Teri Pizza had a difficult time believing people when they told her she had a “gift.” Later, as an adult college student, a professor confirmed what others said, helping Teri believe in herself. Looking for writing opportunities, she volunteered to produce newsletters and directories for various organizations. How-to-manuals were next. Later, retired, she gave her time to typing, organizing and formatting club, church cookbooks, and a gardening manual. Finally, she felt God-inspired to coordinate an anthology. After its publication in 2012 her dreams switched from being a writer to being an author.   Realizing self-published books need more than average self-promotion, Teri looked for avenues to expand her writing footprint and realized two vehicles could help her: County newspaper columns in Florida (paid) and a quid-pro-quo paper in Tennessee.  She secured speaking engagements among civic organizations like Rotary clubs, at writers’ groups, for religious and women’s groups in three states, and as an instructor for several semesters at Master the Possibilities Educational Institute in Ocala, Florida.   She continues to hone her skills as a member of the Florida Writer’s Association, attending the Ocala Freedom chapter. In 2018, she was asked to be a judge for the FWA’s Royal Palm Literary Award.   Due to an unexpected hospitalization, Teri realized health issues might hinder commitments to editor deadlines and speaking programs so that activity has been curtailed for the time being. The good news is, when she’s seated in front of a keyboard she feels like she’s still in her twenties with the added advantage of age-generated wisdom!   Learn more or connect with her via her website: www.teripizza.com, or at Teri L. Pizza on Facebook.