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Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Who? Me? IWSG July



It's IWSG Day.  The goal of this blog hop is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. The brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, our brilliant ninja leader, please visit his co-hosts this month: Yolanda Renee, Tyrean Martinson, Madeline Mora-Summonte, LK Hill, Rachna Chhrabia, and JA Scott.

This month we have a theme question: What is the best thing anyone has said about your writing?

I write freelance for a publishing company that produces various local lifestyle magazines.  They gave me a start about six years ago, offering me the opportunity to write about food-related subjects in free blog posts for one of their online publications.  Once I proved myself, they began giving me feature articles in their magazines, and often, my picture appears on the contributors’ page.  Honestly, people who read my blog probably know more about the articles I write than the people in my day-to- day life. I mean, if people ask, I tell them what I’ve written lately, but they don't ask much, and I don’t run around announcing every piece. It is enough for me that the editors pass my name along to each other and every couple of months or so, I receive an email asking me to write a feature story.  The topics are fun, and they pay. I get a lot of enjoyment out of the whole business.

So, last week, my husband and I stopped at the library together. While we don’t know the names of the librarians, they're familiar faces, and as I checked out my books one of the them said to me, “You're the writer, right?”

Eyes widening, I nodded.  “I am.”

She gave me a big grin.  “I carry a subscription to South Shore Living, and I always look forward to seeing your articles.” She said.  “And I read The Globe.  I saw your recent story there too!”

Walking out of the library, honestly, I giggled.  “Did you hear that?” I asked my husband.

“I did,” he said.  “Look at you. You have a fan.”

Then, this past Friday, something added to the fun.  My husband and I went out for an early supper at a modest waterfront restaurant we get to occasionally.  After we finished, I waited on the sidewalk outside while he visited the facilities.  Even though I'd just seen it, I perused the menu stapled on a glass covered bulletin board before beginning to read a wooden-framed notice beneath it.  It was a review, it started off witty, and I gathered myself ready for a fun read.  One paragraph into it, the thing started to sound...familiar?  I checked the byline and started laughing.  Five years later, I'm kind of tickled with myself.  The thing was good and yep, I wrote it.

The best thing anyone has said about my writing?  The compliment some invisible employee bestowed when he or she framed my review and placed it on a bulletin board facing a well-traveled sidewalk on a busy road.

Kind of feels like I have a little "street cred."



15 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That was a really nice surprise. And the librarians know you. Now you're a famous writer in your own town!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

You literally have a credential posted on the street! That's awesome! And actually being recognized is pretty wonderful, too.

www.cdgallantking.ca

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Totally love both of those moments! And how cool that a librarian - someone who is surrounded by books and stories and words - remembered your name and your work. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

So cool to have the librarian comments and then to see something you've written in a frame. Wow!
Congratulations! Soak it up and keep it close!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Liza,

FANTASTIC.... Now those are certainly memorable and will sure to put a smile on your face whenever you feel Blue. Not to mention, you can go to that restaurant any time you feel like your life is out of sorts and you need a true pic-me-up! Or a cold beer and a burger. LOL.

Connie said...

This is a great post, Liza! What fun to see your work posted in the window and what a thrill for the librarian to know you and your writing. What wonderful ways to have your day made and boost your confidence too. :)

emaginette said...

Too funny. I'm not sure I'd recognize my work five years later. I wonder what that means. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Bish Denham said...

Seeing your article under glass, that is indeed and wonderful compliment! Congratulations, Liza!

Joanne said...

that is very cool to be quoted at a restaurant with your own review. Glad it has stood the test of time. And nice to be recognized at the library. I'm sure you have plenty of fans in your neck of the world. Keep writing and they'll keep enjoying. Your circle keeps growing

Unknown said...

Here from Alex's blog. Very nice compliments. You should feel very proud. I really like you blog and plan to visit again. Am now following. Happy writing.

Juneta key said...

That is awesome and impressive. You should feel proud of that. Too cool about the fan to at the library. You do have a great blog. Happy IWSG Day
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That is so cool. The library and the framed review. You're 'known!'

Jenni said...

How cool that you have a fan! People don't always notice bylines in magazines, so that's a big deal. And I like how you recognized your review at the restaurant. Congrats on both!

Pat Garcia said...

Beautiful! Congratulations!!! That's one of my dreams that I am in the process of realizing, writing for a magazine. Haven't got accepted yet, but your article has given me the courage to keep trying. Thanks.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia

Sadira Stone said...

That is an entertaining review that you wrote for that restaurant. You know, it occurs to me that I enjoy reading blogs and other websites because it's like thumbing through a magazine--lots of short, interesting content on a variety of subjects. So that makes you a magazine writer twice over.
It was a pleasure to "meet" you. Greetings from the other coast: Tacoma, WA, to be specific. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Rhonda Gilmour
from Late Blooming Rose