Day 13: Mapping Out Writing Time: On Gratitude

I started this blog over 2 1/2 years ago because of a dare. My sister insisted that if I really wanted to become a published author, I’d better conquer my fear of having people read my work. Her solution? A blog.

“Get yourself out there,” she said. “Blogging allows people to read what you’ve written. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a great community of support. You really need to practice letting go.”

She had a point.

“Bet you don’t have the nerve.”

Gah! I had no choice.

Despite my doubts, because of my little sister, who not only is a fantastic artist but also an incredible writer, I wandered into the unknown and emerged a winner. I’ve been blessed with new friends, my on-line critique group, and my involvement in readergirlz, the WBBT/SBBT, and the Cybils. When I started blogging, I never thought anyone would read my blog, and to discover that there are people who stop by on a regular basis…well, that pretty much makes my day. It’s wonderful to be part of such a supportive community and for that, I am so grateful. To think it all started with my sister.

A big hug and thank you to my sister. And a big thank you to all of you–THANK YOU!

Now after all this, it may surprise you that I’ve been remiss in some acknowledgments. *hangs head in shame* A few people have stopped by over the past couple months to leave various awards. There’s really no good excuse for this…I’ve been quite negligent on passing them along. Please forgive me.

Since I’d like to spread the wealth, I’m going to share these awards over the next couple weeks. Here’s the most recent–a very cool award that’s “the result of a discussion about what the acronym BLOG stands for, and the creative responses to the question.”–The Blogman Award:

Thank you to Jim Harrington – Quotes on Writing Blog for this honor.

Here are the rules:
1. Tell us your favorite hero/superhero (it doesn’t have to be Batman, after all) and why.
2. Copy the badge and post it on your blog.
3. Present the badge to five (the number of points on a Batarang) other worthy bloggers.
4. Post links to the five people you nominate.
5. Comment on their pages to let them know they have been nominated.

As you may remember, I’m up to my eyeballs in superheroines. Wonder Girl just turned six and I’m still planning her Wonder Woman birthday party for her friends. Sadly, it’s slim pickings for girls and superheroines, which really ticks me off–is it too much to ask for superheroine party supplies? While I’m at it, what about a superheroine with a normal figure and proper attire? Sigh. Thankfully, we have a fun party theme–a Super Heroine Training Camp Party. Details later.

As for my heroine, without a doubt, it’s my sister.

I’m having a hard time choosing just five people. This award is so cool, I’d love to share it with all of you. Who is your favorite hero/heroine?

Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: How does your protagonist express gratitude? Write a scene where your MC needs to show appreciation to someone. What do they do? Not do? Are they reluctant to give thanks? Enthusiastic? This gives you a chance to dig deep into your MC’s personality. Have fun with this!

Want a writing prompt tied with a contest? If you’re under 25, enter the readergirlz writing contest by September 25th. The winning work will be posted on readergirlz author-in-residence Beth Kephart‘s blog. The winner will also receive a signed copy of UNDERCOVER by Beth Kephart– a beautiful, beautiful book. What are you waiting for? Write away!