Thanks for stopping by!
This website is devoted to the craft of writing. During the past 20 years, I’ve written for magazines, newspapers, and books, including four Chicken Soup books.
I’m also the author of nine children’s books:
biographies on Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and British pop singer Leona Lewis;
Celebrities Giving Back, a book on famous people who like to help others;
Recipe and Craft Guide to Indonesia;
3 Greek Gods: Hades, Hephaestus, Hermes.
Check them out on my Books page.
I write a weekly newpaper column and co-direct a writing group.
Middle school students at the school where I work in the library provide me with inspiration and enthusiasm. Leave a comment and let me know of your interest in writing and reading. I’d love to hear from you!
Take care,
Kayleen Reusser xxxkjreusser@xxxadamswells.com (remove the x’s)
Hey Kayleen, I was just reading your article on modesty. After completing 20 years of youth ministry, I find your article very well said.
I also see you have your first book out. Congrats. This week in sermons and lessons I referred to two other articles you wrote. The article on Carl and Alan’s mentoring relationship and the article on Tim Teuffel. Both fit appropriately and they also brought back memories. I just wanted you, John, (and the not so kids anymore) that you are both fondly remembered and appreciated. Tim (fmr. Youth Minister @ PSL Christian Church.
Tim: We go back a long way. Thanks for your encouragement and support! I love writing for The Lookout. They’ve assigned me 2 articles in 2011. And thanks for the referral to the other articles– you used them in a sermon? Wow! We remember you w/ fondness too. Have a great day!
Hey Kayleen – keep up the good work. I overheard a couple of students here at the middle school bragging to a student from another school that “their librarian is a published author”. Thanks for being an inspiration to our kids.
Also, I loved your article on Angie Witte, Mrs. Indiana.
Bev: Thanks for your support and encouragement. It’s a challenge making it all work around school hours. I hope the kids are inspired. My goal is to show them that they could be published writers/authors too.
Angela is easy to work with and inspiring for her dedication to physical fitness, caring about people, and personal ambition. We all need more of those things I think!
So happy to know your writing is continuing.
Rosemary
Rosemary: Thanks for your encouragement. I appreciate it and the work you do to inspire kids to read. I love to see your enthusiasm for books!
I still remember the first time I ever heard your name! It was when I was assigned to do a story on Chris for the News Sentinel – remember that? How the years have flown . . .
You do wonderful work, and are blessed with talent. Hope to see more of your writing soon . . .
I would always read the newspaper and wish I could write stories for it. You’ve been at it longer–you should feel good to know the article about Chris was a springboard for the Civil Air Patrol group to attract more members then. Thanks for your support.
Keep up the great work, Kayleen! The work you do for Stitches of Hope is truly something to be greatful for this Thanksgiving.
Mrs Indiana/Angela: Thanks for your kind comments. I think God leads us in areas we could help most. My fingers don’t fly around a crochet hook, but I can use them to post blogs for people to learn more about us. Our next mtg=Dec 20 @ 6pm. We’ll bring snacks to make it a little party– not much work that night! Hope to see you!
NIce Kay! I love a good story. Wrote one a long time ago called “Rex the Weasel”. You can use that if you want! Have you talked to Sandy Zeigler about her story she wrote about the wayward dog?
Have a great holiday with the kids!
I never knew you wrote a story! Email it to me sometime. Sandy has mentioned her story- we have a Christian writing group that meets second Mon/every month at River Terrace @ 6:30pm. Everyone is invited to bring a story, listen and offer advice, or just enjoy being around people who love words. Thanks for your support!
I love you heartwarming stories about real people. Such an encouraging and touching ministry you have with your writing career.
I really like learning what makes people tick– That’s why I was a Psy major! Now I’m just using that interest in a different way. Thanks for your support. Means a lot.
