Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dallas Woodburn

I can't resist sharing about an amazing young woman. Although only in her early 20s, Dallas Woodburn has accomplished more than many people do in their entire lives.
When she was ten years old, with encouragement from her columnist father, she wrote a book, There's a Huge Pimple on My Nose, and had it printed at Kinkos. It sold so well she went on to have it redone by a publishing company and has sold thousands of copies.
Since then she has won many awards and scholarships, and had her work published in dozens of well-known periodicals. She's a columnist, a public speaker, and all those things hardly make a dent in the list of her accomplishments.
But I'm most impressed by what Dallas Woodburn does to help others, especially kids.
Besides organizing a holiday book drive that has donated thousands of new books to underprivileged kids, she's founder and president of Write On! For Literacy, an organization that helps young people enjoy reading. Here's the website, http://writeonbooks.org.
Woodburn founded a publishing company, Write On! Books,which publishes work by young writers. That website, http://writeonbooks.org/ features writing contests, book reviews, fun writing prompts, and more. She has also been Program Coordinator for the Young Writers Program of the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference, awards scholarships so kids can attend, and has a summer camp where kids from eight to 18 years old can learn to write.
To learn more about this remarkable person, please visit her blog, http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/
By the way, Kevin McNamee, another author I know will be featured tomorrow on this blog:http://marismorningroom.blogspot.com

13 comments:

Mayra Calvani said...

Thanks for spotlighting Dallas, Janet. She's an amazing young person. I know her from the VBT group. I remember visiting her blog a few months ago--I was terribly impressed.

Janet Ann Collins said...

You're welcome, Mayra. And thanks for the comment.

Nancy Famolari said...

Dallas is a very impressive young lady. I, too, am impressed by all the things she does to help young people!

Great post, Janet.

Magdalena Ball said...

Good to learn a bit more about Dallas - Write On! Books is such a wonderful initiative.

Janet Ann Collins said...

Dallas is certainly making a difference in the world, isn't she Nancy and Magdalena..

Unknown said...

I'm a big fan of Dallas Woodburn! I think she has writing in her blood. She has helped so many kids already, and she promises to touch the lives of so many more.

Unknown said...

Dallas is simply amazing! I'm truly impressed with her commitment to the craft of writing.

Darcia Helle said...

Dallas, you are truly remarkable! Every time I read about all your accomplishments, I feel like I've been sitting still all my life!

Janet Ann Collins said...

Thanks to everyone for the comments.

Martha said...

Dallas,
You are inspiration. You have done so much and continue moving right along.
Martha Swirzinski

Karen Cioffi said...

Dallas is an exceptional young woman. I am also a huge fan. I'm with Darcia - you put us all to shame!

Great post Janet.

Dallas said...

Thank you SO much everyone for your kind words and support! Janet, what a wonderful post. Made my week! Thank you.

Janet Ann Collins said...

I'm glad to help promote you and your writing, Dallas. You deserve the best.