Members

Ms. Noble is also 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 has recently been 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 Institute’s 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.

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.
Ms. Williams is a member of the Columbia Writers Alliance where she serves as treasurer. In early 2007, she joined other members of the Alliance as an instructor and classroom editor for the “Wordz Up” after-school project which sponsored 20 underserved girls. From the project, 18 of the 20 girls penned their first anthology entitled, “A Story toTell, Wordz Up” published by the USC Arts Institutes’ Stepping Stone Press. 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. In 2008, she compiled a collection of southern recipes for her cookbook, “Hot Water Cornbread.” She is currently penning two books, one a memoir entitled, “The Road Less Traveled,” and a second book titled “To Kiss a Redbook.” 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

Joyce Rose-Harris is a native of Chicago, Illinois and has been a South Carolina resident since 1997. She has been happily married to her college sweet-heart Eric for 16 years. Joyce mainly writes poetry and short-stories; her poems themes reflect her optimistic outlook on life. When not writing, she is working as an IT Support Analyst I for Companion P&C Group. Her other passions include political activism; and she is proud to have been actively campaigning for Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential campaign since May 2007. Joyce is currently working on a poetry book centered on her experiences during the campaign. Her motto is “believe it, receive it, and achieve it.”

Poet, inspirational teacher, motivationalist and author, Vera Murray discovered her love for literary art at the tender age of 12. Ms. Murray, 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. Murray 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 Murray-supporting author. Cross reference www.authorsden.com

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 enjoying the success of her now published her first children’s book entitled “My Grandfather Can Do Anything”. She 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.

Teacher, Preacher, Elder, Director, Poet, and Aspiring Author is James Murray, a South Carolina native, who was raised in the New Jersey and New York area. He graduated from The Stony Brook School in Long Island, NY and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Morris College in Sumter, SC. He is married to Vera Murray and they have five children. James Murray now serves as Prison Fellowship's Field Director-South Carolina. James is also an ordained Elder and Adult Bible Study leader, serving at God's Church of Deliverance in Columbia, SC. He is a volunteer Chaplain/Pastor at an alternative youth facility, Camp Aspen. James is Ministry Skills Development Coach at Columbia International University. He is a board member of Bethel Christian Camp and cofounder and board member of Changing the Way, a nonprofit networking organization serving offenders, former offenders and their families. He is a speaker for Lexington and Richland County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for which he received the United Way of the Midlands Direct Volunteer Service Award for 2001. He recently received Prison Fellowship’s 2008 Shining Star Award. He is also Vice-President of Columbia’s Writers Alliance. James Murray is a person who motivates youth and adults to live out their potential and discover their purpose in life.

Reverend Glenn M. Prince is an educator, minister, writer and community health activist. Although, he is a native of Washington, DC, Glenn has called Columbia, SC home for the since 1992. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina and Howard University in History and Religion respectively and is an ordained Baptist Minister. Rev. Prince speaks and conducts seminars throughout the state on topics from Biblical interpretation, health, finance, church administration and relationships.

Glenn has published works for the Congress of National Black Churches and the local Christian periodical, “Reach Out Columbia.” He is currently working on a book of Meditations entitled “Potlikker: Taste & See.” and a group of essays entitled, “Seeing Your Face in the Faith: Socio-Behavioral Biblical Interpretation of the Diaspora”

Wilhelmenia J. Mathias is a native of Columbia, SC, where she attended public school and college. She received a BA degree in Social Work from Benedict College and a MA degree in Conflict Resolution from Columbia College. Ms. Mathias has provided community service hours with a variety of organizations such as the Community Mediation Center as a Mediator, and volunteered her time with the following agencies: the Council on Child Abuse, Guardian Ad Litem, Lexington Arbitration Program, City of Columbia, Sistercare, HIV/AIDS Council and more. Her motto is to "Never forget where you came from" and "Always give back" your time and service.

She has worked in the Human Services field for 30 years. She enjoys working with people and helping them to reach their potential. Her passion is working with individuals that are HIV/AIDS infected and affected. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, sewing and working with the Health & Wellness Ministry at the Trinity Baptist Church her home church where the Reverend Thurmond Bowens is the pastor.

Ms. Patricia R. Atkinson is a native of Charleston, SC and is an aspiring children’s book author and published poet. Her first poem entitled “Ruby Checks Out” and later “Let Go and Let God” was published on Poetry.com. Some of her children books to look out for are “ABC Animal Kingdom,” The Red Chair”, and I Hate Vegetables. Ms. Atkinson loves working with children and motivating them. She loves children and believes in empowering them to operate in excellence.