Thanks #39: Alex Martin

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Thanks for creating Go Teen Writers! It has been an immense help to everyone, and has formed friendships and a real sense of a young writers community. You've done an amazing job! Happy Birthday and I hope the success continues!

Sincerely,

Alex Martin 

Thanks #38: Leah Oxendine

Dear Miss Stephanie,
I hope you have a fabulous birthday!! Thank you for all that you do with Go Teen Writers. It is a group I truly appreciate and love being a part of. Thanks for taking the time to monitor/guide/contribute to it! 
May your day be very, very blessed!
 
Sincerely,
Leah Oxendine

Thanks #37: Emily Rachelle

Date I started writing: September-ish 2005. Age: Nine.

Before Go Teen Writers - Age: Fourteen.

"Well, then, bye, Rachel."

"Talk to you later."

I hung up the phone and bounded up the stairs to my room.  My Spirit Sleepover Thanksgiving Celebration was official!  The Spirit Club consisted of Rose, Linda, Amanda, Kirry, and me, and on holidays we had Spirit Sleepovers.  This Thanksgiving was my turn, and now the only task left to do was clean my room.  I turned on my radio and started cleaning vigorously, determined to finish by dinner.

I finished with time to spare, thankfully.  Sighing with satisfaction, I looked around the room.  My window looked out over the backyard, which was covered in a mix of dull brown leaves. The weather man predicted snow for the next night, so soon a sparkling layer of pure white would conceal the leaves.  Turning back to the floor, I envisioned the fun we'd have at my sleepover.  The four sleeping bags would cover my violet carpeted floor, and after mom came up and turned off the lights I would hang over the edge of my bed and we'd all whisper secrets, jokes, and ghost stories to each other until nobody was awake enough to listen.

Impatient and anxious for Friday to come, I decided to go down and check my email.  The week before, I had emailed my grandparents and told them about my sleepover plans.  I received messages from Linda and Rose about strange noises at night.  Rose was being Rose, talking about ghosts and such, while Linda was being Linda, spouting off about science facts and statistics I could hardly read.  I figured it was the wind, which had been pretty bad lately.

Date I discovered Go Teen Writers: December 12, 2010. Age: Almost fifteen.

After Go Teen Writers:

The man did not appear threatening or unusual.  He wore the same suit and passed by lobby security as usual.  The elevator took him to the top floor without trouble as it had every week for the past five months, and the security officers there let him pass as well.

He turned right and strode through the halls, neither hurrying nor loitering.  The final door on the left opened to his knock, and the men on either side of the door ignored his presence.  He slipped into the richly decorated room while two more security officers slipped out.

"Damian, good to see you again.  How are you?"  The men sat on the deep red chaise and the leather-upholstered wooden chair, separated by a small mahogany coffee table.

"I'm well, thank you."

Their small talk continued for a few minutes.  One man shared his frustrations from the past week as the other listened patiently, just as he had for the past five months.  Today, though, he glanced at his watch often - a small silver watch, never worn before today.  It was the only variation from the past five months.  The speaking man did not notice.  He continued talking until the listener finally abandoned routine and interrupted.

"Sir, I apologize, but I haven't much time left."  He stood and checked his watch once again.

His companion looked at his own large gold watch.  "But it hasn't even been half an hour."

"Precisely.  It's already been twenty-seven minutes, which means we've only -" he looked at his watch again "-yes, sixty-three minutes left."

"Only?"  The man laughed, but his friend did not.

Date I will publish my debut: January 18, 2014. Age: Freshly eighteen.

From there - well, Lord only knows where this girl's going. But I do know one thing. It would've taken me a whole lot longer to get there without the guidance and community standing behind those three little words: Go Teen Writers!

We're #GTWers and proud of it.

To Stephanie Morril with love from Emily Rachelle

Thanks #36: Bethany B

Stephanie, I want to say THANK YOU! You're advice and dedication to teen writers like me is truly inspiring. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't discovered Go Teen Writers over a year ago. I think I've grown so much as a writer, and learned an awful lot since then, and it's all thanks to you having a special ministry toward teens who love to write! Thank you for sacrificing your time, and giving back to all of us. I hope we can give back to you in the future! You've been a blessing. Love, 
Bethany B. 


