Blog Schedule

I post on Monday with an occasional random blog thrown in for good measure. I do my best to answer all comments via email and visit around on the days I post.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Posting the first Wednesday of every month, The Insecure Writer's Support Group, is  the brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh. YOU can sign up HERE to participate. To change things up a bit, every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

Let's give our co-hosts  a warm welcome! 
Yolanda Renee, 
Tyrean Martinson, 
Madeline Mora-Summonte, 
LK Hill, 
Rachna Chhabria, and JA Scott! 

This month's question is:
What's the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

I love this idea! After all, how many inspiring quotes can a person share? Oh they'll probably continue to show up, but a shared question binds us even closer together as a family, as a group.

Aside from my mother, who was first person to recognize I might have authorial leanings and was always encouraging, I have to say that the best thing anyone has said about my writing came from Clara Gillow Clark, who was my instructor when I took the novel writing course through the Institute of Children's Literature.

Her final letter to me pretty much blew me away.


"The emotional story is powerful. ...There are so many poignant moments that touch the soul. You’ve captured something special in this story, Bish, something that resonates and feels right and good and true even as it breaks the heart and heals it at the same time. What also struck me again and again is how finely and carefully and thoughtfully crafted each part of the story is developed, revealed, and satisfied. I love the way you handle time and connect all time in a way that affirms and uplifts the reader. Spiritually, it was truly refreshing


Once again, I need to gush about your story, Bish! Your book, A Piece of the Sky, is a powerful and resonating story that has life changing qualities. I can’t tell you how much I hope to see this book in print."

Of course, it isn't in print yet, but after THE BOWL AND THE STONE is published, my next task will revising, editing and finishing A PIECE OF THE SKY. And, it'll be a big one as it's a young adult novel that doesn't take place anywhere near the Caribbean and took years to research. However, Clara's words give me the courage to move forward with the project.

You can find Clara's books, HERE.
Her Goodreads page is HERE.
She is also on Facebook
And Twitter: @ClaraGillow

***
So, taking a deep breath here. If you feel inclined to help me out with The Bowl and The Stone, fill out this long complicated form! I'll be reposting it periodically in the coming months. A big THANKS each and everyone of you who has been so very supportive and generous with your time and help.

***
So, what's the bestest, nicest thing someone has said about your writing? Have you been inspired to start or finish a project because of someone's pat on the back?

31 comments:

  1. What fantastic comments, Bish. I hope you remind yourself of those when the doom and gloom appears.

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    1. I'm going to print it out and keep within eyesight!

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  2. Ditto, Bish, such a wonderful review. Yes, A Piece of the Sky is something you must move forward with! Congratulations, those words will lift you up during that doom and gloom that Nicola mentions. Wishing you all the best!

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    1. Thanks, Yalanda. I'm sure it's going to take quite a bit of work.

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  3. Wow, that was the most incredible comment! I would've been blown away as well.

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  4. You bet, Karen. It's next it line.

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  5. Wow. Gushing rocks! Now I'm anxious to see the book in print too!

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  6. I think I would've read that and cried.

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  7. I bet it brought tears to your eyes. I would have cried for sure.

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  8. Someone once said that she was in love with me, and that my writing had, in effect, opened her heart to me so that could happen!

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  9. I signed up for your blog tour. I'm excited to help you with this!

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  10. Oh wow, those are some good comments! There really is nothing better than someone telling you they love your writing :)

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  11. What an amazing letter, and an amazing teacher! I can only imagine how that made you feel.

    Whenever a reader says they love something I've written, or that it moved or helped them, it's the best feeling in the world.

    Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  12. Just reading Clara's excerpt to you motivated me. It is a powerful word of encouragement and faith in you that you can do it.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Patricia

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  13. I signed up for a blog post. I have a few dates open in October so that's perfect! And I might be able to add your cover reveal to another post in August.

    Clara's comment was awesome. That would've lifted me up for a whole year. :D

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  14. What wonderful and affirmative words from Clara. An editor once told me she couldn't believe my story actually made her cry.

    I submitted a form. You'll see a couple of MAYBE answers. Those are because of timing. I only blog the first of the month, so if you have other commitments for a guest post or your reveal isn't ready on the first, I won't be able to help you on my blog. Also, I checked MAYBE for a review as well. I'm in the middle of trying to get this trilogy to the editor. And I'm reading a really intense book right now. So you may get more bang for your buck by giving your ARC to someone besides me. Email me if you have questions.

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  15. Nicest thing? My sister in law (Dr. Kathleen Hermsmeyer) was talking with some family members about well written books read lately. Kathleen said, "Well, I'll tell this: Sue is a writer, because she is always writing.
    It still gives me shivers.

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  16. Wow! Words of encouragement and praise like those should be posted to see every day!
    Happy writing and happy books!

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  17. Wow, that's such a wonderful string of compliments!

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  18. Congratulations, Bish! Your blog post uplifted me today, and then all those wonderful mentions from readers!<3 Thank you! I'll fill out a form.

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  19. I can attest, there are some outstanding instructors at ICL - nice to meet another alumni! :-) Have you framed that letter of glowing praise? You just can't get more encouragement than that, and it makes me anxious to read the book!

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  20. Awesome compliments. Enjoyed the post a lot. Signed up for you reveal. Wishing you much success.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  21. Awesome compliments. Enjoyed the post a lot. Signed up for you reveal. Wishing you much success.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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  22. Wonderful letter. I'm enjoying the answers to this question. I signed up on your form.

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  23. Lovely, lovely compliment! I hope you polish it and get it out there! Congrats on The Bowl and the Stone, too.

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  24. Clara's letter was beautiful, Bish. You'd better get on that book!

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  25. That's a wonderful letter to receive. I signed up to help. I chose one of the topics for the blog, but am pretty open.

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  26. How wonderful to receive accolades like that, Bish.
    I have received lovely comments about some of my short fiction, and it always makes me feel ten feet tall.

    Susan at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

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  27. That such a beautiful and inspiring letter!

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Your Random Thoughts are most welcome!