This is Just to Thank You
Hey… you.
Yeah, you, the one sitting alone in your basement hammering out a thousand words every morning before you go to work.
And you. The one filling out your registration for a writers conference and terrified to click “send.”
And you in the back, there… frantically taking notes in the writing workshop, attempting to be invisible.
And what about you, about to sit down at your first-ever meeting with an agent, trembling with nervousness.
And you, the writer who’s signed your first publishing contract and suddenly feel the pressure of deadlines and marketing and expectations.
And you, the multi-published author, thankful for your good fortune and praying everyday the words continue to flow.
I just wanted you to know that I see you. I know you’re there. I hear what you’re saying, I feel your fears, I love your passion, I understand a lot about what drives you and what terrifies you.
And I admire you. I am so incredibly awed by your bravery. I know it takes courage to do what you’re doing. I’m impressed with your persistence, your enthusiasm, your dedication.
I know it takes sacrifice. I know you give up a lot… I know it’s a significant cost to go to a conference; it’s a significant commitment of time to write books and build platforms (and read blogs).
I just want to thank you for what you’re doing. I’m so glad you get up every morning and do what you do. I’m so happy you’re up for the challenge.
It’s because of you that I’ve been a reader my whole life. It’s because of you that I love books. It’s because of you that I’ve had the good fortune to work for the last eighteen years in a career I absolutely love.
You are incredible. Keep up the good work. Keep writing… so I can keep reading. And thank you.
Image credit: vicdd / 123RF Stock Photo
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I’m a month late in saying so, but thank you for this post. It meant a lot to me.
[…] And you in the back, there… frantically taking notes in the writing workshop, attempting to be invisible. Click here to read more of this encouraging article. […]
So beautiful! Gotta share this. 🙂
God bless you for writing this post, Rachelle. I thought about it often over Christmas and it raised my spirits so much. As an author working on final revisions of my ms (hopefully ready for submission late Jan/early Feb) I felt ‘here is someone who truly understands what is going on for me, & for other authors.’
I may not have an agent or a publisher (indie writer here) but I still appreciate this thread and your blog. Happy New year! =)
[…] And what about you, about to sit down at your first-ever meeting with an agent, trembling with nervousness. Click here to read more. […]
Wonderful post!
I needed that post! Thanks, Rachelle.
Rachelle, what an absolute precious post! It was so encouraging that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to pour into me and others.
Wow, I really need to get to know you, Rachelle. Glad to have discovered your blog! I have over 200 publications including 5 novels and 9 awards, and I still have many days when I wonder if I am absolutely out of my mind wasting time writing silly drivel that no one will ever want to read. You’ve said it so eloquently. Thank you!
That was nice message. After a nice week off visiting family, I’m back at it today.
I couldn’t have seen this at a better time, Rachelle. Living in an area where I know no other writers and having found the “just ask another writer and they’ll help you” admonishment to be untrue, it was nice to pull this up and read it. It made me feel a little less alone and even more thankful that I’ve been blessed with the gift of words. I hope you have a great 2014 – I hope we ALL do.
THANK YOU, Rachelle! And thank you for all that you do for the writing community! It’s VERY much appreciated! I always look frwd to reading your insight. YOU ROCK!!! <3
Thank you, Rachelle. Your posts always provide insight. Happy New Year!
How kind and sweet. Writing IS a solitary life, and it’s nice get some kudos now and then. I echo many comments here…your info. is very helpful. thank you for what YOU do. 🙂
What a great and encouraging message. Thank you.
It’s been a fantastic year and part of that is because of you. Thanks for using your knowledge to help us with our writing dreams. Bring on 2014!
I hope one day when I have an agent, he/she is as encouraging as you.
Beautifully said!
Thank you, Rachelle. You’ve given so much over time, and all of it has kept the engines going. We’re very lucky to have you and your generosity. And thank you for letting us know you see us. That means a great deal. <3 <3 <3
Thanks for the great posts that you write.
You have to be best at writing fairly short interesting and inspiring posts that generate so many responses from those you read your blog.
Happy New Year. I am looking forward to reading more posts by you.
And thank you for your wisdom over the years! I’ve learned so much from your blog. Happy New Year!
Thank you for your ever-present encouragement. I’ve printed out more posts than can fit in a binder. You’re the best!
Thank you for another year of wonderful information and encouragement. I appreciate knowing that someone in your position still remembers and understands the uncertainties that we newbies experiences.
Christmas blessings to you!
Escape Publishing picked up my first novel, without my having an agent. Though I’d like to, I still don’t have one. If that every happens, I’d want them to have the spirit of support and goodwill you constantly display. Than you Rachelle for all the wonderful posts.
Have a Blessed Year.
To everyone else, Write On!
JM
And THANK YOU, Rachelle! Even though I seldom express it [blush], many times you have been the light in my dark tunnel that has brought me into the fresh air of understanding. God bless you and your family — and the family of contributors here — in this coming year.
Rachelle – May your holiday season be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.
What a lovely piece of writing! Thanks to you for being a conduit of information and encouragement in the e-writing world.
Thanks. Every bit helps.
Thank you. A word of encouragement can make all the difference.
Thank you, Rachelle for being there. I get so much encouragement from your blog. One reason might be that I have met you and sat across from you at a table and have heard your wisdom from a personal perspective. Please keep writing this blog. I know at times it must seem like a thankless task.
It’s so easy to forget, every New York Times bestseller was once a nobody – thank you for remembering to encourage the littles along with the bigs.
And I hope your holiday is wonderful.
Thank you for this post, it made me smile! I’m just starting out on this writer’s path – a year and some change. I’m one of the ones that just signed up for my first conference.
You’re wonderful, Rachelle. And thank YOU for all that you do to help us. I got my first book deal with HarperCollins last month, and it was YOU who taught me how to write a query letter! Merry Christmas!
Wait–you left someone off your list. I mean the one who worked hard in and out of the basement to learn his craft, who paid his dues and then some over many years, until he finally published a book with a good house–but then sank into obscurity, until years later he was picked up by a new agent with a good shop, who thought his work worthy but couldn’t get him a deal, who was in turn superseded even more years later by another agent with a good shop, who took on a different book but didn’t get a deal, so that in the end, or nearing it–meaning the real one, which in fact kept growing ever closer–he was left with no choice but to become his own publisher.
Is this unsuited to the holiday season? It just seemed right to flesh out your list a wee bit.
Yes, even you. I see you and hear you. Sometimes the path isn’t easy, is it? I hope you’re having a nice holiday season anyway, and I wish you the very best.
Love you, Rachelle. <3
Aw, you’re sweet. Love you Katie. Merry Christmas!
[…] And you, the writer who’s signed your first publishing contract and suddenly feel the pressure of deadlines and marketing and expectations. Click here to read the rest of this encouraging article. […]
This is awesome, thank you Rachelle. And thank YOU for being such a great teacher, a great advocate for writers and an all around awesome person!
Thanks for being part of this community, Jennifer. You are appreciated.
And thank you for what you do, Rachelle–for all writers, from pre-published to multi-published. You’re important as well. Merry Christmas.
Richard, I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season with the families coming and going!