The Write Place at the Write Time

Comments for our Eight Year Anniversary:

Ginger Peters: The Write Place at The Write Time is a magazine for all readers. It generates a spark every time I sit down and read the current issue. The fiction is exceptional, the non-fiction and memoirs are touching and heartfelt, the poetry is always inspiring and thought-provoking. Nicole and everyone involved in the publication of this magazine exhibit great passion for the work they choose, kindness to the many writers and artists, and most of all I feel their sense of dedication in producing a magazine that FEELS what needs to be expressed. The Write Place at the Write Time is one of my favorite publications. The professionalism and talent shine through each issue. 

Beate Sigriddaughter: When I first wanted to be a poet and storyteller (age seven or so), I wanted to celebrate the world forever with an overflowing heart and in a tender and admiring voice. Some of that flow has been dammed and redirected by criticism and other manipulations. Tenderness and exuberance are not always welcome in our contemporary world, surprisingly not even in poetry. The Write Place at the Write Time is a rare place where celebration of our deep and many-faceted yearnings is still welcome and expressed in many different voices. Happy eighth anniversary to a lovely and wise publication.

Linda Bigness: The Write Place at the Write Time is a very valuable showcase of talent and perspectives. I have enjoyed reading every issue.

Anne Whitehouse: I love that every issue of The Write Place at the Write Time entices the reader, “Come in…and be captivated.” Editors Nicole Bouchard, Denise Bouchard, and Connor Walsh do a wonderful job editing and curating an online publication that reaches readers in 80 countries. Not only have they created a publication that speaks to many people throughout the world, but as a contributor I feel part of a diverse community of writers. I am grateful for the discerning and sympathetic readers that have been introduced to my work through The Write Place at the Write Time and particularly for Cheryl Sommese for her insightful review.

I also enjoy The Write Place at the Write Time as a reader. I appreciate the embrace of genres. In every issue I find work that speaks to me on a profound level. There are new writers as well as more established ones. The Write Place at the Write Time is captivating, a joy and pleasure to read.

Comments for our Seven Year Anniversary:

Anita Solick Oswald: I was going through some old photographs the other day and found my first “acceptance” letter—a notice to Sister Veronica Ann, the principal of my school, that I’d won an all-city writing contest.  Mom had saved it in a box in the attic, and my sister found it and gave it to me after Mom died. 

The day the letter came, Sister Bernard, my homeroom teacher, gave me the good news. The topic was, “What Democracy Means to Me” and the letter said I’d won a $50 savings bond and an invitation to a luncheon at the Walnut Room at Marshall Field’s.  That was a big deal for a young girl. It was luncheon for two; so Mom, who always wanted to be a writer and cheered me on, attended the awards program with me. I felt validated, I was in ecstasy—I was a real writer—and others thought so, too. I was in eighth grade at St. Mel–Holy Ghost Grammar School on Chicago’s West Side, and it was 1962.  I was on my way.

Circumstances and years took me far from my lifelong goal of writing. I married, had children, got a degree in Economics, divorced, pursued a business career, remarried, got a graduate degree—life goes on. But the stories continued to nag at me. They wanted out. At last I began writing about our exploits, the wonderful times, and people I knew growing up. I decided to take a chance. I wouldn’t know until I tried. I sent off my first query letter.

Lucky for me, The Write Place at the Write Time was the right place at the right time, and agreed to publish my cherished stories of growing up on Chicago’s ethnically diverse West Side. I remember the trepidation of opening the email after I submitted my first story, “Saturday at the Movies” afraid to click on the message, and my elation to see the acceptance letter. 

Encouraged by the publication of and enthusiasm about my stories, I continued to submit to The Write Place at the Write Time and was amazed when my story, “Hot Diggity Dog” was selected by guest judge, author Kathleen Flinn, as the non-fiction winner of their First Annual Fiction, Poetry and Non-fiction Contest that year.  The Write Place at the Write Time nurtured me as a writer and treasured my stories.  Like most memoirists, I love these stories and the friends and family that populate them. Some are gone, some are far away, but by telling their stories, they live forever and they are always with me. In the process, I’ve also been able to share the stories with others, and, most importantly to me, I’ve heard from many that the stories brought them joy. 

My stories have a home now. Nicole and staff have encouraged and supported my writing and through this relationship, we’ve become friends and colleagues—the best reward of all. I can once again say, “I am a writer.” 

Thank you, Nicole and staff, and congratulations on another great year of The Write Place at the Write Time.

Pat Greene: As usual, I'm eagerly awaiting the next issue. I'm always amazed at the wonderful new writers you bring to us. It's a true testament to the respect that you have so deservedly earned over these past seven years. What I like most about The Write Place at the Write Time is that while all of the writers and their stories are wonderful, there is always that one or two stories that just reach out and grab you and they leave you feeling absolutely thrilled. Well done, Nicole and Denise—take a bow.

