Writing It Real Testimonials
Magazine Testimonials
You bring us the BEST articles every single time!!!! — Julia Cousineau
Thank you Sheila for giving me this opportunity to re-live that poetic moment. — Mary Alice Long
Sheila Horoscope:
Pisces (S) 3/6 You are a dream for all of us who turned to you for writing help and found a Pisces with double soul, wit and wisdom.
—Joanna Johns
I like this article. It is just what I need. I feel that I can bite into a plum now and taste all of its juices.
— Marcia Wall
Even though my last year has been beyond what I ever would have imagined, I can feel grounded in one area of my life when I check in with Writing It Real each week or reconnect with it when I've been gone. — Mary Kurtz
I love having the exercise at the end, something to do. It also made the article more clear by having something to play with.
— Mary Ellen Jones
Another EXCELLENT essay, this week from you. How delightful to be reminded of early writings and how important they are as an influence for future writing. I’ll use that in next week’s class.
— Sam Turner
This interview was so inspiring. I've kept a daily journal since 1983 and cannot live without writing each day. I think woman need to read about the daily mundane things that get us through what ends up as our life. This is a wonderful website, I am so inspired and excited about it. — Diane Leon
You’ve really outdone yourself this time! After finishing two major proposals, one community assessment and a successful negotiation for a new location for a Head Start classroom (and filling several boxcars with rice on freerice.com), I finally downloaded this week’s Writing It Real. What a treasure trove!
— Mary Ann Payne
As a fiction and nonfiction writer and teacher of writing, I've been a contributor and reader of WIR for years. There's no one like Sheila. She's smart and generous with her students and readers, and she goes the distance for everyone. Her exercises are practical, interesting, and inspiring — they really work. In addition, her ability to gather valuable resources for writers is extremely useful, and the topics she addresses are exactly the ones writers need to think about. Sheila Bender is a gem.
— Janice Eidus, Novelist, author of Vito Loves Geraldine,
Urban Bliss & The Celibacy Club
In Writing It Real, Sheila Bender orchestrates and solos in the most insightful magazine for writers of all levels that I’ve seen in any form. It features an exciting variety of topics and approaches, with Sheila’s own probing, guiding voice, as well as the carefully selected voices of practicing, publishing writers. The articles go beyond mere advice: they are themselves models of fresh, lively writing. Writing It Real leads writers to Writing It Deep and True.
— Meg Files, Novelist. Poet and English Dept. Chair, Pima Community College
Sheila Bender has a great thing going here. The articles are excellent: useful, interesting, and from many different points of view. Writing It Real is a wonderful resource for writers who want to write about their own lives and experiences.
— Ruth Gundle, Publisher, The Eighth Mountain Press
I read Writing It Real every week. It's always inspirational.
— Brenda Miller, Author of Season of the Body and Professor of Creative Writing, Western Washington University, Editor-In-Chief, Bellingham Review
Writing It Real offers wonderfully practical information to keep writers inspired and working. The advice easily applies to whatever I'm working on at the time. The only down side is that now I have no excuse for not writing.
— Jack Heffron, Essayist, Fiction Writer and Author of
The Writer's Idea Book, Editorial Director of Emmis Books
I think Writing It Real is the hardest-working, online service for writers in the U.S.
— James Bertolino, Poet and Writer-in-Residence, Willamette University
Sheila has created a rich website chock full of tips, tools and inspiration. She is not only a great teacher, but a master networker who pulls together resources that diminish our isolation as writers. Thank you, Sheila, and techno-wonder, Kurt!
— Pam Hale Trachta, writer, shamanic practitioner and presenter
ThroughADifferentLens creative tools for personal or organizational insight, healing and transformation
Sheila Bender is the most creative writing instructor I've ever known. Her exercises cut through superficial descriptions so many of us use in our writing to develop work that shines with vivid imagery and emotional truth.
— Jan Halliday, Journalist and Essayist
Thank you! Your writing always inspires me.
— Barbara Stahura, Clariti Communications
I've been a Writing it Real subscriber since Sheila launched her first issue in October 2002. Each week Sheila delivers an article about writing that always informs, inspires, and seems to be exactly what I need. I print the articles to read during my ferry boat commute to work. The instructional exercises and writing prompts that appear in nearly all articles have stimulated many of my best personal essays.