Wow, Kayleen, I am not a hi-techie by even the greatest stretch of imagination – but I am very impressed – you have done a wonderful job with this site……blessings and much success………love and hugs, Peggie
Wow Kay! Thanks for sharing this with me. I didn’t know you spoke too. Our Women’s Ministry should have you sometime! You are a talented lady, God has blessed you with talent.
Kay, I really enjoyed browsing your website and reading some of your articles. As I was reading your blog page, I noticed at the top of each blog that there was a category (books, magazine article, newspaper article, etc.). Is it possible for you to have tabs for those? I noticed that you have one for books and thought it might be helpful to have one for easier access to other magazine and newspaper articles.
I love your writing style and am so very proud of you for living your dream!!! Keep rocking it!!!
Also…I have a question. I loved the travel article and wondered if you had reviews of other quaint out-of-the-way places because I’m always looking for new places to experience.
Thanks for your support. I’ll work on the tabs– good idea!
I’ll post other travel articles weekly. Are you looking for ones in the Midwest only?
Kay,
I am blessed to call you a friend. Thanks so much for your great work. I enjoy inspiring stories and novels. Looking forward to hearing about all the future doors that continue to open for you.
I believe God has a story in each one of us. Someone just has to look for it! Have a happy holiday season!
Local girl makes it big. Are you going to write that story one day?
Still waiting for that story to unfold.
Thanks for your support. Really appreciate it!
Hello Kayleen!
Just wanted to leave a note to say it was wonderful working with you in the recent articles about Tim and also the northeast chapter of Indiana Gospel Music Association. I look forward to reading more of your work!
~Sarah
Thanks Sarah. It was nice working w/ you too. We listen to Tim every Sun on 100.1 FM from 6am-12noon. It’s great gospel 4-part harmony!
Kayleen–Good luck with this neat website. Nice to see the article about Chris in the News Banner.
Thanks for your comments. It’s been fun talking with great people like you for my weekly column in the Ossian Sun Riser and articles in the News Banner. I’ll tell Chris you liked the story. I have yet to read it!
Hi Kaylee,
Thanks for alerting me to your website/blog. It’s tres cool! I’m going to order one of your books–the one about famous people helping out others. It sounds great and I’ve got a similar project I’m planning. Might “steal” some of your techniques!
Blue skies,
Les Edgerton
Thanks for your response! This is one of my attempts to attract an agent as we’ve talked about. Getting my interest in writing out there is important. Contact me by email if you’d like a Celebs book = kjreusserATadamswellsDOT.com
Kay, Your website looks good. Keep up the great work. God Bless.
Thanks, Sara. Your support is so appreciated. I treasure our friendship too. Have a good weekend!
Hi Kayleen,
I like your new site. Thank you for covering the story of House of Hope Northeast Indiana. God continues to amaze me with divine connections. You are playing a part in that. When you ran the article in the Ossian paper last year, it was read by Bruce and Susan Sonner. They in turn responded by touring the old farmhouse with me. Bruce has since donated hundreds of hours to oversee the remodel project of the farmhouse. Nearly a year later, it is a beautiful home for teens and the vision continues to move forward. Thanks for playing your part in bringing healing and restoration to teens and families in our area. I think a story on Bruce and Susan would most fitting. They are certainly Hometown Heroes in my book!
Tom Felger,
House of Hope NEI
Tom: The Sonners sound like great people working for a great cause. I wish you and House of Hope much success in the future. It sounds like a cliche, but I believe together we can make a difference.
Hi Kayleen! Nice website. Did you design it yourself? I need to make one to publicize my novel, “A Sister’s Promise”, which is now available on Kindle. Hope to see you at Shirley’s next workshop.
Karen
Karen, Yes, I did design it myself. It was a challenge for this non-techie, but eventually I caught on. I didn’t know you had a novel pub’d. That’s great! We’ll have to talk about it sometime. See you at Shirley’s mtg after Christmas!
Kayleen,
Thanks for the wonderful article you wrote on the Gospel Barn of Bluffton. Thanks also for taking the time to come and take pictures at the concert. You are an asset to our community and we love you!