Cheryl Sommese: Nicole and Denise, thank you. Seven years? It is amazing how quickly seven years can pass. I sincerely feel blessed to be a part of your supportive, exceptional publication.

Mark Barkawitz: I don't remember how I first came across The Write Place at the Write Time. But I'm darn glad I did! Over the years, Nicole has published many of my stories and poems, sometimes offering her editing advice, which is spot-on. I love an editor whose insights make my work better! Congrats on your 7 year anniversary. Wishing for 7 more!

Comments for our Six Year Anniversary:

"For me, The Write Place at the Write Time feels like home. It is a place of unconditional support and love, a celebration of life where my writing and my stories are cherished, where those who are gone live again, and I am young and heroic again. For my community of friends and family, The Write Place at the Write Time connects them with happy times and brings them joy"~ Anita Solick Oswald

"As a novice writer I had explored dozens of print and online publications before I discovered The Write Place at the Write Time. The site provided the most complete platform for a variety of writing venues and I was impressed with the inviting atmosphere and professional credentials of the staff. My initial submission was the first piece ever accepted for publication, credited solely with my byline. As a new writer there is no greater sense of satisfaction or encouragement than to know your work has a readership. I have stashed away the e-mail notifying me that my story had been accepted. I have had subsequent narratives published here and while I have no new work in progress I consider The Write Place at the Write Time, my first choice for future submissions. I greatly value the relationship"~ Patrick Byrne

Comments for our Five Year Anniversary:

"The Write Place at the Write Time, that really does say it all. That is exactly how my experience here began, the right place at the right time, which happened to be at an open mic venue. I was approached, during a social break, by a member of the staff, who told me about the online journal, and encouraged me to submit some of my work. I later went to the site and discovered a whole world of amazing writers, art, and poetry. I have submitted since and had some work accepted, which opened up into a whirlwind of amazement as part of a pilot video addition to the journal. Beyond the welcoming family-like atmosphere during the entire process, I honestly have to say that I was blown away by one particular event.

My thirteen-year-old daughter, Alicia, came with me for the filming along with the two other selected poets. From the onset of the evening, it was as if we all knew each other, which we didn’t. During a break in the filming, there were several conversations going on but I took particular interest in one. I turned my head and noticed that Alicia and Nicole were engaged in conversation. I stood there and just observed the interaction and conversation in absolute amazement. I was seeing something that I find very rare today, an adult actually engaged in conversation with a young adolescent. This was not casual chat, adult to child, but a meaningful discussion between two people where age had no hierarchal role. I’m still not sure which touched me deeper, my daughter’s participation or Nicole’s. Simply being present to witness that, is indeed one of the most impressive moments of my life. I cannot say enough about my experience here, and I could go on but this is far too long already. The Write Place at the Write Time is a very good place to be"~ Tim Reed

"The Write Place at the Write Time is celebrating its fifth anniversary?  It is startling how quickly time passes.  Personally, I feel privileged to be a contributing writer for this creative e-zine.  Nicole and Denise have crafted an exceptionally-welcoming sanctuary for their national and international readers.  Sometimes I kick off my shoes, settle in my favorite chair, and revel in the latest edition of this talent-filled publication.  Afterwards, the world seems a little brighter"~ Cheryl Sommese

"It will be exactly two years to the date since you published the first of my short stories in June 2011. As well as the Fifth Anniversary issue of what I consider my literary home, TheWritePlaceattheWriteTime.org.

Since first publishing the first of my short stories to be published since a long forgotten one published in 1977 by the Wisconsin Academy of Arts and Sciences magazine, I have found editor-in-chief Nicole Bouchard's insightful reading and brilliant editing has become invaluable to me as a writer as well as friend.

The magazine has only grown in content and variety of offerings, as well as in terms of prestige and importance to artists, through these years.

I write this as two of my novels--what I self-published as From Where the Rivers Come, and  a Texas thriller that has never before seen print--are being published. And, as far as I'm concerned, Nicole and The Write Place is what launched my too-long-dormant literary career.

Congratulations on lasting longer than some marriages. And I wish you and The Write Place's growing list of contributors and fans celebrate many, many more such anniversaries in the future"~ Terin Tashi Miller

2012

"Has it really been four years?  Congratulations!    

It is a pleasure to be a contributing poetry writer for The Write Place at the Write Time online magazine.  Nicole, Denise, and staff are dignified, gracious, and possess the many skills required to turn out a talent-filled, successful e-zine.  I feel honored to be a part of this impressive literary family" ~Cheryl Sommese

"I congratulate The Write Place at the Write Time.org on its Fourth Anniversary, and look forward to its first 10-year anniversary!