Sheila has the uncanny ability to help writers find the nugget of truth and meaning buried in their prose. I’ve come to her with unfinished essays, and she has helped me take my writing in unexpected directions, helped me develop my essays to a new level, helped me fully voice what is in my heart. Her gentle feedback process makes the word journey a joy.
— Suzan Huney, Administrator, University of Washington
This website has the best information I've come across in recent memory. Thanks.
— Taylor Collins, Visual Artist and Journaler
Your writing is so clear, insightful, and encouraging. It¹s perfect. You continuously give me ideas for my writing groups, and I would be lost without WIR. Today¹s writing prompt will be helpful for my high school English honor students¹ group as well as the medical students that I work with. For the high school students, I am going to encourage them to sign up for your website.
— Karen Rippstein, New York Medical College
[Writing It Real] includes many excellent articles, essays, writing exercises, advice for the working writer, advice on “writing for reading,” and much more. Do you want to turn your life experiences into stories, articles, poetry, plays or books? Then check out Writing It Real!
— Kristi Holl, writing in her First Aid for Writers Newsletter, March 2003
I took one of your courses a while ago. I've appreciated perusing your site as well as the weekly emails. I've found the information valuable to say the least. I'm also working with an Internet radio program devoted to helping fledgling writers, and have suggested your site as a place to gather quality information. Keep up the good work.
— Carter Crosby, CCAT Inc.com, www.ccafinc.com/Products.html
Writing It Real is an amazing resource for the inner life.
— Melanie Supan Groseta
As a dedicated journal writer who's been at it for decades, Writing It Real inspires me to try something new every week when the announcement of a new exercise pops up on in my e-mail box. Whenever I want inspiration or encouragement to continue on my writing path, all I need to do is drop by the site and I never fail to find it.
— Alison Strickland, Author of Harvesting Your Journals:
Writing Tools to Enhance Your Growth and Creativity
Sheila Bender's website, "Writing It Real," commanded my attention the first time I found out that her site dealt in essay and poetry writing. I'd been writing essays most of my life, a few have even been published, but I was writing from instinct and had not been formally taught. I wanted to go deeper in my writing, but I didn't know how. Sheila's web site changed all of that. I can't say enough about the Writing It Real website or Sheila herself. It is a site every writer should belong to.
— Carole Sabo
...this is the very best website for intelligent writers. Since you are one, here's a one-year subscription for you as a gift for no special occasion except that you are a very special human being." — Bonnie Searle
You bring us the BEST articles every single time!!!! — Julia Cousineau
Thank you Sheila for giving me this opportunity to re-live that poetic moment.
— Mary Alice Long
On-Line Classes Testimonials
I'm really enjoying it, by the way. Your exercises always at first make me scratch me head: "What could I possibly have to say about THAT" and then all this stuff flows out, things I haven't even thought about...
—Brenda Horrigan
I appreciate all we did in this class. And it was great having the
3-step response method as a guideline for responding to everyone's work.
—Sandra Braden
Thank you Sheila for setting up such a positive class experience...it has
been very helpful.
—Carolyn Leitch
I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry this is the end of class. It's been an eye-opening experience for me and I think that's exactly what I was looking for. The feedback from you, especially the editing suggestions, and from the other members of the class was very helpful and encouraging.
— Drew Wilson
I am shocked at what I do not see in an essay until I read Sheila's response. Some of it I feel while reading, but do not notice until I see her response. Some of the feelings I get, I think I should not respond to.
No wonder people pay for another's experience! It is so required for us to learn. This is an apprenticeship class for me!
— Verna Tracy
I am charmed by this idea and am thinking very seriously of hiring myself as a journaler and all-purpose writer. Thank you Sheila!
— Mai Lon Gittelsohn
I was trying to write about the moon talking to me...one of the assignments on our course with you...I couldn't get anything 'good' down.. It is 7:15 am in Istanbul and I have been at it for half an hour...thirty minutes of meaningless writing...So I needed to 'read' something…and this just seemed to be the thing to read. I see why now. I need to 'allow myself to create a developing solution with my words, a matrix on the page that could reveal my soul's news." and maybe the revelation won't come today. Thank you for showing me once again to just trust the writing and the soul, as both will reveal what it is they need to.