Karen
Karen, Thanks for the kind words. We sure miss the Gospel Barn as its closed for the season. You’re doing a tremendous asset in providing good Christian music to thousands of people at a reasonable cost. I look forward to seeing with you again in the spring!
Kayleen, so happy to see that you are still writing just as avidly as ever. Keep it up! Blessings, Stephanie
Stephanie: I also work in a public middle school library. The students are great and keep me hopping with other potential book ideas. Are you pursuing any writing projects? Have a good day.
Hi Kayleen, I love reading your stories, I love reading about all the interesting people in our area. We never know who walks among us, you bring a lot of that out. I don’t know how you do all that you do. Thanks for all you do.
Nel: Thanks for your note. So glad you enjoy the stories. I believe each person has a good story inside that makes him/her interesting. My goal is to present it well to others to read. You were a very interesting subject — a business owner, a citizen who loves American enough to fight for it and go overseas in 100+degree weather. Not sure I could do that! We’re each blessed with strengths God has given. I’ll stop by your restaurant sometime so we can meet. Take care,
Thanks for the wonderful books and newspaper articles. I have to say it is very cool to know a published author. The kids at school have read and enjoyed your books. Keep up the great work!
Michelle: You’re a good friend. So glad we’ve gotten to know each other at school. I never met another writer until I was 30 years old. I want the kids I meet to know they can write and be published too if they try hard and work to do what is necessary to become an author. Please stop by and say hello often!
Kay
Love the Website. Thanks for the great articles you wrote about the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts. When Scout troops and packs go off into the woods to camp and hike, not many people see or hear about how these kids are working hard and learning to be leaders. I hope we can work together again soon on scouting stories that will let the public know the benefit of having scouting in their community. Keep up the great work!!!
Steve: Good to hear from you! I always believe in the Boy and Girl Scouts. My kids participated in both and learned many good things. The leaders are just as noteworthy as the Scouts for the time and effort they put forth. I will be adding some Scouting stories I’ve written to further posts. Stop by often and yes, hopefully we can come up with even more good stories. Take care.
I appreciated the article you wrote on behalf of Forgotten Children International. Your enthusiams for the Kingdom and for assisting those who cannot help themselves is refreshing. You are a gifted writer and we are grateful for your ministry with words!
Pastor Hartzell: Thanks for your note. I really appreciate your affirming words. I try hard to make each story special, but that one was especially meaningful for me. I’m always looking for story ideas — please keep me apprised of possibilities– I’m sure you know of many! Take care,
Dear Kayleen,
Congratulations on your accomplishments. We miss you at the writers’ group, now Soli Deo Gloria Writers. Your suggestions for crafting our writing were so helpful. I hope the new group in Bluffton works out. Maybe after Christmas, I can try to come. God bless you.
Debbie: Thanks for your note. It would be good to see you again! I hope your writing is going well. Any new books in progress? We’d love to have you at the Bluffton Christian Writing group. It meets on second Mon night/ea month @ 6:30-8:00 @ River Terrace Estate on SR 116 West of Bluffton. Give me a call if you’re interested. Take care,
Hi, Mum!
Your website looks great! I like the color schemes. The chocolate brown goes well with aqua and lime green. Your books are beautiful as are you. I love you!
Love~Linz
Great! Glad you liked it. Thanks for looking around and letting me know the site looks good. I thought of you right away when I saw the color theme. Come back often — might be more people you know. Did you see Lauren’s pic/story?
Hi Kay!
Phew! I always forget to ask you if you have any fiction in the works? I have heard that children’s fiction is the toughest genre to publish but it sounds like so much fun. You get to meet so many great people doing news and true stories so keep on writing and spreading that inspiration!
