What I’m Thankful For

Indoor pluming. Spanx. Health insurance. Milk chocolate Milano cookies.

The list goes on and on… and of course the love and support from my family and friends, even though that’s a given. I mean, really, how could I not be thankful? Someone should give my husband a medal. I have never seen someone so hard working, inspiring, and the best of all, he puts up with all my b.s. That’s gold, ladies.

My gorgeous daughter, who still thinks I’m funny and cool. One day she’ll be hiding from me at the mall. One day she’ll slam the door behind her, and on that day I’ll be especially thankful for Milano cookies.

My baby son. Every part of the crazy journey to get you here was worth it. You’re a hell of a writing buddy, too. Having you smile and nod at every nonsense that comes out of my mouth gives me the confidence to keep going.

I’m thankful that someone created e-readers. I mean, it was a silent revolution that’s completely changed the lives of those who dared to try it. How awesome is it to be able to download a book in less than a minute, and read it from your couch without having to drive all the way to B&N? How awesome it is to be able to read more, since the e-books are super affordable, thus also giving a lot of new authors a voice?

I’m thankful for my outstanding critique partners. Aurelia, I’m in awe of your perseverance, your enthusiasm, your commitment. You inspire me to be a better writer, to try harder, to write faster. I know I can always count on you. Hayson, my dear CP and support system… love you. Love you. Love you. Emotions pours from your writing, and your suggestions are fabulous. Michele, the plot master. The cool chick. The legend! I’ve learned so much from you, and am so glad we’ve found each other. Your resourcefulness puts me to shame. You rock.

I’m thankful for having found a home for my books at Entangled, this fantastic publisher that’s setting itself apart from others. Everyone is just so invested, and it’s such a joy to be a part of the team. They’re so open, and warm, and best of all, respectful of my voice. Priceless.

Last but certainly not least, I’m thankful for my best friends, who are really my extended family. Thanks to my good friends, and even to my frenemies – thanks to you, I (try to) diet. Thanks to my readers, and the handful of you who stop by my blog once in a while. J

Now… where’s the turkey?

The Thing About Writing

 

 

                “It’s okay, Mama. I can do it by myself,” my daughter told me a couple of years ago, when I was getting ready to push her in the swing of the park we visited every week. As I nodded, a pang of pride and a growing fear rushed in my veins. That simple exchange articulated how time was flying right in front of my eyes, faster than any swing.

                Many times, these small milestones are life’s subtle way of telling us we are no longer needed. I remember that when I wrote my first book, I clung to it for a looong time. Okay, so I sucked at writing back then and it took me longer, but part of me likes to think I didn’t want it to end because I didn’t know what would come after. What if I finished it and the inspiration to write another one flew away? What if I showed it to someone I trusted and that person showered me with patronizing motivational quotes? I have no idea what would have happened if I’d showed that particular one to anyone, since I finished and it’s safely stashed away till I’m brave enough to read it again and start a major editing overhaul. I’d have to ask that skinny guy from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for help. Get the picture?  

                After months filled with personal chaos and fascinating milestones, I’m finally getting around to putting some ideas on paper and polishing proposals that should have been sent too long ago. It’s never good to have this ginormous gap between writing, editing, sending proposals, the whole shebang.

                Sometimes though, things spin out of control and we feel powerless. There’s no time, no way, no how. Madness. Phew.  

                But that’s okay. That’s life, isn’t it, folks? Sometimes, you just have to swing it.