Tag Archives: gratitude

Grateful for You

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Yes, you, dear reader. I am grateful we are sharing this tiny moment of our day together. I’m grateful you chose to click the link and see what I have to say. Writers can’t exist in a vacuum, we need to know there is someone out there who is interested in what we have to say. Today, in this exact second, that person is you. 

You are the reason I create magical pieces of fiction. You are the reason I stay up at night thinking of how to untangle a difficult story line. You are the reason why I seek out interesting topics to share. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be doing something mundane like folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen.

Here at the opening of the holiday season I find myself full of conflicting emotions. With Thanksgiving, and it’s focus on gratitude, this is the perfect time of year to reflect what I’m grateful for here at the blog – and what a year it’s been! At this time last year, I discovered my book was going to be published. I dreamed of what today would look and feel like. 

Being here, at this moment, is a culmination of years of dreaming and working. I’m excited about the possibilities the future holds, but also know how much work each of those possibilities require to make real. Everyone wants a runaway success, no one wants to think about how much effort it takes for that to happen.

Which is why I’m grateful for you, dear reader. Every click turns into a number, and while most of you will only be known as a number to me, each number is meaningful, because it means you were here. 

Thank you for being here!

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Last weeks launch party and book signing was a success. A huge thank you to Aaron and the Printed Garden for hosting, to Jordan for bringing his amazing sword exhibit, and to my friends and family who came and supported me.

Missed the Launch? Have no fear, I’ll be signing at The Printed Garden during the Shop Local Saturday event, Nov 24th from 1-4 pm.

  • Jordan Hinckley brought his swords
  • Answering audience questions
  • At the signing table

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In other news, I’ve been busy connecting with other blogs and podcasts. Here is what was posted this week:

Don’t forget, books make great gifts! Pick up your copy of Stonebearer’s Betrayal now and give it to your favorite fantasy reader for the holidays. 

Amazon 5-star review

Wonderfully crafted story. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and grew as I read. The characters were well created and brought me into the story, and made me feel all the emotions a good character does. Yes, I even shed a few tears. Well done. Can’t wait for more. – Blyck

Thank you Terry Pratchett

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The more time you spend working to become an author and to publish, the more you realize just what a big deal it is for your name to be known among the general population. Think about it, there are millions of authors out there who are published, and several million more who are working to become published.

Knowing an author’s name, even if you haven’t read them, means that they have attained a level of success that few can even dream of.  Stephen King, Dan Brown, JK Rowling, and Neil Gaiman, are now household names.

1654Terry Pratchett is one of those authors who have  broken the mold among the fantasy community. Over the course of his career he has published  an astounding 66 books. Forty of these books belong to the globally popular Discworld series.

What makes Pratchett’s writing unique is his firm grasp on satire and knowing just how far to push an illogical situation. Some of his most iconic images are in fact the most silly, such as the Luggage, which is described as this:

The Luggage is a large chest made of sapient pearwood (a magical, intelligent plant which is nearly extinct, impervious to magic, and only grows in a few places outside the Agatean Empire, generally on sites of very old magic). It can produce hundreds of little legs protruding from its underside and can move very fast if the need arises. It has been described as “half suitcase, half homicidal maniac” (Sourcery paperback p22).

tumblr_mn98y9YnC51r3yo7eo1_400Terry Pratchett died in his home last week after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. His courage and wit have inspired millions, including me.

Thank you Terry!

A Thanks To My Mom

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Wow, where do I start?  After reading so many heartfelt Mother’s Day messages, so many caring gestures, where can my little two cents fit in? I guess here is a good as any place.

Mom,

After having kids of my own I’m coming to realize more everyday what a sacrifice it is to be a parent, and even more so to be a good one.  Even as I sit here with my girl on my lap it’s hard to understand what all those years of being there for me, caring for me, feeding me, dealing with my drama, and the thousand and one other things; really meant.

Honestly, I don’t know how you did it, especially if growing up I was anything like my kids are now. I don’t remember a single day where you weren’t dressed with your hair and makeup done before we headed off to school.  You always looked great, even when you felt crummy. One day I might get the hang of looking fabulous no matter what, like you. The lessons you’ve taught me over the years are in my head somewhere waiting for a chance to get out and be used and one day when I can manage to get my feet under me they will be.

As the years pass I value more and more the grace and poise I learned from you. It’s a rare thing to know that when needed I can rise to any occasion, no matter how fancy. That, and a tailored jacket always looks fabulous with the right jewelry.

I’ve also learned the importance of family dinners from you.  Even with all of your various projects and committees, and us, you managed to get a home cooked meal on the table every night and the whole family together to eat it. Although I haven’t quite gotten the hang of planning and cooking dinners like yours yet, I aspire to figure it out.

I could go on and on, and I want to, but Baby D and duty calls.

Mom, I love you and I always will.IMG_1129