Dear Friends,

     I am proud in more ways than one to present this issue, as this is our anniversary issue. The Pepper Tree Magazine is celebrating its fifth year in the community. Thank you to all who have participated from the first day the literary seed was planted. Your stories and poetry have been embraced by your readers and have made such a difference in so many lives. My mission statement from the beginning was to encourage you, as writers, to write from your heart, and that is exactly what you did. So, from my heart to yours, thank you!
     I would like to extend a warm welcome to two special people. Meaghan Rose and Kate Franklin have graciously volunteered their time to read and write reviews for the Bookmark section of the magazine. We look forward to reading their thoughts on the awe-inspiring books that are featured.
     We have a new e-mail address for submissions to the magazine. You are welcome to e-mail anytime to: peppertreemagazine@yahoo.com. Please know that I no longer accept snail mail submissions. My guidelines remain the same as far as word count; each submission should be no more than 1,500 words, but I prefer around 750. The theme of The Pepper Tree has always been to print uplifting submissions, articles that portray a teachable moment. Again, the magazine is printed on a quarterly basis throughout the community and can now be viewed online.
     Another school year will be in session in a matter of a couple of weeks. Students and teachers, this is a reminder to send in your submissions anytime. I wish you all a safe and successful school year!
     There are many book events and conferences coming up in the fall. But one in particular to announce is our second annual Writing the Wave conference, to be held on November 14, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the flier on the back cover of this issue and sign up today, as seats fill up fast. We have fabulous speakers and a great lunch planned. If you have questions, please give our office a call at: 941-922-2662.
     Enjoy this anniversary issue; it really turned out beautiful. I so appreciate the writers’ sending in their words and appreciate the readers for reading them.
Until the next time we chat …

Sincerely,

Julie Ann Howell
Always Planting Seeds!