“Let our lives be full of both: Thanks and Giving.”
Jackie’s Grillette

When I saw this lovely thought etched on a chalkboard in one of my favorite hometown café at Thanksgiving time, I jotted it down because I wanted a little reminder about being grateful every day for all the people who are helping me on my writing path. Because writing is often a solitary activity, it’s easy to forget all the “writing angels” who give us much-needed support — not just ideas and valuable suggestions, but encouragement when we falter and need a boost.

It’s also easy to forget how much it means when we take time ourselves to give someone else words of praise and thanks or send them an article or link that might prove valuable. We writers are sharing, caring people. So let’s take a few moments to give a shout out to someone who’s helping making this rough road we’re on a little smoother.

For me, along with my wonderful family and friends, I always think of my fabulous sister Stephanie. Not only is she an ace editor who always gives me the benefit of her enormous skill and experience, she is a fount of enthusiasm and encouragement. When she’s excited about something I’ve written, I always hear it in her voice: I know it’s really good and get a tremendous lift! She’s always ready to help me make my words better and stronger. So, thank you, Steph — you’re the best!

And now enriched and enlivened by acknowledging the “writing angels” whose wings flutter against our pages and shower them with stardust, let’s all write on!