About Maria Keckler
Thank you for stopping by. My name is Maria Keckler, founder of WritingtoServe.net, a blog intended to grow, encourage, and connect servant writers. If you are wondering what I mean by “servant writer,” check out the Editor’s Notes page.
Let me take a moment to give you a brief glimpse at who I am, what I do, and why I do it.
On a Daily Basis
I serve as Director of Instructional Technology for a consortium of K-20 Christian schools and ministries, which include San Diego Christian College, Southern California Seminary, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego, and Shadow Mountain Community Church and Ministries. I’m also the founding director of the Ezra Center for Excellence, a collaborative initiative to promote professional development and facilitate the sharing of resources and talent in the organizations mentioned above.
On Writing
Writing has always been an integral part of who I am, but I never imagined that I would find my writing voice in English, a language I could hardly understand when I was a sixteen year old immigrant from Mexico City. Today I’m adjunct professor at San Diego Christian College in the English Department, teaching writing and critical thinking courses. I describe part of my journey in The Power of a Personal Letter.
I’ve been a technical writing consultant, managing editor, ghostwriter, and freelance writer. This year, I embark on yet another writing journey to finish a memoir and seek to become a published book author.
I’m currently working on several magazine articles, the curriculum for a marriage retreat (with my husband), WritingtoServe.net (more details below), CelebrateHope.net (a blog offering inspiration nuggets), and mentoring up-and-coming writers. I’m also a book review blogger for Thomas Nelson.
On Technology
In 1998, when I first heard of the Internet, I rejoiced in the fact that I was “an English major and would never have to deal with technology.” Ironically, instructional technology initiatives, new media, and the role of web 2.0 tools in education occupy a large area of my daily plate.
I still don’t quite know how I ended up on this side of technology, but the truth is that I thoroughly enjoy discovering new technologies, tools, and gadgets. Most importantly, I love helping technology novices use these tools successfully; collaborating with educators to discover ways to use these tools to enhance teaching and learning; and inspiring fellow writers to use social networking tools effectively to connect with their readers and reach new ones.
On WritingtoServe.net
WritingtoServe.net evolved from WordsmithMe.com, a blog that I started in 2007. My goal at the time was to inspire my writing students by modeling the writing process and to keep them connected and inspired after they left my classroom.
Today, WritingtoServe.net reaches a broader audience of aspiring and seasoned authors, as well as those who have something important to share and are just beginning to see themselves as servant writers. This blog covers everything from
- Growing your writing craft
- to developing your writing habits
- to building a writing platform
- to sharpening your writing focus
- to reaching new readers
- to connecting with other servant writers
- to learning from industry experts
- to staying inspired
- to using technology effectively for all of the above (coming soon).
If you want a regular dose of writing inspiration and motivation, you can get WritingtoServe.net delivered by email or by RSS feed.
On Family
I have been married to Sam Keckler for 21 years. Our imperfections, our mistakes, and early marriage struggles have provided opportunities to give others hope. We regularly mentor marriages in crisis due to pornography addiction and are currently co-authoring a curriculum to help marriages rebuild a strong team. Our only daughter, Sarah, is a senior in high school. Without a doubt, she’s God’s blessing on our lives.
Connect with Me
Thank you for stopping by my about page — if you aren’t already, follow me on Twitter so we can interact there. You can also find me on Facebook or get WritingtoServe.net delivered by email.
I look forward to reading your words and connecting with you.
