What's in Your Writer's Bucket?
By Debby Giusti A writer’s bucket? What’s that?
Perhaps a scrub bucket comes to mind filled with tech gadgets, multi-colored pens, binder clips and flash drives? Or maybe it conjures up a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime, like becoming a New York Times bestselling author, or seeing your story in hardcover or snagging a six-figure advance. Looking at it from another angle, the writer’s bucket could refer to how you replenish your creativity, in the same vein as priming the pump or filling the well. All of these responses are valid, yet they’re not the bucket I’m talking about today.
If you’re a mom or dad, a grandmother or an educator, you may know about the bucket I’m referencing. It’s a children’s book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Written by Carol McCloud and illustrated by David Messing, the book was first published in 2006 for children from age 4-9 as “A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids.”
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Carol McCloud,2006.
My eldest daughter received a copy of the book from her good friend who wrote the following inscription: Thank you for always being an amazing bucket filler! My younger daughter is an educator working at the county level. She uses the book as a resource for elementary school children. Since both daughters talked about filling their buckets, I decided to get my own copy and share a bit about the book with you today.
The concept is simple. Everyone has an imaginary bucket. Its purpose, as McCloud writes, “is to hold good thoughts and good feelings about yourself.” When your bucket is full, you’re happy. Conversely, negative thoughts or uncharitable actions can empty your bucket and leave you feeling sad.
Filling your own bucket is important, but filling someone else’s bucket—with a smile or kind word—is even better because, according to McCloud, “When you fill someone else’s bucket, you fill your own bucket, too!”
The idea is basic, but it has value for everyone from small children to senior citizens. Make someone happy and you’ll increase your own happiness.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Carol McCloud,2006.
Plus the message aptly applies to the writing life. So often we’re beaten down by submission rejections, hurtful critiques, and off-handed questions about why publication is taking so long. In addition, most creative people are all too aware of the negative interior voice that can be our worst enemy. When we try to produce something new, that inner voice whispers hateful comments that have us doubting our ability, such as “how can you think you’re a writer,” or “this is trash—you’ll never sell your story.” As the negatives affront us, our bucket empties, leaving us discouraged, depressed and ready to give up on our dreams.
Instead, we need to learn to be a bucket filler or associate with bucket fillers, namely folks who offer encouragement and support. The road to publication can be a long journey, but being with likeminded folks can buoy our spirits. Offering a helping hand, a bit of advice or sharing tips and techniques fills our bucket with positives that keep us moving forward. The hills are easier to climb when our bucket is filled, and we’re feeling good about our journey. An empty bucket can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation, both of which are signs of writer’s block.
Seekerville, in my opinion, is a bucket filler. We share our love for the written word whether we’re a writer or a reader. We talk about ways to improve our craft and make our stories shine. We also exchange pertinent information about publishing houses and the type of stories they’re interested in buying. Being part of this blog community helps to spark our imaginations and has us eager to continue on our journey—because our bucket is full!
Think about your own bucket today. Remember, helping others adds not only to their buckets but also to your own. Mentor another writer, offer a word of encouragement, share a lesson you’ve learned and see how quickly your bucket overflows.
As we approach our national day of Thanksgiving, I give thanks for all of you. I’m grateful for the many ways you’ve filled my bucket over the years. Thank you, dear friends.
Today I’m giving away a copy of Have You filled a Bucket Today? In addition, the winner of the drawing will also receive one of my stories, winner’s choice. In what special way has your bucket been filled in the past and how do you try to fill someone else’s bucket? Share any Thanksgiving traditions that are bucket fillers.
Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving!
Debby Giusti
COVER REVEAL
SMUGGLERS IN AMISH COUNTRY
By Debby Giusti
Uncovering secrets in this Amish town
could deliver deadly consequences.
When the robbery suspect she’s tracking begins attacking delivery girls in Amish country, officer Marti Sommers must go undercover as bait. With ex-cop Luke Lehman’s niece as one of the targets, this case is personal. After all, Marti’s rookie mistake ended with Luke injured and another officer dead. But can the two former colleagues stop a deadly smuggling ring…before Marti becomes the next victim?
Releases March 2022
Pre-Order from AMAZON now!
