Be Thankful

As we move towards Thanksgiving, I hope that all of you have a safe and wonderful holiday. That you get to spend times with family and loved ones.

I’m traveling to Athens, the college town where I grew up, and I plan to relax, eat, and revel in the happiness of being with family and friends. I also hope to get some revision work done as well.

During this time of year, I always try to find things that I’m thankful for. It can be so easy sometimes to only focus on the negative. Especially with writing when you are trying to finish projects and strive against the wave of publishing doom news and rejection.

But then I think about the real reasons that I write. To tell a good story and for that story to touch someone. And writing for young adults, words that resonate can make a lasting impact.

So if you’re writing against the wind, keep it up. Only with perseverance will you achieve your goal. Be thankful for your story. Be thankful for the passion behind your words. Be thankful for your mentors and critique partners who offer advice and make your story stronger. But most of all, be thankful that you have a dream and that you are actively pursuing it.

Happy Thanksgiving!