Your positive attitude shines through everything here, am happy to call you friend. I especially like the pink pages, but (am glad I didn’t make the meeting Monday because I knew you would be taking lots of pictures
Your goofy neighbor and cookie baker,
Karen
Who’s goofy? Not you! Thanks for your compliments. I really appreciate it. No fiction in the works yet. Maybe someday. I love talking to people and learning what makes them tick. Your support is appreciated. Take care,
Hi Kay,
Enjoyed your website. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Phil. I appreciate your support. You do a great job w/ our children’s worship program. We’re proud of you and our church for this emphasis on helping kids understand life. Working together to help kids can only result in good things! Take care,
Hey, Kay
Nice web site. Congratulations on the success that you have had writing books. It’s really exciting to see this world opening up for you.
Best wishes,
John
Thanks! That’s high praise from a techie like you! It’s always a joy to hear from you. And thanks for your kind comments. They are appreciated.
Sorry it has taken me so long but nice website. I’ve been seeing your name in the NewsBanner as well relating to some of the articles you’ve been writting for them. Way to Go! I hope to see more.
Tonia
Tonia: Thanks for the note. I’ve been writing lots of newspaper and magazine articles in recent months. I love learning and talking to people. If all goes as planned, you’ll be seeing several more stories.
Thank you so very much with the help you have given me and helping me set things up.
Very truly yours,
Dr. Gisella Zukausky
Gisella: You’re welcome to the help. Your profession as a hypnotherapist is intriguing. I hope your business continues to prosper.
Hi Kay,
I love your website! Now I want one. Please let me know how you did all of this. The only thing I noticed that might need work is the upper left hand corner of the main page that states “Writing of Kayleen Reusser” – extra line? between your first and last name. I don’t know if that’s fixable, but it’s the only thing I noticed. I would love to read my “Bingo the four-legged detective” books to a live audience, so please let me know if your library might allow that. I need live kids’ reactions to it.
Laura: Thanks for your comments. I’ll check out the page you mentioned. I’ll have to see if my principal would allow you to come in to read. We’re getting in to some busy weeks w/ Christmas so it might be a while. Keep in touch.
Kay, I loved viewing your website. The article on Frenchlick was especially interesting to me. We need to plan another vacation there and stay in the hotel. The architecture was amazing! I’m so glad to work with you at the middle school and to have you as a new friend. Congratulations on your success in writing!
Charlotte: Thanks for your kind comments. We had heard of French Lick for many yrs — when my newspaper editor OK’d a travel article on the area, we were ready to go! So glad we did. The renovations are outstanding. I’ll post a new travel article weekly. Stay tuned!
Kayleen, congratulations on all your success and this cool Website!! My granddaughter would love one of your books on Taylor Swift!
Janet: Thanks for your kind comments. If you’re wanting a TS book for your granddaughter, contact me through FB and we can work something out in time for Christmas. I think TS is a great role model. Take care,
Hi Kayleen,
Love the website. Great job! It’s fun to learn about your vast writing experience. Where can I read your article about modesty? (It sounds really interesting, especially given the fact that you work with middle schoolers.)
Lynette: Thanks for your comments. I’ll check with my editor of the modesty article to see if they will allow it reprinted. It was an important topic for me then and still is. If girls only knew how special they were, this would not be a problem. Thanks for the idea. I hope your trip to Mexico went well. Sounds great! Something to write about there? What are you doing now?
Hey Kayleen. Finally got a chance to look at your site. Looks good and sounds like things are going well and you are keeping busy. Maybe we can get together after the holidays. Blessings to you and your family.
Tammy
Tammy: Thanks for stopping by! So glad to hear from you. I appreciate your taking the time from your schedule to visit my site. It’s been a labor of love. I’ll hope we can get together after Christmas for some chat time. Take care,
Your site looks great, Kayleen. Love the colors and design!
Denise: Thanks for your response and kind comments. This is a work in progress for me, a non-techie! But I like to learn things so this is good. I read your fb posts and saw you have a new book contract w/ friends. How fun that would be! Congrats on that and I hope you have a prosperous 2011!
Nice website. It was nice meeting you last week. I hope that you are nice and relaxed and in a good frame of mind to write.
