This is the part of Thanksgiving where I make everyone set down the turkey and the sweet potatoes for a second and go around the table and say what we’re thankful for. I guess this means I’ve officially become my mom.
What are you thankful for in the publishing/writing world?
I am very thankful for my amazing agent and editor for believing in me, my awesome and talented colleagues, my incredible clients, and of course YOU, for reading the blog and teaching me so much.
What about you?
Laura Martone says
I'm thankful for all the bloggers out there (including you, Nathan, and those I've met through your blog) who continue to help me understand this crazy little thing called publishing… and who continue to encourage me in my own writing endeavors.
And I'm thankful for my passion, imagination, and ambition – which push me forward on the days when being a published novelist seems impossible. The hubby's unwavering support sure helps, too.
Karen A Chase says
Definitely thankful for Kristen Weber, my freelance editor who has been a delight. For my love, Ted, who supports my dreams. Laura Scott for showing me it can be done. And the pen for continuing across the page.
Laura Martone says
Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Even those who don't celebrate it.
Bryan, would you care for some turkey? My stepmom bought a monster!
P.S. And you can always stop by Come In Character to share in a virtual Thanksgiving!
Mira says
Hmmm. This was a hard post for me to write. I don't want to get too mushy about this blog. I'm sort of a sentimental type at heart….when I'm not blasting the industry for various conspiring schemes, that is…. 🙂
So, in my effort to not get too mushy, I'll just say I agree with Marilyn. This blog is so important: as a forum for honest discussion, a huge resource of information and a catalyst to change. Thank you so much for that and for your vision…..
…..
Ah heck. I'm going to get mushy. You can stop reading now, Nathan.
Okay, first, thanks for not kicking me off the blog. I imagine it was a close call at times.
Second, I grew so much through this blog personally. I won't go into it all, but one important thing: I learned I really could post only once or twice a thread and not DIE. That was important to know.
I learned some math. Also important.
Thanks for always listening. I know you read every post, and in a world where it's hard sometimes to be heard, what a gift it is to have someone listen. Thank you.
I learned how to write a query letter. I learned all about agents and what they do, and what they look for.
Watching you and your clear moral center, integrity and work ethic has been inspirational.
I wrote some other things, but they are too personal for the blog – even for me. I'll find another way to thank you for those sometime.
So to sum up, thank you. I'm very grateful for you and for your blog.
Laura Martone says
Beautifully put, Mira. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving, whatever you're up to!
Ink says
Laura,
Send it over! Just make sure to avoid those customs officers with greedy fingers.
Mira says
Laura, thank you! You, too! 🙂
I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving by writing my paper on the oppression of women. It's a bonus, because just think how grateful I'll be when it's finished.
I should mention, if Nathan doesn't mind that I'm very, very grateful to you, Christine and Ann for running CIC while I'm in school. You've been amazing, and your posts are wonderful.
I'm also happy to have met so many wonderful people though this very blog, including you, Laura. Lot of good folk. 🙂
Terry Towery says
I'm thankful for this blog (the first REAL writing blog I stumbled across), and for all the good information and links I've had the good future to find since then.
I'm thankful I finally finished my manuscript. I'm thankful to my freelance editor, Staley Krause, who has proven herself a marvelous editor and and even better person.
I'm thankful that I continue to have hope that I can fulfill my lifelong dream to become a published novelist, despite no longer being a "kid." I'm grateful for the twenty-five years I spent in a newspaper's newsroom, and the skills and thick skin that came as a result.
But mostly, I'm thankful to my beautiful wife for having faith in me when no one else did (including me).
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Terry
Patrice says
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Laura Martone says
Darn it all, Bryan. If I were still in Michigan, I'd just walk the turkey into Windsor. Feel up for a trip to the Big Sleazy?
Hey, maybe we could just use Mira's catapult!
Laura Martone says
Oh, and you're welcome, Mira. Happy to help.
Good luck with your paper! Just remember to take some time to sniff the turkey – and maybe eat some, too, while you're at it.
Ink says
Laura,
We've had some technical difficulties with the catapult. It keeps hurling oppression my way. Very troublesome. You'll have to talk to Mira about that one.
🙂
Mira says
Oh, thanks, don't worry, Laura. I'm sure they'll feed me some turkey if I look pathetic enough.
Bryan, I worked it in. Ha.
Can I just say I'm grateful for Bryan? I've learned so much winning….er, I mean, engaging in our debates. Who else is so much fun to argue with?
Mira says
Ink – lol. Hurtling oppression. You're funny.
Kathryn Magendie says
My publishers taking a chance on me, believing in me, and in my work! My 2nd book coming out … and the great response I've had on the first one.
Happy Thanksgiving Nathan, et al
Grimmster24 says
I am thankful for the opportunities I have had as of late to send out manuscripts and get feedback.
