From FL, teacher: Thank you again for your time and wonderful contribution to our career day. Please accept these letters as a mere token of our appreciation. It was most defintely my pleasure. I enjoyed it more than you'll ever realize - MLL
From DH: You taught me a lot of things you do. I learned that if you have a dream, you should follow your dream. You said that. You also said that you have to reread what you have written. Mr. L has taught us that too. Everyone has their own style of writing but I do like to reread things. Sometimes I come up with a better way to say things. - MLL
From KS: I really enjoyed your poems and stores, they really showed your personality. It's really nice how you give everyone who helped you to write the story, illustrated and give you ideas an acknowledgement at the beginning of all your stories. I thought that taking your time on stories, like writing it and then leaving it and coming back later was Mr. L's little thing. I love all your stories, especially the Year at Santa's Workshop. Santa's Workshop was a lot of fun to write; I myself LOVE Christmas and so that one wasn't too hard. I also believe in thanking people and giving people credit when they help with a story. It's the very least I can do. - MLL
From RT: Thank you for coming. You really inspired me to write for one of my hobbies and you know what? I actually started a children's book. What really inspires me was your smile. Everytime I looked up, your smile was like an elevator door opening and allowing you to explore the wonder that lies beneath. I am blushing from such comments! I suppose that smile shows you that I really LOVE writing and I LOVED being with your class, I really did. Writing can be a GREAT hobby to have! - MLL
From HM: I really found what you had to say very interesting like how you said, "No matter what age you are, you can always be a writer". You also said that you trust talent rather than age. That's right! Talent is talent, no matter the age of the person. And yes, you can write as a young person or an old person, virtually any age. - MLL
From AG: What I mainly liked about your speech was when you showed us the pictures that are going to be published in your book. Also, the pictures were very nice. It shocks me that a teenager can draw so magnificant. My illustrator is wonderfully talented. I'm very thankful she was there to help me. - MLL
From ES: We all appreciate the fact that you gave up your plans for the day and came to teach us all about your career... You really captured my mind with the leaf story but you could make it a little longer. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the suggestion. I'd like to make my stories a little longer, too. I did actually change the ending of the leaf story and it's a little longer now. That's one of the hardest things for me to do is make something a little longer or a little shorter. - MLL
From JS: I love the mouse book where she tries to throw a party on her birthday and Valentine's Day and the book where the Easter Bunny tells Santa if the kids were naughty or nice. Of note, that part of the Year at Santa's Workshop has been changed, thanks to the wonderful input of the language arts classes. - MLL
From DC: I enjoy the fact that you take admiration from anyone no matter how old they are. Also me personally. Most people only want adults to help them. I actually prefer young people - they are my audience! - MLL
From GG: Your presentation was very well done. I enjoyed lots of your poems. My favorite was the one about Santa Claus. I hope you had a great time at STMS. I had a GREAT time, thanks for inviting me! - MLL
From AA: I hope I will see you next year and maybe learn about your job, that is if you come. I already plan on it! - MLL
From JT: When I first seen you, my first thought was here we go - a person to tell us something I don't want to be. But when you started to work and talk, that changed and now I feel so different about what I read. That's wonderful to hear! And even if you don't want to be a writer, that's okay. Hopefully you can gain respect for all people and what they do! - MLL
From TD: Another thing is your books are just amazing along with those fantastic pictures that go with the book. But I liked the way the books rhymes, it's like a long poem but better. I thought the pictures were fantastic, too! I have fun rhyming the words - thanks for the compliment! - MLL
From LL: I have learned that you can still be a writer and have a job. Of course, it would be a challenge. Nobody said it would be easy. A person named Mickey Rooney has written the most truthful phase. His phrase, "You always pass failure on your way to success". Mrs. Lepage, you gave me a better understanding of what this phrase meant. This experience has given me a large amount of determination. I was very impressed by what you have written. You're right. Life presents lots of challenges and we all have our little failures - but if we learn from them, they're not failures now, are they? - MLL
From BE: I think it's a great idea to see what the children think of your stories instead of the adults. The high school student that does your drawings is amazing. I think that the best way to see if my books are enjoyed is to go directly to the audience. I'm always thankful for any help, no matter the source. - MLL
