Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

Hi, Janice, I read your piece and have to say thank you.

I'm not religious or spiritual. I don't go to church and I don't profess a belief in Jesus. I lost my faith a long time ago. I stopped believing in my late teens, but I have to say thank you anyway for the piece that you've written here.

There's a Polish writer Josef Mackiewicz who once said "only the truth is interesting," and your essay here feels like the truth.

That's what the great writers have to offer us: the truth.

Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

I haven't read it yet -- but I will -- because of your unbridled honesty about life in general and yourself in particular.

I am a writer. I've never been published. One day I will be... but, honestly, while it would be nice to be recognized and/or get a nice paycheck for one of my books, just the thought of having someone actually READ something that I've written gives me goosebumps. And when someone compliments my work, I want to believe they truly mean it - that they are not just "being nice." And while, of course, I'm happy to hear the nice things, it doesn't beat the emotion of simply having someone READ it from beginning to end. You see, I have all these stories running around in my head and I cannot get them all down on paper fast enough! Silly, eh? Does that mean I'm not a serious writer? If not, well then... whatever kind of writer that makes me is what I am and will most likely continue to be.

You're right, of course. Faith in something, or Someone, greater than ourselves is what gives us the strength to do that which is beyond our self-imposed limitations.

Thank you for your website, your blog, and especially your books.

Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

I know it is tough for you but you are great. For all of you who do not know I was one of the student Ms. Janice taught my Southern writing class back in the Fall of 2007. I am considered one of the "non-traditional" students. I am married with three kids ages seventeen, twelve and nine. It was a wonderful time. She brought in writers and let them tell there own stories of writing and publishing. I got a great sense of the publishing world from her and from them. I did not realize how difficult it was for any writer.

Ms. Janice was a great inspiration to me. I wrote a story about my grandfather whose mother died when he was eight and his own father left him in an orphanage. It helped me as well as my mother for me to write this story, even though we did not know the details of his father whom we have no idea about.
As one of your other bloggers said, writing is like a meditation which helps one to cope with life. I know you are a great person Ms. Jance, and a great friend also.

I do miss your class and all of the things I learned from you. I will never forget that Fall and the people in there. Thanks and keep on writing and keep on trying to publish because it is worth it to yur readers. As of this past year you made some new fans of your writing and you can't disappoint us or yourself and most of all our Heavenly FAther who put your talent there and it is up to you to keep it going. You are such an ispiration to me. Thanks.
April L. Wooten

Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

Oh my, Janice. You, not reasonable? You, not intelligent. I know just as much now as I did when I was little. In fact, I think I know LESS, school having educated me to stupidity. And you are one of the smartest people I know! It's not all about academics. Bovary is a good read, but most "literature" we "have to read" seems to be written in a another time and the only way readers can realate is that human condition we all endure on different levels. Your work in its rural south Georgia setting gets to the human condition, and I see these people everywhere--Tennessee, Georgia, Vermont, New Hampshire. They are us. Thank you for making such a difference in the world of literature and keep it coming. Get rid of that pistol!!!

Niles

Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

Janice, How refreshing and moving...Thank you for being so open & honest. You are an incredible woman & a tribute to the legacy of your ancestors. I know they would be extremely proud of you.
To address Niles' post; I have to give a resounding Amen!! I am reminded of a quote by Malcolm Muggeridge from his book SEEING THROUGH THE EYE. He writes "Having wearied of the struggle to be himself,...having educated himself into imbecility,..". I haven't read this book yet. I heard of part of this quote on a radio program. I thought it was worth remebering and sharing.
Pamela

Re: I’m re-reading Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, his masterpiece. Many critics

Janice,
I can very well relate to this piece because I had similar thoughts when I was a few years younger; I felt like giving up. I do believe in God, even though I do not attend church weekly. This was very interesting and eye-opening to read. I have not yet read any of your work nut I am planning on it. I expect it will be great because if I can relate to this piece, I know that your novels will be inspiring because I am also from a small town in Georgia!
Taryn