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
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!
