Meet Effie-Alean Gross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Effie-Alean Gross.

Effie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
About 40 years ago, I read a newspaper announcement for a newly formed writer’s group in the Des Moines, Iowa area. When I called the leader of the group, I never told her that I was a high school dropout, but I let her know that I neither had a college degree nor had been published. “I’m not in your league,” I confessed. She assured me that there was no “league” and everyone was welcome. About eight people attended the first meeting. We read and critiqued our stories. Six months later, my first true story was published in a Christian periodical with about 250,000 circulation. That was my beginning.

Through that monthly writer’s group and various writer’s conferences, I learned about paying markets for fiction and nonfiction. At the Summer Iowa Writers’ Workshop, University of Iowa, I studied under the late W.P. Kinsella, author of Shoeless Joe from which the movie, Field of Dreams came. Later, in Tucson, I studied under the late Ray Bradbury, science fiction writer. I submitted my material “on speculation” to potential markets via U.S.P.S. (before internet), including a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) for the rejection slip, or for the payment. Return postage was required. My favorite thing to do was check the mailbox every day. Rejections came more often than checks. Some writers claim that they could paper a wall with those rejection slips. I never saved mine, so I have no way of knowing.

Eventually, I began getting more and more checks and an opportunity to write a weekly column for a local paper. They paid little, but more importantly, I was receiving a by-line, my name was getting seen, and I was encouraged by fan mail. Then I went back to school as a nontraditional student with a husband, three children, family business and a full-time government job. I first earned a bachelor’s degree in education and then finished with a master’s degree in English from Drake University in 1990. I taught at Paradise Valley Community College for ten years before retiring to sell real estate, quite different writing contracts instead of writing stories, but fodder for my writing, nonetheless.

Now I have a portfolio of about 200 articles and stories, both for religious and secular markets. My work, as well as, my personal story have appeared in periodicals, newspapers, anthologies and works by other authors. I now write mostly on assignment, which is better, because I get a contract and know exactly how much I’ll get paid.

EFFIE-ALEAN GROSS, SPEAKER
For qualities of the “ideal” 14-year-old girl, I was selected for my shyness. No one understands that trait in me today. Thankfully, I took a speech class in ninth grade that drew me to public speaking, which is more feared than death, for most. My speech and drama teachers prepared me for my future. Sure, I get those pre-delivery butterflies, but I get so prepared that the instant I walk on stage, I’m ready to take command, no more shyness.
I’ve taught college classes, given writing workshops, spoken for special occasions, and offered personal testimony. Being in the midst of a crowd is my wheelhouse; I love the interaction and the rewards of seeing lives improve with the words I deliver. Language is powerful, and I respect that fact.

Has it been a smooth road?
Writing can be a lonely business. I’m pretty much a people person, so I can’t sit at my desk eight hours a day; I go to the library, the coffee house, or visit fellow writers. Recently, I moved to Maricopa from Fountain Hills and knew few people here. Fortunately, I met a couple of writers, one at my church, and we can talk shop. Financially, freelance writing hasn’t made me rich. The first check I received for a story, I bought a new desk. Of course I bought dozens of how-to books, too. I’ve been blessed to have a husband who supported me in my endeavors and in paying the bills.
One of the biggest struggles is facing self-doubt about the worthiness of a manuscript. It may look easy, but I edit and revise until I sense that the work is done. Sometimes I ask someone to read my work and give me feedback. When I feel good about every paragraph, sentence, and word—exact word, I know it can’t get any better, only different with more revision. So, I quit, feeling confident that it is good, really good (not just good enough). When I see my article or story in print, the struggle is worth it all.

Currently, I’m writing curriculum involving the parts and counterparts of classic short stories and biblical literature. By critical thinking and analysis, parallels make complex ideas understandable, relevant, and interesting. A notable authority on literature and the Bible has endorsed my book, Literature in Light of the Bible. Alternately, I work on book-length fiction with either WWII, art, or Jewish themes from a Christian perspective. I’m open to speaking on those topics, too.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
As Writer, I write on assignment based on a topic chosen by an organization or company. Fees are based on contract terms. When I write on a subject in which I have expertise, but haven’t entered into contract, I submit on speculation to potential markets. I neither ghost write nor collaborate with others, as a matter of policy. I’m known primarily as a writer and speaker for the Christian market; however, I’ve worked a substantial amount in the secular marketplace, as well. Advertorials, writing that has the features of advertising and testimonials, are a specialty. I’ve written for custom builders, landscape companies, and special event coordinators, among others. As either a writer or speaker, if I’m proud of anything, it’s perseverance. I’m not a quitter. I love excellence and work toward that end in all that I do. I look at the entire picture for a person and project, not just the essentials. My goal is to earn trust and then deliver a product that exceeds expectations.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Phoenix is a great place for writers and speakers to engage in year-round outdoor activities, as well as cultural events. Nature’s beauty, luxurious conference centers, educational opportunities, and yes, even unlimited sunshine provides a bright outlook for creating fiction, nonfiction, and motivational speeches.

Pricing:

• Pricing is customized for each client.
• Fee is based on time, travel, audience size, and requirements.
• Minimum Speaker’s Fee: $250.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.EffieGross.com
• Phone: 480-540-1906 (Text first)
• Email: effiegross@msn.com

Image Credit:
Ken Gross

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