 STEPHANIE

 She writes some blog posts every week. 
So that our writing can compete. 
She writes with knowledge and with style,
so that our work can be worthwhile. 
She has a special place for teens,
to share all their creative things. 
We thank you Stephanie, so much,
for caring about us each enough, 
to give your love, and time, and life,
to make our writing turn out right. 
So, now there's just one thing to say,
have a super, happy, great Birthday! 

Thanks #35: Stacia Joy

Dear Stephanie,
You are a wonderful and inspiring person, and I'm so grateful that you created the Go Teen Writers group - it's so helpful and encouraging, and you were such a genius to create it. I hope you have a marvelous birthday! 
~ Stacia Joy

Thanks #34: Whitney

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!!!!

I hope this year is full of many wonderful things for you!

Thank you so much for Go Teen Writers. The blog has improved my writing in many, many ways. I’ve always loved to write, ever since I was old enough to hold a pen. But as I grew older, and my word-combining matured, I still never finished a book.

Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t. I didn’t know anything about plot, or character development, or story structure, or anything to make my stories an okay read. I still have much to learn, but thanks to Go Teen Writers, thanks to you, I have the beginning of a (and an ever-growing) writing toolbox that has certainly made my writing process more enjoyable, challenging (in a good way!), and stronger.

You have such a gift for giving information about writing to people in a way they understand it and make them feel included in the bubble of writers, which causes writing to be even more worthwhile. This is something I felt from the moment you replied to the email I sent you containing my first entry to your writing prompt contests. I was so nervous, never having done anything like that before, and then you – a published author – leaves a message in my inbox for me! The community you have developed is something very special.

I know GTW is hard work, but for the difference it’s made in my life, I am so grateful for everything you have given.

I haven’t finished my first book yet, but I am working towards meeting that goal. I can’t even attempt to emphasize how much God has used you and GTW to equip me for this journey. So thank you, Stephanie. Thank you for everything. I am so blessed and humbled to have learned from you. I thank God frequently for GTW!

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you, your family, and your work.

~Whitney

Thanks #33: Alexandria Mintah

Happy birthday, Stephanie! You are so awesome! Thank you so much for all the work you do! It's definitely helped me to become a way better writer than I was before I began reading your blog, and I wouldn't be where I am without you. :D Have a great and blessed day! 
~ Alexandria Mintah

Thanks #32: Brian McBride

Stephanie -

Happy birthday! Thank you for being awesome and letting me be a part of this AMAZING group you have started. Thank you for being so patient with us young writers and for providing us with teaching and training so we may mature in our craft. The group - no, community - you've spearheaded has become very important to me and I LOVE to hangout with all the other GTWers and to read your awesome GTW blog.

    You've done so much for us and now it's our chance to give back to you. You've dedicated your time, and efforts to young writers. Thank you so much for creating such an amazing community.

    I hope you have an awesome day and when you've read through all the other birthday notes, I pray that you feel encouraged and loved.

    Thank you, Stephanie and have a Be-Awesome birthday!

-Brian McBride

Thanks #31: Leah Good

Dear Stephanie,

Happy birthday! I just wanted to say thank you for all the work you've invested in us through GTW and by speaking at the OYAN Summer Workshop. I've learned so much because of you. It was also a great blessing and encouragement when you allowed me to guest post on GTW. Thank you so much for everything! Hope you have a fantastic birthday!

God Bless,

Leah

Thanks #30: Zara Hoffman

I've been writing since the third grade (8 years) now, but I must say that Go Teen Writers has helped me improve by leaps and bounds in the past 3 months. Feels like much longer, but apparently that's how long I've been in the FB group. Stephanie, you and Jill have founded and fostered a wonderfully safe and creative community. Thank you.

WIPs

THE BELGRAVE LEGACY: The Belgrave Daughter (11/25/13), Tears of an Angel (6/18/14), The Witch's War (10/31/15)

FEARFUL FAIRYTALES: Glowing Embers (6/9/16), Ravaged Red (10/15/2017), Where Madness Dwells (11/15/2018), Swan Song (12/3/19)

Zara Hoffman
www.zarahoffman.com

http://on.fb.me/fbAuthZH

www.twitter.com/AuthZH

Thanks #29: Tabitha Durant

Dear Stephanie

    Thank you for creating the 100 words for 100 days challenge. It has helped motivate me to write everyday and to write a lot. :)

Tabitha Durant, been writing since 2009

Thanks #28: Rosie W.

