On Thanksgiving Day, on any day, each of us at NHWN can’t help but feel thankful to be living a writer’s life. Today we share our thoughts with you. We’d love to hear from you. Why are you thankful to be living a writer’s life?
Photograph/© Susan W. Nye, 2010
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Jamie Lee Wallace I am thankful for the way my writing helps me connect with others. For most of my life, I was a “private writer” – capturing my words only on the pages of personal journals. It wasn’t until I discovered the world of online writing that I took a chance and shared my writing with an audience. That first encounter with “readers” changed my beliefs about what was possible for me. I read comments about how my words had helped someone gain understanding, change their perspective, or feel less alone and my confidence grew. From simple blogging, my writing journey has led me to all manner of new opportunities, experiences, and friends. And I am grateful for each and every one.
I am thankful to work in a field that is filled with people who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. People who genuinely care about helping others who want to stretch their wings or improve their writing. Like any field there are egocentrics and blow hards, but my experience has been more with those who are kind and give of themselves freely and I am so grateful for that support.
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Lisa Jackson: I’m thankful for living a writer’s life because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. To be living my dream, well, it’s satisfying on numerous levels. To make a living doing what I love instead of what may pays the best keeps the stress down and the smiles plentiful. I’m thankful to be able to work in my home office instead of for a corporation that assigns me a small, generic cubicle with no view. I’m thankful to be able to make my own schedule, and to work out of cafes, and to meet other writers on our own terms. I can’t imagine a better life than a writer’s. Pouring words onto a page for others to read at any time is always exciting.
Susan Nye: I am thankful for the simple joy that comes from weaving words together. I love it when words flow and create a rhythm to enhance, not just tell a story. A lot of my work is memoir based. Whether it’s teenage melodrama or learning to ride a bike, when the words work, it’s like I’m there again. I can smell the damp summer air, feel the dew that turns my sleek do into bad hair minutes before the dance. I can feel the tingle of excitement, accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with that first ride without training wheels.
Even better, I’m thankful when the story touches a reader and reminds him or her of a similar angst or thrill. A few years ago I wrote a short essay about my mother and her friends. From my then-ten-year old niece to strangers on the street, many readers have told me how much it meant to them and reminded them of either their mothers or themselves or both.
Wendy Thomas: I have always wanted to be a storyteller and I am nothing short of eternally grateful that I have the opportunity to be one. Nothing and I mean nothing makes me feel more valued than when a reader tells me my stories have moved her, or brought tears to her eyes, or have inspired her to take action. I tell stories to share my experiences, understand this thing called life, teach others, and as a legacy to pass onto my children. Through a gift I’ve been given, I’m allowed to give to others. How could I not be grateful for that?
Julie Hennrikus: Recently someone commented on one of my Facebook posts and said that my posts about writing and theater were always passionate. I am grateful that I embrace these passions. I am grateful that I have found communities that support these passions, and share them. I am grateful for my fellow bloggers and their support and encouragement. I am grateful that I continue to find joy in writing, and that I want to get better. I am very blessed in many ways, and grateful for all of them. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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Live to Write - Write to Live 