One thing I appreciate about a new year is theopportunity to focus on what we want to do with our time and energy. Writersneed meaningful goals.

Promoting my latest book, BUGS ON THE JOB, tops mylist. Working with critique partners is another. Meeting readers is a must.Those are lofty, doable, and meaningful.

Then there’s writing, another must. I’m working on amanuscript with a so-so ending, not one I want to use. Last night or maybeearly this morning I woke up, at least semi-awake, and the ending popped intomy brain. Later in the day, I remembered the new ending. It works. That’shappened to me a few other times, but not often. I consider it a gift from my muse,or maybe my brain needed time to process the information. Either way, I’mthankful.

The world of writing is filled with many opportunitiesto make us thankful. A book contract is exciting, but little things weencounter on the up-this-hill-and-down journey sustain us. Kind words from acritique partner or editor, a fan who wants another book, hearing a phrasethat’s inspiring, writing a page or more of a manuscript….

What is on your thankful list?

Here's a fun activity for writers of all ages:

Writing activity

New Bug on the Loose

You are a bug detective and havejust discovered a bug no one has ever seen. Your job is to give it a name anddescribe it. Also, draw a picture to show the world your discovery.

Bug Name:

Describe the bug’s appearance.

Where does it live? (Example: inwood, underground, in trees)

What does it eat?

How does it hunt?

Draw a picture of the bug.