Thank you, Stephanie for being such an inspiration to me!

 I personally appreciate all the work you and Jill and Roseanna have put into GTW and I feel really blessed to get to know you. All your books, particularly the Skylar Hoyt series really affected me in a positive way. I can't thank you enough! God bless! 

-Rosie W.

Thanks #27: Camryn

Dear Stephanie,

Because of all of the information that you've given and the community of writers that you've created, I'm able to call myself a writer today. Have a happy birthday!

-Camryn

Three Days in a Lifetime ~ Half-Fin ~ Runaway Young Star

Thanks #26: Amanda Fischer

Dear Mrs. Morrill,

I just want to say thank you for all the time and effort you put into Go Teen Writers for all of us. I've been reading Go Teen Writers since around July 2012, and since then my writing has improved drastically in my and others' opinions. Whenever someone asks for a great writing resource, GTW is the first that comes to mind. 

You and Mrs. Williamson and everyone else who's posted there have taught me so much that I've already had the chance to apply and so much that I'm storing up for the future if I do decide to pursue publication. When I was overwhelmed with a first draft I had no idea what to do with, yours posts gave me a place to start. You're so encouraging, and so are your stories. I probably never would've read them if it hadn't been for GTW! 

Besides teaching me about things like section breaks and action beats and the world publishing industry, I've met so many wonderful writers through the blog. I met both of my wonderful beta readers/critiquers at GTW and joined the critique group Anne-Girl started during the writing retreat. 

The writing projects I'd consider "books" are Different, with which I recently wrapped up the second draft stage, and Living Rain, which is progressing along as a first draft.  

The hardest part of writing this thank you note was not the actual thanking part, it was finding a piece of my writing to show what I've learned through GTW. But here you go! This is from Different, which has gone through a TON of changes as you can see. (The before is seriously making me cringe...)

Before

A lot of people think I live a crazy or weird life, but really, I just live a life of everyday adventure. Let me explain. My name is Hope Allison White. I am fourteen years old and the oldest of the nine kids in my family. Yup, there's the shocker. I can picture the expression on your face right now—because it's bound to be the same as the expression that appears on everyone's faces when I spring the "nine kids" one on them. Well, now that we've got that out of the way, let me tell you more about my life.

My family lives at Rainbow Creek Ranch outside the town of Goldston, North Carolina. Okay, so it's not really a ranch, but that's what we call the property. My siblings' names and ages are, from oldest to youngest, Rebecca and Luke (11 year old twins), Jonathan (9 years old), Grace and Emma (7 year old twins), Matthew (6 years old), Olivia (5 years old), and Nathan (2 years old). Go ahead, try to remember them all. I'll be impressed if you do. Well, maybe.

We are all homeschooled. That's right, we're some of those "weird" homeschoolers. Of course, we're not really all that weird, which is what you'll see if you take the time to get to know us. Sure, we're a little different, but who says different can't be good or fun?

One thing our family has a lot of (besides kids, of course) is adventures. Most of them aren't the kind you're thinking of, like swinging on vines through the jungle, traveling to faraway lands, starring in movies—stuff like that. Nope, we don't have those kinds of adventures. But real adventures aren't the kind nobody you know has. Actually, those might be adventures, but the kind I'm talking about are the ones lots of people have, they just don't always know it. You only have to be able to recognize them. This is the story of the White family adventures, told through the eyes of me, Hope. So sit back in your seat and hold on tight, because this is going to be a wild ride!

After

Everyone thinks homeschooling is weird, my big family is weird, and, most certainly, I’m weird. That’s only one group of people’s opinion, however, and definitely does not count as fact. I’ll admit it--I’m different. Always have been, always will be. And I’m certainly pretty weird at times. But not in the way everyone thinks.

