CALLIOPE'S MOUSEPAD
Edited by Sarah Mankowski
WOMEN WRITERS ONLINE
Writers Club Press - 2001
ISBN: 0595207812 - Paperback
Nonfiction & Fiction / Writing
for explicit material

Reviewed by: Nancy Mehl for MyShelf.com
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CALLIOPE'S MOUSEPAD is a collection of short stories, essays, and articles by several talented women writers. The eight short stories include some outstanding tales. Among them are Too Many Dandelions, written by Sarah Mankowski, a touching tale of life seen through the eyes of a cat. The story is beautifully written and expertly delivered - a certain classic for anyone who loves short stories. Time Enough, by Nora M. Mulligan, is a quirky yarn that gives new meaning to the phrase, time management. Carolyn Howard Johnson weaves a touching story about the way humans care for animals - and each other. Every short story in this collection was interesting and well written.

The second section of the book contains essays and articles by Women Writers Online. Shara Rendell-Smock shares her struggles with MS in, Unchosen Paths. Sarah Mankowsi tells about her rocky road to becoming a writer in Some Call it Vanity, with a heart-touching tribute to her father. I found Kristie Leigh Maquire's recounting of her travels due to her husband's job especially interesting, and Janet Elaine Smith's Apple Pie House is a true story so compelling, it reads like fiction.

CALLIOPE'S MOUSEPAD is full of fun, fiction, fact, fantasy, and feelings. It is a superb collection that not only exhibits the talent of its contributors, but also allows the reader to "go behind the scenes" and meet some extraordinary women writers.

This book is a treasure that any writer, male or female, should add to their permanent collection.

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Nancy Mehl is the author of Graven Images and Sinner's Song.

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