The Biblical "Titus Woman" relationship between these 2 authors will be a revelation to women who are struggling with self-esteem at 40, anger at 40, sexuality at 40, mortality at 40, and other relevant issues. The Biblical wisdom and counsel of the older Titus woman will encourage every woman who is in that 40-something season of her life.

Twenty years ago I stumbled across, literally -- it was on top of a box I tripped over -- this little book and took it home. I read it, experimented with the suggestions in it and took every word of it to heart. Since then I've published hundreds of articles, short stories and poems and still I find myself taking this little volume down and re-reading it.

Eugenia Price wrote the introduction to my treasured paperback copy. That says a lot in itself, for she and Ruth Vaughn both write from the basis of Christian faith.

In her first paragraphs, Vaughn says that creative writing is valuable even if not one word ever reaches print. Over the years I've found that to be so, although when I first read it I didn't understand it. For the rest of the book, Vaughn plows through the basic essentials: the diary/journal, time, talent, prayer, notebook, the senses, compression and rules, figures of speech, sound effects, principles, the land, the challenge, then the writing of letters, writing with photos, writing meditations, writing poetry, free verse, greeting cards, writing for children and more.

The material is concise, yet all the basics are here. There are samples from her own writings and samples from her students. Open the book at random and select a passage, you'll find it useful and succinct. For example: "Use words that express the impression made upon your senses," she writes. Then she goes on to provide a list of sensory words to make her point.

I've used this little book in every single creative writing course I've taught over the past 15 years. I recommend it to all who love writing, enjoy reading and who want to explore the craft and art of creative writing.