About
Hello, friend. My name is Sally Matheny. I am an encourager, writer, and speaker. I’m glad you’re here.
If you’re looking for my professional writing bio, click here. Otherwise, allow me to introduce myself in blue jeans-casual style.
At least three people in the U.S.A. go by the name of Sally Matheny. I am the Southerner who likes her tea sweet, her chocolate dark, and her coffee strong.
Want to know more?
As a Child
My southern roots began in Georgia, where my dad was stationed in the Air Force. Before I could learn a Georgia drawl, they moved back to their beautiful hometown in western North Carolina. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I still picked up a way of talking with a few extra syllables and interchanging vowel sounds.
As a child, I never aspired to be a writer. But when I look back, I see the stepping stones that moved me in that direction. Writing and “publishing” books in elementary school, receiving the Library Award in middle school, bringing stories to life in middle and high school drama productions, writing for the high school newspaper, journaling, and a multitude of other things that I didn’t see as anything other than their purpose for that moment.
As an Adult
Later in life, I pondered about writing for publications, but my words were imprisoned by my fears.
Finally, in 2010, the stories in my heart began to outweigh my fears. I set out to learn the craft of writing. Keys for Kids purchased my first work titled “Cry Baby” in 2011. Since then, it has been an exciting journey of learning through rejections and acceptances.
Now, I write for children and for their parents, in the general market and in the Christian market.
My favorite genre is nonfiction. Researching and interviewing enthrall me. Stumbling upon something fascinating in history makes me wonder why I’ve never heard of it before. And then, I ponder how I can share it with others.
Even though I write about different topics for print publications, most of my blog posts are faith-based. For me, everything circles back to God and my personal blog posts intertwine with my statement of faith.
Speaking
As an history enthusiast, I enjoy speaking to various audiences about the strength, courage, and ingenuity of the WWII American Homefront despite its’ flaws and failures. There’s much we can learn from the past and apply to our personal homefronts today.
Also, I enjoy speaking to multi-generational groups. I have had the pleasure of encouraging women of all ages. My favorite occasions are luncheons and teas where moms, grandmoms, and the littlest ladies-in-training have gathered.
See a list of my presentations on the speaking page.
Other Tidbits:
- Former public school educator with a Master’s degree in K-6 Education
- Homeschool Educator for 24 years
- Reviewer of books, museums, and family entertainment
- Member of the Nonfiction Authors Association
- Serve on the Write2Ignite Writing Conference Leadership Team
- Judge for the 2025 ACFW Kingdom KidLit Contest
My Writing
My writing has appeared in international, national, and regional print and online publications.
A sampling of those include: Clubhouse Jr.; Appleseeds; Keys for Kids; The Old Schoolhouse; Practical Homeschooling; Homeschooling Today; The NCHE Greenhouse Report; Schoolhouse Teachers; Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference; Write2Ignite Writers Conference; and others.
made the front cover!
Join Me
Let’s tell the next generation wondrous things! We can do that through the power of story, history, and His Story.
I save parents, grandparents, and caregivers valuable time by searching for quality content—“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:8, ESV). Then, I share these through book reviews, interviews, and encouraging articles.
Will you join me in this adventure? It’s easy to receive free blog updates by using the “Sign Up” space provided at the bottom of this page or click for more info in the right sidebar. I promise I won’t flood your inbox. Life is short and time is precious.
Upon entering your email, you’ll receive: 2 – 3 blog updates each month, a “Tidbits to Tell” quarterly newsletter with extra goodies, and you’ll have full access to the entire Library of Printables.
That’s enough about me. I’d love to hear more about you! Join the conversations under the blog posts or use the contact page. Until then . . .
Keep Telling the Next Generation Wondrous Things,
Sally
*Click here for a note about affiliates.