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Thanks & Giving by Peggy Thomas

11/26/2019

5 Comments

 

Like everyone else this week, I will gather round a Thanksgiving table and celebrate the many blessings in my life. But today I lift up a few things that make my job as a nonfiction writer easier and more enjoyable. I am thankful for:
  • Getting a new idea
  • Leo, my computer cat (as long as he doesn’t hit delete)
  • My wonderfully perceptive editor
  • Discovering that perfect kid-friendly analogy to show a complex concept
  • Finding a dynamite quote that lifts me off my seat
  • An extensive bibliography in the back of a book
  • Experts who love to talk
  • Independent bookstores
  • Fifteen cent notebooks at a back-to-school sale
  • Anyone who comes to my book signing
  • Finding the perfect “Oh Wow” fact
  • The smell of an old book
  • Squeezing that last page out of the printer before the ink cartridge croaks
  • Librarians and archivists who share their enthusiasm as well as their knowledge
  • My fellow Nonfiction Ninjas who inspire me with their talent, energy and spirit. They are not just my critique partners, they are my cheerleaders, my teachers, my Mary-Poppins-bag-of-writing- tricks. Together they have taught me more than any MFA course could. I am ever grateful.
 
I’m sure all of you have a lengthy list of gratitude too. So how can we give back?
  • Be generous with your critiques. Spend as much time on another’s manuscript as you would your own.
  • Support other writers by going to their book signings.
  • Write a thank you note to an author you admire. Maybe you used their book as a mentor text. You’ll make their day.
  • Visit another author’s blog and leave a comment.
  • Volunteer at a local school, and nurture the next generation of NF writers.
  • Thank a librarian or archivist. Let them know how you used their resources. Acknowledge them in your author’s note.
  • Visit your local bookstore and get to know the owner.
  • And if your last royalty statement was a wowser, consider donating to a scholarship fund. SCBWI offers several scholarships as well as the Highlights Foundation, or perhaps there is one in your area. I can say from experience that a scholarship is a huge boost to a beginning writer. Many years ago, I was a Highlights scholarship recipient, and I am honored and blessed to be able to pay it forward.

​Let us know what you are thankful for, and how you give back.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
​
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5 Comments
Jennifer Lane Wilson
11/26/2019 05:25:45 am

I'm thankful for these reminders to be grateful and to give!

Reply
Pat Miller
11/26/2019 06:25:10 am

Great reminders this Thanksgiving season. You're a blessing to me, Peggy. And so are all of our NF Ninja readers!

Reply
Sue Reichard
11/26/2019 06:51:45 am

Thanks for all the great reminders of thankfulness. I love the children's book community. So welcoming, supportive and I am blessed many times as well.

Reply
Linda Skeers
11/26/2019 07:18:41 am

Wonderful post! I'm also so very thankful for my Ninjas and my "editorial assistant" Captain Jack who sleeps under my desk as I work. Teaching workshops and mentoring aspiring writers is such a joy-- and lately I've been asked to talk to high school students who want to pursue writing as a career -- very honored to be able to help them any way I can. Happy Thanks and Giving to everyone!

Reply
Michelle Adams link
11/26/2019 09:45:43 am

I’m also thankful for my NF Ninja sisters. I brag on you guys all the time. I’m in awe of your talent and grateful for your friendship. So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and so much to pay forward. Great column Peggy. 😊❤️

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  • Home
  • Meet the Ninjas
    • Lisa Amstutz
    • Stephanie Bearce
    • Nancy Churnin
    • Susie Kralovansky
    • Pat Miller
    • Christine Liu Perkins
    • Linda Skeers
    • Peggy Thomas
  • Ninja Notebook
  • NF Fest
  • Contact