Love Notes

When I met Cathy at a health expo, I was immediately drawn to her
compassionate, friendly nature. I sensed that she might really be able
to help me get beyond the stuck place I was in when it came
to making healthier lifestyle choices. After working with her for only
a short period of time, she was able to help me make some significant
changes in how I ate and how I viewed myself and my body. Cathy
was so supportive, non-judgmental, patient and kind. Her knowledge
and own experience around healthy transformation helped me connect
with her, follow her advice, and not feel so ashamed when I made mistakes.
I continue to use many of the strategies she taught me as I make positive
personal growth; physically, emotionally and spiritually. She is truly one
of those people who would be a great coach in anyone’s corner.
~ Sheri Grant,  Attuned Mind

Regarding Dave’s YA novel Mr. Bones, written under the pseudonym
Lafayette Wattles, author/teacher 
Louella Bryant writes: “Of all the
students 
I have mentored, Dave is one of the best and brightest. His
writing ranks among 
the most accomplished I’ve seen from students.
Although categorized as a children’s book 
manuscript, Dave’s story,
Mr. Bones, 
about a dwarf named Gabe, has enough poignancy and
polished prose to make it a compelling read for adults as well, 
especially
those who remember the traumas 
of the teenage years. This manuscript,
in its unpublished form, already has won 
a second place award for
young adult fiction.

Of Dave’s poem “I Didn’t Know Which Were The Thoughts and Which Were The Trees,” written under the pseudonym Lafayette Wattles, poet Juan Felipe Herrara writes: “In this narrative poem each flowing line 
is threaded with energy, story and penumbra – 
we are being pulled and illuminated by the unknown even though we notice the thing happen every morning or evening when we shiver. 
The piece is compact and yet loosened. 
It is dark-soft and diamond-rock flare. Dialogical 
and conversational, we sit and burn in the ash 
of culture, community, race-chaos, destruction, death-language and voice-resurrection. A tour-de-force.

I recently experienced Dave’s critiquing skills in a writing workshop for Spalding University’s MFA in writing program. I was very impressed with Dave’s insight into each author’s work. His comments always helped us clarify our intentions and intensify our stories’ impact. I most appreciated the mindfulness with which Dave approached each piece of writing. Clearly, he strives to honor the writer’s authority, while offering feedback that deepens and sharpens the original vision.
I would whole-heartedly recommend Dave to any writer who wants to realize his or her full potential.      ~ Mary Knight (MFA candidate, novelist)

“When I first met Dave DeGolyer in a workshop during my MFA at Spalding University, I knew right away he was my friend. Not just because of his easy
going manner or charming sense of humor, but because of the care and
attention he paid to my manuscript. Dave’s regard for detail is extraordinary.
He observed singularities in my writing that I hadn’t noticed myself.
In his critique of my work, he examined each line, pulling out parts that needed attention and offering suggestions on how I could think it through and write it
better. Dave also gave plenty of kudos for writing well done. It was apparent
that he was serious about helping me and my fellow workshoppers become the
best writers we could be. Anyone who has the privilege of working with Dave DeGolyer as her mentor or writing coach is very fortunate indeed.”
~ Melissa King-Jarvis (MFA candidate, novelist)

Dave’s consultation of my short novel was outstanding. He really took the time
to understand my goals for the story. His comments were detailed and thoughtful with suggestions regarding language and word choice, characterization, and how
to enhance back-story. Dave has a great eye for what works (and what doesn’t)
and expresses it in a caring, knowledgeable way.
~ Liz Ramsay (MFA candidate, novelist, screenwriter)