By J.A. (Julie) Kazimer
Through the span of my writing career, which started in 2006 when I started pursuing the dream of fame and fortune based solely on my ability to make shit up (yeah, I quickly realized my mistake) I’ve been given so much. And this post is a thank you for so many things, and for so many people.
I’m thankful each day for the books I’ve loved and hated over the years. Each and every one has given me more than I can ever say. In many ways, I don’t think I would be who or where I am if I hadn’t been given the gift of being a reader.
I’m thankful for the writers who put their words on paper/computer screen. Whether they are published, pre-published, or write in a journal daily. Each time someone writes, I am thankful (as long as they don’t become famous and rich, those ones I really hate).
Aaron Ritchey recently posted a comment on my facebook saying, “What we do matters”. Until that moment I hadn’t realized how right he is. Can you think of all the ways in which writers impact you daily? How your life would be different if books didn’t exist. Terrifying, right?
So thank you, you wonderful wordsmiths.
Thank you also to my tribe(s). I joined RMFW in 2008. I’ve met wonderful writers from every genre and walk of life. We are a group built on the love of words. What more could you ask for in your friends?
I’m thankful for those editors and my agent for believing enough in what I write to keep me doing so. And for making me sound so much better than I do in the draft I send them.
Thanks to this RMFW blog. I enjoy every post by our fabulous regular contributors: Karen Duvall, Mary Gillgannon, Jeffe Kennedy, Katriena Knights, Liesa Malik, Pamela Nowak, Colleen Oakes, Robin D. Owens, Aaron Michael Ritchey, Kerry Schafer, Susan Spann, Jeanne C. Stein, Mark Stevens and Kevin Paul Tracy. They all rock. But none of this would be possible without the most awesome Patricia Stoltey. Pat is not only editor extraordinaire for this blog, but the founder too. Without her we would never have learned so much about writing and living as a writer from the contributors.
Thank you to the readers of this blog too. You all make me so happy. I love reading your comments, love learning more about you. So thank you to those who comment and to those who read us. I hope you will continue to so we can all learn how to be even better at what we do.
And finally, I am most thankful for readers. I’m not just talking about my readers, though you all are the best, coolest, smartest readers around…No, I’m talking about everyone who loves books. Who loves to spend their time lost in another world. Who would eat cat food in order to afford the newest release from their favorite author.
Who and what are you thankful for this writerly thanks-giving?
Come visit me at www.jakazimer.com or better yet, friend me on facebook.
A fine post, Julie. And thanks for the shout-out. I would be nowhere without RMFW. So thanks to its founders, organizers, believers. And all its volunteers. And Pat. Don’t forget Pat. Thanks to my high school English teacher. Thanks to all my editors along the way. Thanks to my pals who have been asked to slog through WIP’s. And thanks to my parents. They were both librarians. I grew up in a world of books. I wouldn’t be writing if it weren’t for their interest in learning, reading, growing–their interest in ideas.
Thanks Mark. What a great way to grow up.
Hi Julie — Everything you said, plus I’m thankful to have a wonderful, talented co-editor and contributor like you. Thanks for a wonderful post.
Pat, you’ve been truly amazing and an inspiration. Thank you.
Dang, I wrote the exact same post but forgot to send it in. Pat is one of my heroes as well (as are you, J.A.) I stalked this blog for a while now, and gee, since I’m writing a novel, one might think about joining, wouldn’t he? Great place, greater people make the greatest life. Thanks to all.
Thanks for the kind words, Dean. And you won’t be sorry if you join RMFW — especially since we’ll let you do a guest post here on the RMFW blog. Not that I’m trying to twist your arm or anything….
Join! So we can pick on you! I’m thankful to have awesome friends like you, Dean. Thanks for the continued support and humor.
Love this post, thanks, Julie! Yes, huzzah!! to Pat Stoltey and all the contributors! I appreciate the automatic daily delivery, too, so this blog is as much a part of my morning as my coffee. THANK YOU! I’m deeply grateful to all my RMFW friends! They have made my writer’s journey warm, exciting, colorful; the bad times bearable and an opportunity to grow and learn, and given me reasons to celebrate for them at times when I have little to celebrate, personally. I’m thankful for Deni Dietz at Five Star for seeing the potential of my first-published historical romances, and for all my friends who have attended my book signings, bought my book, posted reviews about my books, and … and… and… it makes one humble to comprise a list of Thanksgiving. Holiday hugs to all! 🙂
Thanks, Janet. I wouldn’t be very successful without this outstanding team of regular contributors and the RMFW members who write guest posts for us. And I agree about Deni. There are quite a few RMFW members who are thankful for her appearances at Colorado Gold. I heard a rumor she’ll be back in 2015.