My life has been like this a long time. One of strangers’ first questions is where I go to school. I say “I’m homeschooled” and suddenly, something changes. They ask about my family, and when I tell them I have eight younger siblings...something else changes. Polite people try to hide it, but their face changes anyway. The not-so-polite ones don’t bother hiding it. In a way, the first group’s response hurts the worst. It shows even though they aren’t rude, they’ve made their decision: I’m different.

Like I said, it’s been like this forever. And today is no different.

Today my family is moving into our new house in Jacksonville, Florida. We left our house in the tiny town of Bloxom, Virginia last week. Most of my siblings were sad to leave, but not me. Too many hard memories in that town.

I shake my head to clear the thoughts of the past and bend to lift a box.

Amanda Fischer

Thanks #25: Amanda Wikoff

Stephanie,

I am grateful that you are willing to come alongside teens and encourage us as writers. Even

though we’ve never met, you have been extremely encouraging and helpful in all of your blog posts

and in the Facebook group! I can say with all certainty that I would not be where I am as a writer today

without you and all your effort for Go Teen Writers. Thank you for supporting me and all of the other

teen writers that have been impacted by you!

~Amanda Wikoff

Thanks #24: Sarah Faulkner

Dear Stephanie,
I admire you as a sister in Chirst; I admire you for sharing your beliefs.
I admire you as a wife; I admire you as a mother.
I admire you as a writer; I admire you as a blogger.
I admire you as a mentor, and I admire you as a friend.

You have no idea what you have done for me through GTW.  Before I found you, I was this crazy 7th grader writing a novel because every bookworm has to try at least once.  Through GTW, I placed in my first writing contest.  I met and started hanging out with some awesome fellow teen writers.  I started a blog.

Go Teen Writers taught me what a log line was, that a query letter could be done, and the difference between passive and active writing.  It taught me what an agent was and why I needed one.  It taught me how to be a christian and a writer at the same time.  Go Teen Writers gave me confidence--not that my writing was good, but that good was achievable--in my words, my voice, and what I had to say.

Before I found Go Teen Writers, I was a teen writer with five whole chapters under my belt.  The only thing I knew how to write was a cliche.  Now, five years later, that first book is finished.  (At least for now.)  And so are my second and third books.  I've won two NaNoWriMo events, been blogging for over a year, and learned a lot more about writing.  And about myself.

Happy birthday, Stephanie!  I don't have a whole lot left to say except thank you.  Thank you for the work and the words that you've poured in to the next generation of writers.

With love,
Sarah Faulkner

Author of
Magic in Our Midst,
Side by Spies, and
My Ackilly is Killing Me

www.inklinedwriters.blogspot.com

Thanks #23: Victoria Grace Howell

Stephanie,

Thanks so much for this writing group. It inspired me to blog and become a better writer. Your posts have been so helpful. I wish I had this group when I was younger, and I recommend it to all the young writers I come across. This community is great. Thanks so much for creating and leading it. Have an awesome birthday!

Victoria Grace Howell

http://storitorigrace.blogspot.com/

Thanks #22: Joy D. Hartshorn

Greetings Mrs. Morrill!

I'm currently reading Go Teen Writers for the second time since I bought it in June, and I cannot even beging to explain how my writing has changed since having it as a help. I was writing a story this summer for a contest that ended in August, and I don't think I would have made it to the deadline without it. The pendulum method and plot twist listing was amongst the most useful, as I'm a World First writer, and both plot and characters can give me equal defiance.

I can proudly tell you that I not only was able to enter the contest, but with the help of GTW I was able to completely write my very first complete novel. Seeing how both you and Jill have journeyed on the road to publishing has given me the courage to continue on with the hope of someday sharing my own bits of soul that we know as stories.

I hope that God will use your birthday and years to come to bless you and those around you.

Again,

Thank you.

Joy D. Hartshorn

http://www.youtube.com/user/NomeraGirl109

Psalms 21

O Lord, in your strength the king rejoices,
    and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart's desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips.

For you meet him with rich blessings;
    you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
    length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your salvation;
    splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
For you make him most blessed forever;
    you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord,
    and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Your hand will find out all your enemies;
    your right hand will find out those who hate you.
You will make them as a blazing oven
    when you appear.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
    and fire will consume them.
You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
    and their offspring from among the children of man.
Though they plan evil against you,
    though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
For you will put them to flight;
    you will aim at their faces with your bows.

Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
    We will sing and praise your power.

Thanks #21: Anonymous

Happy birthday, Stephanie! You are so awesome! Thank you so much for all the work you do! It's definitely helped me to become a way better writer in the past year and a half since I've been reading your blog, and I wouldn't be where I am without you. :D Have a great and blessed day!

Anonymous

Thanks #20:Brittney Johnson

Dear Stephanie,

                   Thank you so much for all of your encouraging and helpful posts that you take time to write on Go Teen Writers. It has helped me in my writing immensely. The book you published with Jill “how to turn your first draft into a published book” also helped me so much! Thank you so much for trying to help young teen writers. You have inspired me to work harder towards my goal of publishing a book and you have also given me helpful pointers to improve my writing =)

A young writer,

                       Brittney Johnson

Author of the books in progress:

Once upon a Secret

And

Rain&Flame

Brittney Johnson

Thanks #19: Abrielle Lindsay

Dear Stephanie,

                Happy birthday! :D I want to thank you so much for GoTeenWriters! You guys have encouraged me to write more than anyone! Right before I found your blog (July 2013) I was about to forget being a writer, ditch my story, throw it away. But, you guys encouraged me so much, I pushed through it. And, I feel very satisfied that I wrote a first draft, that I am continuing to write, and I enjoy it.

                 I’m very grateful that you answer things I could never figure out! :D

Thank you so much for everything you do at GoTeenWriters! Again, Happy Birthday!!

Sincerely,

Abrielle Lindsay

Author of

Finding My Voice

Keep Moving Forward

The Arrow &

Untitled

Thanks #18: Heather Manning

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

Stephanie, you and Go Teen Writers have helped me immensely with my writing. I have been writing
since I can remember, but actually wrote with a purpose maybe four years ago. Almost two years ago
now, I found the Go Teen Writers blog.

I cannot describe how big of a help GTW has been to me. Whenever I have a question in my writing, I
stop, and look it up on the GTW blog. There is almost always an answer to any question I might have.
Also, the writing contests have encouraged my writing so much that I think I would not be where I am
today without these. They gave me the confidence to take my writing out of my home. I learned that
maybe I was not such a terrible writer after all, and if I ever got too confident in my skills, they helped
me realize I was not as great as I thought.  :)
I joined the GTW Facebook group about a year ago, and that has encouraged me even more so.
Everyone there is so kind and encouraging, and they have helped me with my writing too. I love being
able to be friends with so many writers, because before this, I had no writer friends at all. I have such
close contact to writers who are in all stages—those who write just for fun, those who are just starting
out, and some who are already published. I also love being able to contact you or Jill so easily by just
tagging you in a post if I have any questions I can’t find the answers to on the blog.

GTW has helped me write my book, there is no doubt of that. If I needed any help editing, I could look
back at old blog posts and understood everything. Now I am pleased to say, my novel, Swept to Sea, is
going to be traditionally published in a matter of months. I probably would not be here at sixteen years
old, with a book published, without GTW. Also, my second novel I am working on, Carried Home, would
not be where it is in length yet if it wasn’t for the amazing 100-for-100 challenges you lead. These help
me find motivation to write each and every day and I cannot describe how awesome that is.

Thank you so much for doing everything you do, Stephanie, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Wishing you the best day ever from your Kansas City Girl,

Heather Manning

http://heathermauthor.blogspot.com/

Thanks #17: Esther Rose

Dear Stephanie,

Thank you so much for starting GTW! I've been planning my novel for the last couple months, and GTW has been a great encouragement to me to just keep writing. :) And I'm loving the 100-4-100 challenges; they're very motivating too! Thank you for all the work you've put into encouraging young writers to keep writing.

Sincerely,

Esther Rose

Author of multiple stories

and NaNoWriMo winner

http://joyful-maiden.blogspot.com/

Thanks #16: Samuel Deck

Stephanie,

You have been a huge help to me on my path to becoming an author.

From the time I started reading Go Teen Writers, I have been inspired and encouraged by your posts.

I have learned countless things from you, character building, how to find an agent, how to keep on writing, etc.

I'm so glad I found Go Teen Writers. 

