If a certain someone doesn’t take me out to celebrate tonight, there’s going to be trouble.
And I don’t care if Valentine’s Day was just three days ago.
The Writer magazine — the oldest magazine for writers currently being published, and one of the oldest continuously published magazines in the United States — named my website one of “The Writer List: 16 of Our Favorite Writing Blogs and Websites.”
Four veteran contributors were asked to recommend their faves in a cover feature for the magazine’s 125th anniversary issue (March 2012). The article is titled “Websites & Blogs Worth a Writer’s Time.” The Writer contributing editor Stephanie Dickison — a Toronto freelance journalist — wrote:
“Allyson Latta was the first guest on my radio show about writing. She teaches memoir writing and edits award-winning books. Her website, Memoir Writing & More, and blog are rich with resources and inspiration for writers of every age and level. And her extensive one-on-one interviews with authors are not only original and stimulating, but should be compiled into a book. If you want to learn more about writing, I can’t think of a better place.”
I’m crazy-honoured to be sharing space in the list with 15 other dedicated writer- and editor-bloggers. For the rest of the listees, check out the March issue of The Writer, now available by digital subscription.
Thank you, Stephanie Dickison and The Writer.
Now, back to my happy dance!
I can’t think of a more deserving person than you, Allyson. I’ve know you through writing since 2004. Your generous encouragement helped me develop stronger writing skills. Patience, kindness, enthusiasm and good humour make up your character. These traits shine through on your site, which is a guide for all writers–like a warm hug on a cold day.
You’ve donated your time, built up your credentials and taught workshops both in and out of Canada. I will never forget the early days of Ryerson’s Senior Online Memoir Writing course, and years later, joining your 10-day workshop in Tucson. The books you’ve edited often end up as Giller Prize winners and Governor General Award winners. You genuinely connect with writers. You work at keeping in touch and encouraging their progress. You’ve made all of feel special over the years.
And you are my friend and mentor. Thank you. I wish you continued success.
Oh Allyson, congratulations!! You certainly deserve this honour. I’m sure all of us who were with you in Costa Rica join you in your happy dance.
Congratulations Allyson! You deserve all the recognition you’re getting. I second what Mary has said and value your mentoring and friendship very much. Now I’m rushing over to Chapters to pick up a copy of The Writer!
Wow. What an honor! Congrats.
Congratulations Allyson!!!! Wonderful recognition!
From Dace Zacs:
Big congrats on you and your website and blog being acknowledged by The Writer magazine. You DO have a gift for one-on-one with writers, may I say (:
Hope you had a blast celebrating!
From Christine Barbetta:
I was so excited – though not surprised – to read on the blog-post the excellent news that your website was named as one of the top favourite sites for writers (and readers I would add)! Congratulations!
Your website is a great read and a very helpful resource; I often read it or use it for writing information even in between blog notification emails. I’ve passed the link on to many writers looking for information and support. You’re very generous in promoting established and new writers too, something I have benefited from and appreciate.
From Rick Brazeau:
I agree that Allyson’s blog is a great one and deserves accolades.
From Barbara Trendos:
Congratulations, Allyson! What a lovely and well-deserved honour.
From Susan Siddeley:
Wow, Allyson, congratulations. That’s amazing. I´m on limited internet access here, but look forward to reading the piece in full and catching up when I get back to Toronto.
A big Chile hug!
From Ruth M. Fitzsimmons:
Congratulations, Lady, and I hope you are still dancing! How wonderful to have your good work recognized and especially by The Writer. Enjoy! And thanks for the trip down memory lane with the Enid Blyton piece. I grew up with the Five and the Seven and now I need to read the autobiography.
From Ann Walker (Santiago, Chile):
Dear Allyson, Congratulations! This honor is certainly well-deserved! And I do hope you go out for dinner!
From Gail Rudyk (Tucson, Arizona):
Wow, congratulations, Allyson! I sure do hope you get taken out for a wonderful dinner.
Good for you. I like to go back to read your inspiring advice when I need a boost.
I’ll always remember how much fun and how informative your online memoir classes were, back six years or so ago.
I find myself quoting you a great deal to my current workshop attendees. You would be pleased to hear me sing your praises.
My heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generous comments and emails, Mary M., Ruth J., Mary W., Jeff, Cheryl, Dace, Christine, Rick, Barbara, Susan, Ruth F., Ann and Gail …
This recognition by “The Writer” — and you — makes me more determined than ever to make my website easy to use and helpful and to ensure that it gives that little nudge so many writers (including me) need. I’ve had such fun developing it. Thoughts about what to include have often evolved from conversations with or questions from students and writers like you, so thank you for sparking those ideas.
It’s not always easy to tend to the website in the time I have between book editing and teaching and other writing. (Those of you with sites of your own know what I mean.) It’s been a delicate balance, and I haven’t posted as often as I would have liked. But I’ll certainly take your kind comments as encouragement to continue giving this site my best efforts.