I am thankful to have met a few wonderful fellow authors/bloggers like Craig McDonald, Brenda Nixon, jj Keller, Kathleen MacIver Kiersten White, and yes, you too, Nathan.
And lastly I am very thankful for my mind being kind to me and allowing me to come up with a great story-in-progress, the time to do so, and most of all, people to appreciate what I have done so far.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
Anonymous says
I'm thankful for good independent book stores, and even for good chains (like Borders).
I'm thankful somebody is still publishing worthwhile fantasy. I'm thankful for Carol Berg's Lighthouse Duet, winner of the Mythopoeic Award this year, as I'm thankful for Wolf Hall, which won the Man Booker.
I'm thankful for Lords of the Sea, by John Hale, which proves that history can be as exciting and gripping as a good novel.
I'm thankful someone publishes Kent Haruf, a magician and poet with words who writes about the real west.
I could go on, but I'll stop. Happy Thanksgiving.
Anonymous says
I'm thankful for writers, agents and editors who take the time to help newbies get started.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Adrianne
Adam Heine says
I am thankful for you and all the other agents, editors, and writers who blog about the publishing industry, writing, and how to improve in both. If I had tried this getting-published gig 10 years ago, I don't think I would've learned nearly this quickly.
kdrausin says
I am thankful for kind editors, agents and authors who are willing to share their knowledge. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving.
ryan field says
I'm thankful for having the opportunity to work with a wonderful agent, excellent publishers and editors, and a wonderful copy editor named Jen.
marye.ulrich says
I'm thankful for your mom. She did a great job of making you sensitive and open to what the "little guys" are going through.
Anonymous says
Who is Brian?
Rogue Novelist says
Personally, I'm thankful for the good health my wife, son and I have. Professionally, I'm thankful for my excellent annual income and for the intelligent and ethical presentations from your blog comments.
Anonymous says
i'm thankful for my hands
Kim says
I'm extremely thankful for my agent who believed enough in my writing to sign me this year.
Susan Quinn says
I would like to second marye's suggestion about being thankful for Nathan's mom! They grow 'em good on the farm! Way to go, Mom.
And Bryan (Ink) – If you didn't get any turkey, I'd be happy to catapult some Canadian geese that are infesting my local park your way. Don't they belong up there anyway?
Jackie Brown says
Happy Thanksgiving, Nathan.
I'm thankful for your generosity in keeping me apprised of publishing news and information via one of the best blogs in the business. Thank you, too, for your constant flow of valuable advice; you never fail to deliver.
Thanks, too, to all the fine folks who read and comment here. I have learned so much from all of you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Brent Peterson says
Hearing my kids laugh…..being Canadian……living next door to a great country where the American Dream is alive and well in blogs like yours …. being allowed to dream too…… and finally …. discovering a passion for writing fiction after 47 years.
Happy Turkey everyone!
Ben-M says
I am thankful that writing should make it still possible, in an increasingly anonymous, commercialized and deafeningly loud world, for one person's small voice to be heard.
Marilyn Peake says
Mira – That was so beautifully written. You write sentimental very well. We already knew you write great humor!
Ink – I’m so glad to hear the catapult’s back! I will send turkey and stuffing your way, followed soon after by pumpkin pie. 🙂
I’m thankful for the regulars who post here: Mira, Bryan (Ink), Laura Martone, Scotty, otherlisa … and so many others.
Well, I’m off now for a busy Thanksgiving weekend. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Anonymous says
I'm thankful for bloggers like Nathan, and for the many others who take the time to comment on blogs, review and critique–giving so much of themselves to help others in this difficult profession and difficult economic environment.
Oh, and for wine, margaritas, my family and friends, netflix' international movies, singer/songwriters, gaia — the things that connect us to more than our individual selves.
Kaitlyne says
I'm thankful for the resources that we have available online that have taught me so much about publishing and editing in only the past few months.
I'm including sites such as this one, Miss Snark, etc. which have also helped me to understand the process and helped dispel many of the old stereotypes concerning publishing and agents. We are incredibly lucky to have people who are willing to take their time out their already incredibly busy schedule to help us.
Stephen Prosapio says
I'm thankful for my agent who helped steer me as I began my novel this spring and who has provided me wonderful feedback in her reads of my work. I can move on to my next project knowing her capable hands will get my book read by the right publisher/s.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Jo says
I'm thankful for my wonderful agent and my soon-to-be amazing editor, and I'm thrilled that in the next month or so I'll be revising another book. Grateful that I can do the thing that makes me happiest in the world and pretend that it's my job.
I also couldn't live without my son, daughter and my grumpy old husband.
Considering I don't eat turkeys and did not grow up in America, it is amazing how emotional this holiday makes me.
