15 Comments
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book inc's avatar

This is a great reminder that writing success isn't always measured by external metrics, but by how it adds to your life! Thanks so much for sharing!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Thank you, and absolutely. I'm so glad that message came across. Thanks for reading!

Sterling Bowen (he/him)'s avatar

Love this!!!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Thank you Sterling!

Clare Egan's avatar

I've loved reading your work this year, Allison. I wish you a restful end to 2025, and look forward to seeing how your work evolves in the New Year 💕

Allison Kirkland's avatar

What a thoughtful thing to say, Clare. Thanks for taking the time to let me know you were reading my words this year. I'm wishing you a restful end to 2025 as well (it feels like we all need it this year!) and a joyful New Year! Looking forward to connecting on Substack in 2026.

Clare Egan's avatar

Thank you Allison. Here's to a deep rest, and a great 2026 💕

Julia F. Green's avatar

Here's to thoughtful, personal reflections on all the ways life can be meaningful. Thanks for this 💜

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Thanks for reading, and just know that I am cheering you on from afar as you meet your big end of year deadline. Woohoo!

Joanna Penn Cooper's avatar

I loved reading this, Allison, and I was really happy to teach your work!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

I'm still SO honored. Thank you.

Shannon Bueker's avatar

Congratulations on hearing that your work made the syllabus! I felt that kind of thrill once when a ceramics teacher asked me if he could use an image of one of my sculptures in a class he was teaching. I was so touched!👁👁🙊

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Yes! You know what it feels like. It's definitely a thrill. Thanks for being such an engaged reader this year, Shannon.

Mel Williams's avatar

Congrats on the classroom teaching which included your piece and for being published in River Teeth Journal! Amazing accomplishments for 2025!!!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Thanks so much Mel! I was so thrilled to see your byline in Brevity blog last week. Congrats! I hope you'll keep writing about narrative medicine-- it's so needed.