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There are so many people who supported Frigg and me during our journey to Anasgar.
My Family:
My husband Lyle, who has always been a calm and willing force behind my writing. He has put up with hours of writing, days of retreats, and mountains of notebooks scattered everywhere. Yet, he’s never objected or voiced a bit of concern for my sanity (at least out loud)!
My sons Jared, Brent, and Nathan who have silently accepted that their mom has this strange writing habit that sometimes consumes her.
My mom Sylvia Awe who encouraged me even though she didn’t really understand what I was doing and why I wanted to do it.
My sister Peggy who has always been there, listening and nodding and accepting my eccentricities as natural.
My sister Barbara who participated in one of my projects.
My writer critique colleagues:
The Willow Writers
· Kriston Clark, who did an amazing job as the interior designer and formatter for Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar. Her patience with me is astounding!
· Victoria Lindstrom, whose publishing journey inspired me. Her excellent writing and confidence in her art has kept me grounded in possibilities.
The Portland Group
· Sara Jivanjee, who always hits the mark with her critiques. She’s led my work in new directions, at times , allowing me to see nuances I’d never considered.
· Nick Lang, who plunges into his writing with amazing gusto and is always willing to ask questions. I admire his journey in life and in writing. You go, Nick!
· Jen Rombaugh, who shares her visual art journey with our group, but also has a tremendous knowledge of what good writing looks and sounds like. It has helped me to see different perspectives in my own work.
· Michelle Glass, whose writing has an authenticity and depth that I respect. I look forward to seeing where it takes her.
The Sassies – We met at a children’s writing conference at Reed College. We were together at a retreat at Danielle’s cabin when I wrote the first words of what was to become Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar at Danielle’s dining room table.
· LeeAnn Rizzuti, a good friend and retreat/conference roommate. Her knowledge of writing and art has provided a welcome point of view. We’ve spent so many hours brainstorming and debating the details of our work.
· Danielle Sharp, who has brought many hours of laughter and fun to our retreats with her numerous stories of travel and adventure. The seeds of Frigg’s journey owes much to Danielle.
· Ann Campbell, whose poem about an event in her father’s life led to a career in writing and publishing wonderful children’s picture books. She has been an inspiration to me!
The Vancouver Group
· Ryan Loghry, whose creativity and artistic style will take him to great success someday. I’ve loved discussing details of our work and appreciate all his suggestions on Frigg’s early evolution.
· Dee Hale, who offered knowledgeable and encouraging suggestions to my early work with Frigg.
· Rachel Hamby, who moved out of town, but not out of our minds and hearts. Her support of my work has been motivating.
And then, there's dear Robyn Waters, a brilliant artist, who has been in two of my critique groups, has been a sounding board, and has challenged me to go deeper with my work.
Those who cheered, encouraged, read drafts, and generally helped me become a better writer:
These three strong, self-reliant women were an inspiration for Frigg’s independent spirit.
· Lou Baran Remillard, my best friend since forever. She has always been an unfailing supporter of my work.
· Deb Shucka, an amazing writer, whose prose style has dazzled and inspired me. I want to write like Deb when I grow up!
· Patty Holt, a woman with a unique and individual sense of style I’ve always admired.
Current and former Principals/teachers/staff of Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (in alphabetical order) who have encouraged me, befriended me, and inspired me. As I look at your each of your names, I can think of happy interactions that helped to make me a stronger author.
Jody Bault Adams, Annie Averre, Angie Avery, Enid Axtell, Melodie Bertheau, Anna Brisbois, Luke Brockman, Deb Brzoska, Melissa Buchanan, Laureen Burger, Sandra Burk, Geoff Busch, Lisa Carbone, Michael Carr, Dave Chartrey, Linda Clark, Greg Conyne, Lisa Cortney, Zada Cotton, Cheri Cronin, Dan Cronin, Susan Cushwa, Andrew Duke, Tammie Ferrell, Rachel Fouts-Carrico, Renee Foran, Tulani Freeman, Lori Gambino, Rie Gilsdorf, Judy Goff, Margaret Green, Trese Green, Gretchen Grey-Hatton, Abby Harris, Vicki Hastay, Jason Hattrick, Jennifer Hockhalter, Jenifer Hudson, Kelsey Hudson, Nora Illades, Maria Kendall, Lynn Ingraham, Jim Jeffers, Leslie Jessen, Adam Joy, Doug Justus, Susan Lagsden, Dianne Lange, Jon Lauderbaugh, Junelle Lawry, Bonnie Little, Sheila Lodge, Caton Lyles, Lisa Madar, Joy Schnidrig, Gina Mariotti Shapard, Katie Martin, Chris McMackin, Ann Medellin, Barbara Nelson, Jim O’Banion, Tim O’Boyle, Seth Olsen, Rebecca Paterson, Lori Rotherham, Jackie Sacks, Angelique Sanders, Danelle Schaff, Malissa Sharp, Donna Sillars, Kim Staffieri, Marna Stalcup, Charles Swarts, Jeri Swatosh, David Tang, Angela Taylor, Wendy Thompson, Joel Thoreson, Susan Tomlinson, Angela Vahsholtz-Andersen, Salena Walker, Adele White, Heather Wilkinson, Ken Winkley, Crystal Zeller, + so many more, including all of the students who passed through the halls and inspired me with their artistic joy!
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Friends
There are too many of you to mention, but you know who you are. Our great conversations at conferences, workshops, retreats, and book events have inspired me!
Copyright © 2024 Deb Cushman - All Rights Reserved.
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