Comments for Mad Woman in the Forest

Comment on Did you win a tee-shirt? by Kay McGriff

Kay McGriff — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:19:48 +0000

No, I didn’t win a tee-shirt, but I won something of infinitely more value: I learned that I can write and teach. In the past, I have always shelved my writing dream with the start of school in August. Summers are never long enough to accomplish much, so the dream has lain dormant. This year, though, I have started my twelfth year of teaching 8th grade language arts, and I am still writing. With just fifteen minutes a day, I keep adding words to the first draft of my first novel. Yep, it sucks. I have so much more empathy for my students (except most of them think first drafts are great). I missed a few days–life does happen, but instead of quitting, I picked up my pen the next day. Thank you for hosting this challenge. I will continue writing, a little bit at a time, until it is done. Then it’s on to the next project already bubbling in the back of my brain. Maybe in another 10 years I’ll get to see my work in print, too. Until then, I keep recommeding your books to my students. They love them!

Comment on Did you win a tee-shirt? by Kathy Quimby

Kathy Quimby — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:47:17 +0000

I am almost speechless! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! (For WFMAD, for the t-shirt, for the ARC.)

Most of all, thank you for the inspiration and support.

Comment on WFMAD Day 30 – your time is your currency by WRCE bookmarks? Or, I need help. « Writer, Reader, Chocolate Eater

WRCE bookmarks? Or, I need help. « Writer, Reader, Chocolate Eater — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:23:58 +0000

[...] Your Time Is Your Currency [...]

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Jewel Sample

Jewel Sample — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:09:10 +0000

Thank you so much for answering my question and giving so much of your writing knowledge to me this month.

Indeed it is important to remember that there is not a person known who writes perfectly. The love of writing and the process is more important than not writing at all. I don’t think I would know what to do with my hands if I didn’t write–let alone the characters that live for moments in my head, begging to be placed on paper.

Again, thank you so much for taking time to mentor. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Amy Jones

Amy Jones — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:49:36 +0000

Thank you so much for this wonderful month of encouragement. I did it! And so did my sister, Shannon!

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Elizabeth Saunders

Elizabeth Saunders — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:27:14 +0000

Thanks very much for this challenge, and the encouragement, Laurie! It was the worst month in the world to take on a writing challenge: combined writer’s block on my novel with an injured shoulder – this writer’s discomfort went into the physical realm. But it was also the best time to do this, because it pushed me back into my journal and gave me a creative break (I posted about this on my blog for tonight’s writing assignment). Thanks again!

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Lauren :)

Lauren :) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:22:07 +0000

I second this.

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Lauren :)

Lauren :) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:21:22 +0000

I cannot believe I actually did it! I made it a whole month for the first time ever!
Thank you so much Laurie for being my coach and inspiration for this month
Can’t wait till next year!

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Carol Gordon Ekster

Carol Gordon Ekster — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:33:06 +0000

Love what you wrote, Laurie. Then Jane Yolen’s comment pushed me further into wanting to work on writing that I’ve been avoiding lately. Your inspiration is appreciated. If I’m not writing, at least I’m reading about writing!

Comment on WFMAD Day 31 – End of the challenge by Betsy Devany

Betsy Devany — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:09:52 +0000

I am writing and dreaming and singing.
I am writing and dreaming and singing for me, for my work, for my right to do what brings me the greatest of joy.
Echoing Jane’s words, it is loving the process, not necessarily the words you write. At least, not all the time.
But then you get to revise. You get to soar and explore and laugh and cry and . . .
feel so alive that you cannot wait to begin the next story that clamors for your attention.
You have touched my life, Laurie. And I will honor this gift by writing every day, even if it is only for fifteen minutes.
It will, I promise, be more than that.