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Hi Woody,
Your website is awesome. Did you design it yourself?
I was also impressed by your "Dreamline" and finding out that you wrote the first draft of "One Dream" in 25 days. It took me about six months to come up with a draft of "The Legend of Papa Noel" that was good enough to send to Sleeping Bear. I wrote it from many different starting points and points of view before I settled on the final beginning and POV.
I will talk to you later,
Terri Dunham
Terri Hoover Dunham <thdwriter@hotmail.com>
Greenwell Springs, La -
Robert Brannon is with St Louis Rams, LaFleur is punting for my beloved 49ers and Shayne is kicking for Cincy. But what about Jamal, Coop, Pete?
What are they up to? I'd love to know! Also, I'd love to read your next book!! Is there one coming? Thanks again for an awesome read!!
Vitaly Tsipris <vtsipris@generalgrowth.com>
Lake Villa, IL -
Because the player personnel people need to protect their reputations. It's too bad in the old days you found guys like that and they are fewer and far between now.
Alan R. Grodin <alangrodin@northernstatefinancial.com>
Old Westbury, NY -
Where are these players now? Can anyone update us as to where are they are now?
bill
erie, pa -
[Bill: Thanks for your question. Send me your email address so I can respond personally. -Woody]
Woody, great book. As a 20 year old who isn't physically big enough to play NFL football but loves it immensely, I am astounded by the feeling of ‘being there’ that this book involved.
Thanks for the great read and look forward to your next book.
Brian VanderVeen <dutchmanv@hotmail.com>
Delavan, Wi -
Just a note to thank you for your first book, One Dream. I lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin during the years the Saints were training there. Hated to see
them go. But our loss was your gain− and a great book came out of it all. My son bought it for me as a birthday gift, and I just couldn’t put it down.
Would you ever consider making a visit to our North Country, and doing a book on the Green Bay Packers? Some of our best players have been from the South. Bart Starr
and Brett Favre come immediately to mind.
Two requests:
1− Please do write another sports book soon, and count me among your long list of buyers.
2− Send me the FIRST COPY of your book on “How To Avoid Yard Work” should you decide to give away your secrets. I'm sure that it, too, would be a best seller!
Thank you again for many hours of enjoyment.
Larry Cooper <lcooper@execpc.com>
Coon Valley, WI -
I just wanted to write you telling you how appreciative I am that you wrote such a wonderful book. You truly inspire me, and I hope you don't mind that I was to mention you in my sports journal, and when I finished it I would be honored if you'd be one of the 1st people to receive a copy.
So all in all thank you so much. And hopefully you will write another book just as good as this one.
Joshua Reinhardt <Chiflyboy729@aol.com >
Peotone, IL -
I am a 15 year old Sophomore from Carteret, N.J., and I just finished reading your book. This year, I started varsity as a cornerback for my high school team. Our record was 9-2, but we fell short in the first round of the state playoffs. I had a career game
in which I had 15 tackles, a 75 yard kickoff return, and 4 pass breakups. I am currently receiving letters from D-1 schools such as Virginia, Rutgers, and Syracuse. I share a similar dream as Pete Destefano and Amp Campbell, as I also dream of one day playing in the NFL.
I would just like to say that your book has struck me with a great deal of inspiration that one day I may make it to the NFL. Thanks to your book, I am going to work even harder every time I step on the field. I would like to personally thank you for this.
Kevin Cherepski <CHEREPSKI@aol.com >
Carteret, NJ -
Spotted your book on a sports book table at Barnes and Noble and decided to pick it up and sit in one of those old worn out cushy chairs for a quick glance...but couldn't put it down, until the
pager went off signaling "are ya coming home for dinner?". That sauce piquant couldn't wait, just like I can't wait to finish your book. Great Job!...I see even Chackbay got a mention!
Earl Perque <perque@attbi.com>
Plantation, FL -
Just finished your book last night and wanted to drop you a note to say how much I enjoyed it. Great look at an NFL training camp and a neat way to go about doing a book.
