Bonnie Latino - An Inspiring Woman by: Celine Meador
Bonnie is an excellent writer and an excellent American. She holds fast to the values that made this country great and she understands the sacrifices that others have made to keep it safe. These are the subjects of her prose. In a day when patriotism is wavering, her voice is an important one to be heard.
I am honored to be her friend and am so delighted that she has been chosen as a finalist for this award.
Oct 11, 2009 Rating
Thanks to gulf-shores-travel-guide.com by: Bonnie Bartel Latino
Much thanks to www.gulf-shores-travel-guide.com for promoting my story, "The Rush of Butterflies" on your excellent site.
I firmly believe that this web site played a huge part in making that happen.
Thank you is a totally inadequate phrase for telling you how much I appreciate your help in making my lifelong dream of winning a national writing contest come true. Nevertheless, thank you!
My bucket (list) runneth over!
Sincerely,
Bonnie
Oct 11, 2009 Rating
Bonnie Won! by: Bill
Yes, she did.
Congratulations Bonnie.
Sep 23, 2009 Rating
Glad to find site by: Susan Jansen
I have a beach house in Orange Beach, and I am glad to find your site through my friend, Bonnie Latino. Bonnie is just such a natural writer. She has a great passion for writing. Thank you so much for promoting her. As you can see, I'm not a writer but I will start using your site.
Sep 21, 2009 Rating
The Rush of Butterflies by: Tammy Jackson
As a military wife during Desert Storm, I can only imagine how a spouse during the Vietnam War felt. At least in the 90's we had CNN to watch as the war moved on. Many nights spent on the couch with the TV on 24-7. Just imagine.....no live TV coverage, no cell phones, no direct lines to home, no Email, just a matter of sitting and waiting. I am sure more than one spouse has felt The Rush of Butterflies and knew at that instant that life would never be the same for them. I think Mrs. Latino has put us in the Vietnam War and made us understand the feelings, fears and anxiety of every spouse during war time.
Sep 21, 2009 Rating
The Rush of Butterflies by: Ana Piccinini
Mr. Coleman: I am an Argentinian woman who was an exchange student in Atmore, Alabama in 1981. I've known Bonnie Latino for twelve years. She's been to me a very special friend who kindly shared some of her stories where the military was always honored. As a foreigner I can tell how intense her life as a military wife has been.
I really appreciate and enjoyed the interview.
I voted for Bonnie because I really think she deserves winning.
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
The Rush of Butterflies by: Ed Evans
Some stories come from active imagination and make their way into the reader's heart by virtue of good writing. Bonnie Bartel Latino's "The Rush of Butterflies" works because it is written in the blood of friends' life experiences. They were there, and they took her there in her mind. Her God-given ability to share that with others is both a natural trait and a finely honed skill. The ability to touch the reader's experiences and send the mind reeling back in time to something real, something true, something worth living and dying for, that's writing that survives. "The Rush of Butterflies" had me right back in the bush, heart pumping, flesh crawling, not all about good times, but worth remembering for the heroes who bought with their lives the freedoms we now enjoy. Thanks, Bonnie.
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
The Rush of Butterflies by: Aimee Bartel Allen
Mr. Coleman: I have voted for The Rush of Butterflies with appreciation for several reasons. The man who was killed was actually a dear friend of the author, who is also my sister. I am also the wife of a retired Marine officer who served three tours of duty in Viet Nam as a helicopter pilot. Reading the story reminds me once again how fortunate we are that he returned to us all three times! He (and most of his military friends) would go back tomorrow if they would be accepted at their ages! The sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform and their families need to be publicized, so that patriotism may be restored to this country. I thank you for promoting this poignant story written by my "baby sister" Bonnie Bartel Latio.
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
Re: Thanks for promoting Bonnie & MWSA by: Bill
You're welcome Tom. I'm very pleased to have Bonnie's story and interview on my site.
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
Thanks for promoting Bonnie & MWSA by: Tom Latino
Bill,
I appreciate your support of Bonnie's story, "The Rush of Butterflies" AND the MWSA People's Choice Award contest. For this story, Bonnie researched the Vietnam war, and she interviewed several Army and Marine helicopter pilots of that era. When they spoke - she LISTENED. That's her strong suit. Then, she poured her soul into "The Rush of Butterflies."
I also enjoyed the interview you did with my very own "Ripcord" at Bonnie Bartel Latino Interview That nick name suits Bonnie as much now as it did when we she acquired it in Greece.
Sincere thanks, Tom Latino, Colonel (USAF, Retired)
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
Bonnie Bartel Latino's Rush of Butterflies by: Sam Morgan
Bonnie had me in that helicopter experiencing all the adrenaline rushes with the characters...extremely well written, and the added bonus of her narrative was thrilling. A definite "Thumbs Up"
Sep 20, 2009 Rating
Thanks by: Bill
Thanks for the comments. It is a pleasure to feature Bonnie's story on my site.
Thank you for posting Bonnie Latino's heart-stopping short story, "The Rush of Butterflies."
I was captivated by the intensity of feeling so evident throughout this well-written, beautifully-expounded piece. I can hardly wait to buy the book, and see the movie! We've all been yearning for the return of good writing to the field of literature, and this story proves it's still possible to find. This one is a real winner!
Sep 19, 2009 Rating
Bonnie Bartel Latino's "Rush of Butterflies" is a winner! by: Jerrye Sumrall
What a winning story! Bonnie Latino's reading of "RUSH OF BUTTERFLIES" was flawless. I was captivated by her story that was written with emotion, wonderful details and vivid descriptions. Way to go Bonnie!
Sep 19, 2009 Rating
Bonnie Bartel Latino's "Rush of Butterflies" by: Libby Woodside
Whoa...Bonnie Bartel Latino's "Rush of Butterflies" was a wonderful short story--it put me right there with the characters...she has such a fine sense of describing scenes and people--i hope she is the winner!
Sep 18, 2009 Rating
MWSA CPA Finalist by: Bonnie Bartel Latino
Bill,
Just a note to thank you for an excellent explanation of the Military Writers Society of America People's Choice Award. I am thrilled to be the only finalist from Alabama.
Your commentary is to the point, and your clickable links are easy to follow.
I sincerely appreciate your giving my entry, "The Rush of Butterflies" space on your always interesting web site that so effectively promotes our corner of bliss ... the Alabama Gulf Coast!
