Have you ever read the children's book called If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover? If not, it's a delightful tale that shows what happens if everyone decided to do things like leave muddy footprints in the house, or squeeze the cat too tightly, or leave toys on the stairs. The results are humorously illustrated in this little treasure, carrying, of course, the bigger message that our actions affect those around us.
I came across this book while organizing bookshelves recently and it set my mental wheels going. What is it with us writers, anyway - are our brains ever still? :) I immediately thought about how this principle applied to the writing life.
What if writers:
Didn't heed the call to write?
Never encouraged a newbie writer?
Never assisted a fellow scribe?
Didn't persevere through writer's block?
Failed to battle and press through doubt and insecurities?
Didn't practice their skills?
Never took the time to learn something new?
Would the world be a different place?
Oh my, yes. I'm thinking it would be.
To live without the awesome support of resources and other writers...
What do you think? What aspect of the writing life are you most grateful for? Which ones could you live without? Have you ever thought about how your actions as a writer affect others?
Blessings for your journey,
Karen
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
It's so true! We can't make it by without the give and take!
ReplyDeleteYes!! sometimes it's the little encouragement we give and get that make a difference!
ReplyDeleteWriting is my gift to the word. If I can help share a story that people like then I've accomplished my goal. Oh, and hopefully I make a little money too!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteWell said! Don't know what I would do without my writing buddies. :)
Jennifer,
It really does make a difference, doesn't it? So thankful for all the writer friends I have!
Stephen,
It is nice to share what we have with others. I'm a great believer in the sowing and reaping principle.
Blessings,
Karen
Absolutely it makes a difference. You never know what might come of an encouraging word.
ReplyDeleteMy parents taught me about the simple act of "sowing seeds" we refer to now as 'paying it forward' and that is how I share with other writers. great thoughts!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Every encouraging word is a blessing and I'm happy to pass that on to other writer's sometimes in the form of comments on their blogs.
ReplyDeleteOops, this should have been 'writers'.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Karen. I love it. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Whenever I read someone's well written creative piece ... it is an inspiration to me and my writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen...
ReplyDeleteI am most grateful there are people who read what I write! Even if no one did, I'd still write, but I deeply appreciate readers.
Like writers everywhere, I could do without rejection letters.
I like to think that some of my writing touches human hearts.
Thanks for your posts and have a terrific week. Susan
Annie,
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! It really is a wonderful encouragement. :)
Clara,
Yes! Never thought about "paying it forward" as the same thing, but you're right, it is!
Linda,
Oh yes, and I've gotten words of encouragement from all of you!
Rhonda,
I think you and your little man would like the book, too! Thanks for your sweet words. :)
Glenda,
It really is, isn't it? Thankful for all of you!
Susan,
I'm with you; I would still write, but it is so nice to share and interact!
Blessings,
Karen
Oh wow, what great reminders, Karen. Investing in ourselves and others is all part of nurturing the gift God has given us.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate so many writers and types of writing. I try to encourage any new writers I meet because it is the bet job ever. Some just need a little push to get going.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the the book "If Everybody Did"--but I think now I should get my hands on a copy!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the reminder of the blessings that come from a writer's life, and how we as writers can pass them on. I'm most grateful for how writing makes me feel more alive--and hopefully through that I pass a bit of encouragement on to others. Like Susan in the note above though, I could do without rejection letters! Have a great day...
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWell said! We all have so much to share. What a blessing!
Nancy,
This is true - there are so many types of writing. I had so many help me along the way.
Kenda,
I think you and your grandkids might enjoy the book! :) Yes, I could do without the rejections, but the other parts are just great!
Blessings,
Karen
I'm most grateful for the wonderful people I've met through the writing life. I could do without some of the business side of freelance writing (negotiating contracts, invoicing, etc,) Great post, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI love what writing forces me to do--I'm always looking things up and researching and constantly learning. I love that aspect of writing. I can't imagine writing without it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I'm grateful for all my writer friends who encourage me to be a better writer, and I do try to encourage others in turn. I've found the writing community as a whole is very generous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being an encourager, Karen! And you do it in such a fun and interesting way!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for all the help and support my fellow bloggers are giving me and the time they take out to crit my work.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, kind of like iron sharpening iron.
ReplyDeleteI like talking with people who share my passions, the support is incredible.
I have put the children's book on my wish list on Amazon :)
Hope you are keeping well. Thanks for posting encouraging words. Take care. xxx
What a bodacious post, amigo. You give back daily. The give and take is more give from you and I appreciate all you've done for all writers, especially me.
ReplyDeleteI will read this book. I have not seen it before. I think it needs to be featured on PPBF. :-) (((hugs)))
Jean,
ReplyDeleteI am too! What a wonderful community! I agree, the business aspect isn't my favorite, but there are so many perks otherwise. :)
Lydia,
Very good point, It does stretch us, which is such a good thing!
Lisa,
Thank you! I agree, it is a very generous community, and like you, I enjoy the challenge to get better.
Cheryl,
Aww, you are making me blush! :) You all encourage me so much!
Rachna,
What would we do without it, right? We are blessed with wonderful support!
Raymonde,
You are exactly right! The support we are blessed with is amazing. :) Always good to see you, sweet friend. Hugs to you.
Robyn,
Oh I think you would love this book! And yes, it would be a good one for Picture Book Friday! It's really a fun book. :) Thanks for your kind words, amigo. Right back at you!
Blessings,
Karen
I had not heard of that book. I love your "what if's" to ponder for our own lives too. :O)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read it, but I wonder if my mother had. I can't count how many times she would say, "If Johnny jumped off a cliff, would you?" LOL. It must have been hard for her not to laugh every time she said that.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Karen. The book's on my list.
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI know if it wasn't for the support of other writers I probably would have given up. So many have come alongside with suggestions, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on. I'm forever indebted to them.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a chance to pick it up! You are right, these are good things to ponder for other areas too. :)
Joylene,
Perhaps your mother did read it! I think mine must have. :) I'm thinking this would make a great read aloud for your grandkiddos!
Susan,
Oh don't I know it! Where would we be without the help of others? And you are a big part of my "other", that's for sure!
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite some time visiting your blog and it’s amazing that every time I click on I could learn new things. Your writing has always been a source of inspiration for me and I am sure there would be many others too who are motivated. Thanks for your wonderful posts. Keep posting.
Happy blogging…
Dorjay,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you! Thanks for your comments. Will check out your blog asap!
Blessings,
Karen