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Katie Drobina's avatar

The Austin’s were my entrance into a love of fiction and, of course, all things L’Engle. That being said, I am so thoroughly excited for your novel. Anytime you’ve gift us with a glimpse, I’ve been sucked in and ready for more. Cheering you forward!

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Janna Y. Barber's avatar

I've not written as many books as you, but I also feel like I've arrived at this place as a writer who identifies as Christian. I think that's one of the reasons I decided to pursue an MFA. Thanks for articulating this so well, and blessings on this 'fictional' story you're weaving. I can't wait to read it someday!

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Jennifer Howland's avatar

Make it your lowest floor :) Nate will tell you—heat rises.

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Tacy's avatar

I’ve never even heard of Jess 🤷🏼‍♀️ what a stunning painting 🖼 wow 🤩

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Me either! I love it =)

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Annelise Roberts's avatar

This makes me think of a line from a Patricia Polacco book (My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother, if you must know. It's a keeper) where she talks about how her Bubbie tells them these fantastic stories from her homeland, and they ask if it's a true story, and she says, "Of course it's a true story, but it may not have happened"

I have a lot of faith that you will write a true story, Lore.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I will check the book out! I've never heard of it but I love it. It reminds me of Marion Roach Smith's quote, "I have told the truth, but not the whole truth. To tell the whole truth is a fool's errand."

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Nicole Eckerson's avatar

I love this for you!! (In a truly genuine way, not sarcastically.) I hope writing this novel is bringing you life.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

It really is =) Thank you for hoping that for me =)

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Tiffany's avatar

I’m so excited to read about the world and people you create!!

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Thank you!

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Yi Ning Chiu's avatar

Never thought about how faith can be cultivated or slowly extinguished through practicing different forms of writing. Thank you for this.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Have you experienced this, Yi?

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Jamie S. Harper's avatar

I am a big fiction reader - more so than nonfiction so I honestly have always wanted to write fiction, in a sense, too. When I think about it, I’m not altogether sure I know enough about human nature to do so. But whether I do or don’t, I’m hoping your novel will be a success and give you a new way to write what you need to write. Hoping for your success from the way back row and happy to support, whether I can.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

It is definitely pulling on everything I know about human nature to put this story down. But especially the most beautiful parts of human nature, which surprises me a little, I think. I've been surprised by how very genuinely *good* I really believe people are and how their goodness comes through when pressed, not so much the evil we've all been led to believe all our lives.

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Emily's avatar

For me, the holy usually speaks louder in fiction than nonfiction so I am thrilled that you are writing a fiction novel.

I like how you described how there’s a story with story. That makes sense why I love certain books more than others

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I hope that it true with this story =)

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susan s's avatar

I'm excited to see what comes. Madeleine L'Engle was also key to my formation. She and Anne McCaffrey shaped my childhood for the better

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I've actually never read any Anne McCaffrey. Where should I start?

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susan s's avatar

Oh goodness.... Dragon Song and Dragon Singer. It's her YA series, but it's a good entryway into her world. Dragon Drums is the 3rd in the series, but it was never my favorite. Menolly in Dragon Song and Singer always reminded me of Vicky - they had to find their own place to fit. Also, the Crystal Singer series is good. Really, I just love Anne McCaffrey. She was a pioneer in women writing fantasy and sci-fi.

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Chris Yokel's avatar

Sorry, all I can think about now is Bill Murray's quote from Groundhog Day: "I am a god. Not *the* God, I don't think." 😄

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I've never actually seen that movie! I will have to rectify someday ;)

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Katie Andraski's avatar

Good for you. Writing out of your imagination is a marvelously mysterious process. Julia Cameron once said it’s not so much thinking it up but writing it down. Godspeed with this. Looking forward to following your story. You are such a wonderful writer. The Understory did not strike me as coming from a stall…that baby was cantering through all kinds of landscapes.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

YES! I have to actually be careful about where I'm 'thinking it up' because if I don't confine it too much to writing hours then I'm just laying in bed until all hours of the night thinking it up still ;)

Also, thank you for your kindness about The Understory. She was cantering, but I'm going for a full fledged gallop this time ;)

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Katie Andraski's avatar

I hear you on that. Writing can sure disrupt your sleep because of the dream state/imagination we go in during the day.

Don’t forget trotting and walking are important conditioners too. Godspeed.

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Stephanie Gail Eagleson's avatar

Relate! Love this.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Thank you!

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Jennifer Howland's avatar

Keep going, don’t feel rushed, the heat waves this summer will keep you inside in the dark so you may as well take advantage.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Ooooof. It's supposed to be a scorcher this coming week, so yes, I will hibernate in my third floor attic with AC and scribble away ;)

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Judy Wu Dominick's avatar

I relate to so much of this, Lore. I’m finishing the final installment in a spiritual non-fiction series I started last year, and then my intention is to start writing short stories to practice fiction writing—not for publication but to grow those muscles… for pretty much all the same reasons you laid out here! I told my husband that I want to focus on creating art and get out of the business of analysis.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I have always loved thinking of all writing as strengthening muscles, so you know I love this =)

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