When I’m not writing I’m reading about writing. Today I ordered a couple of new books – How to Write and Sell Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron – along with one of the author’s mystery novels. Both count as studying my craft. I’m reading First Draft in 30 Days by Karen Wiesner…for the 2nd time. I’m also reading Before We Get Started by Bret Lott.
For fun I’m reading the second in the Ameila Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. What a great way to learn to write – by reading!

To get my mind around branding and branding statements, I’m working with a fantastic coach and reading as many brands and branding statments as I can find online.

I love words on the page. I read to learn. I read for fun. I read to write. It’s my job. I love my job!

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey

It’s the night before Thanksgiving. We learned this week my dad has another kind of cancer and a dear friend has a rare heart tumor. I was tempted today to be less than thankful. But a 3 year old reminded me that being thankful is important no matter what.

I took my nieces Amanda, Nicole, and little Gracie to lunch. When my salad came, she folded her hands and said, “Let’s pray!” Her food wasn’t on the table. She was thankful mine was. I believe with all my being her sweet act of thanksgiving blessed the heart of God. Suddenly, my heart was full of what I did have…and not worried about what I don’t have.

At the end of our time together, Gracie was even more full of thanksgiving. She loved the time with her mommy and two of her aunties. She was delighted to be “out with the girls.” She offered hugs, kisses, and I love you’s generously. Today was a good day. We were together.

Tonight my heart is full of thanksgiving for a little girl used by God to remind me to count my many blessings…I will name them one by one. The list is long. It begins with…Thank You Lord for saving me soul….thank You Lord for making me whole!