— Yesim Cimcoz
You thoroughly know how to get thinking on the page to workable prose and communicate feedback clearly and efficiently. It was satisfying to get these stories out and the workshop gave me the confidence to keep at it and to write even when life dissolves into chaos.
Over the years, I've done other workshops from places and names you would instantly recognize, but yours by far was the best.
I also appreciate you being available during and beyond the workshop dates and for keeping in touch to keep us moving through the obstacles. That is rare in an online workshop where other instructors often take advantage of the Internet by hiding behind it or not giving as much as if the class and teacher were face to face.
You have my admiration for your deep skills and high commitment as an
instructor.
— Michele Picozzi
I have really enjoyed this class. I have learned a lot about my writing from you and the others in the class. Lots of talent.
— Cathy Donker
I have so much enjoyed this class and reading the others' work. Thank you.
— Enid
Thanks for a great class. The exercises inspired writing that I was surprised to find myself capable of, and your comments were insightful and encouraging.
— Debra Baxter
I have been doing these classes for a year and a half, off and on. I am wanting to say things more clearly to others (and to myself) about my experiences of life on this earth and how I see things in the world close to me and sometimes far away. Sheila's method, especially in group, has been a very helpful tool for my own growth— -as a writer and as a person. Her classes keep me committed to this work. I have seen beauty and progress in what I am doing and what others are doing. It really, really feels like a privilege to be here...I want to keep learning how to edit without feeling like I am censuring myself or another. Sheila's program is good stuff.
— Melanie Supan Groseta
Sheila's gentle hand may make a writer out of me yet.
— Judith Lavendar
I have been doing these classes for a year and a half, off and on. I am wanting to say things more clearly to others (and to myself) about my experiences of life on this earth and how I see things in the world close to me and sometimes far away. Sheila's method, especially in group, has been a very helpful tool for my own growth---as a writer and as a person. Her classes keep me committed to this work. I have seen beauty and progress in what I am doing and what others are doing. It really, really feels like a privilege to be here...I want to keep learning how to edit without feeling like I am censuring myself or another. Sheila's program is good stuff.
—Melanie Supan Groseta
Conference Testimonials
I wanted to let you know the cotyledon you nourished has sprouted well. My first children’s book, Substitute Groundhog (Whitman), was named a Junior Library Guild Selection, and was recently bought by Scholastic for paper and audio. I’m told it immediately sold out and they were unable to fill their orders with the initial print run! My third children’s book will be out in March.
At your workshop, I won the “Worst Beginning Line” contest, which might seem inauspicious. However, it gave me confidence that I could create what my audience would like. Thank you for all the inspiration and humor you bring to the process.
This conference is the best thing I have ever done for myself in a very long time. Speakers were excellent, the organization was fantastic and all the personal touches were very much appreciated. I feel full!
What a fantastic experience. Loved the intensity & full immersion for the weekend. Loved the camaraderie of fellow writers & teachers. I feel so inspired & energized for the return home in terms of my writing.
Thank you for organizing such a personable, inspiring conference. I had such a special time, and would love to come next year.
I wanted to let you know the cotyledon you nourished has sprouted well. My first children’s book, Substitute Groundhog (Whitman), was named a Junior Library Guild Selection, and was recently bought by Scholastic for paper and audio. I’m told it immediately sold out and they were unable to fill their orders with the initial print run! My third children’s book will be out in March.
At your workshop, I won the “Worst Beginning Line” contest, which might seem inauspicious. However, it gave me confidence that I could create what my audience would like. Thank you for all the inspiration and humor you bring to the process.
— Pat Miller
“I wanted to write, be with the writers, learn something, and get inspired and motivated. I got it all! Even sunshine.”
This conference was more than I could hope for. It was well organized yet flexible and accepting of writers at all levels."
"Thank you so much for such a personable and helpful conference!"
“I expected a week of learning and growing, but I couldn't have predicted the directions they would lead. I learned to hear the poet in my heart. The door to publishing was opened and I'm not nearly as afraid to walk through.”
"The community of writers, the professional approach to serious craft, the expertise of the facilitators, the variety of the curriculum and the perfect pace - bravo!"
"I wanted the peace and time to start writing again and it was fulfilled."
"Thank you! I'm inspired and dedicated! Can't wait for next year!"
"I'm impressed with the spirit of the workshop participants. I'll be back next year!"
