by Alycia W. Morales      @AlyciaMorales

Sometimes we writers tend to focus on the negative things happening in our writing life rather than the positives. Maybe you’ve been waiting to hear back from an agent or editor … for months. Maybe you’ve gotten discouraged as you watch the end of NaNoWriMo approach, and you’ve only got 15,000 words written – a far stretch from the 50,000 needed to “win.” Maybe life is overwhelming, so you’ve had to put down your pen for a while.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I thought it would be a great time to encourage you.

1. An abundance of ideas. And if you don’t have an idea right now, at least you can find…

2. Brainstorming partners. Because getting together with friends is always fun. You can share…

3. A large pot of coffee. (Keep it coming, please!) And if coffee isn’t your thing, well…

4. A hot cup of tea. So now it’s time to turn on your…

5. Writing playlist. Because music is always inspiring. If that doesn’t work, you can go for a walk in…

6. Nature. Sometimes, it’s a breath of fresh air that does the trick. If not, you can always read…

7. Books. It’s a great way to learn the craft of writing. Like osmosis. Another way is to attend…

8. Conferences. Because at conferences, you can enjoy…

9. Networking. Meeting new writers is always a treat, because…

10. Other writers “get you.” They understand, because they’re not normal either. And writers are great…

11. Best Friends. Have you ever gotten together for dinner/game nights? It’s great material for your…

12. Journals. Which leads me to…

13. Sticky Notes. Did you know they came in different patterns? And how about…

14. Pinterest. Full of ideas and articles and all sorts of eye candy. If you don’t like that, you can always use…

15. Scrivener. That’s got bulletin boards too.

16. Keyboards. I’m thankful I don’t have to suffer writing cramps from using…

17. A good pen. One that doesn’t blot. Or smear. Or barely write. Because I love…

18. Writing. What’s better than…

19. Being a Creative. We have the most fun in…

20. Life. Because you can’t really write well until you get out and live. Then there’s always…

21. Introspection and Alone Time. Which is a great time to find…

22. Inspiration. And while you’re enjoying that, have some…

23. Chocolate. (Or whatever else you love chewing on.) Don’t forget to share some with your…

24. Mentors. It’s always wonderful to have someone or someones who are ready to give…

25. Encouragement. Especially when you’ve gotten another rejection letter. But they also love…

26. Celebrations. Especially when you’ve gotten a…

27. New Contract. That means you’ll be getting…

28. Paychecks. Advances. Royalties. And it also means you must have…

29. Fans. Isn’t it great to be loved? At least for your…

30. Words. Because without them, we wouldn’t be writers.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? [reminder]

Alycia W. Morales is an award-winning freelance editor and author. Her clients have won the Selah Award, BRMCWC Director’s Choice Award, and many others. Her writing has been published in Thriving Family magazine, Splickety Love, and several compilation books. She is a member of ACFW, the president of Cross n’ Pens critique group, and a BRMCWC Conference Assistant.

Alycia blogs at The Write Editing and Life. Inspired.

When she isn’t busy writing, editing, and reading, Alycia enjoys spending time with her husband and four children taking hikes in Upstate SC and NC, creating various crafts, coloring in adult coloring books, and watching TV.