Five Things: A Thankfulness Post

Yesterday was my birthday. And, as a dear friend was pointing out to me, so many wonderful things have happened since my last one. I conceived the story that is to become my debut novel, wrote it, started this blog, started a contest with very dear friends—well, I am getting ahead of myself.

This post is dedicated to thankfulness, in gratitude to all that God has done over the last year for me, and in looking forward to what lies ahead in the year to follow.

Five Things

 

From this past year

Crowning Heaven—this is the novel I am planning on debuting. It came out of nowhere and broadsided me, asking to be written. So I wrote it, and though it is a long ways from being ready, it still gives me excited feels and surprises me with parallels and depth I had no clue were there when I wrote it.

I met Annie Hawthorne—at long last. I had sort of seen her around online for a year or two, but after joining Twitter I got to know her better, and this year I got to see her and talk face to face. She is a dear, dear friend, and my life has an extra bright spot in it now that is called Annie.

The Herosinger Blog—this little blog launched, and contrary to my fears that I would never be able to write articles, much less on a regular basis, it was well received. I am so thankful to all my dear friends who drop by and make this blog worthwhile.

James Horner—one of my favorite composers ever passed away this year. And while I was gutted about it, I have been even more thankful this year for his music and the beautiful gift it has been, and still is, to me.

Book Groups—this year I have been in multiple book groups, and have been immensely blessed by the great fellowship and deep theological discussions they have provided.

 

Currently

Loving Family—my family is always very special, but around my birthday they have been especially kind and affectionate, doing little things to make the day special, giving hugs, and telling me how much they love me.

Writing Friends—ever since I joined Twitter, I have found a lovely circle of good writers and kind people. They have encouraged me, given me advice, and simply been there when I needed some motivation.

NaNoWriMo—I am currently sitting outside the 40,000 word mark in my NaNo project. It is a book I have waited for two years to write, and I am loving (almost) every minute of this experience.

The Sea Scribblers—two friends and I organized this little group, and we are currently running a short story contest through it. I could not have done it without them, for sure.

The Little Things—coffee in the mornings when I get up, mastering the canter on big warmblood horses, blank notebooks, baby kisses, letters from friends, tasty food, and new music from favorite composers all are just part of what makes me thankful simply to be alive.

For the Future:

Beta Readers—starting in early December I am sending out my edited draft of my WIP to beta readers for the very first time. I am looking forward to enjoying the opinions and advice of my dear fellow readers and writers.

Research—I have my two primary research books for the ship story I have been working on for the last few years, and next summer I will have an opportunity to see some old-fashioned tall ships in person. To the sea!

The Sea Scribblers Short Story Contest—all of you are hard at work on your entries, right? Right?

Watching my Friends’ Adventures—I have friends who are writing books, getting married, having babies, and working on all sorts of Weighty Endeavors, and I am excited to see it all unfold.

Reading New Books—I have a nice stack of recommended reads, and books I have bought and been given as gifts (like the Just So Stories, which I have never read!) and I am very much looking forward to having new adventures through them all.