Shelley: Yes, I feel good. Thanks for your comments. The website is a work of love, as I’m reviewing the articles I’ve written to post a new one daily. Stop by often. It will be good to hear from you.
You look really hot in your picture! I am so blessed to be able to work with you. You make me smile every day! And I am proud of the work you do. Thanks for having the greatest personality EVER!
Kim
You make me laugh! Thanks for your kind comments. I think the same of you. I want the kids we work with to see possibilities for improving their lives everywhere! They can dream big b/c miracles happen!
i think your website is cool Mrs.Reusser
Damian: Thanks! That’s good to know. Working on this myself takes a lot of time, but I’m learning a lot so that’s what counts. See you at school!
Kayleen, you seem to be popping up in all sorts of publications lately. I picked up a copy of the December 2010 magazine “fort wayne’s glo” at the grocery, and there you are again on page 7. Photo and a bit on favorite holiday customs. I also enjoy your newspaper stories. How do you find all the time and with a new book soon to be released? Well done.
Alan: That Glo article was written by a friend. Thanks for your support on my writing. Sometimes it’s a challenge fitting it all in. You’re a great writer and I’ve learned much from you. Have a Merry Christmas!
From your reply which had a time of writing at 2:19 am, I received my explanation of where you find all your writing time. You should sleep a few nights. Ha! Or, as we should say in December, Ho! Ho! Ho!
Kay your website is wonderful, and I’ve really enjoyed spending some time here! You are a beautiful lady inside and out, and God has used you in so many ways to bless people… I’m thankful that your dream of writing. that God placed in your heart. is something you are making come true every day! trully an inspiration! Love you, Robin G.
Robin: Thanks for your kind comments. I appreciate your support. Did you see the article about Carolynn Settle? You might like to read it. It’s fulfilling to write about good people.
I did see the one on Carolynn, it was really great. She is another amazing lady!
I think all of us girls — you, Lori, Peggy, my sister and me — were lucky to have Christian mtrs. What blessings! Have a Happy New Yr!
Hi Kay, You’re doing a great job with your website. I really admire your talent and appreciate everythinng you do to help other writers. You are an amazing woman who is loved by an amazing God. Love ya, Rhonda
Rhonda: Thanks for this kind comment. It was so much fun to work with the kids. I hope to do another project like this someday. Take care,
Hi my name is Ally Miller and I just got done reading about Selena Gomez. I think that, Mrs. Ruesser, who wrote this book,did a FANTASTIC job about Selena Gomez’s lifetime! I wonder how she got all the information about Selena Gomez? One thing I was surprised about is that Selena Gomez first appeared on TV on Barney and Friends.
Thankyou, Ally Miller..
Ally, Thanks for writing! You sound like a big fan! Did you watch Barney & Friends? I bet Selena still watches it! If you would like to read more of my books, please check with your children’s librarian. She should be able to find some you would like– maybe Taylor Swift? Have a great day!
visited your site in response to a book launch for Simply Salsa by Janet Eckles.
thanks so much and God bless!
Shannon Tate
Shannon: Hi! Thanks for your visit and comment. I’m supporting Janet in her book launch and think this is an innovative way to connect people. I hope you have a great day! Please stop by again! I love to write about people and I also write books for children. Take care,
Hi Mrs Kayleen,
I am Natasha from Indonesia, Ms. Mandy is teaching me at school, and Ms. Mandy showed me some of your books and they are all so interesting. I really like your books, so thank you for making them, because it is just so interesting..
xxx,
Natasha
Natasha: Hi! Thanks for writing to me! I love hearing from students, especially ones who have seen and liked my books. Which one did you like the best? I confess, my favorite is the Recipe and Craft Guide to Indonesia! It was fun working with Ms. Mandy to decide on crafts/recipes to create. I hope you can read some of the books and make some of the crafts/recipes. Maybe you can tell your friends to write to me. Take care and have a great day!
