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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The Words Crafter says
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.
M.L. Swift says
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
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
DMS says
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
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Jess. I hope people will read her books and enjoy them for a long time.
Romance Reader says
Lovely tribute, CLee. But it's so sad about Lisa. Glad you had happy times with her too.
Nas
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hi,Nas. It was sad, but Lisa did make people happy with her stories.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Checking email.
Crystal Collier says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
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.
Ruth Schiffmann says
What a heartbreaking story. What a gift that she left her words behind, though.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I feel the same. At least she got to see her work appreciated. Thanks, Ruth.
Elizabeth Seckman says
That is just heart breaking. So sorry for your loss.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's her family that I always felt keenly for. So hard to lose a mom and a wife at such a young age.
Cecilia Robert says
Thanks for sharing with us, Lee. I wish I had gotten the chance to know her. She sounds like a really great Lady. *hugs*
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Cecilla. She was.
Damyanti says
This is so sad. Thanks for sharing with us.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks. And glad to see you here!
Linda King says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I was grateful that she saw how much people loved her writing, too.
Misha Gericke says
I remember I was so sorry to read about her death, and that I never really had time to get to know her.
C. Lee McKenzie says
She would have been big in on the book scene. That's for sure.
Julie Flanders says
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*
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Julie.
Pk Hrezo says
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))
C. Lee McKenzie says
Losing people is inevitable, yet that doesn't make it easier. Sorry about your loss, Pk.
Mark Means says
Sorry to hear about your friend, Lee, sounds like a special girl.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Mark. She was that.
M Pax says
What a touching tribute, Lee. My sympathies on losing a friend. The story made me teary.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's interesting that I feel so connected to her and I know it's all about the writing we shared.
Christine Rains says
What a sweet tribute. Cherish those lovely memories and stories.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thank you, Christine. Wish she were here to write more of her stories.
DEZMOND says
it sounds like she was a great person!
C. Lee McKenzie says
She was and she's missed.
Marcia says
Lovely tribute. I lost a close writer friend to cancer, too. Hugs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Sorry for your loss, too, Marcia.
Catherine Stine says
I did her about her struggles. So great you got to know her!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We were able to meet only twice in person, but it seemed like we'd been together forever.
Libby says
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.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Libby. I do feel fortunate in that.
Bish Denham says
I know what you are feeling and going through. Hugs, Lee.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Like I said, we seem to be on the same path, Bish.
Angela Brown says
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 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. For all of that I'm very fortunate.
Jemi Fraser says
So sad. I'm glad you have such lovely memories to treasure. *hugs*
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's what is wonderful, those memories. Thanks, Jemi.
L. Diane Wolfe says
That's sad cancer had to take your friend. At least you got to enjoy some of the journey with her.
C. Lee McKenzie says
For that I'm very thankful.
Natalie Aguirre says
So awesome you knew Lisa. And so sad she had to die from cancer.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know you read her stories, Natalie. She was a super writer.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
That's so sad! Sorry you lost such a great friend, but glad you got to know her in the time you had together.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Alex.