"Dear Lisa: What a beautiful story that you wrote! Very moving, very inspiring, and very well crafted. We love it. Thanks for sharing it with us."––Fan Shen/Author of Gang of One: Memoirs of a Red Guard. Order this Title 

"Lisa,WOW! What a great story! This story is an amazing teaching tool for EVERYONE...all faiths and backgrounds because spiritual truth is absolutely essential if we are to understand ourselves and take over effectual control of our lives. Much like the Bible, which is unlike any other Book; it is a spiritual vortex through which spiritual power pours from heaven to earthhowever, it depends on wonderful angels on earth like yourself to help us benefit from the hidden "keys" in life to fully understand it all." ––Reggie Author of Have You Walked On Water? 

Reader’s comments from Lisa’s award-winning story CAROUSEL RIDERS: "Lisa, your story unfolded nicely and the Alzheimer’s aspect was sensitively handled. The metaphor was really well done in the carousel scene-a real gem for the reader!” 

"Well, I just read your Carousel Riders story. Ouch. Thanks for making me cry. I liked and hated the ending, if that makes sense. I only hated it due to the truth factor. If it wasn't about Grandma, I would have loved it."––Heather (authors' sister) Rochester, MN 

Letter from Writer’s Digest: "Dear Lisa, one of my most enjoyable tasks as editor of Writer’s Digest is passing along good news to writers. It is my pleasure to tell you that your manuscript, Narrow Paths, has been awarded Honorable Mention in the Inspirational category of the 71st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition.... This years contest attracted over 19,000 entries. Your success in the face of such formidable competition speaks highly of your writing talent, and should be a source of great pride as you continue in your writing career.”––Melanie Rigney Editor Writer’s Digest 

Reader’s comments on Lisa’s story YEAR OF THE BALD EAGLE: "Oh, what a wonderful inspiration you are! I’m so glad our paths were brought together! Thanks for sharing your story with me!”––Heather C. Minneapolis, MN 

"I’ll put in a good word for you with the man upstairs. You are truly a soul friend. Thanks for the VEGETABLE JUSTICE and YEAR OF THE BALD EAGLE stories. Your creativity is awesome. Keep up the good work and as far as wings are concerned with such an inspirational friend such as yourself who ever is privileged to cross your path you take the time to show them how to fly.”––H.M. New Jersey 

Reader’s comments on Lisa’s story JUST IN TIME: "This is a very nice piece of writing appropriately slow moving to match the harbor and river. Nothing jars or clashes.” Scribendi Editor 

Here's what people are saying about Lisa’s award-winning story, THE MODEL MAKER: "I thought The Model Maker was reminiscent of a shortened, "Twilight Zone" episode or a Ray Bradbury storyand that ain't bad! The only thing wrong with this story is that it was too short! I wanted more!”––S.B. / Columbus, OH 

"Dear Lisa, Congratulations on your award for your short story The Model Maker. I enjoyed it both as a writer and as a miniaturist. I shared the story with several friends who are doll house enthusiasts and they loved it also. One thinks it would make a lovely illustrated book for adults another said she would like to see a room box based on your story. One friend, a published author and miniaturist, just lost her husband two weeks ago. She was especially moved and promises to reread it many times. Good luck with your future writing.”––M.H.C.

"What a wonderful story. I loved it and wish Lisa had expanded it to a book. I read it with tears. Loved her portrayal and know she has the ability to make it a full story. Her talent should be encouraged and rewarded. Thanks for sharing.”––Mary 

"Dear Lisa, I subscribe to a daily digest called "Small Stuff". The members are all people interested in anything miniature. There are artisans, crafters, and beginning doll house makers like me. One of our members read your winning story "The Model Maker" and posted the website in our latest digest, suggesting we read your story. I loved the story! You are a very talented storyteller! I hope you continue to write. I'm sure others also enjoy your story.”––S.Z.S. Bakersfield, CA

 Opening lines from Lisa’s award-winning story THE MODEL MAKER: 
    At seventy-seven, Cora Stephans, a model maker, was nearing completion of her grand masterpiece. The city of Cresco, Iowa, commissioned her to create a room-size mechanical townscape based on her life study of the area, and they were darn lucky to get her for the job, too. 
    A self-taught engineer whose creations had brought historical figures back to life at the World Fairs from decades past, Cora was a robotics imaginer before the terms were even invented. During her studies over the years more than one man had studied her. In fact, if you asked Cora what made those old men blush, she'd confess, 'Beauty is only skin deep, but mine's still a dollar short of pin money.' Whatever that meant. 
    She ignored the leers of the widowers, and bypassed the steady gaze from men who never did settle long enough to marry. Cora avoided divorced men, because they couldn't forget their old baggage. After losing Jonathon, her only love, she ignored her yearnings.     Living for her art was a hollow substitution for love, and Cora knew this in her heart, but it kept one's mind and hands occupied. The townscape of Cresco took years to create and each character had to be individually designed. 
    From handmade curtains to authentic flooring, everything within the walls of Cora's townscapes contained the stories, the hopes, and the dreams of real people. Who could resist the country general store? When you opened the door, a saggy bloodhound lifted its head from its paws and howled. 
    Every store was animated with characters and props that moved lights and fans that worked. The player piano cranked out a tune and the mechanical bartender poured a mug of beer. Cora struggled for a week trying to figure out how to keep the beer mugs frosted. She credited her mechanical skills to her father. 
     Everyone respected Harlan Stephans, he was witty and gifted. He could make anything tick and come alive. In moment of great weakness, Cora wanted to believe that if he had been alive when Jonathon had died, that her father would have found a way to save him, too. Cora tapped into her father's gift and expanded upon it . . . .