Writing Things I’m Grateful For
While my neighbors to the south are celebrating Thanksgiving, I find my thoughts turning toward being grateful. Of course I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my health, the income from my day job. But I’m also thankful for my writing.
In no particular order, here are a few writing things in particular I’m grateful for:
1. Being published – I know most successful authors write for the love of it first. I never have. Yes, I love it — but that love is secondary to the end goal.
2. Being e-published – We’re hearing so many stories of NY publishers having trouble, folding or simply closing to submissions. I’m grateful for the freedom I have, for the encouragement to express my creativity, and for the steady paychecks.
3. Recovering my writing mojo – I thought my motivation, drive and ambition had all dried up. They hadn’t. They just went into hiding for 18 months, while I discovered I wasn’t being true to myself. It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn, but I’m grateful for it.
4. My editors – I’m a lucky, lucky author. I have supportive, encouraging editors who demand the best I can give them. I’ve learned more from Mary, Cathy and Maryam than from all the writing books I’ve ever read put together.
5. My support system – The Creative Frenzy ladies, the Total Exposure gang… you all keep me going when I want to give up for good. I’m grateful you haven’t let me. And of course, my husband. I couldn’t write if he didn’t provide the inspiration and environment to do so.
6. The 2,000 books in my TBR pile - In my world, writing begets writing. Reading begets even more writing. The less I read, the less I write. It’s a simple equation.
7. My computer - I’m not a fan of writing by hand. Electronic tools, like my computer, my word processing software and the Internet, all make my job much, much easier.
8. Authors who share their experience with the rest of us – I learn a lot by listening to other authors. I take courses, I lurk on writing forums, I read blogs, and I’m tremendously grateful for every bit of information other authors are willing to share.
9. My critique partners - My books wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if not for my wonderful, supportive, patient CPs. I’m so grateful for you.
I know there are many more items I’m forgetting, so let’s hear yours. What writing-related things are you grateful for?
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November 26th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I’m thankful for great crit partners and authors who are willing to teach. I second your epublishing sentiment. I’m thankful for my computer and thumb drives, my asus laptop that allows me to write during my breaks at work, or while waiting for an appt, etc.
My husband who still loves me after that last NaNo bout of 9K in one night…sorry honey. And my son who lights up my life.
It’s Thanksgiving over here so I’m busy baking pies and rolls. Right now I’m thankful for my health, the health of my family and the way things have a funny way of working out.
Welcome back, Lacey.
And have a great rest of the week!
November 27th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I’m grateful for my husband, who supports whatever I attempt to do. He’s my heart, my soul and my very best friend.
I am thankful for my on-line friends just as much as for my RL friends. You ladies mean the world to me and your strength, encouragement and thoughtfulness never cease to amaze me. I would never have had the strength to get back into writing, nor the nerve to submit a manuscript, without your unwavering support.
I am, like you Lacey, thankful for my many, many TBR books. I know that I have lots of wonderful adventures awaiting me in their pages.
I am thankful for a day job with enough flexibility, and a boss with enough of the same, to allow me to bring my laptop (when it’s not in the shop) to work so that I can write when things are slow at the office. My boss has never once b*tched about it.
I’m thankful for my family who have always been there for me – even though my parents have no idea the kind of stories I write…lol
I’m thankful for the authors who have had enough faith in my “abilities” that they allow me to read their manuscripts before they even submit them to their publishers. I love being a small part of their process. Thank you Lacey – you were the first to do so!
Hugs,
Robin
November 27th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Great post, Lacey. Isn’t it nice to take time and consider all our riches?
November 27th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Dawn – 9k in one night! NaNo or not, you’re my hero(ine).
Robin – Such thoughtful items! I really enjoyed reading your list, and found myself nodding along in agreement with all of them. We really are lucky, aren’t we? Oh, and I’m glad you’re still enjoying beta reading — I’ll be hitting you up for a favor soon! *g*
Beth – Hope you had a wonderful holiday!