Tracy Stopler

Tracy Stopler

Dear Gotham,

I had the privilege of attending Gotham back in 2002. The seed of my novel had been planted in my heart, but my brain lacked the know-how skills to move forward. Although every class I took inspired me, it was two of your teachers that fed my soul.

Thank you to Marie Carter and Amy Shearn. Marie was my instructor for Memoir I and taught me to think outside the box. She inspired me to write like nobody’s reading, which resulted in a more authentic voice. She, along with other inspiring writers in the class, provided me with both positive feedback and constructive criticism, creating a light at the end of my tunnel.

Amy was the perfect one-on-one mentor, the very first to read my “completed” manuscript. She provided an exhilarating and educational experience. While reading my manuscript, she texted me along the way, sharing her emotions. She provided me with a ten-page book summary of strengths and weakness. I was receptive to every mindful suggestion. Fast forward… my 80,000 word manuscript is now being formatted for publication.

My genre-defying debut novel, The Ropes That Bind: Based on a True Story of Child Sexual Abuse, will be available in August 2016.

Thank you Marie and Amy for your continued time and support. Thank you Gotham Writers. You are the ultimate dream-makers.

Sincerely,

Tracy Stopler

theropesthatbind.com