Rachel St. John-Gilbert

I LOVE to hear from readers who connect with my writing--feel free to email me at writesjg@earthlink.net

THE WELL-LIVED LAUGH has a FACEBOOK presence at www.facebook.com/thewelllivedlaugh

**************************************************************************************************** HERE'S AN EXCERPT FROM A PROFESSIONAL REVIEW (PHOTO ABOVE or to RIGHT): "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CREATIVE, EASY-READ"

(CBA, is an industry magazine that makes recommendations to Christian booksellers. )

THE WELL-LIVED LAUGH! (Designing a Life That Keeps You Smiling) is written for women who've lived long enough to realize that life's not for sissies.

There are so many voices out there pressuring us to conform to a myriad of ideas, values, and priorities that it can be hard to hear our own unique voice. This book is a call to do just that.

The 12 essays are "offbeat, contemplative musings for the unconventional woman." It has a decisively Christian bent.

11 THINGS ABOUT ME:

1) I've been a freelance writer for 15 years. I've contributed to, edited, or written about a dozen inspirational gift books for women.

2) My first paid writing assignment was a story on garden tours for Better Homes and Gardens.

3) I am represented by a literary agent and do not self-publish my books.

4) Barbour has published all 3 of my "laugh themed" books. They are a traditional publishing house established in 1981. My manuscripts are reviewed by 2 or 3 professional editors before publication. Even so...typos and mistakes have slipped by--sorry!

5) My husband and I met in Virginia Beach, VA and have been married for over 25 years. He is an amazing father and is hugely supportive of my writing and our family. We have lots of rowdy fun with our kids, 2 dogs, and a kitty. Our hamster's gone missing. The dogs aren't talking.

6) I have 2 school-aged daughters. One is a horse lover and comedian. The other is a ballerina/singer/music theatre junkie. The ballerina is constantly twirling into things and yells, "OW!!" a lot. The comedian relentlessly trolls for laughs--and often succeeds.

7) My son, Trevor, was a music theatre major at the University of Michigan. He lives in New York City, where he works and auditions through his agent at Clear Talent Group. Trevor has one of the biggest hearts for God and other people I've ever seen. Many of his U Mich peers are performing on Broadway and national tours.

8) Like many women, I have my struggles with weight, saying "So long!" to my youthful looks, being a good wife, mother, Christian, dog-mom, overall decent human being... and library patron.

9) I tend towards introvert though I can appear extroverted for about 3 hours. Then I need a cocoon and a nap.

10) I tend towards "Realist," but am an aspiring "Optimistic Realist."

11) I am blessed with a loyal circle of friends and family who anchor my life with their support and love.