This newspaper is blessed with several exceptional columnists, four of whom were at Taylor University for a weekend writers’ conference. They tell us they were there to sharpen their skills (and pencils), but we know better. All four of these ladies should be teaching the next generation of writers … ok, one of them was in fact a presenter. Alright, ladies, we expect the bar to be raised just a little bit next week when we see you in print again. (ABOVE, from left) Sharon McMahon, Amy Shankland, Janet Hart Leonard and (seated) Amy Shinneman.