Since first discovering The Write Place at the Write Time online what seems like years ago but has been only the past year or so, I have been thrilled both at its publishing me and seeing the artistic attention to detail in everything from the online magazine's composition to photographs, stories, contests, interviews, and tips.

The Write Place at the Write Time is truly a quality literary (and other arts) magazine. I am proud to have had my fiction published by it, and look forward to a continued long association with it both as a reader and writer.

It was and continues to be without a doubt The Write Place for my short fiction. The editor in chief, Nicole, is extremely gifted at finding the essence of a story and working with the writer to make it clearer or more reader-friendly.

The Write Place's heart is in the right place for lovers of prose, poetry, photography, art, and the nuts-and-bolts of expressing emotion and conveying meaning for readers as well as writers and those interested in the literary as well as other arts.

Enorra buena, as the Spanish say, and many, many happy returns of anniversaries to come..." ~Terin Tashi Miller

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2011

"My favorite memory was simply finding you.   I am honored to be part of your online journal.  It is presented with class and style (panache), the writers are terrific and the devotion of your staff in creating opportunities, etc. are to be congratulated"~ Michelle Kennedy

"When I was selected to be featured in your great literary publication that features all whom have beautiful writing to contribute, I was very elated.  In the writing business, it is very competitive, and new writers are working hard to have their names become known.   The Write Place at the Write Time literary publication recognizes talent with writers entering the ever-changing, hard to break into literary career field.  I believe with persistence, passion, and connecting with the right people, writing talent eventually comes to the forefront where it is supposed to be.

I will be forever grateful for your literary magazine for noticing a new writer who has greater opportunities of becoming discovered because your publication took the time to recognize new talent.  We all have beginnings that allow us to grow and make our future as bright as we desire.
 
Happy Anniversary To A Much-Needed, Creative, Inspirational, And Great Publication! Wishing You Many Years Of Success"~ C. Michelle Olson

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2010

"To Nicole and friends,

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. You have created a wise and important journal that speaks to the way we live today. Congratulations on two years! May THE WRITE PLACE AT THE WRITE TIME continue to grow, to endure, and  to offer a place where creative artists of all kinds can thrive.

Thanks for being there."~ Christopher Woods

"I feel extremely honored to be a contributing writer for such a fine online magazine.  Nicole, Denise, and staff exemplify the words talent, professionalism, and class.  Great job and congratulations on your two-year anniversary!"~ Cheryl Sommese

"To begin a literary magazine is a major undertaking. To embark on a quality literary magazine takes even more determination. And to sustain a quality literary magazine requires ongoing dedication and passion. Nicole, you have succeeded at all of these.

My experience with you may partially explain why. To my submissions, suggestions, and information, you invariably respond promptly (a rarity for an editor), thoughtfully, enthusiastically, and generously. Never having met or even spoken, we have developed a warm relationship, which I cherish. These qualities of caring, consideration, and the highest standards are reflected in the magazine.

Your demand for excellence and constant search for more features to aid and provoke writers make the magazine fresh and original. And your creative adventurousness and aesthetic sense in publishing wonderful photographs and paintings that complement the texts set the magazine apart from others online today.

So, Nicole, at this two-year mark, I wish for you as much satisfaction and delight in continuing to produce the magazine as your audience has in visiting it"~ Noelle Sterne

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2009

“What a wonderful place to visit - you've created a beautiful magazine. You should be very proud of this accomplishment. I plan to visit and enjoy the words and art often”~ CJ Golden

“Impressive! The ink power of the contributors is big. Visual material is just beautiful. I AM captivated”~ Farida Samerkhanova

“Congratulations on attracting all this wonderful new talent and again I feel very blessed to be included amongst such gifted writers. The fall issue is a credit to your own talents and the energy and passion that you have put into the growth process of each issue.  Thanks to you and Denise for all your hard work. You have created a real gem and it's getting more attractive as it ages”~ Pat Greene

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2008

“Your debut issue is really impressive.  I'm pleased with the hard work you and your staff have done to create such an attractive venue for writers and artists”~ Vince Corvaia

"I think the questions were great and the piece looks wonderful. Thanks for thinking of me. All best wishes"~ Alice Hoffman, best-selling author of Here on Earth (an Oprah's Book Club Selection), Practical Magic (made into the feature film), The Ice Queen, Blackbird House, and The Red Garden [Autumn 2008 Interview]

“Thanks for the lively and insightful interview! The questions were delightful and fun to answer, and your web site a perfect dream for a writer"~ Carolyn See, author of Making a Literary Life, novelist, winner of the Robert Kirsch Body of Work Award, UCLA professor and Book Editor for the Washington Post [Winter 2008 Interview]