GRATITUDE: Choosing not to Overlook the Little Things

by Beth K Vogt @BethVogt

Being thankful seems to come more easily to us in November, doesn’t it?

From the first day of the month, we’re thinking about Thanksgiving. Yes, maybe for some of us our focus has been pared down to nothing more than a national holiday that gives us a chance to feast on turkey and all the traditional trimmings. But we also can’t help but catch at least a glimpse of the “give thanks” part of the holiday.

Which brings me to this blog post.

As writers, we like to celebrate – be thankful for – the big things that happen in our writing journey. Landing an agent. Signing a contract. Winning an award. 

Today, let’s stop and consider the little things we can be thankful for. Things like:

• The beginning of a book idea. Every book idea starts off small. “Maybe … maybe this is the catalyst to something bigger,” we think. “Something readers will fall in love with. Or something they will relate to. Or something they will want to read as an escape into another world or an unlikely adventure or a mystery.” 

• Paper, pens, and ink. Most writers have a thing for the elements of our craft, things like paper, pens, and ink. Take us to a store and we can’t pass by the aisle loaded down with pens and notebooks. Take us to an entire stationery store – Papyrus, anyone? Paper Source? – and the endorphins start flowing so that we’re happy for the rest of the day. 

• Brainstorming sessions. Some of us might argue that time to be creative with other writers is a big thing. But sometimes we can only snatch moments to mull over ideas or snarls in our scenes with other writers. Any time – be it a few moments or a few hours – are worthy of our gratitude.

• Quiet moments. Moments of quiet in our busy, busy lives are hard to find, aren’t they? After I typed that question, I turned off my TV and found some moments of quiet with that simple choice. I believe quiet and creativity are linked. It’s good to honor our creativity by protecting our solitude. (And that’s another blog post.) Let’s not overlook the opportunities we have for quietness, and let’s recognize our innate need for purposeful seclusion to refuel our creative hearts. 

What are some small things you are thankful for as a writer?

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Award-winning author Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, Beth's first women's fiction novel with Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters Series, releases May 2019. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.