In my first critique group, I met a writer named L.K. (Lisa) Madigan. Right away I knew she had something special to offer and I looked forward to reading her submissions. When she started a separate group and invited me to join, I jumped at the chance. All the writers she asked to join were discerning readers and excellent writers.
Her first book, Flash Burnout, came out in 2009, the same year my first book was published, so we were doubly excited. We’d published, and our critique partner had published, too. For her debut novel Lisa won the William C. Morris YA Debut Award!
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Then Lisa announced some terrible news. She had a terminal cancer. Over the following months she posted about her end of life journey and don’t remember ever feeling a loss of friend as keenly as I did the loss of Lisa. In a short time and over some distance we’d become close, and I know it was because we shared so much by discussing our stories. Her contributions to my first two books improved them a lot.
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She left another book and that has recently been published as an ebook. I haven’t read this one yet, but if it’s half a good as her first two, it’s worth the read. I look forward to spending more time inside on of her stories.
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I had just found The Mermaid's Mirror and loved it….then the sad, terrible news came. I'll never forget her husband's post on her blog. I'm so glad you knew her. A very lovely post.
This post left me with an emptiness and sadness, as it should, and I didn't even know her. But her legacy lives on.
I feel that same urgency with my own life. To write something that will carry on after I'm gone.
This was a lovely remembrance of her.
M.L. Swift, Writer
Hi Lee – gosh .. life can be cruel and Lisa obviously had much to offer. It's good to know you're immersing yourself into her world – where you can enjoy her life's lessons … within those stories of hers ..
Loss is never easy … with thoughts to you, but particularly to her family – Hilary
Loss is part of life. I understand it logically. It's the emotional side of things that won't let go. Her stories are wonderful.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. It sounds like you both helped each other with your writing. She will be missed! Sending you a hug.
~Jess
Thanks, Jess. I hope people will read her books and enjoy them for a long time.
Lovely tribute, CLee. But it's so sad about Lisa. Glad you had happy times with her too.
Nas
Hi,Nas. It was sad, but Lisa did make people happy with her stories.
Checking email.
Thanks for sharing. I think we have to stop and look back sometimes just to remind us of the sweetness we've been blessed with in life–even if it's sad or hard. The influence one person can have… Mind blowing.
Yes. So often we don't appreciate our beautiful lives–hard knocks and all. This kind of story makes us take a moment to do just that.
What a heartbreaking story. What a gift that she left her words behind, though.
I feel the same. At least she got to see her work appreciated. Thanks, Ruth.
That is just heart breaking. So sorry for your loss.
It's her family that I always felt keenly for. So hard to lose a mom and a wife at such a young age.
Thanks for sharing with us, Lee. I wish I had gotten the chance to know her. She sounds like a really great Lady. *hugs*
Thanks, Cecilla. She was.
This is so sad. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks. And glad to see you here!
Bloody cancer. Such a sad story – but I'm glad for her that she was published before she died. I'm sorry for you that you lost a friend. A touching tribute.
I was grateful that she saw how much people loved her writing, too.
I remember I was so sorry to read about her death, and that I never really had time to get to know her.
She would have been big in on the book scene. That's for sure.
I'm so sorry to read this about your friend. What a loss. This was a wonderful tribute to her. Take care and my condolences to you. *hugs*
Thanks, Julie.
Oh gosh Lee. Total tug at the heartstrings. After the memorial I just went to last week and all the emotions stirring inside me, I know just how you feel. ((BIG HUGS))
Losing people is inevitable, yet that doesn't make it easier. Sorry about your loss, Pk.
Sorry to hear about your friend, Lee, sounds like a special girl.
Thank you, Mark. She was that.
What a touching tribute, Lee. My sympathies on losing a friend. The story made me teary.
It's interesting that I feel so connected to her and I know it's all about the writing we shared.
What a sweet tribute. Cherish those lovely memories and stories.
Thank you, Christine. Wish she were here to write more of her stories.
it sounds like she was a great person!
She was and she's missed.
Lovely tribute. I lost a close writer friend to cancer, too. Hugs.
Sorry for your loss, too, Marcia.
I did her about her struggles. So great you got to know her!
We were able to meet only twice in person, but it seemed like we'd been together forever.
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I'm glad you had the chance to bond with her and develop a friendship. Hugs.
Thanks, Libby. I do feel fortunate in that.
I know what you are feeling and going through. Hugs, Lee.
Like I said, we seem to be on the same path, Bish.
I am sad to hear of the loss of your friend but glad you had a chance to work with her, read each other's work, and become better in life and writing for knowing each other.
My heat to you 🙂
Yes. For all of that I'm very fortunate.
So sad. I'm glad you have such lovely memories to treasure. *hugs*
That's what is wonderful, those memories. Thanks, Jemi.
That's sad cancer had to take your friend. At least you got to enjoy some of the journey with her.
For that I'm very thankful.
So awesome you knew Lisa. And so sad she had to die from cancer.
I know you read her stories, Natalie. She was a super writer.
That's so sad! Sorry you lost such a great friend, but glad you got to know her in the time you had together.
Thanks, Alex.