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by Jilanne Hoffmann | May 19, 2023 · 1:48 pm

Laurel Is Our Hero

Editors of journals and at publishing houses often ask writers to compromise before publishing stories and essays. Each writer needs to decide whether those compromises are justified or whether they need to hold a hard line on the integrity of their story.

Well, Laurel Leigh, an accomplished author/editor held the line. And Dogpatchers are so very proud of her decision. She published the version of her story she wants to tell on her blog, and we’ve linked to it below.

We’re also including images from a very special night, where Laurel received well-earned recognition for her contribution to the arts in the Pacific Northwest. But it’s really all about the community she has created for many writers, the knowledge and expertise she shares, and her generous spirit. Laurel, you are a kick-ass friend, and we love you!

From left: Shannon Laws, Me, Susan Chase Foster, Janet Oakley – some wine may have been consumed by this point

We would be honored for you to read her story. Thank you!

https://dearwriters.com/2023/05/19/it-shouldnt-be-long-now/

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Tagged as amazing women, athlete, Bellingham, cancer, cancer treatment, Chuckanut Writing Conference, Chuckanut Writing Workshops and Classes, compromise, editing, forging your own path, gymnast, honsty, jaguars, kick-ass women, Laurel Leigh, no sugar-coating, North Dakota, open mic night, spirit, truth, Village Books, writing compromises

by Jilanne Hoffmann | August 14, 2021 · 2:34 pm

Dogpatcher – Laurel Leigh

Hello, Dogpatch watchers, readers, and writers. I’m dropping in to let you know that one of our founders, Laurel Leigh, has been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer.

She’s never been a smoker, so this hit quite unexpectedly. We in the patch are doing our best to lift Laurel up and help her make it through this illness and out the other side with a clean bill of health. But that’s not going to happen for awhile, because her treatment is extensive.

She’s getting chemo and radiation simultaneously, which makes it nearly impossible to work. This is pretty much how she’s feeling right now—on a good day:

And although she has health insurance, as a freelance editor and writer, her insurance doesn’t cover the bills, and her income has been hit hard.

We in the patch would be ever so grateful if you could do one or both of the following:

Help out with her bills by donating to the Go Fund Me page some of her friends have made for her.
And/or please send good vibes, prayers, healing thoughts, and maybe some chocolate in her direction. Right now, she’s in North Dakota, where her mother grew up.

Updates on Laurel’s progress will be made on the Go Fund Me page.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! From the bottom of our hearts.