Matt Rifenberg has a remarkable story of resilience, tenacity, and success. When
Cathy Goguen, an award-winning playwright heard his story she knew it would make a
great play. Together they produced that play with an incredible message.
Unstoppable by Design.
Matt has been homeless, friendless, hungry, married to someone addicted to drugs, a
clueless father trying to raise his son, and had a brain tumor. He was terrified of what might
happen as a penniless, unemployed man without direction.
Currently, Matt is employed by the government engineering the destruction of chemical
weapons -- well-respected and successful in that community.
Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finalized in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for the 2012 and 2013 Georgia Author of the Year Award in the novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine Georgia Backroads.
She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing has been featured in the Tales of the Rails, edited by Olin Jackson as well as the Christian Communicator and Southern Writers Magazine. She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writer’s Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers.
As successful as Deborah has been as a writer, she has had more than her share of overwhelming circumstances. In her interview, she shares how to work towards your goals even in the midst of challenging life circumstances.
Her daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor at three years old. Her surgery, together with radiation and meningitis, left her severely disabled. Deborah's daughter is now 39 years old and Deborah cared for her through her own abusive marriage of 26 years. Deborah understands the strength of the human spirit. She also understands the need to push past your pain and do what you love to do.
