Monday, November 25, 2013

Stand Up And Take A Bow..







Last week I gave thanks for the bumps on my road to publication. Thanks for those obstacles in my way, hell bent on challenging the notion I can become an author some day. I said I was grateful for a thankful heart which sees hardships for what they truly are...a chance to reaffirm a dream I'm trying to make into a reality.

With Thanksgiving only three days away, I think it's time to also say a prayer of thanks for the people who have joined me on this journey and who have blessed me with their friendship, their loving support, and  their words of wisdom as I continue to grow as a writer. To all those kindred spirits who have achieved their personal writing goals this year,  I cheerfully do the happy dance in their honor. To those merry cheerleaders who lifted me up when I doubted myself, you don't know how thankful I am for the strength of your support during the times I needed it the most. 

But to a few very special people who have gone far beyond the casual camaraderie to help mentor and impart their own brand of kindness, they will always have a special place in my heart:


Susanna Leonard Hill...the first author to say a kind word to me. Susanna has done everything from providing incredibly insightful critiques of my manuscripts to providing words of advice when I'm struggling with understanding this path I'm on. I don't think she fully understands how much I admire her both as a writer and as an individual.

Beth Stilborn ...the first person in this writing community to make me feel truly welcomed. We met online through PiBoIdMo and I have sought Beth's counsel many times over the years on both personal and professional matters. She has a sweet, loving spirit and I'm honored to call her my friend.

Tara Lazar...the amazing founder of PiBoIdMo. If it wasn't for her drive to create an event for picture book writers, I quite literally wouldn't be writing this post. I met Tara during PiBo two years ago and my very first blog post back in December of 2011 was to thank her for making my dream of becoming an author just a little bit more real. I admire her courage and determination to stay true to herself and to uphold the integrity of the written word.

Julie Hedlund...dynamic leader of the 12 X 12 forum for picture book writers. Before I met Julie, I had attempted to query one editor after almost three years of writing. It was a horrible query letter which of course was promptly rejected and it wasn't until I joined as a GOLD member of her 12 X 12 forum that I gained the confidence to send my manuscripts out into the world. She and I have had many conversations about the life of a writer and I consider her a good friend and wise mentor.


Writers are known for having a way with words but right now all I can say is thank you ladies for being a friend to me. Most people never find out they've made a difference in someone else's life. Now the whole world will know how you all made a tremendous difference in mine and what better time to express my thanks than at Thanksgiving?




(Thank You For Being A Friend by Andrew Gold)


30 comments:

  1. I am honored to be among such fantastic company, and of course, to be in yours! Thank you for all you've given back to the writing community as well Donna. I know you have inspired many along the way and will continue to do so!

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    1. HI Julie! How nice of you to say I inspire others...I can only hope and pray this is true as it has always been my life's ambition to help others see the good in every situation...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. HI Donna .. so pleased that you met writing friends who encouraged and supported you along your continuing authorial journey - it's fun being around this wonderful blogging community - have a happy week and Thanksgiving - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary! Thank you for your kind words and I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season as well!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. Great, great group of encouraging people. I've only met one, Tara, but I "know" the others. Thanks to you and thanks to them for hanging around with me!

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    1. Hi Mona! It's way too much fun traveling this path to publication with a group of friends who can relate to what I am going through. Why would ANYONE want to do this alone? ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. I agree with Julie. You have been an inspiration to us, Donna. So thanks for doing what you do and for a lovely Thanksgiving week gratitude post.

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    1. Hi Genevieve! If I were to literally thank all the special people I have met over the past four years (you included) since my return to writing, I would need a book just for that! I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving as well...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. You are so sweet, Donna! I am touched that you would consider me worth mentioning, especially among such other wonderful people! Thanks to you too for all you bring to the writing community with your Writerly Wisdom, flash fiction fun, and inspirational posts! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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    1. Hi Susanna! Thank you for your kind words. I wish you and your family the most wonderful Thanksgiving and I can't wait for your next book's arrival...maybe one day it will make a stop at my Children's Festival of Reading booth? ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. Here's to everyone who encourages us along the way! May we do the same for others.

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    1. Hi Jane! It still amazes me how wonderfully encouraging EVERYONE in the writing community can be. Even the famous authors, agents and editors make the time to reach out to give back when they can. We are all so blessed to be a part!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  7. Wow, thank you so much, Donna. It's an honor to be among such sterling company -- and it's an honor to be your friend. You give so much to the writing community yourself. Thank YOU for being a friend! (And I'm really looking forward to doing the happy dance for you when the time comes, as I know it will.) *hugs* Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Hi Beth! I have always appreciated the "real" people in my life...friends made in passing and those who are to be a part of my life for a while. It doesn't matter to me if they are face to face or online...each one as precious to me as the next. I would wish you a Happy Thanksgiving as well but I think you already celebrated it last month, right? ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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    2. Yes, Canadian Thanksgiving was last month -- but I"m planning to celebrate American Thanksgiving as well! :)

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    3. Lol, why didn't I think of that?? Then I wish you a Happy "American" Thanksgiving... ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  8. Last night I dreamed that Donna and I went to Japan. Now I see the picture at the top and wonder, did Donna dream of Japan as well?

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    1. No, Janet, but I DID see Katie Perry dressed like that picture as she performed for the AMA awards last night...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  9. What a list, Donna. I agree. They are amazing women who selflessly gave their time to help others.

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    1. Hi Romelle! I owe my growth as a writer to these ladies and many more fellow writers. These four ladies have a special place in my heart but there are many more who could just as easily find their way in as well for all the kindness they have shown me over the years...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  10. Thank you Donna! I'm honored!

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    1. Hi Tara! I believe it's an honor well deserved for all you have done for the writing community and for me personally!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  11. What a wonderful group of women you ALL are! I'm glad to be among such awesome people!

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    1. Hi Elaine and welcome to my blog! Three years ago I could never imagine a writing community with such wonderful people in it and now I can't imagine my life without this lovely community!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  12. Happy Thanksgiving! May your plate be bountiful. :) I hope all is well with you. :)

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    1. Hi Erik! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I am doing well...getting over a sinus infection, but otherwise peachy keen...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  13. The very thing you find so laudable in these ladies could also apply to you Donna. You certainly changed my views on the literary world and inspired me into print. I'm still smoothing the rough edges but I feel the end product will be of some value to others. I don't know the ladies you mention but I believe you are equally deserving of an award.

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    1. Hi JP! As always, I'm touched by your kind words and if I have helped in some small way to inspire you into print then I am content that I have given back to a writing community which has given ME so much over the years. If you are handing out any awards, then give one to yourself for being a GENUINE storyteller. I still say someone would have uncovered your talent for words even without my help...;~)

      I have also tried to send an email to your admin account but it was being contrary and wouldn't let it go through so I tried another path through one of your other blog sites. I hope you received my message about my teacher "wishlists" and are assured of who you are connecting with.

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  14. What a great idea, Donna, so inspiring. Just saw it on Dec. 7th but I'll remember this for a long time and use to thank others in my life.

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    1. HI Marlene and welcome to my blog! Thank you for your kind words. I always try to inform, inspire, and entertain...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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