Hello! My name is Isabelle, and I just finished reading your article on Travel writing which I am very interested in. Thank you for the tips and advice, especially with the photography. I’m currently a film student, but have taken many writing courses throughout high school and I definitely want to take advantage of the Travel Writing market, it’s so interesting. Thank you again xx
Isabelle: Thanks for contacting me! I’m glad you’re reading The Writer magazine. I still love it after 20 years of writing! It’s a great resource for whatever type of writing you pursue. Travel writing is especially fun. I hope you enjoy your experiences and get to share them with others in print. Please let me know if you have a travel article pub’d. Take care and Merry Christmas!
Hello .. my name is Hesky and I am Miss Mandy’s student from grade 8. I liked your book about HADES and it is interesting. But, I would really like for you to write a book about cars because Cars are cool and interesting. Thank you
Hesky: Hi! Thanks for writing to me! I love to hear from students! I’m glad you liked my book on Hades. It was fun to write. I have written many stories about classic cars from America. Did you see those stories on my blog? Type in the words ‘classic car’ and search and you will find them. I hope you will keep reading my blog and leave more comments. Enjoy!
hello again… I just read the stories about classic cars. they are colorful and also very
interesting. But the cars are the old cars and they are rare to see. I learned a lot from your
story… Thanks
Hesky: Hi! I’m glad you liked the stories about old cars. I enjoy writing them. I don’t own one but I wish I did! What did you learn about these cars? Do you have cars like this in Indonesia?
Dear,
My name is Thomas, im one of the students of miss Mandy:D
i just want to tell the word that u wrote is clear and interesting but is not enough,
i think u must out special thing so it will be different and more better.
Thomas: Thanks for writing to me! I love to hear from students! Do you like living in Indonesia? We are wearing winter coats here and it may snow today. I don’t like snow. I hope you will keep reading my blog and leave more comments. Have a good day!
Writing is one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. I hope I can publish my books like you some day.
Cassie: I’m glad you love to write too! I’m sure you will be an author if that is your dream because I know you will work hard towards that goal. Do 5 things every day to reach your dream and it will come true! Take care, Mrs. Reusser
wow yu have time to be at skool and do this website nice thats takes some time lol well sence i at skoool then i going to be shourt srry about that
well i getting off here now bye see yu at skool tomorrow:) byeee:)
Brittani: Thanks for your comment! It takes a lot of discipline for me to get everything done that I need to as an author. I hope you will read something this weekend, then tell me about it on Monday! Take care, Mrs. Reusser
Hi Kayleen, I found your site through the Writer’s Magazine online. I, too, write children’s stories and a kid’s column for a regional magazine called “Two-Lane Livin’. (Unpaid, of course). Congratulations on all of your successes and publications. I hope some day to get some of my manuscripts published.
Janet: Hi! Thanks for your note! It’s fun writing for kids, isn’t it? I consider it a huge responsibility to give them accurate and entertaining and useful information. My books came about from the advice of another children’s book author during a children’s writing class. Just keep studying the craft and submitting. I’m confident you’ll see your dreams come true!
Hi Kayleen, Sarah Collins gave me your name as someone who uses WordPress successfully. Not being much of a techie, I was wondering if I could appeal to you for some pointers. I was not even able to download their program. I really need to get off of Facebook. It keeps wiping out my entries. Thankyou for any help you can give. Sincerely, Carol McCarty
Carol: Hi! Thanks for your note! Not sure I can help you except to say that I went to WordPress.com and just found a template I liked for my type of website and called the WordPress folks if I had problems. They usually had the right answer and were friendly. If you can’t download their program, look for their contact phone # and give them a call. I’m sure they’ll want to help you. I hope this helps and that you have your own site up soon!
I’ll be on this as much as I can!! 😎
Hi
Hi! Have you been looking at my website? I hope you like it!
Alia: Great! I hope you come back often! I have posted several photos of students. You can search under ‘student’ and they should appear. I hope to have your photo there soon! I love to read comments too so comment often! Take care,
Ok I will