If it wasn't for you, I'd be stuck with a horrible draft of a novel and writing childish antics.

So, I just want to say thank you and happy birthday!

Thank You Stephanie!

Samuel Deck

Author of:

If We All Could Be Heroic

The Edge of the World

Currently Writing:

Stuck to You

Once Upon a Time

If You Just Believe

Thanks #15: Arende de Wit

Dear Stephanie,

Without you, I wouldn't have written a single storyword this week.

Without you, I'd not have been working on the third manuscript which reached the 10,000 words and still isn't finished.

Without you, I wouldn't know about action tags, the necessity of dialogue and adding conflict in a story.

Without you, I'd just have left my passion for writing.

In the 2 years-and-some-more I know you now I have learned so much... You gave me back my writing skills and improved them amazingly, together with my English ;-)

Thank you, Stephanie, for starting GTW, for encouraging all of us teen writers. 

Thank you for the time you spend on it.

Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities.

Without you and GTW, life would be dull.

Congrats with your birthday, many happy returns and please stay at GTW. We can't miss you!

Greetings,

Arende (The Netherlands)

Thanks #14: Emily

Stephanie, 

Thank you so much for all the work you do on the blog! Before I found the blog I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to keep writing. Now I love it again, and I'm so glad I found your blog so I could rekindle that love. Thank you.

Since following your blog, I feel like I know more about my options with writing and publishing. I feel like I have a support group of other people who love to write, and if I ever need help, I know where I can turn. Thank you so much for providing this place for teen writers to connect. What you do is wonderful. We love it.

Thank you,

Emily

Thanks #13: Grace Curtis

When I set out to write my own book, I thought I was insane. Now, thanks to GTW, I know I'm crazy for sure, and its the best thing in the world. I owe everyone on this page a lot for all the support and advice they've given me, and none more then you for starting it all off. Without you, I would have let this story fall by the wayside along time ago.  Thanks, Stephanie!

~Grace Curtis.
Author of
The Lamplighter

Thank you for Everything, Stephanie! #12

Books I've written before Go Teen Writers? Zilch! Books I've written after Go Teen Writers? Three! (And that isn't even counting the revised drafts!)

But Stephanie, your blog and your encouragement means more than the number of words written or manuscripts printed. That's just one measure of success in writing. Without Go Teen Writers, and without all the heart and soul you've poured into it, I'd never have learned how to craft a story I love. It's because of you and your work that I understand what needs to go into a book. I have a warning for bumps I'll encounter, be it harsh critiques, painful editing, or someday, the effort of finding an agent and a publisher. Every step through my writer's journey has a post or a series on Go Teen Writers to guide me. 

I can't put into words how much it means to me that you're willing to work so hard to help teen writers become something great. Your dedication and your heart absolutely amazes me! Go Teen Writers has been there to hold my hand since I took my writerly baby steps, and I know it will be there for the rest of the journey too.

We're behind you all the way, Stephanie. Thank you so much for everything you do!

-Jessica Staricka

Author of

Spaceman

Anomaly

Guy Fulton Burslough

Thanks #11: Alyson Schroll

Happy Birthday Stephanie. You were the first person to every tell me I could write. You were the first person to teach me how to construct a story. You were the first to read a word. Nothing could mean more to me than what you have done for me. Encouragement from you was never far away. I never knew I'd be a published poet, but it was you who knew I could. I can't thank you enough. Have an amazing day with your husband and kids.

~Alyson Schroll
www.alysonschroll.blogspot.com 

Author of 

More Than This

Brick Walls

Ideal Lies--WIP

She's been writing for 3 years

Thanks #10: Hannah Mummert

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

I just wanted to say thank you for all that you've done, with GTW and the Facebook page. You've been a tremendous help to me and my writing through your blog posts and comments and responses. Without you and GTW, I'm not sure my book Defender would be finished, and I'd be entirely lost on how to query or find agents or anything about the publishing process. You've helped me understand things that I need to fix in my writing, things that I need to consider while I write, and things that I've never even thought of that are important to my writing. You've helped me understand that the journey is hard but worth it, and you've kept me going, even though you didn't know it. I just want you to know that none of your post
s were useless, and none of your advice was ignored, because they've been amazingly helpful. So don't get discouraged in the future, because your words aren't just going in one ear and out the other! They're being absorbed and mulled over and applied, I promise.

