All Student Success Letters

Susan Liwanag

Dear Gotham,
 
Back in the eighties, when I was in in my early twenties, I worked in Manhattan. Often, I’d pick up a copy of the Gotham Writers' Workshop brochure (pre-Internet) and stuff it in my purse to peruse during my lunch hour. While sitting on the steps of the NYC Public Library, inhaling car fumes, avoiding pigeon poop and indulging in a $1.50 hot dog, I’d browse through the workshops and daydream of one day having the courage to take a creative writing course.
 
Fast forward twenty years and it’s 2009. I finally took the plunge and enrolled in Gotham’s Romance Writing I and II taught by the very talented Leigh Michaels. I can’t tell you how much these classes changed my life. Leigh was a wonderful teacher, very giving and nurturing. Her support and honest critiques helped me polish what I do best and identified where I needed work.
 
Fast forward again to present day, and I’m excited to announce that my debut novel, a contemporary romance titled Unexpectedly You, was released this past summer. I had sold my first completed manuscript to Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital first imprint. Considering Leigh has published over 80 books with Harlequin, I can only hope to follow in her magnificent footsteps.  
 
I can honestly say that it is with the help I received from Gotham Writers’ Workshop  that I’ve sharpened my voice, improved my craft, and am now living my dream.
 
Thank you very much and I wish you continued success.
 
Susan Liwanag, writing as Lily Santana
lilysantana.com