I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already upon us! Where did the rest of 2016 go?
Well, as this year draws to a close, it’s time to look back and think about all the things I’m thankful for. Compared to 2015, this year has been a great one. No, it wasn’t perfect, but it definitely had more ups than downs. I gained a new nephew, I made significant process on my novel, I got a new job, I paid off my car and student loans, I met some amazing people…The list goes on and on. But, the things I’m most thankful for in 2016 are:
New Job
I knew going into 2016 that at least one major change would occur: a new job. With no promise of tomorrow at my current one, it was time to move on…even though I really didn’t want to. I liked my job. No, it didn’t pay great, and no, it wasn’t close to home. But, I loved my co-workers, and I could call myself a writer by day and night. Unfortunately, the reality of my situation couldn’t be ignored. If I lost my job, I’d be in deep trouble. So, after a few months of frantic searching, an opportunity all but fell into my lap. Within a week, I had a job offer, and after many tears and a severe case of denial, I accepted it.
Looking back now, I’m so, so, so grateful I was forced to leave my old job and accept my new one. Even though I no longer get to write during the day, I’m learning a lot, I’m making more, and I’m less than ten minutes from home. And I love–LOVE–the people I work with. It’s been a fantastic change and I’m so thankful God put me in the situation he did. If He hadn’t, I might never have had the motivation or nerve to leave my old job.
Family
Yes, they’re loud. And, yes, they’re a little crazy. But I absolutely love my family. Not only are they there for me during the good times, but also the bad. As kind as 2016 was to me, it still had its rough patches, and I couldn’t have gotten through those moments (job change, heartbreak, bad days, failures, fender benders, etc.) without my family. They’re always there to pick me up, brush me off, and say, “Everything will be okay.” And they’re always there to make me laugh, especially my nephews and niece. There’s nothing that can bring a smile to your face faster than a child. The things they say, the hugs they give, the laughter they create–it’s magical.
I’m just so blessed and thankful to have so much support and love in my life, day in and day out.
Writing Group/Friends
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Writing is a lonely job. But, it’s a lot less lonely when you find a tight-knit group of writers to share the experience with. And I found that with an online writer’s group a few years ago.
Now, when you think online, you don’t think it’s going to be very helpful or personal. But, this group is exactly that. Not only have they made me a better writer, but they’ve been there for me during the high and low points in my life. In fact, I’d consider many people in the group some of my closest friends. We talk every day, we offer each other constant support and encouragement, and we laugh, cry, and vent together.
I’m so thankful for these amazing friendships (and the ceaseless support for my writing).
Health
In early 2016, I had a slight–SLIGHT–health scare. It thankfully turned out to be nothing, but the fact that it could’ve been something made me stop and think how lucky I am to be healthy. To wake up every day free of aches and pains (well, mostly), to exercise as much as I want, and to move about my day with ease. And, most importantly, to not suffer–mentally or physically. So, I’m very–VERY–thankful God has blessed me with a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Faith
Above all else, I’m thankful to my Lord and Savior. I know not everyone reading this is a believer, but I am. And, I must say, He’s the one I turned to the most during 2016. When I refused to believe I had to get a new job, He pushed me into getting one. When I couldn’t tell my family everything because I didn’t want to worry them, I told Him. When I feared I might be sick, He kept me calm and sane. I could not walk through life without Jesus Christ by my side, even if I sometimes ignore Him because life gets busy or I lose sight of what’s truly important in life (oops).
So, that’s my list for 2016! It’s a bit more serious than usual, but this was a semi-serious year. A good year, yes, but one loaded with significance. How about you? What are you most thankful for in 2016?
Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it. Be safe, eat lots, and take a moment to consider what you’re most thankful for.
P.S. I’m also thankful for Gilmore Girls and the show’s decision to do a revival. I’ll be hunkered down the day after Thanksgiving with some friends to watch all four episodes. Eeks!
Photo credits: giphy
Have you ever heard a song and thought, “Whoa, this could be my book’s theme song!”? Well, that’s how I feel about 
I actually laughed when I first heard this song because it sounded exactly like my story’s female protagonist. The words, the voice, the tone, the emotion–everything about it was her.
What I love most about this song is its lyrics. I can’t explain how much they relate to my story. I feel like when I listen to them, I’m actually listening to my protagonist. It’s downright weird.
So, if you’re looking for a haunting song that inspires a wide range of emotions, check out Lana Del Rey’s “
This song has always been one of my favorite malt shop hits. However, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, as I was skimming through YouTube, that I realized I could use it for inspiration. “I Will Follow Him” has such a determined, passionate, borderline manic ring to it. I figured it’d help me develop my determined, passionate, and borderline manic female protagonist.