From AM: The poems you wrote are very nice. I hope your books get published because they are good. Then one day, I would go to a store and see your books! That would be nice. I hope your wish comes true! But even if never published, I write to bring joy to others. - MLL
From MM: You had the best career. It was better than the furry white pony. That part I liked best was when you showed us a preview of your novel. It was outstanding when you showed us the notes on the side of the paper. How did you get the text box to point to the word and then turn it green? Have you found a better word than "reported" yet? I used Microsoft Word to get the notes on the side of the paper; they're called comments. I just highlight any word in my text and click insert (at the top of the page) then comment. I've found lots of words better than reported but to keep it simple, I just used "says". I saw lots of good words in the thesaurus though! - MLL
From JL: Thank you so much for coming to my classroom. I wasn't here but I heard a lot of interesting things about your presentation though. I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet you. I truly enjoyed meeting the classes. Maybe next time? - MLL
From PV: I'm happy that you could have the chance of becoming a writer because there are lots of people who can't even write a story and yes, I'm one of them! Writing for me is very difficult because it is confusing trying to think of what I'm going to write about. When you came in the classroom and you started talking, you made me feel like writing is really easy. Awwww, don't say you're "one of them"! But even if you find that writing isn't for you, that's perfectly okay. You're right - writing is NOT easy but it can be rewarding. - MLL
From HR: I hope you love your job because I certainly do. Even though I want to be a vet, you have a very cool job. Isn't it wonderful that there are so many different kinds of people? It'd be awfully boring if we all did the same things! Best of luck in fulfilling your goals of becoming a vet! - MLL
From SJ: I found every word and every sentence that you said interesting! The reason for that is when I grow up I want to be a writer. I was hoping you had any ideas because right now I'm kind of stuck with a huge bump in the road. I also loved how you said, "no matter what age you are, you can write". That inspired me to continue with my book and dreams. I hate it when "writer's block" strikes. (In an edited part of the letter), you mention writing about cats and dogs. Have you thought of perhaps another animal story about an extraordinary animal? You might like reading the "Martha" books by Susan Meddaugh. They're about a dog who eats alphabet soup and then can talk and they are HILARIOUS. - MLL
From MP: The most coolest thing about your job is that your daughter helps you with some illustrations. Also, a high school student draws amazing illustrations. And you like to read children's books and adult books. The thing that is most amazing is that you get ideas from children. I think we don't give children enough credit for their marvelous and free imaginations. I seem to get the BEST ideas from children. - MLL
From AT: You showed us some fascinating children's books you wrote. My favorite was Marjorie Mouse. It was funny, creative and came from your own imagination. When you told us we should use our imagination, I wrote that down to remember when I write. Marjorie Mouse was one of those characters that just came to me. I'm so glad you liked her. I'm trying to think of new adventures for Marjorie - Maybe I'll have to do a Christmas book with Marjorie in it. - MLL
From GS: The books were fascinating. I like the dialogue, the grammar and the word choice. The illustrations were artistic and looked wonderful. Thank you for the compliments. You have hit upon some of the essentials in writing. Dialogue, similes, metaphors, alliteration and other figurative language can make a dull story very interesting. - MLL
From KL: I would love to be a writer and teach kids about learning in a fun way. For A Year at Santa's Workshop, how about these lines? Today is my birthday, everyone is here while elves are doing work with cheer. All the kids are playing in the sun while Santa's sitting in his chair with his big fat buns! I thought your words were FABULOUS! I laughed out loud! Thanks to you and other students who commented on Santa's Workshop, I have some ideas floating around for some more stories about the workshop during the year. - MLL
From MH: It was very interesting how you spoke with us and asked us questions and all of that. Thank you so much for your time and showing us your pictures and writing and for your attention to us. I greatly value the input from young people. They generally are very free to give criticism which I take constructively and it turns out to be very helpful. - MLL
