Making a Literary Life Friday: Reflect & Anticipate

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. Or perhaps it's the longest night of the year. Whatever your perspective, it has long been considered a day of consideration. Here at the Writers' Group, we're counting our many, many blessings and pondering the darker moments we've had throughout 2007. Consider this: We must stumble through the dark, lost and unsure, so as to truly appreciate the gift of a new dawn.

We won't be posting next week. To each and everyone of you, happy holidays and thanks for whistling along with us as we all find our way together.

Lisa
Lisa flew into Boston from California yesterday, welcomed back to New England by snow, icing and airport delays. Then again, she could be in Boise, waiting to get the rest of the way to Massachusetts. Until she finds a computer, wherever she may be, we are grateful to have the chance to see her in person again -- the best Group holiday gift of all!

Amy
Blessings? First and foremost, my family. And that adorable puppy I fell in love with back in May; he's brought pure joy to my life. Yes, oh, yes, the sale of TETHERED. The dark moments? Well, my mother's illness. The desperate days when I didn't think my book would be submitted never mind sell (have I mentioned how difficult the revision process is for me?). There were other times, too small to mention. I prefer to concentrate on the blessings. And right near the top are the women of the Writers' Group, as well as each and everyone of you who's stopped by here to share your stories. Together we've created a far-reaching community of support. You're all cherished.

Hannah
This has been a quiet year, which I appreciate as a very good thing. Tragedies in friends' lives made me realize even my worst days can still be a gift in some way. I am grateful to have a happy, healthy family and truly amazing family and friends in a circle that extended even further this year. I am grateful for opportunities to show off the wide world and all that lies in it to my children. I am grateful the Muse comes to me time and time again, and that the Writers' Group is patient with me as I learn to pick and choose what She offers. What more could one want? I'm hoping/thinking Grub Street's 2008 Muse and the Marketplace is going to be lucky for me. I'd say fingers crossed, but they're too busy on the keyboard!

Lynne
As I reflect on 2007, I don't know where to begin to count my blessings. Thank you, Tom for working by my side to spread my proactive parenting message, while helping me promote Negotiation Generation. Caitlin, my dear daughter, I'm so happy you found the college that will make your singer's dream come true. Stephen, my sweet son, I cherish the one-on-one time I have with you.

It's true that this year will go down in my life's history as remarkable, when eighteen days after the publication of my parenting book--nine days after submission--Life Without Summer sold to St Martin's Press. I won't say the year has been without its anxieties, its stress. I will say I got through it because the people who love me really love me, and they support what I'm trying to accomplish. I truly don't know where I'd be without my family and my dear writers' group--Lisa, Amy and Hannah, you are the best!

May 2008 hold an abundance of blessings for you and yours, and in the darker moments, I wish for you, light. Happy New Year!