Life Journeys Writing and Mentoring

Dear Generous Givers and Lovers of the Literary Arts,

     Happy Spring,

     This quarter, LJWC’s Publishing Project is shepherding more writers toward authorship, and we continue to inform those who come to us seeking valuable knowledge about the publishing industry. Our topics not only celebrate the fulfillment of writing one's story, but also how to protect oneself from publishing, contests, and even imaginary book club scams. We also offered a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Literary Agents, fellowships, and the pros and cons of using Artificial Intelligence (AI). All because we want writers to be knowledgeable, protected, and we want them to have choices. LJWC also attended a Writers’ Conference.

     While community members have benefited from our writing workshops, we’re also returning to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center to offer literary outlets to its hardworking, dedicated healthcare professionals/staff and surrounding community residents. I am so excited and grateful!  

     Commemorating our time reading and creating an event around the Maryland Humanities’ 2025One Maryland One Book (OMOB) book selection, LJWC served on the OMOB selection committee for its new 2026 fall/winter great literary pick. And we will plan new LJWC events, accordingly, highlighting the new book to engage new readers.

     We will continue to conduct the Life Journeys Writing and Mentoring Workshop series for women and children living in transitional housing. LJWC continues to support participants and graduates of two programs that flourish in the Charles County Drug and Family Specialty Courts, which address a range of life skills and challenges, including substance abuse, homelessness, financial instability, the threat of incarceration, mental health therapy needs, and more. We also continue to support Families in Recovery, Inc., doing the same work.

     We continue to hope for your support as we plan to reach out to our children and youth. Commemorating our nation’s 250^th Birthday, we’re conducting a Black History Essay contest for high schoolers and planning to support the rich stories of the historic waterfront town of Benedict in Charles County, MD.

     I sincerely thank you for your tax-deductible donations and for the few dedicated givers who make recurring donations. Your generous gifts enable us to feed the passions of those who love and need to engage in the Literary Arts.

     Kindly, I hope you will spread the good word about the wealth of writing, how we’re working hard to make a difference, and that even a modest monthly gift can fuel our impact on the world.

     All in all, we are very grateful! 

Thank you,

Yvonne J. Medley, LJWC Founder/Executive Director

Links:

• Life Journeys Writers Club (DBA: Life Journeys Writers Guild)

Dear Generous Givers and Lovers of the Literary Arts,

     Happy Holidays, Everyone!!!

     This quarter, LJWC’s Publishing Project shepherded three writers to the ranks of authorship, and we continued to inform those who come to us seeking valuable knowledge about the publishing industry. Those writers gleaned much via our writing and mentoring workshops.

     Commemorating our time reading Maryland Humanities’ One Maryland One Book selection, titled Kin: Rooted in Hope, a book rich in poetry and art, we distributed books, held workshops, and during our Fall/Winter 2025 Big Quarterly, we hosted its author, Carole Boston Weatherford (the art was created by her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford). The dance and poetry reading performances, interviews, and audience discussions during this event inspired everyone in the space.

     We had a fulfilling experience conducting our four-part Life Journeys Writing and Mentoring Workshop series for women living in transitional housing. With your financial support, we provided them with rich, relatable perspectives on their lives and futures through powerful written word and opportunities for creative self-expression. And we’re not through yet. We played games, engaged in critical discussions, and each woman received gifts and books.  We also conducted our writing and mentoring workshops for the general public.

     LJWC continues to support the participants and graduates of two programs, flourishing in the Charles County Drug and Family Specialty Courts, designed to address an array of life skills and life challenges, such as substance abuse, homelessness, financial instability, threat of incarceration, mental health therapy needs, and more. We also continue to support Families in Recovery, Inc., doing that same work.

     LJWC, through our LJ Mentoring and Writing Workshops, continues to uplift and raise awareness of our First Responders—such as our Unsung Heroes across many Departments of Public Works, whom many don’t think about regularly. We have several film shorts on YouTube.

     We continue to hope for your support as we plan to reach out to our youth and senior citizens. We want to nurture and empower those voices.

     I sincerely thank you for your tax-deductible donations, and to the few dedicated givers who make recurring donations. Your generous gifts enable us to feed the passions of those who love and need to engage in the Literary Arts.

     Kindly, I hope you will spread the good word about the wealth of writing, how we’re working hard to make a difference, and that even a modest monthly gift can fuel our impact on the world.

     All in all, we are very grateful! 

Thank you,

Yvonne J. Medley, LJWC Founder/Executive Director