From ASH: I thought your presentation was wonderful. You are very talented and the way you can make everything rhyme is very creative. It must feel so good when you are doing something and suddenly an idea pops into your head. It feels GREAT when that happens. Sometimes figuring out the rhyming can be very challenging but you can only imagine the wonderful feeling of accomplishment when I'm able to do it. - MLL
From someone who forgot to sign: I wanted to give you an example of your stories. I think you should be more specific about your characters and a little more emotion in your stories. When you started reading your stories, I could already see your personality shining out of your body so bright. I am so sorry that I don't know who wrote this. I can see how you think I should be more specific about the characters, possibly more descriptive so the reader gets a clearer picture. I'm hoping that I was able to convey the love I have of writing and reading through my personality. Thanks so much for the comments. - MLL
From my own child, EL: I honestly think my fellow students enjoyed it. I myself also enjoyed it. I didn't know you had a new book called "Life of a Leaf"! Did you mean to save that one for career day? Thank you mommy. I actually didn't plan on Life of a Leaf to be a surprise - it just worked out that way. Was it a fun surprise? I'm glad that a lot of students talked to you about the presentation. YOUR personality can shine, my love. Go for it! - MLL
From ND: You are an awesome writer, your poems make people laugh. I love the way that you said, "it doesn't matter what age you are to become a writer". I love to make people laugh; it brings me great pleasure. I'm also pleased that many students have mentioned that age does not matter. Seriously, a great writer can be any age! - MLL
From JO: We heard from Mr. L. that you had a great time. I had a great time listening to your job. When I was younger, I wanted to be a writer. One time I tried to make up a story but it was too hard. You inspired me to write again. How wonderful that you have been inspired! I know it can be very hard to write a story and if it doesn't happen, really, it's okay. I've had lots of stories that didn't work out. Sometimes just leaving it for a while and coming back to it can help and sometimes just coming up with something new will result in a good story. - MLL
From MD: You're right - Writing is like a place away from earth. Do you realy think everyone can write? When did you start? Why did you start? Thank you for answering our questions and treating us with a lot of respect. I DO think that everyone can write IF THEY WANT TO WRITE. It is not for everyone and really, that's okay. It takes all kinds of people to make our world. I actually started writing back in high school, thanks to one of my own English teachers who often commented on my writing. That was a great inspiration to me. I started writing to foster creativity and just for fun. I wrote the I Wish I had a Tail story back in 1998. - MLL
From AN: Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. I like writing and I like drawing. What kind of books did you start? I first started with I Wish I had a Tail. I got the idea from my sister who had a cat with a really fluffy tail. She was talking about her cat's tail one day and I just went with that. - MLL
From AF: Thanks for coming to Mr. L's class. You asked if there were any ideas for your books and I didn't have a clue but when you left, I had a million ideas. What about the Christmas story you say: Santa takes his nap to get ready for his big day when he gets up from his nap, he'll be on the sleigh off on his way. I like the way you worked with the rhymes. As I told another student, I have had so much good feedback on the Santa's Workshop story that I'm trying to think of some specific month stories that go along with what has been written in A Year at Santa's Workshop. I hope to be able to share that with you all one day. - MLL
From GM: When you were here and showed us the drawing and stores you wrote, I only had the time to read the one about the mouse. I wish I could have read them all. The one about Chrsitmas was hilarious. I may see if your teacher would like me to bring a binder with the Marjorie Mouse stories so that you can read them whenever you wish at your leisure. Telling me that you wish you could have seen them all is truly a great compliment to me. Thank you so much. - MLL
From CM: I loved all of your writings. I thought they were great! My favorite story was the one about the leaf. I think when that book comes out, everyone is going to love it. I also liked when you gave the class tips with writing. I liked when you were reading out loud and changed a line right there! It made me think that I should do that. The leaf story was very different from my usual style and I'm glad I had positive feedback. As I said, my cousin really helped me with that idea. Even after I think I've finished with something, I still sometimes change my mind! I was glad to share that with you. - MLL
From RD: Being a writer is a good job but you have to be smart to do it. When your books come out, I'll be sure to read them. It defintely helps to write about something you KNOW, it's less of a chore that way and is more fun. You should also have a good grasp of the English language. Writing doesn't have to be for everyone. If you want to do it, wonderful. If not, that's definitely okay, too. - MLL
