The sky is clear of clouds this morning. There’s a decided nip in the air but no frigid little breeze from the North Pole stirs last year’s leaves. It’s a perfect day for the gathering of Cozy Critters who trek to my home twice a month. It puts a spring in my step and a sparkle in my eye to know that these friends who share my love for the written word will soon brighten my house. It seems like a long time since they’ve been here–and, it has been. First, there was Christmas, then there was ice and snow, but finally, comes the January day when we can gather around the hundred year old table, sip coffee or tea, munch on cookies, and share what we’ve read or written. Perhaps some of us will have publishing news. That would not be me, though. I’m still waiting to hear from the publisher who is considering the third Darcy/Flora book.
My writing news of the day is that the assignment for the Christian publisher in Ohio is all finished. Today, I will read through it one last time, check Scripture references and dates and send it to its northern home. I relish new writing assignments and writing each story is a blessing but I’ll confess that I breathe a sigh of relief when it is completed.
Writers, do you ever wonder why you write? It can be excruciatingly painful, heart-breaking, time-consuming, and frustrating, all rolled into one. It can also be fulfilling, wonderful, and joyful. I write because I must. It’s sort of like breathing or eating–it’s a necessary part of life. Perhaps I inherited a writing gene from my mother. She wrote those wonderful Etta Bend stories that I put into a couple of books. She also wrote lots of newsy letters to friends and family. Getting letters from a friend really made Mom’s day. And she enjoyed reading. Mom would munch on an apple while she read, an apple that she had sprinkled with salt. While I? Well, I read and write with the friendly hot cup of coffee close at hand.
I’m grateful for the ladies who share my love of writing and reading. I look forward to hearing what they’ve been up to and listening to what they’ve read or written. And, of course, we’ll visit, offer encouragement and suggestions. As Jane said, we can be thought of as literary scientists or doctors and we sure know how to keep secrets!
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