“Writerly” Thanks From Our Team Here at WITS

Today we’re each taking the opportunity to give thanks for one “writerly” thing that helps us put those words on the page.

from Jenny Hansen:

I am thankful for blogging. Particularly for More Cowbell, my personal blog. Not only does it give me hours and hours of entertainment, it helped me find my writing process and a new direction for my career.

After years of struggling with book-length fiction, I’ve learned through experience that I do much better writing short. Writing 300-1200 word posts not only taught me that I’m a scene writer that does best in short bursts, it also helped me to discover my writing voice.

Who knew that I’d write “funny?” Without More Cowbell, I’d have had no idea! Nor would I have a place to put posts like 5 Signs You Have “Turkey Block.”

from Orly Konig-Lopez:

When the “assignment” to write a paragraph about what writerly thing I’m thankful for, I was kinda surprised at the first thing that popped into to mind—the Women’s fiction chapter of RWA.

When I joined the chapter I had no idea what to expect. I’m not a traditional romance writer and I’d never belonged to a writing group. I was overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge being shared on the loops, and floored by the incredible generosity of the members. I found my fabulous critique partners through the chapter and made some amazing friends.

When doubts creep in, there are always a few people on the loops ready with a pep talk or kick in the pants. And when there’s good news to share, this group cheers the loudest. I’ve come a long way in my writing since joining and I can honestly credit the members of the Women’s Fiction chapter with giving me the confidence to take risks and pursue my dream.

from Laura Drake:

This year I’m thankful to have my teacher and friend, Margie Lawson, in my life. Her Deep Edits System clicked in my brain and made me able to back away from my writing far enough to look at it objectively.  One of my other weaknesses was getting emotion on the page-which her “Empowering Character’s Emotions” class really helped.

But, best of all, was ‘going to the mountain” last year, to take her Masters Immersion Course at her house in Colorado. Working with Margie, editing my manuscript in person, was a rare treat. What I’ve learned from her was the difference between selling and not.

And no, she didn’t pay me to say this…she’s THAT good. If you haven’t discovered her yet, you’re missing out.  Seriously.

From Sharla Rae:

When Fae asked each of us to write about what we as writers are grateful for this year, the first thing I thought of was my critique group here at WITS. They have supported not only my writing career but also, me as a friend. We all laugh and have fun together, share professional news, bitch about those who dun us wrong. And I have to say, whoever made up the saying “words come cheap” didn’t meet my critique group.

Over the past year-and-a-half my life has been upside down and writing was put on a backburner. I often felt I’d let them down and didn’t pull my weight. The WITS ladies just rolled their eyes at me and told me to get over myself. They lifted me out of those doldrums and kept me on an even keel in my life and my writing. I know I’d do the same for them.

Friends, let alone professional writing friends, don’t come any better than these ladies. Thank you, Fae Rowen, Laura Drake, Jenny Hansen, and Orly Konig-Lopez.

From Fae Rowen:

I am grateful for all you WITS readers, who show up three times a week to read our blogs.

You amaze me with the enthusiasm and wisdom in your comments. You humble me with your kindness and generosity. You spark me with your praise and support. And you give me ideas to chew on, possibilities to tumble shiny-smooth in my heart, and a reason to jump up in the morning and see what you have to say.

I thank you for taking this whole blogging experience from the “Oh, no, I’m blog mistress this month!” to “Now I have an excuse to cruise the comments and follow cool links to more ideas and different thinking.”

I thank you for prodding me to think of what I have to share that you might find helpful or inspiring or funny. Thank you for being part of my world.

Do you have something or someone to be grateful for helping you write the book of your dreams? Chances are, others will include your “grateful” on their list, so go ahead and share. You aren’t limited to one.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love and peace to you all this Holiday Season!
with tremendous thanks from Writers In The Storm…