Writing Reflections in the New Year
By Debby GiustiToday, I'm sharing my reflections on the writing life along with a few patriotic memes.
Each of us started our writing journey for a reason. Some of us wanted to see our names in print. Others may have yearned for fame and fortune. But most of us probably put pen to paper because we had a tale to tell. That initial “story of our heart” propelled us forward and gave us the wherewithal to not only begin writing but to keep working until we typed “The End.” The process of taking an idea and developing it into full-length fiction exhilarated us, and before long we were creating the next story and the one following.
We worked long hours, often in less that comfortable conditions. Our stories were sometimes maligned or misunderstood, and we learned the hard truth that rejection was part of the writing process. Yet we forged on, honing our craft in hopes of creating the best possible story so we could attract an editor and land a contract.
No matter the reason we began to write, we soon discovered new reasons to continue writing.
Most of us sit alone at our computers, usually in small work spaces in our homes. In the past, conferences and writing events provided opportunities to meet other writers face-to-face. Now we interact on FaceTime, Zoom or other video conferencing sites.
It doesn’t take long for anyone who attended RWA National or ACFW in the past to realize that writers are creative and motivated. We’re life-long learners who strive for excellence. We’re also a warm and welcoming group that forms friendships quickly.
We’ve seen that in Seekerville. What started as a handful of women on the road to publication has turned into a blog community, a family of writers and readers, who share a common love for the written word.
Writers on this blog—and indeed the majority of writers I know—support and encourage one another. We find opportunities to share what we’ve learned in hopes of smoothing the path for those who come after us. We post blogs or teach workshops to pass on tips and techniques. A few of us lead writing classes, others publish how-to books or host mentoring groups and brainstorming sessions. All of us are focused on the same destination, yet the journey never ends because there’s always something new to learn.
Some folks write for their own personal satisfaction, but most of us create stories for our readers…for the high school graduate applying for his or her first job, for the single mom struggling to pay the rent or the guy who works two jobs to send his kids to college or the mother of five who finds a few minutes to read at the end of her busy day. Whether reader or writer, we speak the common language of story that breaks down barriers and makes us kindred spirits, sharing the same love for the written word. Connecting through email or letters or personal contact makes us work all the harder to create stories that uplift and inspire and touch our readers’ hearts.
Looking back on my writing journey, it’s not the books I’ve written that bring me joy; rather, it’s the people I’ve met because of those books.
As always, I thank God for the writer and reader friendships that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t started on the road to publication years ago.
I also thank God for Seekerville, a cyber home that stretches around the world. Each of you are at the top of my list of blessings. Thank you for bringing joy to my life and for giving me a reason to write.
The past year has been topsy-turvy to say the least and the future is filled with question, especially with the recent attacks on free speech. In the days ahead, I hope we’ll continue to publish our stories and be able to maintain our connections online. No matter what happens, God is in charge and His Will shall prevail.
Today, as our government changes leadership, I offer the following prayer that has been meaningful to me.
Written by Pedro de la CruzGod bless you, dear friends, and God bless America.
Share the blessings you’ve discovered on your own writing journey. What motivates you to keep moving forward as you work toward publication and beyond?
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
HIDDEN AMISH SECRETS
Her temporary Amish homecoming
could get her killed.
Julianne Graber left her Amish life behind after a family tragedy, but now she’s back to sell the family home— and someone’s dead set on getting rid of her. With her neighbor William Lavy by her side, Julianne must uncover dangerous secrets to make sense of the past and present. Can she find justice for her family—and a future with Will—before the killer hits his target?
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