One Page at a Time

One Page at a Time

This unique format of one page for each story would challenge most writers, but Pat Carr seamlessly guides me through it. I am eager to turn to the next page, excited that I can pick up this page-turner at any time, often while I am waiting on hold for someone or another.

Dozens of characters dance with author Pat Carr across 259 pages. Some make an appearance, while others weave in and out throughout. Like Carr’s stories, I mean all are interesting, unique, and original. No surprise that Carr has won numerous awards for her writing throughout her life. And, oh, did Carr have some eclectic and laugh-out-loud relationship experiences.

There are pictures of some of those whose interactions with Carr thread frequently on her pages. A bonus comes as Carr shares her first meeting, courtship, and marriage to her current husband, to whom she has been married longer than all the others. I loved the page that discusses his I.Q., for example.

So, who is Pat Carr, and why do writers need to read her? stated, because Pat Carr stands tall among the top three writing teachers I have ever had. Why? Because Pat Carr knows how to write real stories that resonate without getting into people’s heads, trying to psychoanalyze characters, or putting in even one unnecessary word. Her writing is tight, to the point, and makes a point, each time, every time.

Here’s my Pat Carr story:  While I made a good living as a speaker and syndicated columnist, published internationally, I had not one book to my name. Because I lived in Saratoga Springs, New York, I attended The International Women’s Writing Guild’s annual Remember the Magic week-long writing conference for years at Skidmore College.

In 1998, I attended a Pat Carr week-long writing workshop for the first time. This workshop invited attendees to bring their book ideas to flesh them out, get feedback, and get a good handle on going forward and finishing the book.

I brought my first book, Grow Yourself a Life You’ll Love, which emerged from workshops designed to help people see what they needed to do, what they had to stop doing, what they had to understand about others, and what they had to understand about themselves to have a life they love getting up to each morning.

In Pat’s workshop, I learned how to use my growing metaphor throughout the book, how to eliminate the unnecessary, and what I needed to edit my manuscript. Back then, IWWG met in August every year. By April the following year, Thomas More and I had a contract for the publication of my book, which was released in September 1999.

In 2012, Grow Yourself a Life You’ll Love still had five stars on Amazon.com, sold out, and was only available on Internet sites. Does that say something about Pat Carr, not only as a writer but also as a writing teacher? I can tell you I am grateful.

Dr. Carr still teaches, just took another workshop with her in 2011, again at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, sponsored by the Women Artists & Writers Matrix.

Dr. Carr has many award-winning books still in publication. Anyone who wants to learn how to write well and enjoy what they are reading would be well-served by reading all of Dr. Carr’s books.