Author, Author!

You know how it is when you discover that great new product or service? You just want to tell everyone about it so that they, too, can experience the wonder that is yours! That's how I feel today!

It's not often that our children are given the opportunity to be taught by famous authors. Imagine, then, our delight when we learned that Dave & Neta Jackson offer writing workshops to homeschool students! You will most likely recognize them as the authors of the dearly loved Trailblazer series, exciting stories which introduce children to great heroes of the faith. The Jacksons have also written Hero Tales, Volumes 1-4. I've noted that these books seem to be a staple in many homeschooling homes. Most recently, Neta is known for her soul-stirring books for women...the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. Our family has enjoyed numerous Trailblazer books along our homeschooling journey, and we've read through Hero Tales many times. Additionally, I read my first Yada Yada book while on vacation two years ago, and as I told Neta today, it truly challenged me in my walk with God.

We'd contacted Dave & Neta and invited them to visit our homeschool group. Today was the first of two exciting days---the Jacksons conducted writing workshops for our 4th through 6th grade students (grades 7-9 join us tomorrow). They are such a delight! They have a special way of engaging kids---drawing them out and inspiring them. Through both group and individual activities, they really gave our kids the tools to better writing. I was particularly grateful for the ways that they offered encouragement and helpful suggestions for growth. Even our two oldest boys, who are generally less than thrilled with writing, feel newly equipped. And this mom who likes to dabble in writing is feeling pretty inspired, too.