10 Ways to Thank a Writer

This is the week. Crunch time.

Time to gather our prettiest table linens, best dishes, and floral arrangements, and ready our homes for entertaining.

We’ll cook, clean, and race to the finish as the big day approaches. Thanksgiving.

Today as we skim past the busyness for a moment, I want you to do something.

I want you to think about those word-wranglers who’ve made a difference in your life.

Maybe writing isn’t your thing. Maybe you don’t fully embrace the creative arts. Perhaps, though, you live with a writer or know a writer. And surely, you read. So that makes you a reader, right?

Wherever you fall in the mix, pause for a moment and think about those folks who have influenced you in some way.

While there’s not enough room to mention all those treasured folks—fellow writers—who’ve impacted my life, there are a few names that jump to mind: Jill, Jess, Lindsay, Melissa, Beth, Gabe, Sarah, Jamie, Ramona, Bill, Andrew, Shelli, Donna, Jennifer, Julia, Keli. As I said, my list is endless.

Because writers’ lives are a conflicting bag of solitude and social media, we sometimes lose sight of  our friends’ humanity—the reality of who they are—writers. Gatherers of words, ministers of craft.

With that thought in mind, in this blessed season of Thanksgiving, here are 10 ways to thank a writer:

 

1.  Give a shout-out. Link up, hook up, or send an e-mail.

 

2. Show some blog love. Leave a comment. Sign up to receive updates.

 

3. Spread the word. Tell others about others.

 

4. Retweet great stuff. Multiply writer-friends’ fabulous thoughts.

 

5. Give us your time. Take us to lunch or meet us for coffee. (Dollar meals are fine. It’s you we need!)

 

6. Tell us the truth (in love). Yes, the truth is sometimes difficult to hear, but we respect your voice.

 

7. Be a mentor. Read a synopsis or a chapter. Who knows? We might be beta readers/critique partners in the making.

 

8. Share your knowledge. Exchange facts, ideas, and details pertinent to the writing craft.

 

9. Ask us what we think. We love to dish writing and craft-related vignettes.

 

10. Hold us accountable. Encourage us. Inspire, motivate, and prod us. Make us work for it. What you think matters.

 

And now—I’d like to thank you.

Thanks for stopping by, dear friend, and for being an encouragement. I appreciate you.

Check out these inspiring thoughts…

• Edward Grinnan’s guardian dog, Millie, was vigilant to say the least.
• Hankering for an awesome pumpkin pie recipe and some feel good from the Ozarks? Don’t miss this blog post from Aunt Ruthie!
• Are you a plotter or pantser? Pros and cons via Elizabeth Craig. (A must-read for my writing friends.)

• Fun from my archives… You Know You’re “Old School” If…

***

PLEASE SHARE

Have you thanked a writer today? Here are 10 ideas to get you started!

(Click to Tweet)

In this season of Thanksgiving, don’t leave this one out!

(Click to Tweet)

What did I miss?

How has someone blessed you recently?

Blessings Always,