by Bryan Patrick Avery Well, this year has flown by. It’s already November, which mean that Thanksgiving is coming. While I’m not a fan of the historical context of the holiday, I do like the idea of setting aside some time to give thanks for the many blessing in my life. One of those blessings is my writing career. This month, I’d like to share with you an exercise in gratitude, especially for writers. Writing is a difficult undertaking. It involves a lot of rejection and uncertainty. Giving thanks can help you look back at the past year and find the positive moments that will serve as the motivation to keep going. Each of these questions is focused on a different aspect of writing so try to answer them all. 1. What accomplishment are you most thankful for? It can be easy, sometimes, to gloss over what we’ve accomplished. Take a moment and think about what you’ve accomplished this year. 2. What challenge or adversity have you encountered that you are most thankful for? Why be thankful for a challenge or adversity? Facing or overcoming challenges is a part of life. When we don’t let them stop us from moving forward, we win. 3. Name an author whom you are thankful. So many authors (myself included) have relied on the kindness and support of other authors as they’ve built their careers. Remembering to be thankful for those who’ve helped us also reminds us to help others. 4. Name someone in the publishing industry (other than an author) for whom you are thankful. Just like we get help from other authors, we can get help from industry professionals like agents, editors, etc. Whether you’re traditionally published, self-published, or pre-published, I’m guessing you can think of at least one agent or editor who has provided guidance, insight, or encouragement. 5. What is something you are thankful you said “yes” to? Saying yes might take you out of your comfort zone but that can help you develop. Have you said yes to something that really brought you joy or a new opportunity? 6. What is something you are thankful you said “no” to? Just like there’s value in saying “yes”, there’s also value in saying “no”. We can’t do everything and trying to do everything can be detrimental to our physical and mental health. Give yourself credit for saying “no” once in a while. 7. What idea or inspiration are you thankful for? Ideas are what make the world go ‘round for writers. What’s that one idea or brainstorm you had this year that really got you excited? Note it and remember the feeling it give you. It will help you recognize (and appreciate) other brainstorms like it in the future. Well, that’s my thanksgiving list for writers. I hope you find it helpful. Grab some paper and start making your list. I’d love to see some of your answers in the comments. That’s all for this month. Happy writing and have a magical month! ![]() At the age of 7, Bryan Patrick Avery discovered a love of reading and mysteries after receiving his first Bobbsey Twins Mystery Book. Today, he is an award-winning poet and author of books for children. His middle-grade story, “The Magic Day Mystery”, appears in SUPER PUZZLETASTIC MYSTERIES, an anthology from HarperCollins and the Mystery Writers of America. His debut picture book, THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH, illustrated by Jerome White, was published by Clearfork Publishing/Spork. His early reader series, MR. GRIZLEY’S CLASS, illustrated by Arief Putra, is available now from Picture Window Press. He is the 2021 recipient of the SCBWI Work in Progress Award for his chapter book mystery THE ROBOT IN THE LIBRARY. Bryan serves on the board of directors of the Northern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and is a 2021 Amplify Black Stories Fellow, a joint program presented by the Brown Bookshelf and the Highlights Foundation. Bryan lives in Northern California with his family.
6 Comments
12/23/2021 11:16:57 pm
How to give thanks for the enjoyment, passion, and connections you have with others is a big part of our lives. We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to write for a publication that we enjoy, and to receive emails from fellow writers all over the world. Giving thanks for a year of writing is a wonderful way to honor this and celebrate all of the good things that have happened in your life during that time.
Reply
12/27/2021 02:58:16 am
I have heard a lot about your services, some of my friends have been using your services since their early college days. I was wondering if you provide phd dissertation editing and proofreading services as well since I’m a PHD student I would be needing that and nothing else. If not you than please recommend me someone who can do that me please.
Reply
1/15/2022 12:47:01 am
Thanks for posting this wonderful article!
Reply
1/31/2022 04:24:16 am
Experts recruited by means of the group augmentation model are accustomed to working in a quick moving climate. They will prioritize critical errands and work on them for as much time on a case by case basis to carry out anticipated functionality before the cutoff time. Additionally, expansive experience permits them to foresee pitfalls and examine issues and dangers with you before you characterize the delivery date.
Reply
2/14/2022 04:24:11 am
connections you have with others is a big part of our lives. We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to write for a publication that we
Reply
5/19/2022 07:18:58 am
I have read it completely and got really impressed. Love to read more about similar types of articles. Thanks a lot!!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome new bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with editor/art director, & CBA Director Mira Reisberg PhD who is handing her Mondays over to awesome former now tradtionally pubbed students to widen their audience. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things. 4th Mondays feature funny Aussie author Sharon Giltrow sharing awesome Aussie books. And 5th Mondays will feature Libyan American author Koloud Tarapolsi sharing wonderful diverse books. Archives
May 2022
|