When I opened an email from a reader with the subject line GRATITUDE, I was flabbergasted she was sending me gratitude!
If you think about gratitude, what comes to your mind? I’m sure it’s different than what comes to my mind. Most readers don’t realize that you are the center of my world.
Of course I love creating all sorts of stories in my head and writing them down, but I never dreamed that anyone other than my own mother would want to read them.
It wasn’t until my husband looked at one of my favorite author’s novel did he inform me that he knew I could write one of those.
With those few words of encouragement, I began writing that night on what turned out to be a novel that would never see the light of day. Through persistence and thick skin, I finally was able to get my first novel, Carpe Bead ‘em, published.
If only one person bought that novel, I had fulfilled my dream of publishing. This made me a real author! And not only did one person buy it, over thirty-thousand copies sold in the first month Carpe Bead ‘em had been out. Quickly it shot to the bestsellers list and beyond.
I was beyond filled up with gratitude. You see, it’s not about money to me. It’s about connecting with readers and forming relationships with them. I have met my readers at conferences, for dinner, for dessert, and weekend retreats.
My gratitude is you, the reader.
You have a busy life just like me, I know~I have four teenage boys. And in today’s crazy world you take time out of your day to sit down and make time for my made up stories. This blows me away! And you make me a better writer! I write about family, love, and emotions. I take you on a journey that I hope fills you up with gratitude as much as I’m filled up by you.
What is something you are GRATEFUL for?
I am grateful for so many things! Since I have no idea where to start with them, I will tell you about my Gratitude Tradition.
ReplyDeleteEvery November 1st I set out a pile of construction paper leaves that I cut out in October, a jar of pens, markers and color pencils, and a roll of tape on the counter. During the month of November each person writes on a leaf something they are grateful for or somebody who they are thankful to and why. They don't sign the leaf. When they are done they take the leaf and the tape and hang it on the wall somewhere. It is so lovely to see the house fill up with leaves of love. It is an amazing mood lifter too.
I am grateful that I have love, support & health. My family is good & we love each other. We have faith, which so many people don't or have lost. Wealth would be great but we are ok without it too. Thank you for making me search my heart & soul to really answer this question. It's easy to forget sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that I have been able to meet (online) so many authors and read so many new books. I love how generous and loving they are with their fans-so fun to be able to share in fun posts, etc. Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful that I have been able to meet (online) so many authors and read so many new books. I love how generous and loving they are with their fans-so fun to be able to share in fun posts, etc. Thanks so much!!
ReplyDelete