How does it feel to wake up on the other side of Christmas this morning? Doesn\u2019t the tree look bare? All of those pretty packages have been opened and you have large plastic bags and dented boxes filled with new socks, electronic gadgets, scarves, kitchen utensils and maybe a few toys. The cookie plate is bare and your recycle bin is filled with soda cans, champagne bottles and Christmas wrap. Sure, you have a mess to clean up, but hopefully, each crumb you sweep from the floor, every gift you put away and every dirty glass you wash brings a rush of good memories with loved ones. <\/p>\n
I had a wonderful holiday season. It was so much fun. I especially enjoyed seeing the gifts my adult grandchildren created for everyone on their lists. This year, we decided to make our gifts\u2014well most of them. And the kids really came through. There were framed photos of loved ones and a few scenic shots shared. There was a handmade birdhouse and lovingly made jelly that didn\u2019t set. (We\u2019ll use it as pancake syrup.) One granddaughter gave me a handmade coupon booklet with gifts of time. Can\u2019t wait to cash them in with her. Another one, a jewelry-maker for a famous jeweler, made me a pair of earrings. <\/p>\n
Probably the most thoughtful and heartfelt gift was my 26 year old grandson\u2019s gift to his 27 year old sister. He chose 3 words that, in his mind, describe her. Then he asked his brother and their parents to come up with 3 words each. He wrote the words in a circle around a large canvas and gave it to her to hang in her room. She was sooooo touched. Now, when she starts feeling blue or life seems to be crashing in on her, she can look at this gesture of love and feel a sense of strength and renewal. <\/p>\n
I so believe in writers surrounding themselves with uplifting, feel-good reminders. We are so vulnerable. Anyone who puts themselves \u201cout there,\u201d is. As writers, we are opening ourselves up to rejection, criticism, editing and other challenges. We sometimes beat ourselves up when we\u2019re trying to produce an article, write a story or perfect a paragraph in our book. Writer types seem to need a constant supply of kudos\u2014lots of positive feedback. To that end, here\u2019s what I suggest: Fill your work area with warm fuzzies, complimentary items, reminders that you are loved, appreciated and talented\u2026 Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tPictures of your treasured family members\u2014those who love you.
\n\u2022\tPhotos of your pet.
\n\u2022\tShots of you involved in a memorable or prestigious activity or event.
\n\u2022\tAwards.
\n\u2022\tItems that warm your heart or make you laugh.
\n\u2022\tImplications of wealth.<\/p>\n
You might laugh or even giggle, but here are some of the things I have in my office: lots of photos\u2014of my family, my cats and me sharing special moments with friends; a trillion dollar bill; artwork depicting cats; a large cat calendar; some of my artistic photography (wild horses, cat close-ups and ocean scenes); and mementoes from special activities, travels and events (my trip to Dubai, covers and signatures from my first self-published book) and I have a few stuffed animals, including a stuffed cat I sent to a friend who was having brain surgery. She did not survive. I inherited this cat along with her four live cats. (Read this story in my upcoming ebook, Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats<\/em><\/strong>.) Let me know if you\u2019re interested in this book and I\u2019ll be sure to contact you when it is completed.<\/p>\n Looking around this office, I see that I\u2019ve listed only a portion of the warm fuzzies, etc. that I have. What is in your office? What keeps you writing? I\u2019d like to know. PLFry620@yahoo.com. <\/p>\n Are you writing a book? Did you get money for Christmas? Here\u2019s an idea: order the book that will respond to all of the questions you have and hundreds of those you may not know to ask, yet. The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong> is your complete guide to\u2014you guessed it, writing, publishing and selling your book. And yes, it covers all publishing options and even guides you in choosing the one that\u2019s right for your project. How does it feel to wake up on the other side of Christmas this morning? Doesn\u2019t the tree look bare? All of those pretty packages have been opened and you have large plastic bags and dented boxes filled with new socks, electronic gadgets, scarves, kitchen utensils and maybe a few toys. The cookie plate is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"