I’ve wanted to do this post for a long time, but decided to wait for the New Year, because it’s really important. What better way to start 2011 than with our appreciation for all of you?
As we move closer to our 3rd blog birthday, Becca and I can’t help but reflect on how much we’ve grown as writers. This is in large part to our peers, who are so giving with their knowledge and insight. Where would we be without you? When we started this blog, our mandate was to try and give back as well as we could. Luck has been with us, and with so many great writing blogs pioneering the way, we’ve had a wonderful footpath to follow!
The start of a new year is a good time to step back and look at the big picture. Things are so different now than when I first started writing. When I stepped onto the highway to publication, all I saw was the titanic undertaking ahead, filled with highs and lows, worries over whether I had what it took and knowing I had much to learn before I could hope to succeed. I didn’t dare tell anyone about my big dreams, so it meant facing the obstacles without help. I felt so alone, so full of doubt.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
But then the more involved I got online, the more I began to see how a wonderfully supportive community walked the path with me. All I needed to do was reach out! Everything changed–I grew in leaps and bounds. Each person I met became a mentor, openly sharing what they knew, making me a stronger writer.
This blog is a result of being part of that community, and this post is our thanks. All of you, no matter where you are in the journey, have taught us. Your blogs, tweets, pages, forum postings and blog comments (here and elsewhere) have greatly contributed to our knowledge and understanding of the craft. Your support, emails and well wishes see us through the low moments when our goals seem too far to reach. When dark doubts creep in, you are there to pull us out. We cannot thank you enough!
Becca and I believe that when success comes, it is not just ours, but something shared with all of you. We appreciate your passion, courage and insight and are looking forward to giving back in the year ahead. Happy 2011, Musers!
Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers—a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.
Really, thank YOU! Your posts are always amazing, and you’ve helped each of us with this outstanding resource.
Beautiful post.
Thank YOU. 🙂
Happy new year, Angela & Becca!
Happy New Year, Angela and Becca, and thank YOU.
It’s great to see this post resonate with so many. I think all of us know just how much others have contributed to where we are now. I totally agree with Jan–It’s a great time to be a writer!
Thanks everyone for the kind words about TBM. It’s good to know the content here continues to help you on your journey!
Angela
Happy New Year!! I can’t tell you how much this blog has come to mean to me. Everytime I get stuck with how a character would react in a situation, there you are to rescue me!! I so appreciate what you’ve done and will happily continue to follow you.
I would be lost as a writer without our wonderful community of writing friends. I want to thank you, Angela (and Becca), for all you’ve done for me and others. Your help and encouragement and this blog have meant the world to me this past year. You rock! 🙂
Thank you for providing such a great resource.
Happy 2011!
Thanks for all you give back! And that’s how I feel about the writing community too! Incredible people.
Great post. Happy New Year!
Every word of this is true, and true for you too. I’ve learned so much from your blog over the past year, and look forward to the onward journey into 2011
Well said. Welcome to the New Year. Let’s hope it’s great for all.
I couldn’t have put it any better. This community is incredible, and I’m so proud to be a part of it! Happy New Year!!
So true. Your blog has been such a great resource to myself and I know so many others. I’m thankful you keep it going!
Wishing you an amazing year, Angela! I absolutely love this blog. Well done.
Keep up the awesome work.
Hugs 🙂
What Angela said 🙂
Very well put!
May 2011 be happy, healthy, productive and successful!
THANK YOU for such a fabulous blog! And happy, happy new year! Cheers to 2011!
This is my first year bloggging and it has been a tremendous help for my concentration and my commitment to writing every day. THis blog is wonderful.
Fantastic post, I couldn’t agree more. Happy New Year.
Team work. Cheering each other on. Helping each other. You two set the bar in the best possible way. Looking forward to hanging out here in the New Year!
Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2011! *clink* Our goal are within reach.
What a lovely post! You’ve created a wonderful blog here – and I agree – the online writing community is the best!! 🙂
Oh Angela! My deepest thanks you and Becca for all you have given, not just to me personally, but to all of us who have found our way to your blog.
Indeed, a wonderful way to start a new year! I’m touched and impressed with your expression of gratitude. Way to make the New Year not only about personal goals, but about looking beyond yourselves!
I completely agree! Blogging is about community and havinf people who are dedicated to adding to following, adding to the discussion, and truely caring about what is written and what they are reading. Congrats on your almost THIRD Anniversary too! That’s amazing!
AubrieAnne @ http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/
Happy 2011 to you too! It’s going to be a good year, I can tell. 🙂
You’ve summed up the perks of a good writing community quite nicely! When I stepped in, I had no idea what awaited. This blog is one of the things that has helped me on my journey, and I appreciate you both very much. Thank you both for your support and for creating such a great resource for writers.
Happy New Year!
Blessings for 2011,
Karen
I want to thank Angela and Becca for maintaining such a wonderful site to help writers out and show us the wide variety of help out there for us.
I agree that a success for one is a success for all writers. Three years is a success for a blog and such a popular blog like yours. I too feel grateful for the community of writers I’ve meet through SCBWI and on-line. It’s a great time to be a writer with all these resources available.