Comments on: Honest

By: Gwen Stewart

Gwen Stewart — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:25:00 +0000

I did not know your dear hubby is a minister! Great list, Alison. You really nailed the writerly dichotomy of being introverted, yet curious. That’s a lot of writers to a tee (perhaps if we weren’t so curious, we’d never go out. Heh!)

And, I could never find “Gwen” or even “Gwendolyn” on a pencil either, especially considering I was born in the era of Heathers and Jennifers. *sigh* (Does that age me? Shall I claim Caitlin and Megan instead?)

I totally agree with you too on the intimidation factor when I compare myself with other writers. Sometimes I want to crawl in a hole. Scratch that: a LOT of times. Heh. But I just remind myself that, like you said, God gave us each our own voice, ability, and gift. Not many people can write entire books (many think they can, but fizzle out before page 100. There’s stats on that, I believe). So I have to believe that no matter the size of my natural talent, God has used my writing to draw me closer to Him. And that’s a pretty great use of time no matter what.

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for sharing these wonderfully-written thoughts.

God bless you!

By: Avily Jerome

Avily Jerome — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:38:30 +0000

I think you and I may be long-lost twins, Alison!

I definitely want in on the Sydney Bristow Wannabe club- I LOVED that show!

Billy- I just watched the first season of Burn Notice on DVD and LOVED it, so I can relate with you on that one, too!

I totally have a somewhat-hidden prankster side. It comes out more in my blog than in real life.

And I LOVE surprises– very similar situation when my hubby proposed to me! I’ll get to that in a few weeks on my Saturday Story, “How I Met Your Father” on my blog.

Thanks for sharing!

I have been having a really hard time lately with comparing myself to others’ writing skills. Mostly with my “writer friends” it’s ok, but I recently had a “non-writer-friend” try her hand at writing, and it made me really insecure, because I’ve been trying SOOO hard to work on my craft, and it seemed like she didn’t even have to try!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:15:52 +0000

I think Pickles would be a good spy name. Or at least an alias of some kind — maybe a good pen name.

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:06:31 +0000

Oh, and Daniel: the name Natasha is catching my fancy.
Or maybe I could be one of those kid actors from the 90s who had 50 names…Natasha Rachel Sydney Jenny Matilda Jones. Whaddya think?

By: Jacque

Jacque — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:45:44 +0000

My mother always told me the spelling of my name was the way girls spelled it (of course, not always true). I, too, like the spelling of it, but am just now finally getting where I like my entire name of Jacquelyn — may start using it, since it’s my legal name on everything (driver’s license, etc.).

By: Alison

Alison — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:28:29 +0000

Well, Christi, I didn’t mean to add to your burden. =) Purely optional. Glad you came by.

Jacque, I’ve always imagined that it was even more difficult for you to find personalized things than me. I’ve also always loved the spelling of your name. What did you think of it when you were growing up?

KM, you always make me smile; I hope we can meet in person some day.

Lynn, maybe we should start an aspiring Sydney Bristows group! And I agree with you about her character’s contrast; her relationship with her dad was neat to watch.

I haven’t seen much of Burn Notice, Billy, but do you ever watch Monk? The Burn Notice guy was in an episode a couple of years ago and played an astronaut. Maybe I should watch more…I think Bruce Campbell is hilarious.
And while I’m not happy that anyone else struggles with #6, it sure makes me feel more at ease. =)

By: Billy Coffefy

Billy Coffefy — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:16:22 +0000

I can sympathize with number five, though with me it would be the guy on Burn Notice.

And it’s nice to see I’m not the only one struggling with number six.

By: Lynn Rush

Lynn Rush — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:27:57 +0000

GREAT LIST!! I love Alias. I didn’t get to watch it much, but when I did, it was great. I love she could kick some serious butt, yet still be sensitive while searching for answers. I love characters like that.

Press on, sister.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:44:45 +0000

Natasha Fleming (paying respects to Ian Fleming) if you work for British SIS and
Rachael Hastings if you want a more anonymous name that sounds “mysterious” without giving away your cover. Or Alison Bryant sounds pretty good too.

By: gzusfreek

gzusfreek — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:39:55 +0000

Sydney Bristo? I’d have never thought!
“Sometimes I psych myself out, letting myself be intimidated by others’ writing ability.”
Something else that truly surprises me!
I loved this. A little more about Alison!
(now I’m going to be looking all over for key rings and magnets that say: Alison.