As sweet and innocent as this song sounds (and very well could be), to me it’s oozing with obsession. Every time I listen to it, I imagine a delusional woman stalking her crush, bound and determined to make him hers. I mean, seriously, just look at the lyrics:
So, if you’re looking for a song that inspires obsessive, passionate, stalker-like characteristics, check out Peggy March’s “I Will Follow Him”.
If it wasn’t for my mom, I might still be writing behind a locked door, quiet as a mouse, cautiously saving my stories under names like “Comparative Politics Study Guide 2” (no joke) to make sure nobody ever read them. I was terrified I’d be judged–teased–mocked.
Her enthusiastic response gave me the strength I needed to tiptoe out of the “writer’s closet” and embark upon a career I love.
My mom has done more than kickstart my writing journey. She’s also stuck by my side throughout it, holding on tight as I’ve hopped, skipped, and crashed down the industry’s rocky path.
In 2011 and 2012, she helped me rewrite, revise, and edit my optioned work (again and again and again)…And then picked me up and dusted me off in 2013 when my contract expired and I was sent back to square one.
Seriously, my mom is amazing! More than amazing. Special. It takes someone like her–calm, firm, and understanding–to deal with a writer like me–perfectionist, borderline manic, and neurotic.
I mean it. Most people would run out the door if they ever encountered me on a writing day. They wouldn’t know how to deal with my roller coaster temperament, detached demeanor, or crazy hair.
AHHHHHH! Run for your lives!
Every writer needs someone who can push them without breaking them. Someone who can read their work and give them 100% honest feedback. Someone who makes them a better writer.
For me, that’s my mom. I can rely on her to read my stories and tell me exactly what she thinks.
I might have a lot of people in my life who support me and my writing ambitions, but it’s my mom who’s there for me the most.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there!
Of course I’m going to celebrate Thanksgiving with a little dance. What else would you expect?
They’re total nut jobs.
I usually end up at the dinner table doing this:
…Or trying to yell over everyone else, because my story is the funniest one of all–ha!
Okay, okay. I don’t spray mace in his face. I tend to take the less sinister road of grinning and bearing–and perhaps cracking a joke to distract him. But, in my head, I go all Black Widow on his grumpy butt 😉
I don’t talk about this much here on my blog, but I am a girl of faith, and I do claim Jesus Christ as my savior. Without Him, I wouldn’t get through most days, especially on the writing front. Let’s face it, being a writer isn’t always the easiest thing. There’s constant rejection, criticism, and naysayers to deal with. If it wasn’t for my faith, I don’t think I could bear the negative burdens.
I know, I know. General and laughable. But think about it! What would we do without the internet? No more information at the tips of our fingers. No more easy access to friends and family. No more opportunities to meet new friends. No more blogging. The internet has opened the world in an amazing way, and I’m so grateful for the way it has opened mine.
I know you’re probably thinking, “Well, she has to say that cause she’s writing this on her blog.” Wrong! This blog and those who follow it have made a huge impact on my life. In fact, last August 
Need I say more?
Besides friends and family, writing is my heart, my dream, my everything. And I’m so thankful to have that kind of passion in my life. There are many people in the world who never figure out the answer to the eternal question: “What do you want to do with your life?” Well, I know what I want, and I’m so grateful to have that type of clarity.
Again, duh!
P.S. To those who must deal with pesky, nosy, obnoxious relatives this week…
I fell in love with this song years and years ago, all the way back to when I was a kid and my aunt used to babysat me and my siblings. Whenever we’d go over to her house, she’d throw on Lesley Gore’s record, grab a spatula, and “serenade” us while we ate dinner. Usually her performance would end with all of us dancing around to 
However, it was my aunt’s theatrical rendition of “You Don’t Own Me” that stuck with me throughout the years. And lately, as I’ve been working on the edits for my manuscript, it’s become one of my obsessions.
So, if you’re looking for a wonderful song that’s full of power, drama, and attitude, listen to Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”.
I met her last night for the first time and she’s perfect! She had this little smirk on her face the whole time, like she was silently saying, “Yeah, yeah. I’m adorable. Duh.” Stinker. I introduced myself as her “crazy aunt”, and told her we’d throw plenty of tea parties, play dress up, and read lots of books together. She just kept smirking. I could practically hear her little voice saying, “Yeah, I’m on board with the whole reading thing, but tea parties? Dress up? Um, no.”
Happy Valentine’s Day! I know a lot of people don’t like this holiday, but I LOVE it. I’m probably one of the few single girls who does, but whatever. Valentine’s Day makes me nostalgic for candy-covered mailboxes filled with cartoon “Be My Valentine” cards. Plus, it’s a terrific excuse to eat all the chocolate I want without feeling too guilty 😉 Plus, plus, I’ll be hanging out tonight with my two nephews who I love with all my heart, so I’m happy 🙂 
As for the rest of this week, it’s been pretty brutal. Last weekend, I received my assignment for the 
Jen's Pen Den 