Kirk K says
I am thankful for health in my family – my 14 month old daughter is now 6+ months post-liver transplant and doing so well. I am thankful to have a full time job in this economy (though I at times wish that full time job was WRITING). I am thankful for incredible organizations like the SCBWI-Western WA region and for all the published writers who take time to share their experiences with newbies. I am thankful for blogs like this that not only shares knowledge but where we can all share experiences. And finally to all the agents and editors who take the time to interact either online or in person with people on the path to publication.
Other Lisa says
I have a long list…
Friends and family. A cliche, but true. My writer buddies. Who else understands what we go through? My cats. Okay, I'm two steps from crazy cat lady, but they make me laugh every day.
That I live in an incredible community (Venice) in the amazing state of California, for all its crises — still the best place on the planet for me.
That I have had the opportunity to travel and experience other countries and cultures (like I'm doing right now) and the good health to enjoy it.
That this very cool agent took a chance on a debut novelist, and a wonderful, risk-taking press bought the book.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Justice Publishing Inc says
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Marla Warren says
First of all, I’m thankful for my job as a bookseller. I just received my five-year service award on Sunday. It’s a truly blessed thing to have a job you love. I spend my working life surrounded by books and the people who read them. (The perfect “day” job for a writer.)
I am thankful for your blog, Nathan. (And no, I am not sucking up.) You keep me abreast of news and important issues in publishing, and you allow me to connect with other people who love books.
Most of all, I’m thankful for Michael Crichton and everything he wrote. To name just a few things:
I am thankful that we have a new book from him. I just finished Pirate Latitudes (within 36 hours of purchasing the novel).
I am thankful for how Crichton challenged and expanded my thinking, and that of others.
I am thankful for the many wonderful friends I made on the message board of Crichton’s website.
Above all, I am thankful for Crichton’s autobiography Travels, which has had a huge impact on how I view life and the world. It is a fascinating and very courageous book, my favorite of all of his works.
Wishing Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Ink says
Susan,
I think our geese are trying to emmigrate your way. Some sort of labour dispute, I'm guessing. Plus, you know, the winters. They'll probably head to florida, buy a condo or mobile home, do a little golf and tennis. I mean, someone has to cheer for the hockey teams down there.
Laurie says
I have an attitude of gratitude for your blog…our higher power sent me to you re: our families untold story. I am thankful for my family…what hasn't killed us has only made us stronger, created a bond even bigger than we could have imagined and will make for an incredible narrative nonfiction in the untouched market and never before written truth. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Nathan and all the talented authors I've been following along with for past week on this blog. Laurie- Mama on a Mission for all humanity with our story! It takes the whole village to raise our children…but…the changes for the future must start with this ones son…:)
Anita says
…A nifty little Japanese beer bottle opener…have you seen these? They're an engineering masterpiece…you can open bottles one-handed.
Maryann Miller says
I am thankful that the publishing world keeps evolving and new opportunities present themselves every day. And I am also thankful for my awesome editor who helps to make my books better.
Kristan says
Tonight in particular, I am thankful for the St. Martin's New Adult contest, of which I am a finalist! https://sjaejones.com/blog/2009/st-martins-new-adult-contest/
Also thankful for your blog, books in general, the health and happiness of my loved ones, and colors. All of them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bane of Anubis says
Nothing new here, but I've liked Renee's answer the best. Thanks to the wife and other close family members who believe in me, even sometimes when I don't.
Laura Martone says
Aw, Bane, I believe in you. You write groovy goblin fare. 🙂
And thanks, Marilyn, you're too kind as always. Hope you have a happy Turkey Day, too!
Mira & Bryan – I really wish we could settle this catapult issue once and for all. Methinks Bryan could use LESS oppression in Windsor, not MORE. Oh, and how do you feel about pecan pie? A little taste of the South?
Terresa says
I'm thankful for you. And other agents like you, providing us novice writers with the scoop, the info, the dealio.
Mmmm. Pass the pumpkin pie.
Susan Quinn says
I guess the Canadian geese are just "geese" in Canada! They should be able to find some good property, cheap, in FL.
Happy Belated Turkey Day, Ink!
Charlotte says
I'm grateful for community – for the amazing support I'm getting from my online writer's colony and for the information freely shared on the web by publishers and agents like yourself. If it wasn't for community, I'd feel very isolated as a writer.
And for the amazing writers out there whose work brings me joy when I read. Right now I'm thinking of you, Hilary Mantel, and you Siri Hustvedt. Thank you for writing so that I can read.
Jil says
I am thankful for all the wonderful "friends" I meet each day wherever I go. Their smiles lift my heart and make me glad to be alive.
My writer friends who have faith I will be published even when I weaken.
The ability to become lost in my other worlds and have my dear dog lie quietly until the moment I turn my computer off.
"Come in Character" in which my two characters enjoy their visits.
Mira, always an encouraging and generous friend.
Oh so much to be thankful for, including Nathan and his blog which allows me to be part of this fine community of writers.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!