For Elysabeth Eldering

These will be my final words on a ridiculous subject raised by you. Enough time that could have been put to better use has already been wasted.
I was first paid for writing in 1946 when I handled the night sports copy desk for the Akron Beacon Journal while at the same time covering athletic events for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. For the past forty years every cent I have earned has come from writing for newspapers and writing and selling mystery fiction. During that time I have come to know most of the leading figures in the mystery field. With few exceptions they willingly offer help to anyone seeking it. An example that leaps to mind is Mary Higgins Clark cheerfully going out of her way to providie assistance to others at a convention shortly after she had received a $6 million advance for her next several books.
However, I have never been associated with anyone as willing to selflessly help others as has been the case with Shelagh Watkins. I have witnessed online her willingness to assist beginners in numerous ways without any possibility of reward. As one example, after seeing her make beautiful bookmarks for a number of people I was so impressed that I asked her to make one for me. She did so and the result was something far better than I could have done. Her payment? Nothing but thanks. That has been the case with the many other things she has done, including setting up this board.
To imply or outright state that she is attempting to make money from the anthology being discussed on other threads is insulting to her and all those who know and respect her. You could not be more mistaken.
One final example. A decade ago a man named Bob Babcock assembled a 700 page anthology of stories written by 4th Infantry Division veterans of combat in World War II and Viet Nam. I gladly contributed several stories and, like all other contributors, did not give one thought to compensation. Babcock now sends a thrice-weekly email update of the division's events in Iraq to anyone requesting it. Like Shelagh, he does this time-consuming job with his only payment being the gratitude of veterans and family members of those in Baghdad today.
Such people are rare indeed. In view of the posts you have made that either knowingly or unknowingly questioned the integrity of Shelagh Watkins I feel you owe her an abject apology.

Thanks Dick! You know you didn't need to say it, don't you? I knew without you having to say a word.

I've designed and given away dozen's of bookmarks. This is Dick's bookmark and a few more of members of the forum if anyone would like to print one or two for free:

I've designed a bookmark for the anthology but the book won't be available from online bookstores for at least six weeks:

Well said, Dick, and I agree with every word.

Great bookmarks, Shelagh!

Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm! This is the back of the bookmark:

Dick, you said that eloquently and brought tears to my eyes. I echo your sentiments wholeheartedly.

Shelagh, I had seen a couple of bookmarks, but not all of them. They are terrific! I love the one you've done for our anthology too. I cannot wait to start spreading the news once the book is widely available!

Dick, Well said and a hearty AMEN!

Shelagh, I envy your talents, and thank you for all you do.

You do beautiful work, Shelagh. I love the anthology bookmark. I can't wait to use it.