One of the best things (and there are so many to chose from) about A Word with You Press is that we get people talking. We get people thinking. We get people feeling – and isn’t that, ultimately, the object of a good piece of writing? It lingers in your mind, and leaves an impression on your heart. It compels you to say something, and that’s exactly what Steve7k did in response to Liam O’Brien’s top-10 entry, Lobsterman’s Fancy, in our Ain’t That Quaint? contest.  Here is Steve’s comment:

You know, I really like this site – and I don’t even know if I’m qualified to judge on the stories, but I’m commenting as I go with the hope I can. What I like about the stories I’ve read so far is the difference and the insights into bits of (usually) American life that I don’t know. I have memories of my father trying to defrost canned tuna in front of a gas fire, but that’s as much as I know about where seafood comes from. This story is very evocative and does that thing of making you feel you know the characters regardless of your own experience. The family dynamic is plain to see, and though I’ve never heard of can-ball it’s kind of a funny and sad way to go for a guy that’s loved and hated at the same time.

Oh and I’ve never understood lobster. Expensive, needs a hammer to get into, a big shrimp with claws, has a bowel tract that can kill you if you don’t take it out… I liked the story very much, but I won’t be having a lobster dinner any time soon.

Thank you, Steve, for taking the time to read our stories, and to compose this thoughtful response. You – and the others who have commented so generously, and the writers who have produced such stellar work – are our raison d’etre. You keep the site humming, and make it a joy to do the job of creating and maintaining and nurturing and dreaming about the future of A Word with You Press. You’re the reason we’ve expanded to include new features such as The Artist Alcove (because good art does the same things as good writing) and Wuss’n'Boots (because cartooning is high art, too – and, dang it, we just love those two crazy cats!) and you’re the reason, in a way, why we’re launching our non-profit branch, KidXpress – to help kids express themselves creatively, and grow up into people like you, who understand and appreciate the beauty and glory of art in all its forms.

So…tell your friends about us. If you see something you like, click the “like” button – don’t be shy! If you know artists who need support or who are looking for a place to sell their work, tell them about The Artist Alcove.  If you know any cats, or cat owners, tell them about Wuss’n'Boots. Most of all, if you know any kids, or anyone who has kids, tell them about our KidXpress Dancin’ in the Moonlight launch party this Saturday, Aug. 7.

In the meantime, Steve – keep commenting!

P.S.  So, does that mean Lobsterman’s Fancy gets your winning vote?

P.P.S.  Your comments are so delightful, I can’t wait to read your entry into our A Dish Called “Wanda” contest, which is open for submissions until Aug. 15.