“The conference exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I gained greater understanding of the craft, of various approaches to writing, of good workshop technique, and of the community of writers. I felt very much at home and nurtured as a professional by professionals.”
What Writing Professionals Say About the Conference Faculty"Sheila Bender is an extraordinary teacher in person and on the page. In Writing and Publishing Personal Essays, her enthusiasm, her wit, and her expertise provide us with exciting ways to approach the art of creative nonfiction. This book is chock full of useful instructions and prompts that will keep you writing a long time."
—Brenda Miller, author of Season of the Body: Essays, Tell it Slant:Writing and Shaping Creative Nonfiction
"Jack Heffron's Writer's Idea Book has quickly become a favorite among writers, no matter what their experience level. The thought-provoking prompts alone make this a valuable tool any writer can use for their own projects." —from fictionaddiction.net
"Meg Files performs the most ancient story-teller's art: she insistently leads her characters to the precipice of loss, despair, submission to the large terrors and small anomies of their times; and then allows them to achieve a kind of grace and hopefulness in the very teeth of the abyss--in her own unforgettable phrase, 'human and winged.'" —Ron Powers, author of Far From Home and Cruel Radiance
Essay Contest Testimonials
Thank you so very much for your SUPER fast and thoughtful reply. I've been stuck with this piece for almost two years and any revising was to no avail. The ending did not seem right, as you suggested. And some of the images did not fit, such as the tear extinguishing the flame - I like your rephrasing for that part. In summary, all your comments were "right on" and will get me out of this rut! Thank you!
—Beth Krueger
I've really appreciated your thoughtful responses to my essays... It's so great to get some solid feedback!
— Kristie McLean
This was a fantastic story. I don't usually like war stories, but you brought the whole experience to life. A compelling read! Thank you.
— Celia Jones
"At the core of the personal essay," Philip Lopate writes, "is the supposition that there is a certain unity to human experience." As essayists, in talking about ourselves, we are in some way talking about everyone. It is our experience that matters and our interest in sharing it that moves others. Orhan Pamuk, 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature, put it this way in his acceptance speech, "All true literature rises form this childish, hopeful certainty that we resemble one another."
To judge a personal essay contest means first to be an interested reader, and to the interested reader, being let in on all manner of human experience is not only mentally pleasurable, it also elicits gratitude and friendship.
As personal essayists, we work very hard to catapult ourselves, via our words, into new territory. When we are done, the beautiful web of our thinking and associations glistens.
— Sheila Bender
Thanks so much!I'm thrilled to be honored by Writing It Real and look forward to your comments.
— Jan Burak Schwert
This is a huge thrill for me. Thank you!
— Lori Stott
As I have mentioned before, your experience, writing and website is so important to me and to so many others. It is as though we have found a united voice for our memories, feelings and ideas to share with others and in turn help us understand who we are, why we write and the importance of having a site like yours to exchange our essays. Thank you so much for my honorable mention award. It means a lot to me.
— Diane Leone-Ferdico
Live Workshops
What you said at the workshop was a breakthrough thought for my own work, to consider an organizing metaphor to bring thoughts to a more integrative, cohesive piece of writing. Thank you, Sheila. The way you taught us from your own experience did not go unnoticed by me.
— Melanie Supan Groseta
Two intensive days of writing exercises, frank discussions, and thorough critique of the work each participant brought made for a unique experience that would be difficult to find elsewhere. We were six women coming from different lives and different perspectives, but through Sheila's careful and attentive guidance, we were able to learn so much about the personal writing style each of us has within. A passionate, caring instructor, six fascinating, competent writers and exciting, healthy lunches made this an experience I will never forget. Thank you, Sheila, for sharing so much of yourself and making this experience possible. And I thank everyone of my fellow participants for sharing so much of yourselves.
— Karen Nelson
I took my first writing workshop with Sheila Bender in the 80's. Little did I know that we would reconnect in 2007 via a Writing It Real weekend retreat. How wonderful! Sheila has retained and perfected her teaching style. Her well-structured workshops are great because of her memory for student work, her ability to help students get at the heart of their writing, her skill at suggesting revisions, and her ready retrieval of helpful references at the drop of a hat. Sheila does this while creating a supportive and facilitative environment, thus insuring camaraderie and collaboration among her students.
— Mary Ellen Talley
I am honored to have met you all. That was the best writing group experience I have ever had.
— Kriss Erickson |
