by Lynn Blackburn @LYNNHBLACKBURN
Writers are weird. We know this. We embrace this.
So why should we be surprised that a writer’s take on gratitude would be anything…normal? Today, I present to you some of the things I’m jotting down this month as I focus on gratitude. I like to keep my gratitude journal entries short and sweet, but for you, I’ll elaborate…just a little!
The delete key.
Ah, the beloved delete key. The magic eraser of plot holes and purple prose. Where would we be without you?
Permission to eavesdrop? Granted.
Is it really rude if it’s research? I don’t think so.
Imaginary Friends.
In what other job is it not only acceptable but encouraged to have not just one, but many, many imaginary friends?
Mischief Managed.
If I went around unaliving people on a regular basis in real life, that would be frowned upon. Okay, that would put me in jail. But I’ve blown people up, run people over, and thrown people off bri…no, wait, I haven’t done that…yet.
Wonderful Weirdness.
Y’all, before I started writing, there really wasn’t an excuse for me. But now? When I do something weird, I can just say, “I’m a writer” and it all makes sense!
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Notebooks, Journals, and Pens.
Because having a stationery obsession is perfectly acceptable behavior.
Introvert Powers Activated
The holidays are coming up. And has there ever been a better excuse for escaping a party (or, you know, maybe a family gathering) with, “So sorry to dash, but I’m on a deadline”? I think not.
The Muse.
The muse can be everything from an excuse to a dream client. Can’t get any words written? The muse is silent. Writing non-stop? The muse won’t shut up. Just had the best idea of your life? Okay, that’s all you, baby. Don’t give the muse credit for everything!
Search History Shenanigans.
Did she research arsenic for her book or for some other reason? We’ll never know.
Coffee. Chocolate. Comfy pajamas.
Because who can create when they are cold, tired, and uncomfortable? Not me. But I don’t have to! I can drink coffee, feed the muse with chocolate, and work from the comfort of my own house. I don’t even have to get dressed! This is something to be truly thankful for.
What would you add to the list?
Grace and peace,
Lynn
Lynn is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, children, and an overprotective goldendoodle. You can follow along with her real-life plot twists by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and connecting with her @LynnHBlackburn on social media.
The Conversation
I’m thankful for the patience shown by my family and friends when I need to pause and jot down an idea that might become a great story. 🙂
I’m thankful for writers like you, Lynn, who make me smile! Have a great, thankful week!
I can add the Undo and Backspace buttons. I use them as often as the letter keys. Perhaps more!
I’m thankful for personal emails and text messages where I can use the exclamation point without censure! I’ve loved that character since we first met in first grade! It evokes a sense of surprise and joy.
I’m thankful for seasoned writers who share ideas for navigating this writing life.
Thank you, Lynn. This brightened my day.