a.k.a writer

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With Thanksgiving in the United States just hours away, my attention has turned from word counts to baking. The holiday tends to kick off what’s known as my “baking season” and it’s my number one distraction from writing during November and December. This year, however, I have to balance the measuring ingredients with getting the words to the page: I have a goal of a full rough draft manuscript by December 31.

I can see myself meeting that goal and can’t wait for the day I can print out the full draft (sorry trees) to start the revisions. As a writer, here are the top three things I’m thankful for right now:

time to write
supportive friends and family
access to writers

What do I mean by access to writers? Whether it’s connecting 140 characters at a time on Twitter or hearing an author speak about his or her writing via video, we can find inspiration from our favorite writers on a daily basis. One of my most treasured experiences from the last two years of Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat has been hearing Nikky Finney read her poetry and share her stories. I could listen to her strong, powerful, tender voice all day long. In the video here, she reads “Left,” from her latest collection of poetry Head Off and Split.

What are you thankful for this year?

This thankful writer

November 23, 2011

It’s Not an Oscar Speech, But I’d Like to Say Thanks

November 26, 2009

Happy U.S.* Thanksgiving!

*I have worked with several people from Canada, where they celebrate Thanksgiving in October. Can’t let them think they haven’t properly trained me.

I am especially grateful this year. Here’s what’s high on my “thankful” list:

My family. It’s been amazing to spend more time with my brother, sister-in-law and their five kids! It’s also been fun having family living in the same city: that’s you, LaNeff. I’m looking forward to seeing more of my family in the coming year.
My friends, old and new. Staying in touch with friends from Seattle has been easier—and harder—than I thought it would be. I love reconnecting with old college friends living in Colorado while still keeping strong ties to my Pacific Northwest peeps.
My writing peers who offer encouragement and a kick in the pants—and sometimes both at the same time.
My clients, who inspire me, challenge me and pay on time.
My honey, who supports me, encourages me, tolerates my magazine obsession and keeps me laughing.
Cashmere wrist warmers. I can cover my freezing hands and still type.
You, for reading, commenting and sharing your experiences.

Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, I’d love to know this: What’s kept you going in 2009? Please share in the comments.

Photo attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/papazimouris/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0