Comments on: Not Writing Is Your Alligator

By: lamb

lamb — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:39:43 +0000

This is so lovingly and beautifully written. I know from my own experience, when I was a young(er) writer, just how much a bit of thoughtful, encouraging advice from someone I admire meant to me. Even ten years later, some of those comments still inspire and work to keep my on my chair, in front of my laptop. Taking the time to write this to Michael and to share it with the rest of us is a wonderful gift. Thank you.

By: michelle Engelman Berns

michelle Engelman Berns — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:41:37 +0000

oh my goodness. my goodness gracious mercy sakes alive. how wonderful. Thank you for all the “Michaels” out there including me, at 50. we can all be encouraged just like “letters to a young port” by Rilke. again and again. an on we go.

By: Erin

Erin — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:59:30 +0000

“When you read back over your work and read a sentence that is over written, under written, boring, stiff or whatever and you recognize it– Congratulations! You have just smelled your shit.” *slow clap*

By: Deborah

Deborah — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:56:56 +0000

This is such a beautiful, big-hearted, generous letter full of wonderful advice. I hope that you end up teaching writing somewhere along the way; any student of writing would be fortunate to have you as a mentor.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:41:51 +0000

Yes! I needed this little dose of motivation. Thank you.

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:44:20 +0000

Your mother sent me this link, because I am a writer and she thought I would enjoy your advice. She was right. You made me laugh out loud. And, now I’m off to run from my alligator.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 23:56:54 +0000

I second the first comment.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:40:58 +0000

When I was 19 and wrote letters like Michael’s, it was because I was crushing on someone. I would’ve taken this response as a polite way of shutting me down!

By: Elson

Elson — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:29:03 +0000

Spot on, and I am in full agreement with the old dude. Walking is a sweet secret. Also, write your sentences as well as your stories. Well made, Cath.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:02:15 +0000

Thanks for your lovely advice!

From another young writer.