Welcome to My Book Bag, Mary Manners!
I have been writing since I was old enough to know that words tell a story…about four years old. I have such vivid memories of standing in my basement in Chicago, leaning against the washing machine, and scribbling across a notepad because I had a story to tell. Of course, the scribble was just gibberish, but the story was clear in my mind.
My primary school librarian read wonderful stories from picture books. One of my favorites was Sam, Bangs and Moonshine. I loved the wonderful tale of the inquisitive girl and her cat, and the father whose love was overshadowed by grief over the loss of his wife…so many powerful emotions interwoven with haunting illustrations. As you can guess, library hour was my favorite time of the week.
In sixth grade, I had a wonderful teacher who nurtured my writing. She came to school early in the morning and worked with me, and I completed my first full-length novel that year. I will never forget this wonderful woman. We corresponded through my college years before losing touch. I will never forget her, though, or the boundless encouragement she gave me.
In high school, I had an English teacher who loved books as much as I did. He understood my passion for words, and encouraged me to read books with more depth and to appreciate their beautiful imagery. He also began a writers’ group, and published some poems I wrote in a school anthology. It was thrilling!
Without these dedicated teachers, I may not have pursued my love of writing…and might very well not be where I am today. I remember them as I teach my middle school students, and try to ‘pay forward’ the encouragement I so graciously received.
So I ask…has there ever been a teacher who impacted you with compassion, dedication, or encouragement? If so, how did this teacher help you to get where you are today…and what would you say to him or her if given the opportunity?
I live in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, our daughter, Danni, and the cherished pets we've rescued from local animal shelters...dogs Abby and Molly, and cats, Lucky and Gus.
I enjoy the outdoors, and especially love the cooler autumn weather. I love cultivating flowers, taking long walks with my wonderful husband, and reading romance novels while lying in our hammock beneath century-old shade trees.
Visit Mary at http://www.marymannersromance.com/
Books by Mary Manners:
Mended Heart
Tender Mercies (E-book)
Light the Fire (Coming March 11)
Brenna's Choice (A White Rose Publishing Dollar Download)
Love's Kindled Flame (A free read, coming to White Rose Publishing April 15)
Thanks for the beautiful post, Delia! I hope I give back to my students just a bit of what some of my dedicated teachers gave to me--boundless encouragement.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, enjoyed learning more about you and your writing. One of my high school English teachers, Mr. Johnson, really impacted my life and that was the catalyst for me embarking on my own writing career. If I had the opportunity, I'd tell him thank you for being an encouraging teacher who helped our class learn to love English.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Mary's books! Actually, I'm in the middle of one right now. :)
ReplyDeleteDeila, I know I tell you this every time I visit, but your blog is so pretty! It brings a smile to my day.
My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Engle, first made me realize I wanted to be a writer. I'll never forget her. And I owe SO MUCH to my pastor's wife (and aunt, by marriage) Sis. Rita Dawson for always believing I had a novel in me. Actually, I owe her for far more than that...
ReplyDeleteshe was a major, major influence on my life in so many areas.
JoAnn, I'm glad you like my blog! :) I have fun with it.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I too have had special teachers who helped to mold me into the author I am today. I can't say enough good things about them. Also, as a animal lover my hat is off to you for giving a great home to your fur kids.
Delia,
This is my first visit to your site, but it won't be my last. Like JoAnn it leaves me with a smile. In a word, wonderful.
Hello Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI am so encouraged to hear there are so many teachers who have impacted you all over the years. Teachers have such influence...it's truly a gift. I hope all the teachers you've mentioned hear your words of thanks some way, some how.
Thank you, JoAnne, for the lovely comment about my books. I hope you are enjoying what you're reading!
And Delia, your blog truly is lovely. I don't know how you manage to do all the wonderful things you do--and so well, to boot. You are such a blessing.
Joanne, thank you for taking the time to stop by and learn a little more about me and my writing. I appreciate you!
Thanks for the compliments on my little blog, ladies! Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to meet a fellow animal-lover. My two cats and two dogs are the best. I'm always amazed when I hear that cats are supposed to be standoffish and solitary creatures, because my cats love to be petted and cuddled. They also love water--go figure! Seriously, at my house we have to monitor the bathtub while it's filling, or the cats will hop in for a swim!
I had a teacher in high school that was tough! She made us agonize over every word, comma and sentence. But I beleive she made me the writer I am today!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of Tender Mercies, Mary and loving it!
Delia, so lovely to visit! God Bless!
Thank you, Tanya. My daughter just finished up an honors English class (she's a junior in high school) and though she agonized through the class, she was thrilled to learn all she did. And she grew to love the 'tough' teacher so much that she elected to take another class with her this semester. Oh, I am so thankful for those demanding teachers who have a real passion for what they do! Their teaching remains for a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite teacher was also the toughest. I had her in 5th grade, and again in 7th. Very, very strict - but we all knew she genuinely cared about us, as well. Wonderful lady, great Christian. Thank you, Sis. Doris Warnell!
ReplyDeleteKeep 'em comin' Mary. Love your stories!
ReplyDeleteMy 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Weiss, is the one who inspired and motivated me to be a writer. Amazing the influence teachers have on a person's life. My daughter, a wonderful writer who actually helped me plot a book, looks down on herself when it comes to writing. She's a keen-eyed, observant, and tender hearted girl, who was told by her 10th grade English teacher that her writing was fine enough, but that she'd "never be a superstar" when it came to the written word. I was aghast, and heartbroken for her!! Mary, your works are outstanding, and you and Delia are two such special and gifted White Roses!! God bless you both - and GREAT post!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when you have encouragement along the way? Tender Mercies sounds wonderful, by the way.
ReplyDeleteWishing you continued success.
Cheryl
Thank you, Delia, for the time you took to put this wonderful post together. I really APPRECIATE you!!!
ReplyDeleteMay God shower you with blessings in the years to come.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the precious words of encouragement. I'm glad you've enjoyed Mended Heart and Tender Mercies. Check out White Rose Publishing for my next two releases, coming in March and April.
Marianne,
ReplyDeleteYour words really touched me. I just hope and pray that throughout my 25 years of teaching I've inspired some of my students to go on and follow their dreams.
Thank you, Marianne, for your lovely and kind spirit!
Thank you, Cheryl. You, too, are a blessing!
ReplyDelete