A Writer's Thanksgiving

When I asked for ideas for today's blog post, Untethered Realms member Catherine Stine suggested a writer's thanksgiving. Being from the UK, it's one annual event I don't celebrate. However, this year I am. I'm going to share with you all the things I'm thankful for as a writer.

I'm thankful I can read. I was lucky enough to have a foster-father who believed in the importance of being able to read and the fantastic worlds that were opened for you because you could read.

I'm thankful that as a young child I lived within a few minutes walk of a library. I spent many happy hours hunting for new books. I'm grateful all those reads were free.

I'm thankful I can write. It pains me that so many of the world's population cannot read or write.

I'm thankful I have the tools to write. The ability to use letters to form words that in turn form sentences, paragraphs, and eventually stories. A word processor that makes writing so quick and easy. A treasured fountain pen and notepads for when I prefer to scratch those words into life.

I'm thankful I have the time to write. Of course, I always want more.

I'm thankful I have the freedom to write. My words aren't censored. I don't live in fear of my life because of what I write or publish.

I'm thankful for the writing community. I don't think I've experience a more supportive and inspiring group of people.

I'm thankful for editors, cover artists, and all the people who help writers create books. I'm always in awe of their talents.

I'm thankful for being a part of an amazing writing group, Untethered Realms. My fellow Realmers inspire and motivate me on a daily basis. They support me when I feel down, kick my backside when I need it, and most importantly make me laugh when laughter is needed.

I'm thankful I love to write, and that I found my passion in life.

Lastly, I'm thankful I have readers. There is no better reward for a writer than to have someone read your stories and tell you they liked them.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

The Nuance of Cranberry Sauce

Not all the authors of Untethered Realms are American, but we decided to do the collective, almost obligatory, sappy "I'm thankful for" Thanksgiving post anyway.

What are you thankful for?

M. Pax - Food on the table, heat, electricity, a roof, my family, being together. I'm extremely thankful for my readers and fans. Thank you, thank you, thank you! My favorite Thanksgiving treat is stuffing. Thank you aliens! [Any South Park fans?]

Cherie Reich - My furbabies, my family, and my friends from all over the world. I'm thankful for having the necessities of life plus some. My favorite Thanksgiving food is pumpkin pie. As I told my mom, it's not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie! *grins*

River Fairchild - I suspect most of us have had challenges this year, whether it's life's bumps in the road or a major event over which we have no control, but Thanksgiving teaches us to stop and take a good look at what we do have.

As for my favorite foods at Thanksgiving:

• Tons of cranberry sauce and stuffing
• Mashed potatoes
• Biscuits and butter…and honey
• Can you see where this is going? Just bring me all the fattening foods and I'll be happy. You can keep the meat.

Graeme Ing - I am thankful for everything, even the bad and sorry things. I am thankful that life is a rich tapestry of highs and lows and that we are alive enough to exhibit a huge range of thoughts and emotions. Life is never boring and that is a wonder. Favourite TG food is turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing with roasted potatoes and parsnips, UK style. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

 Christine Rains - I'm thankful for my wonderful son and ever patient husband. I'm happy that I'm able to stay at home in these first years of my son's life and follow my dream of being a writer. The food I remember most from Thanksgivings with my family growing up is the dinner rolls. Sounds a bit silly, but my Nana smothered them with butter and I've never tasted anything like them since.

Angela Brown - I'm thankful for my daughter, my writing, my readers - current and soon-to-discover-me, and for the breath of each day to try something new, be something helpful to someone and for love. As for food, I tend to get so excited about sweet potato pie. Just love that delicious treat :-)

Gwen Gardner - I'm thankful for meeting all the challenges I faced this year and seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thankful for family and friends, my health, the discovery (after so many years) of my love of writing, my writing buddies, my health, my loving husband, supportive daughter and son-in-law, my job, my puppies, chocolate, Jameson and my ever evolving exciting life! My favorite Thanksgiving food is turkey leg, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and sweet potato pie! I could go on, because I just love Thanksgiving food. When we were little, my sister and I used to put olives on all our fingers and then eat them.

 Catherine Stine - I'm thankful for my two amazing sons, and my longtime hubby, who is always eager to discuss the writing life with me. I love all of my writing students, my writing group ladies, who have savvy advice. And I love my readers, old and new. It's also great to be a part of Untethered Realms, having fun getting to know all of you! 

There is much to be thankful for in life. All we need to do is focus and it will bloom before us. Wishing all of you a blessed day, no matter what you celebrate or who you share it with.

Now we want to know what your favorite Thanksgiving food is and what you're thankful for. Tell us!