This recognition by “The Writer” — and you — makes me more determined than ever to make my website easy to use and helpful and to ensure that it gives that little nudge so many writers (including me) need. I’ve had such fun developing it. Thoughts about what to include have often evolved from conversations with or questions from students and writers like you, so thank you for sparking those ideas.

It’s not always easy to tend to the website in the time I have between book editing and teaching and other writing. (Those of you with sites of your own know what I mean.) It’s been a delicate balance, and I haven’t posted as often as I would have liked. But I’ll certainly take your kind comments as encouragement to continue giving this site my best efforts.

Wow, congratulations, Allyson! I sure do hope you get taken out for a wonderful dinner.

Good for you. I like to go back to read your inspiring advice when I need a boost.

I’ll always remember how much fun and how informative your online memoir classes were, back six years or so ago.

I find myself quoting you a great deal to my current workshop attendees. You would be pleased to hear me sing your praises.

Dear Allyson, Congratulations! This honor is certainly well-deserved! And I do hope you go out for dinner!

Congratulations, Lady, and I hope you are still dancing! How wonderful to have your good work recognized and especially by The Writer. Enjoy! And thanks for the trip down memory lane with the Enid Blyton piece. I grew up with the Five and the Seven and now I need to read the autobiography.

Wow, Allyson, congratulations. That’s amazing. I´m on limited internet access here, but look forward to reading the piece in full and catching up when I get back to Toronto.

A big Chile hug!

Congratulations, Allyson! What a lovely and well-deserved honour.

I agree that Allyson’s blog is a great one and deserves accolades.

I was so excited – though not surprised – to read on the blog-post the excellent news that your website was named as one of the top favourite sites for writers (and readers I would add)! Congratulations!

Your website is a great read and a very helpful resource; I often read it or use it for writing information even in between blog notification emails. I’ve passed the link on to many writers looking for information and support. You’re very generous in promoting established and new writers too, something I have benefited from and appreciate.

Big congrats on you and your website and blog being acknowledged by The Writer magazine. You DO have a gift for one-on-one with writers, may I say (:

Hope you had a blast celebrating!