Todd McCubbin <McCubbinT@missouri.edu>
Columbia, MO -
I am a sophomore at the University of Missouri. I read lots of sports books, mostly John Feinstein. I had just finished his book, "A March to Madness", so I went to
Barnes and Noble and looked for another book. I saw the cover of your book and it intrigued me, so I read the back and decided to buy it. I just finished it, and I wanted to tell you that I loved it.
Walker Myears <tex2652@hotmail.com>
Columbia, MO -
Your book is terrific! I could not put it down and have already passed it on to a friend. The way you put the reader in the place of the players was amazing. I got chills reading their experiences. Thank you.
Eric Bakke <bakke@mediaone.net>
St. Paul, MN -
I am a 21-year-old senior at the University of Nebraska. I found your book at Barnes and Noble on Saturday,
was intrigued by it, and purchased it with money that I probably should not have spent. The remainder of the day
was filled with your book capturing me. I didn't go to sleep until 2 am, that's when I finished the book. The main reason your book interested me so much, is that I am a
personal advisor for a sports agency out of Portland, OR called sports-management.com. We are a 2-year-old
company that is a training ground for young future agents such as myself. A personal advisor is someone
who does everything an agent does, except for personally negotiating contracts. Your book spoke to
me, because I have clients that are going through similar situations. I have been with the company for 9
months and have 2 clients who play in indoor leagues. However, I am currently beginning to recruit players
for next year's draft. I think your book can be valuable to me as a sort of guide of what to expect.
I actually let a recruit borrow it last night so he could read it. Thank you so much for writing such a
great book. I will definitely recommend it to everyone I know. And if you're looking for an idea
for your next book, how about the story of a young agent trying to recruit players that are older than
him to let him represent them in the NFL! You never know. Anyways, thanks again for the book, it was
incredible.
Jereme M. Jones <jeremejones@yahoo.com>
Lincoln, NE -
Just finished the book last night! Man, I enjoyed it thoroughly. You really did an awesome job. As the editor of my Fraternity's magazine, Pi Kappa Alpha Shield & Diamond, I do a lot of writing, so I wanted you to know I really appreciated both your attention to detail and your character development. By the end of the book, I really felt like I knew all of those guys as well as what a grueling process they went through.
Steven S. Vincent <pkaiaa@pikes.org>
Memphis, TN -
I just finished reading your book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have passed it on to my father, a long-time Saints fan. A book such as yours was long overdue. Now you need to do a documentary. Keep up the good work.
Terry Dickson <TPD2000@aol.com >
Gautier, MS -
Just today, I finished reading your book, One Dream: The NFL. I just wanted to tell you that it is the best book that I have ever read. I can relate to the book because as a high school football player, I know what it's like to practice in two-a-days in 100 degree weather. I also know the feeling of being the underdog because that is what I am. Although I'm not in the NFL, I'm competing for playing time with players who are known in the system more than me.
Hearing about the 10 heroes' stories gets me pumped to go play football and to try my hardest. I compare myself most to Coop, because I play D-line like him. Also from what I hear in the book, he works the hardest out of any of the other linemen. Besides Coop, I also like Pete Destefano. His excellent work ethic and amazing effort reminds me of our team's safety, who is also said to be too slow, and undersized, but somehow always makes the hardest hits. Give my good luck to all of the Dreamers.
Lenny Harris <LennyHarrismvp@aol.com>
Rye, NY -
As a former teammate of Jamal Brooks at Granada Hills High School, I was estatic when I opened up the newspaper to see him on the front page of the paper in a Cowboys Uniform. His dreams and work ethic had finally come thru. He is a inspiration to all those trying to succed in the NFL and in life. I wish him and the rest of the guys in this book, the best of luck.
Ben Weinberg <bigben1701@yahoo.com>
Van Nuys, CA -
As the head football coach of a brand new high school in Oxnard, CA, I find your book to be outstanding. Like all of the players featured, I'm dealing with a lot of obstacles myself. In one respect, building a football program and a football tradition is comparable to trying out for the NFL as an undrafted rookie.
Football is a great game, and you bring the reader one step closer to the greatest game in the World!
