Friday, September 25, 2009

Gratitude: The New Black or Have I Told You Lately That I Thank You?

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and read the interview with Allison Winn Scotch and to those of you who commented. It's so important that we writers support each other to the best of our abilities and share our experiences to help others along the path. I admire Allison for her talent, generosity, and ability to inspire, and thank her for sharing her story with us here on my humble blog.

I also want to thank the writing community on Twitter. The support of fellow writers, both published and unpublished, along with many supportive agents, blows my mind on a daily basis.

In addition, a big thank you for the enthusiastic support I've received regarding my announcement about writing my first YA novel. This last week has been so exciting! I'm in awe of the muse. Simply in awe. I've written 13k words in five days, and they've been the easiest, most naturally-flowing words in my life. I still have that fear when I first sit down to write that nothing will come, but it's mixed with excitement - I can't wait to see what happens next! When I'm a bit further along, I promise to share more about the title and what the story's about. My deep thanks go to the writing gods. I bow to thee. (FYI: Go to atom.smash.org to create these AMAZING signs! Special thanks to my particularly cool blogging buddy Beth for the link.)

I'm sure most of you have seen this, but the magic of writing has been so in my face this week that I thought I'd share it again. Even if you've seen it, take the time to watch through it once more. If you're a writer or an artist, you'll get it. If you're not, but have a close friend or relative that has an artistic bent, this may help you understand them better.

And, of course, the biggest thanks go out to my family and friends who bring me more joy than I could have ever wished for, and certainly far more than I deserve. The fact that I get to share my life with them is, as Sarah Silverman would say, beyond.

Have a wonderful weekend y'all, and make sure you say a special prayer of thanks to the people who've helped you along your path and who continue to be your love and support. Tell them what they mean to you every chance you get. Sharing your life with them is nothing short of miraculous, and for miracles, we must always be grateful.

44 comments:

Beth said...

A beautiful sentiment, Deb. So true. Love the theater marquee! :)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Beth, Glad you like the post. I love this website. I just hope I don't overuse it!!!

Pen Pen said...

SO going there RIGHT NOW!! WOWS!!
ANd- I noticed an ease with writing a younger character-Until my WIP, I'd written characters who were a little older, but when I went for a character who younger than me-I was able to tap into the awkward, confused, bubbly part of being so young-I found a lot of material out of that phase from my life.
I wonder if it's easier for other people too...hmm...

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Penny, All I know is, I'm having the most amazing time writing this book!

Love the video on your post, btw. KP is one part sprinkly pink fairy dust, one part dark chocolate fudge cupcakes, and one part Stevie Nicks. In other words, sheer rock goddess perfection!!!!

Angie Ledbetter said...

I hope you got your asbestos drawers on because you're on fire! :D Congrats on the new WIP and in a new genre, no less!

Unknown said...

Lovely! I've been feeling this a lot lately too. It was such a solitary thing, that first novel. In final revisions for my second now and I feel I have a whole village... you know? Yeah. I think you do!

Stephanie Faris said...

13,000 words in 5 days? You GO! My first novel was a YA novel too and I remember that feeling of exhilaration with each word.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Angie, New pic, cool! Thanks I'm having a fun ride. Hope it lasts until I write "the end!!"

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Suzanne, The writing definitely gets better with each project. It's stunning to see. Good for you for finishing #2! What genre is it?

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Stephanie, It is exhilarating! May I ask how many novels you've completed and in how many different genres? Inquiring minds want to know. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hi :)
Thanks for sharing this personal post Debra. Thank goodness for Twitter, for it was through it that I found you.
All the best,
Have a wonderful weekend,
RKCharron
xoxo

writtenwyrdd said...

I don't comment frequently, but I read your blog all the time. You have a lot of great articles here.

congrats on that wonderful YA writing experience. Nothing feels better than when the words flow!

Stephanie said...

