Once upon a time I dreamed of becoming an author. I had heard from writer friends that if I want to learn from a published pro who works like a mentor rather than a critic, who shares a wealth of straight-forward advice gleaned from years of experience in the trenches, and who will encourage you even when you're ready to give up, Loree Lough is the instructor for you.

So I signed up for your class. Getting there every week was not an easy feat with my military schedule, but it was well worth the effort. You did more than teach me how to structure a novel, develop believable characters, outline a dynamic plot, etc. You taught how to write a slam-dunk query and a winning synopsis. Bottom line: What you taught me made my writing dream an attainable goal. You prepared me VERY well for everything that was to come. The information paid off: I now have a 3-book contract from a major publishing house.

Your offer to repeat the course, any time my schedule allowed was generous, indeed. But why would I do that? Frankly, I don't need it, because in just six short weeks, you taught me the basics...now it's up to me to use my time wisely...not to sit through the session a second time, but to write the way you showed me to write...and sell what I've written.

I'd call you my fairy godmother, but I'm afraid the Politically Correct Police might write me a ticket. Instead, I'll just say thanks for turning my writing wishes into realities.

VERY fondly,
Christopher Albons, Elkridge, MD

("Night Raid", 2006)