As a fan, educator and high school football coach, I'm inspired by your book; in fact, it serves as an impetus for me! Hopefully, you can turn it into a movie!
Keep up the good work!
Mike Botti, Head Football Coach, Pacifica High School <CasBotti@aol.com>
Oxnard, CA -
O Captain, my captain, you are a sweaty-toothed madman! Congratulations on your book and the birth of your daughter.
The book (and Gracie) is undeniably an amazing accomplishment and certainly a deserved source of pride for yourself.
I have just begun reading it, but I am already engrossed in the lives of these young men.
Hearing that you wrote a book, however, did not suprise me because you always had excellent story telling ability.
I remember reading the self-referential short story you wrote several years ago, and I knew then you luckily would not have to rely upon your singing skills for a career.
Indeed, you have definitely seized the day, Woody.
I look forward to the release of your next piece. Goodluck and godspeed.
Phillip The Red <rayphill@shu.edu>
Newark, NJ -
The book was very well written and entertaining. I hope to see more from you in the future.
Dan Jakuta <daniel.jakuta@agedwards.com>
Palos Heights , IL -
Once I started your book, I didn't want to put it down until the final cut had been made and the epilogue described the fate of the ten walk-ons. You have an engaging
style of writing that makes the story both compassionate and credible. It was interesting to see how involved you became with the fate of your characters-so much so your emotions clouded your objectivity. Definitely a sign of a passionate writer. There is also a humorous vein of
irreverence that runs through this book. While I doubt that the Saints media police or the coaching staff will be offering any invitations for you to return for a sequel, I have no doubt this will not be the last of many entertaining and successful endeavors on your part. Congratulations on such a terrific book. You proved that rookies can make on their first try.
Richard Apt
Los Angeles, CA -
I spotted your book while surfing around on Amazon, I read it all in just a couple days. It is one of the best sports books I've ever read. I'm sure your law career is working out great, but I certainly hope you plan on writing more books. I always tell people that a good writer can take any subject and make it interesting. I'm a huge football fan, but until I read your book had no interest in the New Orleans Saints. It was fascinating, especially the trip inside the training camp and all that goes on. You can only hope the "heroes" will all go on to have prosperous careers.
Mark Steinke <mtbsteinke@msn.com>
Phoenix, AZ -
I just received a copy of your book in the mail yesterday, and I'm almost finished with it. You do an outstanding job of never letting the tension die out and I can tell you put a lot of work into this one. In the best acting class I attended out here, the one huge thing we learned about great drama is that the stakes are always extremely high. If I had to rate your book accordingly, you're off the charts! Just great, man! Are you going to stop practicing law and strictly write? If I had to guess, I'd say that's probably going to happen.
Hunter Cazes <tigersaint@hotmail.com>
Los Angeles, CA -
Woody, very captivating book. I too found it hard to put down, wanting to stay up all night reading it. I'm ready to pick up a sequel so I can find out how many of them were in training camps this year, and if they faired any better.
Greg West <gdwest@gateway.net>
Rockford, IL -
Woody, Congratulations on an outstanding book. It's great to see behind the scenes of training camp. Seeing how one late signing affects a man's dream to play so deeply. You find yourself rooting for the 10 rookies. When's the movie coming out? Can't wait for the next book. Great job!!
Jim Wornson <teterwornson@yahoo.com>
Kansas City, MO -
Woody's "One Dream" began in the hallowed halls of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. It's good to see Mizzou's tradition of producing excellent writers continue with such a strong debut effort. The Show-Me-State is proud of our friend from Thibidoux.
Chris Molendorp, AB '91, Univesity of Missouri
Chris Molendorp <chrismolendorp@aol.com>
Raymore, MO -
I did a world record for me in reading a book. Couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed it. Best part for me was on the media police -- the helmet thing really cracked me up. Also like the part about when the reality hit you. Keep up the good work.