From RB: It was very nice of you to show up and show us your work. I can tell you put a lot of effort in your work. So just keep writing those interesting children's books. I try to make my stories the best that they can be. With whatever it is you decide to do, put forth a lot of effort and always do your best. Then you're a winner no matter what. - MLL
From RB: I wanted to thank you for spending time with us even though I was not here. I think that that is a cool job to have. I am definitely disappointed that we didn't get to meet. It was very nice of you to write even though we didn't meet. Perhaps one day, our paths will cross. - MLL
From MB: I hope to some day walk into stores and see all of your books. I loved your Christmas and leaf book and I hope our suggestions for your book will be helpful. I hope that my stories will be in bookstores one day too. Even if they're not, my reason for writing is to hopefully give someone some pleasure in reading. The suggestions I get from students are IMMENSELY helpful to me and I'm grateful. - MLL
From VK: This was a learning experience to me because I like to write poetry. The pictures for your stories were awesome! But I did not need the pictures because while you were reading the story to us, I painted a picture in my head. I hope one day you can come back to show us your new work. I love to hear that you created a picture in your mind. That's a wonderful compliment. There is nothing I'd like more than to share more of my work. Thanks for asking! - MLL
From BD: You have taught me that you can write when you want and you should enjoy it. You also taught me that you should write what you know and what you like. One thing I liked was that you take any criticism to make you better and you are open to new ideas. Yes, I think it's very important that if you're going to write, you should enjoy it! It's definitely easier to write about something you know and you should know your audience. That's why I'm so open to listening to suggestions and criticism from students. MLL
From AS: Well what I found intersting was that you are an actual writer and that you are having a book published. That's amazing. You certainly inspired me to never give up with anything in my life. Thank you! I hope you'll always remember that - never give up! It is very pleasing to me that you have been inspired. Believe in yourself because you are special and you have something to offer. - MLL
From BA: I was excited when I saw you in my classroom. You have inspired me to write more often. I want to have writing as one of my hobbies. Writing is my hobby too! It relaxes me and allows me to get "away from it all" after my regular job. You can even just write for yourself and no one else. Lots of people do that in diaries. - MLL
From LY: What most people don't know is how great reading can be if you just set your mind to it and paint those wonderful pictures in your head. Reading is one of my favorite things to do and I do just that, paint a picture in my mind of what I'm reading. Not everyone enjoys reading, but everyone should take the time to become a good reader. It helps out in life more than you could ever imagine. - MLL
From CR: Thank you for coming. You taught me that it takes a lot of hard work to be a writer. I tried to write a story that was called "The Secret Boy". I never finished it though because I did not like writing anymore. There is no shame in walking away from a story if it is not working out. The last thing I'd ever want to happen is for someone to get so frustrated that they never want to try again. Maybe one day in the future you'll want to write again but if not, that's definitely okay. I'm very glad we have so many different types of people in our world. - MLL
From SG: Thank you you for coming here and talking to us about your experiences in writing books for kids and how you got the idea to be a writer. It was indeed my pleasure to visit your school. It was one of those days that I'll always remember because it was so wonderful for me. I hope to be able to visit again .- MLL
From VK: Thank you for coming in and showing us your amazing work. In the story, "Year at Santa's Workshop" about the line you did not like - how about this? Bunny believed that all kids were good and acted just like they should? Hey! That's pretty good. We'd have to work with it a little to get the flow but I like how you used "believed" instead of "said" - MLL
From MB: I loved your presentation. I hope soon I can go into the stores and see your books Your presentation will maybe inspire others to be an author because I know it inspired me. As I've mentioned earlier, being there definitely inspired me, too. I was delighted that no one fell asleep! Seriously, I enjoyed myself more than you'll even know. - MLL
These letters touched me more than anyone could ever know. How REWARDING! Being with the students and hearing comments and suggestions have inspired ME so much that I have written a new story, based on A Year at Santa's Workshop. It's called The Workshop in January. See the SNEAK PREVIEWS