We Want to Hear from You!
Gail E– Just opened the book. It is beautiful! Congratulations! I am loving the book! I am enjoying your friendships, inspirational trips, and the “high heel” moments keeping you young. I envy your talent and that of Jackie and Diana. I am still reading it which is an indication of my interest. Hopefully, there will be many new writing groups formed because of the book! BTW-“Love’s Transitions “ brought tears but in a good way. I shared the book with my French cousin in France. He said it reminded him of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I finished the book in about 2-3 days and liked it very much. The two thoughts that come to mind: Jackie’s stories about her father left an impression for many days….. The story about Bobby’s and Zelma’s move back to Illinois told me more about you (Sally) than them.
Sheila E – Congratulations on the finished book! The cover is sharp and looks very impressive! … I thought I’d let you know that I have been reading a little bit every day from Telling Tales and Sharing Secrets and finished it today. It is so-o-o good! I enjoyed all of the stories written by each of you. I was very impressed by the organization of the book, comments that were made, the support you give to one another, I could go on and on. I think you all did a fabulous job!
Anita M – I’m reading your book! Enjoying it!
Kris B – text from Estonia: Just finished Chapt 1. Love it!
Terri – I am SO proud of you! It was surreal to hold your book in my hands, like holding a dream that came to life. I love it, I love the format you guys used. I am just getting started and I can’t wait to read it all.
Emily S – I truly enjoyed reading your book… I’ve just moved to Tucson and was also recently at my grandmother’s memorial service where I met her poetry group. They had clearly created everlasting bonds. Which gave me even more perspective on how connected the three of you are.
- Does your attention stall? It did take me a bit longer to read this than other books for a couple of reasons, usually, I read on my phone before bed, so I rarely read paper books anymore. I read it more like a collection of short stories one or two here and there as opposed to a novel I might read a couple chapters every day.
- What is your big-picture impression of the book? A wonderful collection of short stories tied together by lifelong friendships and the art of learning how to become a better writer.
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes
- Would you consider this book for writers only, or would the “general” public like it? The short stories are wonderful in and of themselves and the bonds of female friendship resonate with almost anyone. As a non-writer, I thought the insight into how the group functioned and how it works was very interesting. Almost made me want to give it a shot.
- Short stories, friendship & writing.
Tarah T – I read the whole book. What I loved – the format. I’m sure that was no little task to decide how to lay that out….meaning – the night of the writer’s group, the prompt, menu, locale, etc. Loved that. It felt like you were attending. And then the story affiliated with the prompt for that night, plus then one other’s critique/input on the piece. Love, love, love. It’s like a blueprint for telling others how to put together a productive writer’s group. And loved that you are always the one getting folks back on task who may want to chat the night away – which I could understand.
Writing styles between you all – are so different. Who wrote about the drug addict watching her child from afar in the playground? Jackie or Diana – not sure? But that style – not my favorite. It was so desolate and desperate. The writing was amazing – but not what I like to read. You write from your heart – from your direct experience (even when fictional Leona shows up – I know you enough to know it’s still your experience informing).
Aside from the nitty-gritty of writing techniques, exercises and short pieces in the book, the collaborative effect tells the story of overwhelming friendship that has certainly withstood years of hardships and grown stronger for it. I love that. With all my heart. I love that larger story. I can close my eyes and be at the table – hearing you laugh – understanding how, through writing, you have shared your life’s joys and heartaches in even more depth than a normal relationship allows. You’ve shared your writing. As a writer, it doesn’t get any deeper than that.
Marlene P – I started the book as soon as I got home and just finished the first chapter. I could not put it down. Is it really true the money was found in a lettuce bag, or was that a made-up prompt? The story was amazing.
Bev and Milt – “I loved the personal stories in this book and hearing about the formation of a supportive writers’ group. It opened my eyes to how much thought and editing goes in to writing an essay, short story or book. I liked reading about the writing prompts they used and the resulting poems and stories. The book kept my interest throughout as I learned more about the women in the writing group. I’m not a writer but I found this book engrossing.”