Members

Ms. Noble is a published author and poet with 3 published books to her credit: “Big Mama and Me,” (2002), “Simple Recipes” (2006), and “Potpourri” (2005). Her first novel, “The Slitting Edge” is being edited for publication. She was recently commissioned by the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association to write their history and commemoration, entitled “PSLEOA” (in progress), as well as her first children’s book entitled, “Jermell and the Magic Choo Choo!” In the fall of 2006-2007 she and members of Columbia Writers Alliance partnered with the University of SC’s Psychology, Arts, Split P Soup and Dance departments to do a pilot study of 20 underserved girls, comparing the effects of creative writing to visual art. From the study, 18 of the 20 girls penned their first anthology entitled, “A Story to tell, Wordz Up” published by the USC Arts Institutes’ Stepping Stone Press. Ms. Noble was also acknowledged as one of eight emerging poets in the State of SC, (Nov. 2003). Ms. Noble is a wife and mother. She is originally from Greenville, SC and educated there. She furthered her studies in business in Boston, MA and later Columbia, SC. Ms. Noble has been employed 25 years with the Department of Psychology at USC, Columbia.

Mr. Murray, a South Carolina native, was raised in the New Jersey and New York area. He graduated from The Stony Brook School on Long Island, NY and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Morris College in Sumter, SC. He has two daughters, Sgt. April Tyler and Alexis Murray. He is vice President of Columbia’s Writers Alliance and motivates youth and adults to live out their potential and discover their purpose in life. He is a speaker for Lexington and Richland County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council. Mr. Murray now serves as Prison Fellowship's Field Director-SC. He oversees the engagement and training of Church-anchored volunteers involved in the Angel Tree® ministry and in-prison Bible studies and seminars and ministry to former offenders and their families. He is a national platform speaker for Operation Starting Line (a high-energy evangelistic program conducted in prisons across the nation!) James is also an ordained minister and Evangelistic Outreach leader at God's Church of Deliverance in Columbia, SC. He recently received the United Way of the Midlands Direct Volunteer Service Award. His first publication is "Rivers, Streams and Tributaries: A collection of poetry by James Murray."

Sonja T. Williams published Aloma and the Red Suitcase (2004). In addition, her motivational poems appear in Potpourri: A Collection of Literary Works (2005). Her goal is to write books that are a good source to teach children about character development and the importance of reading. Ms. Williams always says, “Be a Lifetime Reader” because she believes that learning to read is critical for success in school and later on in life. She is currently working on two projects.

In early 2007, she joined other members of the Alliance as an instructor and classroom editor for the “Wordz Up” after-school project. The project sponsored 20 “at risk” youth from DIVA International. In addition, she operates STP Publishing a small business that provides thorough proofreading and editing services to promising authors of all ages.

Stephanie, pen name Virtuous, is an author, performance poet and playwright. Her collection of short stories and poetry entitled, Reflections of Self (2005), sold over 300 copies in the first 8 months of publication. She is currently penning two books, one a memoir entitled, “The Road Less Traveled,” and a second book titled “To Kiss a Redbook.”

Stephanie is also a community activist, currently energizing a movement for women entitled Femininity Empowered, a quest to change the destiny of women through inspiration and education. Retired Air Force, Stephanie is also a certified facilitator and mediator and experienced in conducting focus groups stateside and overseas. Her love for kids and teenagers keeps her active in the community as a mentor and role model for youth!

In early 2007, she joined other members of the Alliance as an instructor for the “Wordz Up” after-school project. She also coordinates and host the Columbia Writers Alliance “Jus Listen, Truth Speaks” Teen Empowerment Forum that host Literary Workshops, Anti Gang Information, Open Mic Poetry and Talent Shows for the surrounding community. Visit Stephanie at her personal site www.virtuousvibes.com

A native of Georgetown, South Carolina, Sharaledon D. Brave is a poet, writer, artist and photographer. Sharaledon uses his talents to speak compassionately to and about his community. His freshman project, What Will I Tell My Children is a wonderfully, inspiring collection of poetry centered on the philosophy, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Mr. Brave has also recently released a line of greeting cards with the slogan, Say It With Love. The greeting card line encompasses many of the wonderful poetry from What Will I Tell My Children.

Louisa is a Poet, Playwright, Director, Singer and Actress. Since 1958 Louisa began her career in visual and literary arts. She has won numerous awards for her performances, including Army World Wide Best of Show Performing arts while serving in the Army in 1984.

Edward Bull – Aspiring Inspirational Author – Edward has been writing since the age of 21. Through his trials and tribulations, he has been blessed with the gift of spiritual discernment and has committed himself to sharing his gift by communicating profound insight into biblical principles through the anointment of the Holy Spirit. He is currently working on his first publication and a Bible based card game, which will be used to develop an outreach youth ministry.

Author, Becky DeWitt is an inspiring author who captures ones’ attention as she speaks from experience. She has published four books with Brentwood Christian Press, with the latest, “Lips-Sacred or Scarred; Take Your Mouth Off The Mess and Use It For A Miracle”, receiving a review on the Publisher’s Review Page. As a Christian author, her writings reveal trials and tribulations as well as edification to the soul. Her books express the need to talk about Jesus Christ from the ordinary everyday perspective with titles that are uncommon and the cover art as well. Becky lives and works in the Grand Strand Community.

Aspiring Christian novelist, beautician and entrepreneur, Cathy is the proprietor of Cathy’s Hair Styling Salon in Columbia, SC. Cathy began writing at an early age and now desires to pen her very first autobiography. God has given her many testimonies that have shaped her life just as many others, but how many can she benefit from it if they cannot read about it. Look to the future for this author to be!

Mr. Watkins is an aspiring novelist and songwriter. Mr. Watkins resides in Winnsboro, SC. He is married and works as a sub teacher at Winnsboro Technology Center. Mr. Watkins has 2 manuscripts ready for publication. He is a graduate of WV State and enjoys playing tennis.

Poet, inspirational teacher, motivationalist and author, Vera O. Thomas discovered her love for literary art at the tender age of 12. Ms. Thomas, a residence of South Carolina is the mother of three sons and a spiritual mother to two daughters. Currently single, she found strength in her writing to overcome the sorrows of a bitter divorce. She will release her first published article in December 2006. The book entitled, "Everyday Grace Everyday Miracles" is geared to empower and encourage women. Ms. Thomas is currently working on two novels to be released in 2007. She is also the founder of "Poetic Patchworks Inc., a ministry designed to support and promote new, aspiring authors who are inspired through the Word of God. Coming soon! "Everyday Grace Everyday Miracles" by Lorna Owens/ Vera Thomas-supporting author. Cross reference www.authorsden.com

Myra Davis-Branic became a member of the Columbia Writer's Alliance in early 2005. While with the group, she published her first short story called "Worth the Weight". She is currently working on her first novel tentatively entitled, "Funny how thyme flies". Myra Davis-Branic is a native New Yorker. She is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband and two sons.

Mrs. Carter is one of Columbia's rising stars. She has written over 120 poems. She is coauthor of Potpourri: An
Anthology, written in collaboration with other writers in Columbia Writers Alliance. Mrs. Carter is married and is the proud parent of one daughter and one granddaughter. Her hobbies are writing poetry, knitting, crocheting, singing, writing jokes and other creative works.