70 Comments
User's avatar
Rita McKeany's avatar

Beautifully written Lyle. Love, Mom

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Love you too, mom

Expand full comment
Tamara Scott's avatar

...And now I'm crying right before workshop. Thank you. I mean it. It's beautiful.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

😊♥️

Expand full comment
David Papandrew's avatar

Well that was a master class in “show don’t tell.” As my kids would say “you jebaited me!”, but in a good way. I don’t agree with you on the semicolon, but I always appreciate the depth in your stories. Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thanks for the kind words. I’m pretty sure I’ve used a semicolon in some of my stories, but I thought it was a funny way to end and lighten the mood a bit.

Expand full comment
David Papandrew's avatar

Sorry...I get defensive about the lowly semicolon at times. It’s a brilliant ending.

Expand full comment
Mackenzie Davenport's avatar

I want to write better stories but I keep getting stuck on step 3 :(

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

It's definitely the easiest one to get tripped up on!

Expand full comment
ric leczel's avatar

hi Lyle,

stumbled across your platform from your advice on the Grow thread. I plan to read some of your content this weekend. Your advice headline hooked me, as I am always looking for ways to improve my writing. What I found, however, was validation. Your About page is well-written. Your advice is right on. But your tone and the stuff you write abut is your sweet spot for me.

People ask me what I write about, and I tell them "me, myself and I - and how that relates to you."

The part about living the crazy life is what stops most people from telling their stories- they just have never lived apparently.

Looking forward to diving in to your work

thanks

Ric

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thanks so much, Ric! It’s great to hear my writing resonated with you so strongly.

Expand full comment
Cole Noble's avatar

This was a really beautiful and unique way to address grief from a different angle

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thank you so much, Cole!

Expand full comment
Sue Strom's avatar

As always Lyle, your writing brings tears. But this time I am crying as your dad was special and your mom a pillar of strength. We will miss having conversations with him but we have great memories.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thank you, Sue ♥️

Expand full comment
mivin's avatar

Thank you Lyle.

Expand full comment
Mya Dexter's avatar

Beautifully done, thank you for sharing the sadness and the love.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

❤️

Expand full comment
Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

When is your memoir coming out? Beautiful piece.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thank you! I wish I had a date for the book, but it’s been a tough project to keep the momentum going on for me.

Expand full comment
Scott Weinzirl's avatar

I can see why this post went far.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thanks, Scott!

Expand full comment
Eric Roberts's avatar

Thanks for sharing. Love the approach. Inspired me to keep at the daily writing.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thanks, Eric!

Expand full comment
Melissa Moore's avatar

This is incredibly thoughtful and beautifully written. Quick and to the point but very emotional. Thank you for sharing your life with me. Your writing is an unexpected gift. I will use your advice to write my book.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thank you so much, Melissa!

Expand full comment
GG's avatar

Great storry, loved irony, it was breth taking and mind tricking.

I wish I could write like You.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thanks, GG!

Expand full comment
D'Nivra's avatar

This is beautiful. Thanks for my periodic reminder not to complain about life, because I need to remember that.... as long as I'm breathing, the game is still on. This too shall pass. Your daughter has a wonderful father, and I am sure she'll appreciate your written wisdom decades from now when she's older and needs it.

Expand full comment
Lyle McKeany's avatar

Thank you so much! I hope she appreciates it when she grows up. That would be wonderful.

Expand full comment
Karin's avatar

A senior editor at Little Brown Publishing - this is years ago - once said that his criteria for a good story was this - compelling story, well written. You check both boxes! Cheers! Karin p.s. I am still finding my way - not sure what I am writing about is what I love writing about....etc. Wish me luck.

Expand full comment