So Happy Birthday, Stephanie, and thanks so much for all you've done! You're awesome!

Hannah Mummert

NaNoWriMo Winner and

Author of,

Defender and

Untitled, a novella,

Thanks #9: Lydia Grace Hart

Dear Stephanie,

Oh goodness. Happy Birthday to the absolute cooliest.

You have been such a great friend to me. Really truly. Even before we had those delightful discussions about Oreos with peanut butter. The best of friends are those who give timely advice (not just what you wanna hear), encourage you when you lose your oomph, and make you laugh so hard your belly hurts. You were that for me from the start. And then I got to know you better, and just loved you more. I so wish we lived closer, so then I could give you a huge birthday and thank-you hug, and a cupcake or ten... And we could have that sleepover. 

But, since I'm not close, picture me blowing you kisses and showering you with sprinkles. So festive. 

You will forever and always be my favorite YA author. So ya know. 

Love you, sweet girl. 

-Lydia Grace Hart

http://www.youtube.com/user/ploodlegrace13914

Thanks #8: Vanessa W.

Without Go Teen Writers I would be nowhere right now... I've learned just about everything I know about writing from it and all the wonderful people.
~Vanessa W.

Thanks #7: J.M.Hamilton

"Thank you for letting me join this awesome group. Im having so much fun!" 
-J.M.Hamilton

Thanks #6: Lily

Happy birthday, Stephanie! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for starting Go Teen Writers.  Because of GTW I’ve learned a great deal about writing, improved my craft, found other great writing resources, found out about good books to read, and met fellow writers around the world who I love interacting and working with. And I’m sure there’s more I’ve forgotten to mention. 

I’m so grateful that you, Jill, Roseanna, and all the others take time out of your days to educate us and help us grow as writers, providing us with the tools we’ll use to become authors. 

Thank you, once again, for all you have done for GTW. 

Lily J.  

http://lilyjenness.blogspot.com/

Thanks #5: Jillian Haggard

Dear Stephanie, 

Happy birthday! I hope you have an amazing day and that all your wishes come true! ;)

You are such an amazing person. You are always there to answer questions and you continue to inspire us writers each and every day. I look up to you, both as a writer and a person, and I appreciate all of your hard work. 

Go Teen Writers has had a huge impact on my life. I discovered the blog about a year and a half ago after searching "teen writers" and I never turned back. Now it's the first website I visit every morning! Before I found it, I hardly knew anything about the publishing business, writers conferences, or literary agents. If I hadn't discovered GTW, I definitely wouldn't have a finished draft right now and I probably wouldn't be making an effort to write every day. From the daily blog posts to the contests to the different writing challenges, I've had a lot of fun and I've grown so much as a writer. I've also met so many other writers that I've grown close with. Go Teen Writers has been such a blessing to me and I am so grateful for everything you've done :)

Thank you so much for everything and have a very happy birthday! We love you, Stephanie! 

Blessings,
Jillian Haggard

http://coversandink.blogspot.com/

I've been writing since I was able to hold a pencil, but I didn't really take writing seriously until about two years ago. Since then, I've written a historical, Guided by the Stars, and a contemporary. I've been reading Go Teen Writers for about a year and a half.

Thanks #4: Meghan Gorecki

Happiest of birthdays, Stephanie! I hope you have lots of cake, hugs from your little ones ,& are spoiled. Thank you for being who you are--encouraging, uplifting, real, & transparent. This flows through your writing, & I don't think you know how much it touches everyone who comes in contact with your words. I am so blessed to know you, to look up to you as a writer, & to be "fighting the good fight of faith" with you. 

--Meghan Gorecki

http://www.everygoodword.com/

Thanks #3: Rachelle Rea

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day. I'm so thankful for all that you do--your books changed my heart and Go Teen Writers inspired this writer to try for her first full-length novel (instead of hanging out in short stories) and now I'm on my fifth one! Thank you for all your encouragement, and have a stupendous birthday! 
-- Rachelle Rea

Author or five books
Reader of GTW for 3 Years

http://www.rachellerea.com/