Author Spotlight . Stephanie Howard wrote her first poem at age eight. She went on to win numerous prizes for speech, poetry and debate. Her Grandmother displays the tall trophies on her kitchen island, proof and a reminder to all who visit to follow dreams and live passionately. After the accolades of her formative years, Stephanie's writing took on a more mature voice and in 2008 she self published a collection of poems and essays titled "A Church Whore Plea". As you read this compilation you may see yourself or someone you know and love on the pages. Our writer has been in or close to all of that which she records, never absolving or chastising those involved. I feel privileged to know Stephanie and humbled she designated me to write her BIO. In closing, thinking of Stephanie, I'm reminded of a quote of anonymous origin, "Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible." That's our girl! Stephanie Howard was born and raised in St. Louis,