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Meet Momwriter

Lisa Crayton by Lisa Beamer

Lisa Crayton is a veteran writer, professionally practicing her craft for over 15 years. Since graduating with a dual B.S. in public relations and journalism from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1985, she has
worked in corporate communications as a writer and editor, has done communications projects for her church and has written for numerous publications as a freelancer.

Her love of writing began in 8th grade when she took her first journalism class. Her interest was sparked by a writing assignment she did on famous journalist Joseph Pulitzer. She read the book, "Front Page Pioneer" and remembers, "My heart burned as I read about his arrival in the US, his attempts to find a suitable career and his ultimate success as a writer and publisher. By the time I finished my report, I knew I would become a writer."

Currently, Lisa enjoys writing features, columns, fillers, essays and devotionals. She has also ghosted some books, including "under ghosting" a devotional book this year.

Lisa has had many high points in her career. "I'm very thankful to God for opening so many writing doors over the past year," she says. She is a columnist for Life@Work, a glossy Christian magazine, and she writes a column for The Writing Parent. She is also the Religion Content Manager for All The Write Moves.

Another highlight for Lisa was being able to write for Black Collegian's 30th anniversary issue, which was released last month. "I used to read this magazine in college, so it was exciting to be asked to write a feature article for it."

She is also proud of the fact that she placed as an Honorable Mention in the 2000 Writer's Digest Writing Competition, and she feels honored to also be profiled recently by Christian Writers Fellowship, Intl.

In addition to Momwriters and several other groups she belongs to, Lisa feels very encouraged in her writing by her four-year-old son, Josiah, with whom she lives in Oxon Hill, Maryland. "He prays for me, sings to me and gives me motivation to succeed." Recently, it was his singing of the Blues Clues song "Don't Give Up, Just Go On" and praying for her that got her beyond her desperation as she struggled with an article for which the deadline was looming only hours away.

In addition to her writing, Lisa works full time as a legal secretary and she is also very involved in her church, where she serves as a deacon. "When I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in 1989, I almost immediately knew that I was called into ministry. I thoroughly enjoy helping people to grow closer to God." She also enjoys reading, especially inspirational romances.

Some fun facts about Lisa:

Her favorite vacation spot: New York City. Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, New York is still home to her.

Her favorite place to write: At her computer. "I do everything on the computer," says Lisa. "I never was good at drafting long hand...there comes a point where I just need to 'feel' the keys to really get my thoughts across."

Biggest pet peeve: The lack of diversity in print and online publishing. "I get grieved when I see the lack of people of color in photographs, artwork and among the writing team."

Her favorite quote: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." (Walt Disney)

If she could spend 30 minutes with anyone, she would choose: Her junior high music teacher, Frank Timari. "We had a real love-hate relationship. I was an alto, and he loved sopranos, or so I thought. I gave him the hardest time. Ironically, many of the life lessons he taught me still linger in my mind...I'm not sure if he was a Christian, but I have come to realize that the lyrics to many of those songs we sang were actually faith-based...If I had the chance to speak to him, I would simply say, 'Thanks for putting up with me for three years. Thanks for not giving up on me. And, thanks for giving me spiritual anchors that I could hold on to until I came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.'"

Lisa's Faith to Faith column at The Writing Parent can be viewed at http://www.thewritingparent.com/faithtofaith.html. Lisa can be reached at dvscribe@att.net.

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