Testimonials

Linda Bendorf is my writing angel! When I walked into the registration hall during the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival, I had my usual apprehensions about sharing my writing with strangers and I was afraid of the blank page. The first person I saw before class started, my instructor Linda, greeted me like an old friend and I knew I was in the right place. In three workshops, two intensive retreats, and 1:1 coaching, Linda has now taken me far beyond my fear of the blank page and has taught me the faith of a writer-- that once you start, it comes and what comes is surprising and magical. Linda is a treasure trove of writing exercises, prompts, and feedback. She led me from left-brain analysis to right-brain imagination and taught me how to use both to breakthrough to my own creativity. Yes, truly my writing angel.

When I retired from my banking career, I believed I had one good story in me. I had no experience in writing a memoir. With Linda's guidance and assistance, I wrote my memoir – The Navigator – covering seven years of my early life. Her instruction, classroom organization and direction were magnificent. My memoir is published and I am tremendously gratified by the project. Linda made the entire project happen and I am most grateful.

Linda was a fabulous workshop leader at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival. She was prepared, engaged, inspiring and helpful. The writing exercises and prompts advanced any type of writing – including my work as a columnist/journalist. I’ve been to numerous workshops over the years – generally geared toward journalists. This week was far and away the most hands-on helpful work I have experienced. And the “jumpstart” seems to be holding its charge.

Linda is a talented, seasoned writer who has worked on product descriptions for our company website. She has a beautiful way with words, and takes enormous pride in every project! She’s a pleasure to work with!

This workshop was so much more than I expected! Linda made us stretch and look at the world differently. Linda fed our minds and filled our hearts! I think everyone in the workshop reached some kind of creativity break-through. We became a cohesive, supportive group. The best way to spend a week is being with others who feel the same stir of love that draws us to put pen to paper.

I came to the workshop needing to be recharged as a writer. This stimulating workshop got me out of my slump. Linda provided many exercises to generate new work and bypass the inner critic. She provided the right environment for us to take risks in our writing. The feedback I received during our one-on-once conference and from fellow writers during workshop was constructive and valuable to my development as a writer. By week’s end I had several pieces in progress to continue working on at home. Also, Linda’s presentation on “The Creative Nudge” offered excellent tips for keeping my right brain engaged in the writing process. This was my first summer at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival…I only wish I’d discovered it sooner!