A Writer Gives Thanks!

By Debby Giusti

  

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 story 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 caustic critiques and rejections are 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 at our computers, usually in small work spaces in our homes far from other people, but thanks to the internet, we’re able to interact with writers online. Conferences and writing events provide opportunities to meet face-to-face.

It doesn’t take long for anyone who has attended RWA National or ACFW to realize that writers are creative, motivated and intelligent. 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 group 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. Some 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.

This Thanksgiving, as I count my blessings, I’ll thank God for the writer and reader friendships I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t started on the road to publication years ago.

As always, I 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.

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?

Leave a comment to be included in a drawing for the first two Publishers Weekly bestsellers in my Amish Protectors series, Amish Refuge and Undercover Amish.

I’m serving hot cider as well as coffee and tea along with pumpkin donuts and spice coffee cake. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

Undercover Amish

By Debby Giusti

After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah—disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Order here!