Writing Brings Blessings

Today's poster tells us to look for the blessings of each day. We can relate that advice to our writing life, as well.

For some reason, we seem to allow the more difficult times of our writing world to take precedence over the good parts. Why do we want to drag ourselves down with wallowing in our problems? Perhaps it's one of the human failings we all must deal with. 

Wouldn't it be better to remind ourselves of the many pluses in our writing life? How about making a list of the blessings, or good things? I've made a list below. Check the ones that apply to you and add any others I may have missed. 

A. The many people my words have reached

B. The people I have met through my writing, both writers and readers

C. The knowledge I have gained through reading about writing

D. All I've gleaned from the workshops and conferences I've attended

E. The growth I've seen in my writing over the years

F.  The joy I feel when my writing is published

G. The satisfaction I get when a writing project is completed

Isn't it better to dwell on the components of this list rather than the late hours you've used to write, or the multiple rejections, or the problem of making a story work and so many more negative parts of our writing life. 

Today, dwell on the blessings in your writing life. Doing so might give you a lift, make you smile, and encourage you to write something new. 

My Writing Life Gratitude List

This is the time of year Americans give thanks for the bounty afforded, whether it be material things or situations or family and friends. Whatever we are grateful for. 

Today, I'm going to list what I am grateful for in my writing life. I would suggest you make a list of your own. Keep that list somewhere you see it and refer to it when those rejections come spinning in or when a story just is not working and you're totally frustrated. We do have to remind ourselves of the many good things in this crazy deal we term our 'writing life.'

What I am grateful for in my writing life:

• for the knowledge I've gained over the years
• for the joy of writing something satisfying
• for the opportunity to reach others with my writing
• for the many, many friendships I have with other writers
• for the opportunity to continue growing as a writer
• for the many publications I've had
• for having a passion for writing that has never died
• for a fine state writers organization
• for being able to write my family stories and share with my family
• for the rejections, yes, for the rejections because they have helped me grow as a writer
• for being able to connect with other writers
• for eyes and mind and hands that all allow me to write
• for being able to follow a childhood dream--"I want to be a writer."
• for the help and friendship of the women in my online critique group
• for having access to a wonderful public library
• for the ability God gave me

No doubt I'll think of more as the day goes on, but the main pieces of gratitude are included in the list above. 

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. We will be spending the day with our daughter and her family. No post tomorrow or Friday. Let's all enjoy a little time off.

A Checklist For Writers

Why haven't you...

• written something new in the past month?
• submitted any of your writing in a long time?
• edited one of the first drafts sitting in your files?
• joined a writing group?
• read a book on the craft of writing?
• stepped outside your comfort zone and written something different?
• attended a writing conference for years?
• ever done a writing exercise?
• had lunch or coffee with another writer lately?
• promoted your writing to others?
• worked toward writing goals you set for yourself?
• ever written a poem?
• tried to grow as a writer?
• read more stories and books by other writers?
• tried to find inspiration?
• attempted to motivate yourself?
• practiced more patience?
• persisted?
• tried to increase your vocabulary?
• been more passionate about your writing?
• started that big writing project you've been thinking about for a long time?

Some of the above may not pertain to you. Maybe you have tried to do some of them and been successful, but I'm guessing that many of the questions might make you squirm a little. Hey, none of us likes to be criticized. The questions aren't meant to be critical. Instead, look at them as a means to help you assess your writing life, to figure out why your writing journey has either slowed down or stopped, to help you gain some insight into your writing life.

The poster makes a good point. There's no reason to sit and wait for good things to happen in your writing life. If you do, you will get older and you'll be wasting valuable time.

So, what are you waiting for?

Read It And Heed It!

What a great list of eight suggestions for writers. Each of them will move you farther on your path to publication. I don't think I need to add anything more to the list. Each point is pretty clear.

It's such a good list that you might consider printing it, then place the list somewhere in the area where you write. Too often, we read something worthwhile and then forget about it. Out of sight, out of mind! 

Read it and heed it!