x-posted from ManuscriptMavens.com
Today I woke up not only in an exceptionally good mood, but with notes from Lacey suggesting I enjoy the milestones I do pass, and Bernard reminding me to count my blessings. The one thing I haven’t felt very blessed with lately in my writer life is time, but I’m certainly blessed with people. And the more I thought about it this morning, the luckier and luckier I felt. I have:
* You. (Seriously, you rock. Nobody forces you to come visit me on the intertubes, and yet you do anyway. That’s awesome.)
* The Manuscript Mavens. Carrie, Darcy, Jackie, Lacey–all super-talented writers and a fabulous support group.
* My agent, who either never gets tired of answering industry questions and calming me down when I spaz (or else is a darn fine actress, which I also can appreciate). Lauren rocks.
* My local chapter and our sister chapter down the road. TARA particularly rocks. I’m grateful for them every day.
* My in-person writer pals who trade crits or meet me at Borders to write or at restaurants to talk about writing or just to hang out. CPKel, Manda, Karen R, $Jean, June, Cheryl, Linda, Elissa, Karen L, Phyllis, Vicki, Julie, the list goes on–How did I get lucky enough to be surrounded by so many awesome people?
* My long-distance writer pals who are never more than a phone call / email / IM away. Diana, Stephanie, Tessa, CM, and Shari, especially. XOXOXO.
* My family members who encouraged me from day one. My other family members who think I’m apesh-t crazy for trying to write for a living, but support me anyway. My friends who never fail to greet me with a smile and a comment like, “How’s the tooth fairy?” or “Finish your revisions yet, lazycakes?” Bless them.
* The blogiverse. Where would I be without the MaveFaves and all the reader sites and writer sites and chapter sites that help me procrastolate when I need a break, that teach me craft advice I never knew, that keep me informed on the industry, that introduced me to people who once lived on the Internet but are now among the dearest to my heart?
So, yeah. Today’s a good day. No, today’s a great day. How could it be anything but, when I’m surrounded by such fabulous people?
YOUR TURN: Count your blessings! I want to see ‘em. I bet we’re the luckiest bunch of writers in the world! =)
I’m glad you’re feeling better. If you let it, this writing gig can drive you insane. Other than family and health, having marketable skills and a day job I love helps immensely.
‘The sun’ll come out
Tomorrow…’
Comment by BernardL — May 20, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
Erica, what a wonderful idea. Why wait till Thanksgiving? Anytime is a good time to count our blessings, and writer-wise, I have many similar to yours (funny, we seem to know a lot of the same people–wonder why?)
Oh, TARA–I know I wouldn’t be where I am without all the wonderfully supportive people of TARA, the Book Challenge group, the critique partners, all the people who won’t let me give up.
I am grateful for chocolate.
And let us not forget my DH and children.
P.S. Your post would make a great Rita acceptance speech. Start rehearsing!
Comment by Karen Lingefelt — May 20, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
I’m grateful for my health, my family, and my fellow Literary Sirens, who are the ONLY reason I am still sane. Oh, and I’m also thankful for low interest rates and continued ups in the Portland housing market — we are refinancing, and when the dust settles, I am going to quit my job and write full-time! I am HUGELY grateful for the opportunity to do this! Hugely TERRIFIED also, but who’s counting…? (eek! *:?))
Comment by Kerry Blaisdell — May 20, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
I’m grateful that I have bar review classes . . .
Comment by AngryMan — May 21, 2008 @ 6:51 am
I’m grateful for my children (grown), Science Guy, who is an amazing man, and the many writer friends who have truely become dear friends. For my mom who always told us we could become whatever we wanted to be.
Also, for family who sometimes gets me and sometimes doesn’t, but still loves me all the same.
Comment by Vicki — May 21, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
I’m just as lucky for you as you are for me. Your list is pretty much the same as mine, with a few names changed (but not that many!)
Today, I bought a card for my father that said, “A father who believes in his daughter gives her the courage to take on the world.” I’m so lucky to have my dad, mom, family…I just hope I can pass it all on to my daughter, too.
Comment by JulieLeto — May 25, 2008 @ 3:03 pm