I
began my journey to publication twenty years ago when I attended an
Oregon Christian Writers' one-day workshop which inspired me to
continue writing. Since then, my work has appeared in numerous
magazines, newspapers and compilations, including Chicken
Soup
for
the Gardener's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas,
Brio
and Clubhouse,
Jr
Like all writers, along with the acceptances I received the notorious
rejection letters. One day, after finding another one in my mailbox, as
I sat sipping tea, contemplating scrapping the writing life altogether
and perhaps taking up quilt-making, the name Mrs.Twiggenbotham started
to float around in my head. It caught my attention. Pretty soon, I
could see her. Then she started to do things! I thought, I'd better
write this down! I've grown to love this delightfully
humorous character who has her share of mishaps, much
like her creator (me). However,
she has an excuse because "even with her glasses perched perfectly on her nose, Mrs. Twiggenbotham still can't see very well." Her desire to spread God's love and encourage others in their faith is something she and I also have in common.
I think the Lord might have whispered her name to my heart as His way of saying, "Emily, don't give up writing yet. Wait and see what I've got planned for you!" In addition to the Mrs. Twiggenbotham Adventures, I wrote Clopper, The Christmas Donkey which rose to #7 on Christian Booksellers Association's Kids Christmas List of Best-Sellers after its release in 2003. My next book, Clopper and the Night Travelers, another beautifully illustrated by Ed Olson, is already receiving five-star reviews and the third in the series, Clopper and the Lost Boy is an exciting addition. Kregel Publications published all five books.
Writing Christian books for kids has afforded me the pleasure of talking to and meeting people from all across the country in radio interviews, guest appearances and book-signings. Besides writing, I enjoy other avenues of creativity: sewing (I do make quilts—a new one for each grandbaby), flower gardening, traveling, reading good books, both for children and adults and creating recipes (see the back sections of the Mrs. Twiggenbotham books or click here for Mrs. Twiggenbotham's Coconut Cookie Recipe).
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, I have been a resident of Portland, Oregon since 1968 when I married Dave. We are blessed with a great family—two grown children and six precious grandchildren. Dave and I have served as Kids Klub leaders at our church for twenty years. It has been rewarding to see so many kids grow and flourish in their love for Jesus.
Since God chose to bless me with the gift of writing, my prayer is that I can continue to use this gift to honor and glorify Him.
she has an excuse because "even with her glasses perched perfectly on her nose, Mrs. Twiggenbotham still can't see very well." Her desire to spread God's love and encourage others in their faith is something she and I also have in common.
I think the Lord might have whispered her name to my heart as His way of saying, "Emily, don't give up writing yet. Wait and see what I've got planned for you!" In addition to the Mrs. Twiggenbotham Adventures, I wrote Clopper, The Christmas Donkey which rose to #7 on Christian Booksellers Association's Kids Christmas List of Best-Sellers after its release in 2003. My next book, Clopper and the Night Travelers, another beautifully illustrated by Ed Olson, is already receiving five-star reviews and the third in the series, Clopper and the Lost Boy is an exciting addition. Kregel Publications published all five books.
Writing Christian books for kids has afforded me the pleasure of talking to and meeting people from all across the country in radio interviews, guest appearances and book-signings. Besides writing, I enjoy other avenues of creativity: sewing (I do make quilts—a new one for each grandbaby), flower gardening, traveling, reading good books, both for children and adults and creating recipes (see the back sections of the Mrs. Twiggenbotham books or click here for Mrs. Twiggenbotham's Coconut Cookie Recipe).
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, I have been a resident of Portland, Oregon since 1968 when I married Dave. We are blessed with a great family—two grown children and six precious grandchildren. Dave and I have served as Kids Klub leaders at our church for twenty years. It has been rewarding to see so many kids grow and flourish in their love for Jesus.
Since God chose to bless me with the gift of writing, my prayer is that I can continue to use this gift to honor and glorify Him.