Scripts and Stories for Christmas Carolers (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781724656162)

Susan Pope Sloan A native of Columbus, Georgia, Susan grew up in a singing family. Her father (Gordon Pope) used to teach "singing schools"--where people would gather in a church to learn newly published songs. It was at one of these schools that he met her mother (Merle Taylor), who sang in a trio. With her parents and younger brother, Randy, Susan spent many weekends at various churches throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Much of the family's repertoire included songs that Gordon wrote, a couple of which were picked up and recorded by well-known Southern gospel groups, such as the LeFevres and the Thrashers. Both Susan and Randy inherited the "music-writing gene" but have not yet seriously pursued that part of their heritage. Along with a passion for music, Susan developed a love for words, leading her to pursue a degree in English from Lee College (now Lee University) in Cleveland, Tennessee. As a writer, she has published articles in a variety of papers and magazines over the years: The Lighted Pathway, The Church of God Evangel, Youth Sport News, and Northland Neighbors. Her career path was also quite diverse, including several years as a lab technician, secretary, and finally 20 years as a technical writer. Although her writing encompasses several genres, including children's literature, Christian and historical novels, as well as non-fiction, she wanted her first book publication to represent a gift to local music groups. Thus was born A Merry Ministry, followed quickly by Scripts and Stories for Christmas Carolers. Susan found that membership in Toastmasters clubs enhanced her writing as well as her speaking ability. A member since 2008, she has served as club Secretary, Vice President of Education, and Sergeant at Arms, and she is currently working on her final requirements for the coveted Distinguished Toastmaster award. She and husband Ricky are the parents of three grown children and the grandparents of five rambunctious boys. They currently reside in Georgia but plan to move to "someplace in the mountains" during retirement.