Little Things

I'm not the superstitious kind. Black cats bother me none. I'll walk beneath a ladder (and in fact did just yesterday), it doesn't worry me. I don't give much weight to horoscopes, either, or any of the rest of that jazz.

But I do enjoy, once in a while, a good fortune from those mild and tasty cookies.

After lunch yesterday, I cracked one of the little things open to read this:

You create your own stage and your audience is waiting!

Every so often a fortune just fits.

Create.
My audience is waiting.

Really, this one suits. And I'm keeping it on hand, just as a reminder. For encouragement.
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Come back later in the week - I'll have a video post to share.

Does This Hat Make My Head Look Big?

I like you very much. And you like me, I'm pretty sure. I can tell because you're ever so kind with encouragement and compliments and well wishes.

You do wonders for my confidence. You inspire me greatly, and you flatter me.

But you're giving me a big head, and that just won't do.

So, to balance things out, could you maybe call me a name or somethin'? Pass an insult or criticism? Something to bring me back down after all your great comments?

Because I'm resolved to keeping my feet on the ground. I don't ever want to assume too much, or lose my appreciation, through any part of my journey, especially the further I get. Thanks and humility are incredibly important to me.

So I need you to stop bein' so stinkin' nice.

Sheesh.

After Firsts

So we talked about firsts.

Some of you are still neck-deep with your first novel, whether writing, editing or querying. Many haven't looked at their early manuscripts in ages. Others have worked and reworked with potential still looming; others yet have already found success with numero uno. Further proof we all have our own paths, yes?

But one common thought gleaned from Monday's post was that we learn incredible amounts from our first attempts. Lady Glamis said it well: "No writing is ever wasted writing." I dare say we shouldn't regret any step we've taken, any word we've written.

Another prevailing thought was, there's a next stage. We've a reason to move forward, to keep going: We write. More. Better. There are other stories to be told, and we want to tell 'em.

Great news, isn't it?

You know what else? I've never been part of such a sincere and supportive group of people. Your encouragement is somethin' else. If you're in need of a good dose today, visit the comments from my Firsts post.

Now write on!

Support... And I Don't Mean From A Bra

What kind of support system do you have? Have you ever given much thought to it?

My mom has been the most enduring supporter of my writing, since I was in school and she'd say, in response to well-received English papers, "You should be a writer, Janna." And back several months ago, after someone she and her brothers grew up with published a book, she made me promise I'd finish mine and do all I could to get it in print.

My dad, too, serves up great helpings of encouragement. I have a couple aunts who beam with pride whenever I talk about my career, some cousins and extendeds who believe in me relentlessly. Some of my closest friends listen to my progress with eager ears, with firm conviction I'll be published. And then, of course, the network of writers I've connected with never cease to offer both support and encouragement.

There are those in my life who seem not to give a flyin' flip. (And that's fine.) Some family members, though only a few, have no interest whatsoever. Maybe they don't understand I'm serious about it, or think I'm talented enough. Maybe they're waiting for something huge to happen, so I've proven myself. Who knows? Likewise, I have friends who aren't impressed or excited. One friend in particular gives empty encouragement, support not sincere in the least. Pfft.

But it's those who do support my dreams and encourage my success that push me forward. They serve to light my fire again and again, planting thoughts that I can do this. In a way, it's for them that I write.

What about you? Tell me about your support system.