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Caro Clarke's avatar

What an incredible piece, Wendy! ❤️❤️❤️

In case it’s useful, I would add how traumatising it is to have reviewers write negatively about a memoir without it feeling like a personal criticism. With cost cutting, a lot of new reviewers now don’t have the necessary training, time or care to review memoir differently.

Also, there is a difference between writing memoir (for yourself) and publishing it — always see if there’s anything you feel uncomfortable revealing because there is always another way to get the sentiment across without revealing!

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Wendy Pratt's avatar

Thank you Caro xx

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Saige's avatar

I like your honesty. I loathe lies (maybe that's my neurospiciness).

I used to wear masks but now I don't, it is such a relief to drop the mask, to be real. And people warm to that. Audiences warm to it because in this world that is so constructed, so propped up by what is false and fleeting, people hunger for what is solid, the stuff that does not slip from under them.

Nature is healing but it is not a cure. I thought I'd dealt with all my traumas but some newbies came up right before the launch of my historical novel The Seasonwife. I had to switch gears, breathe, and switch back, hold myself, hold my soul, hold hope, be real without revealing stuff that was not mine to share.

I'm drawn to The Ghost Lake and look forward to reading it. I've been recommending it in advance because I like your honesty and because we need stories that rise from the working class.

You have had more than your share and thank you for sharing. Really, thank you. When we share ourselves we are unburdened. At least, I like to think so.

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Wendy Pratt's avatar

Thank you x

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Ann Jay's avatar

I’m a bit slow of the blocks with this one I’m afraid. Congratulations on the fellowship Wendy. I’m absolutely delighted for you. And good luck with the next project. Historical fiction isn’t usually my thing but I’ll make an exception for this one. X

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Wendy Pratt's avatar

Thank you x

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Miranda R Waterton's avatar

Thank you Wendy, that’s wise and helpful. I am sorry that your mother’s cancer treatment was so exhausting for you both. I was very grateful that I lived a few minutes away from the Christie when I went through mine

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Wendy Pratt's avatar

Xxx

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Sue Grogan's avatar

Thank you for that, Wendy. Very succinct and 'spot on' with the caveats.

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Wendy Pratt's avatar

Thank you x

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Sue Spencer's avatar

Thanks for writing this, really insightful and helpful… love your courage and determination… x

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Caroline Mellor's avatar

Thanks for sharing these valuable insights, Wendy. The Ghost Lake is on my tbr list! I can understand feeling relieved at not having to write about yourself any more; memoir is a very brave genre. Wishing you great good luck as you embark on your novel.

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