Comments on: It’s A Wonderful Life

by: Adell

Wed, 16 May 2007 21:06:11 +0000

Emma,

Just having found this website, I was taken by the strong voice in each story, especially yours. Your short sentences, nameless people who exude warmth despite their anonymity, details so vivid with the emptiness, and candor that describes fantasies of hope to which we all cling were masterfully written.

Of course you have moved on. Clarity such as yours is impossible without distance. I hope to read more.

Remember, sobriety always gets better, regardless of appearance because the Great Reality is deep within. Therein is the journey.

by: emma

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 02:09:11 +0000

Marla and George—

Marla, desperation will make ones heart believe anything when ones mind knows better. I was lonely and needed to hear his voice, even though what good sense I had left told me I would never hear from him again.

George, thank you for your kind words! 1978 will be written about again but probably not here on Common Ties. I’m glad you read my first story so you could tie the two together. You are one of ‘few’ who realize that I have moved on in my life and are curious to know how I’ve moved on. Not many people realize that I have a different life now.

Tell your sister to keep writing and never give up hope. Take good care.

by: George

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:28:00 +0000

Please don’t leave us in suspense and write another story about how you got from 1978 until today! Hopefully Common Ties will publish it- although they turned down my sister’s great story, so you never know.

Great Job! I liked your first story here as well.

by: marla

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:36:15 +0000

emma,

this story makes me ache for you. especially about you always listening for doug. so sad.

nice writing.

by: emma

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 23:58:40 +0000

Maeve, I’m glad you ‘enjoyed’ my story and I appreciate your comments. As I have said of another story, I don’t expect anyone to enjoy what they read when it comes to my stories; but to see what a life of drugs and stupidity will lead to. It was a hard road to travel and one I’ve never returned to. Thank you again.

by: Maeve

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:24:47 +0000

i enjoyed your writing style and though it is sparse, as described above, it also does a genuine job of getting us into the realities of being in prison. i also enjoyed the ambiguity of Doug and how a romantic relationship is never implicitly stated, over the course of the story the reader knows that is the case and that Doug is probably the father of the imagined pregnancy. well done.

by: emma

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:48:36 +0000

Norm-thank you for your encouragement. I have moved well beyond the dark side of my past, I assure you. You’re reassuring words mean much to me. Very soon I will be starting work on a book about this time in my life. I am moved to do it in part, because of friends such as you. I promise to keep in touch. Be well.

emma

by: norm

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:25:29 +0000

Emma- The stark, narrative style of this story make it work so well. I hope you stay on the clean side of life, as you have a unique voice and powerful things to say. You are a natural writer, one to whom a gift has been given. Keep writing. All my best, Norm