing and editing assignments, my goal is to help Writing to Heal, Writing to Grow participants reflect on their life events and enjoy the health benefits and sense of achievement gained through personal essay writing. Please explore the site and join us. Your comments are welcome at carol@writingtoheal.com.