The Goose on the Bayou Lafourche
Lockport, LA -
Woody - I knew you could write, but WOW. I'm very impressed. I guess now you can tell the boys back at the sweat shop in New Orleans, "eat your heart out." I'll be on the Island this weekend, let me know if you'll be there. Say hi to Susie for me, and I hope to see you soon. Nick
Nicholas J. Zeringue <nicholaszeringue@excite.com>
New Orleans, LA -
Woody, I'll be getting a copy for my sports loving and very much the athlete stepson. I'm excited that the book is now available having watched the website come together.
James Cook <jcookmo@hotmail.com>
St. Louis, MO -
Woody, to think that it has only been a year since we talked on the same practice fields that are featured in your book. What a year makes. Your book was very inspiring and I feel every High School athlete should get a copy. You can only geaux as far as your dreams will take you. Great Job!!!
Jason Ledet <jpldel@mobiletel.com>
Thibodaux, LA -
I finished the book last night. Great job. I planned on saving the book for my trip to Perdido later this week, but made the mistake of starting to read it when I got home on Saturday. After that I couldn't put it down. Good job with the website as well. It was nice to see the pictures of the players I'd just read about.
Ricky Greschner <greschnerft@arlaw.com>
New Orleans, LA -
This book is fantastic. It is not just a book about football. It is a story of people. You don't have to be a Satints fan or football fanatic to love this book. My wife and 15 year old non-football fan daughter truly enjoyed this book. If you love stories about people and real life, this is the book for you. I was actually a fan in attendance at most of the events in the book and the skillfull story telling had me back there reliving those wonderfull moments. Great Job!!!!!
Lawrence DeHart <LDEHART007@AOL.COM>
Houma, LA -
I just got your book from Amazon and haven't been able to put it down - which is kind of damaging to my own law practice. It would be a great read even if I wasn't a rabid saints fan. Thanks for the great effort.
John Vineyard <jvineyard@akingump.com>
Riverside, CA -
Congratulations on another outstanding achievement! I know that this book has been a labor of love for you and I can't wait to read it. Already looking forward to your next book.
Phil Schappert <tla-1@mindspring.com>
St. Louis, MO -
"I met you at the black and gold game on 8-4-01 where you autographed my
copy of your book. WOW! What a book. Every player who plays or played the
sport of football should read it. Great job! Took me only three days to
finish. Very good job!!!!!"
Craig Gardner <bigg529@aol.com>
Metairia, LA -
I finished reading your book last night, in fact I stayed up till midnight Saturday night reading it! It's fantastic! I found it interesting how you very smoothly switched from person to person (in the literature sense - 1st person, etc). The stories were very enlightening - one begins to really feel for these guys. What a cut-throat business. Anyhow, congratulations on a great project! I'll look forward to your next book, you really have a knack for writing, quite a talent.
Todd Cowen <cowen@mobiletel.com>
Thibodaux, LA -
I finished reading your book just a few minutes ago. Congratulations on a job well done. You took a concept and really developed it. I felt I came to know the men
you followed during their tenures with the Saints. Their disappointment was my disappointment. I especially enjoyed the epilogue with the updates on their careers.
Keep up the great work. You have a gift for storytelling.
Gary Phillips <beths66@msn.com>
Houma, LA -
Woody,
Just got a glimpse of your site. I'm currently clearing the military and I will be a civilian on 9 Sept 01. Hopefully will talk to you soon. How's the baby, and Susie. Aly is getting huge. I'm going to order your book, but you need to sign it for me. Later my freind,
Gregory J Arceneaux <g_arceneaux@hotmail.com>
Colrado Springs , CO -
Woody - 'One Dream' provides an interesting and entertaining look behind the scenes of an NFL training camp. Your perspective of the unfolding human drama is insightful and engaging for fans and non-fans alike. Best of luck!
Guy Diebold
Thibodaux, LA -
Going to the bookstore today - sounds like it's a good one!
Congratulations Woody!
Bryant " Denise LaRose
Thibodaux, LA -
Excellent book. Truly a great football book, and a great story. One Dream: The NFL is a MUST read!!!!!
Jason Coburn <jason_coburn@msn.com>
Mobile, Al -