By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

“I’m going to be a writer because I want an easy life.” Said no one who’s ever tried to write a book. And yet, here we all are. Why? Because God called us, we are obedient, and, yes, despite those moments, we love it. As my birthday approaches (on Thanksgiving this year), I find myself reflecting on the things in this crazy industry I’m thankful for.

Fellowship

Where do I start with this? Writing is an introvert’s dream. But something magical happens when you put a few (or a lot) of us in a room together. We speak another language. Story. And when we speak it, or hear it, for a while, we aren’t alone in our weird insecurity. But rather fully alive and in tune with those around us. 

Books (and their publishers)

Can you imagine where you’d be without books? These miracle worlds between pages are my constant companions. I take a book everywhere. The school-run, on any drive of more than five minutes, the ER. If I can’t bring a book, my favorite stories linger and several times a day, my mind wanders to where I’ll be going that night. (Crime riddled Montana). And, as I’ve grown as a writer, great books have offered me inspiration to be better at my craft. 

Conferences

I’ve made great strides in the craft, life-altering connections and found friends for life at writers’ conferences. If you haven’t yet attended one, even all virtual, I encourage you to try. With 

In person, hybrid, and online options there are opportunities to fit most timelines and budgets. 

Generosity

In the few years I’ve been seriously pursuing writing, I’ve been astonished at the sharing that occurs between industry professionals. From an amazing mentor that I could not have even dreamed about (but God knew), to my wise and funny agent (and friend), to those people I can call on when I’m stuck, or the teachers at conferences who share their wisdom. I’m thankful for those who share this journey from the inside. 

Technology

Hands up if Zoom, while not being a good replacement for a hug, has been a lifeline recently? Because as I moved continents during a global lockdown, I can put my hand on my heart and say that free video software has saved my sanity. I used to meet with other writers weekly to get words down. Now, it’s done over the internet, and I am so thankful for the opportunity. Then there’s Word or even Scrivener to help me write, and the internet for research (choose sources carefully). And while social media has its pitfalls, I’m still grateful for the chance to connect. 

Critiques

These can be painful, but without a doubt, every critique I’ve received has made me a better writer. I don’t take every suggestion, but even weighing up another writer’s opinion means I am thinking and honing my craft. A great critique partner is worth their weight in gold. Plus, you can give them cute names – mine is affectionately called The Butcher. She refers to me as Slasher, and no, neither of us write suspense of any kind.

Opportunities to give back

This is a big one for me. There are absolutely times when the Lord blesses us because He loves us. We don’t earn those moments. We can’t. But how we respond, is up to us. So, I’m thankful I get to be one of the directors of ACFW VA’s Crown Awards. I’ve served in this capacity for five years. I can help judge certain other contests (not The Crown), and I can read and review as much as possible, promote other authors and pray for them.

Caffeine

Do I need to explain this? Whether I’ve gotten up at 0530 so I can do devotions and get some words down before I wake my children, or I’m up late trying to reach my Nanowrimo target, or even chatting over Facetime with a writing friend, coffee is a live saver. Confession: I typically drink decaf or half caff. Can we still be friends?

Prayer

I probably should list this first. Because I write for one reader. If it’s not too lazy, I’d really like to only type the words that he wants me to. So, I need to connect each day and ask for his hands to overlay mine. And then we need to chat when things go well, or when they don’t. Then when I’m done for the day, I must remember to say thank you. 

There are of course other things I’m thankful for, (family, nonwriting friends who listen etc.), but these are my top nine. Why nine? That’s an odd number. Yes. It is. Because number ten is your choice. What are YOU most thankful for in this writing life?

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.