It can be discouraging to be a writer—or any artist for that matter. Self-doubt, rejection after rejection, bitter-tasting criticisms, more self-doubt, long hours of hard work with little or no financial gain, and yet more self-doubt. (Did I mention self-doubt?)
That’s why it’s important for creatives to remind ourselves that there are benefits to this sometimes-crazy calling. Since this is November—the month of Thanksgiving—this seems like a good time to reflect on some of the many things we writers can be grateful for, such as:
- Books. We read them for enjoyment and education just like everyone else. But, being writers, we can often appreciate a book on many deeper levels—going back to re-read a sentence just to savor the language, for example, or marveling at the complex way a character’s inner dialogue reveals their personal turmoil.
- Words. Writers are the only people I know who will willingly admit to having a favorite word. (Mine might be “shattered.”) We love to play with words like other people play with Jenga blocks. We swirl them around in our mouths like fine wine, twist them like the colored glass in a kaleidoscope, toss them onto the page like fortune-telling dice, and cover ourselves in them like they’re bubbles in the bathtub.
- The writing community. Going to a workshop, conference, book signing, or presentation (whether in person or on Zoom) and surrounding ourselves with other writers is so rejuvenating for the lonely writer’s soul. Finding ourselves in the company of kindred spirits who totally get why we geek out over Jess Kidd’s verbs or Christopher Moore’s dry humor makes us feel validated, a little less isolated, and—dare we say it—normal. Our spouses/parents/friends just don’t understand why we do what we do. The writing community does and welcomes us with open arms and ink-stained fingers.
- Creativity. Nothing beats that feeling when we’re completely immersed in our story, words flowing like a creek during spring runoff, characters surprising us on the page, and hours passing without our noticing. Creativity is our unique way to express our ideas, emotions, fears, hopes, values, and joys. Our creativity is intensely private, even it the product is sometimes destined for public consumption, and it’s a heady experience. Without it, we wouldn’t be writers at all.
- The internet. Sure, it’s a love-hate relationship sometimes, but I flat-out couldn’t do my job without the internet, access to digital resources across the globe, and email. The internet doesn’t have closing hours, and it doesn’t care if I’m wearing my pajamas. And the cost of mailing manuscripts and query letters through the postal mail would bankrupt us all if we couldn’t use email, attachments, and DropBox! And can you imagine if we had had to face the Covid Lockdown without the internet? I shudder at the thought.
- Editors. Do I even need to explain why? Editors polish our rough diamonds and keep us from embarrassing ourselves. Love ’em!
- Computers. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, there are plenty of days when I would be happy to toss mine out the nearest window. However, I would truly hate to go back to the days of typewriters, white-out, Scotch tape, and scissors. A million blessings on all the inventors/developers of personal computers and word processors.
- Readers. And finally, we writers are so grateful for readers. Whether it’s a few family members, the friends who follow us on social media, or millions of book-buying fans, our readers keep us motivated, keep us humble, and keep us on our toes. More than that, though, is the connection that happens between the words we write and the readers who bring them to life in their own imaginations. That right there is magic—no wands or potions needed.
This Thanksgiving, as you’re counting your blessings and surrounding yourself with family, friends, and pumpkin pie, remember to find a moment to be grateful for the many rewards—both tiny and large—that have come to us because we write. And if you think of blessings I should have included in my list, be sure to share them in the Comments. (And I will be so thankful for you!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
[Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash]
This was a wonderful read, especially before the holiday season, which can admittedly be a little emotionally rough for some of us. I’ll add: Coffee. Coffee. Tea. And coffee again.
How did I forget to add coffee and tea!!?? Thanks for that reminder, Kendra. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m always thankful for my writing experience, though perhaps not always at a conscious level. Thanks for making our gratitude explicit. And to your list, I’ll add: cats, whose unignorable presence on our laps reminds us to take an occasional break.
Paul, cats are a lovely addition to the list! Thank you!