Hi Debra!
Congratulations!!! As an aspiring "pre" published writer I am thrilled when I hear another of my friends is successful!
Love the sign...gonna try it myself!
Blessing to your Mom and family always, Debra!
I am thankful for the community of supporters inside and outside of my laptop!
Stephanie

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

RK, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm smiling inside and out.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

WW, Thank you so much for "coming out" to comment. I greatly appreciate it. And, yes, when the words flow, life flows.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Stephanie, Twitter has been beyond amazing. I resisted it for so long. Like I say, I went kicking and screaming into heaven. ;-)

Jemi Fraser said...

Nice post :) You're just flying along on your new wip! It's so exciting when it just flows, isn't it? Good luck with it.

nsiyer said...

Very well written, Debrah. All the best for your book and let me know more about it. Touch, move and inspire the world.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Jemi, Yes, when it flows it feels like magic. I'm in awe of the process. To me, it is a miracle.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

nsiyer, "Touch, move and inspire the world." This is what you do. I only hope that, in some small way, I can follow in your footsteps.

Bbaker said...

A brilliant reminder. Thank you.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

BBaker, Hugs and winks and thanks your way. ;-))

Chuck Schubert said...

Nice work, honey. Your creativity amazes me..really!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Chuck, ;-)))

Michelle Wells Grant said...

I've just watched the Elizabeth Gilbert video! Thank you so much for sharing it! Beautiful! Just what I needed to hear write now! Best of luck to you and your book.

Ray Veen said...

A nice little post, Debra. So much gratitude flying all around... kind of makes me grateful that I clicked you this morning.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Michelle, I'm so glad you found me and Elizabeth this morning. Isn't she amazing? And, thanks for your kind words. ;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Ray, I'm always happy when you stop by. You're one of the peeps I'm most grateful for.;-)

Anita said...

Great reminder!

You must let us know when you have a bad day...you're always so positive, makes me wonder what you're smoking...could it be a gratitude pipe?!

Kasie West said...

It is so important to remember to show gratitude to those who help us along the way. Thanks for the reminder. And congrats on your word count for the week. That's awesome!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Anita, Nope, no drugs of any kind here. I just try to keep things positive. It's far better than the alternative. ;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Kasie, Gratitude is key to living a healthy and happy life. Please give your friend my best healing wishes...

mo.stoneskin said...

13K in five days?

*pause*

2.6k day?

*bloody hell*

That's nothing...

*kidding*

I'm glad those juices are flowing.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

mo. I'm now up to 21.6k in 7 days... Without drugs or alcohol!!!

Unknown said...

I am feeling this.... really!

I am so happy this novel around, there are PEOPLE here. It is a lovely world. Authorworld.

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Suzanne, Feeling the love is a great thing. I hope your day is wonderful.;-)

Rebecca Anne said...

I'm feelin the love~
I can't wait to hear more about your YA adventure. 13k in a week? I stand impressed!
I'm off to check links and today I admit, I am midway through reading Gilberts book (told ya I'm always behind the times) I'm loving it so far ~

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Rebecca, Actually I topped 20K in my first week!!! I'm praying the muse doesn't decide that's enough for me and moves on...

Kelly H-Y said...

Lovely post! And, the sign is a riot!

Amy said...

Congrats on the free flowing words! A woman in my writer's group had the same experience w/her latest WIP. Just started writing, the words came pouring out and the characters appeared to her. She had a lot of fun writing it. And the positive energy of this post really came through to me. Thanks for passing it along!

Daisy Whitney said...

And I see you added YA writer to your description too. Congrats on joining the club! And yes, let's give thanks to ALL who have helped every step of the way -- writing friends, agents, editors, professionals, buddies, co=workers, clients, the dog walker, the hair dresser and so on...

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Kelly, Thanks, and I had so much fun with the sign! Expect to see it again soon!!!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Amy, Has your friend queried that book yet? I'd love to know if she has had success. Glad the positive energy came through. Keep some for yourself, and pass some along.;-)

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Daisy, I'm especially grateful for your support - it has meant a lot to me. BTW: Julie's book never arrived.;-(

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