Our Thanksgivings ...

Ane's Turn:

Mary DeMuth started a wonderful thing on her blog by declaring this Bless an Author Day. As I thought about who I would bless, the list grew way beyond the space allotted—so many have blessed my life. But I finally narrowed it down to these:

Deb Raney for making me cry with her books and teaching me so very much. You opened the doors of good writing for me. You are my benchmark.

Diann Hunt for making me laugh so hard with her novels and for being my mentor. We decided we must have been separated at birth and are fraternal twins. ;)

Sally John for tackling hard subjects with such beauty in writing and deep stories. I always sigh at the end of your books, hating that they're finished.

But above all, there are two yet-unpublished authors (although not for long): Gina Holmes and Jessica Dotta, my beloved blog and crit partners. You two push me beyond myself and never, ever allow me to settle for anything less than my best. You love me enough to rip my work to shreds where it needs it, and then lift me up with the encouragement to rewrite it until it gleams.

The Penwrights, a group of up and coming writers who Gina, Jessica and I mentor, you all have added to the tapestry of my life with rich hues and flawless designs. I know God has brought each of you into my life for a special purpose, but while we discover what that purpose is, I'm relishing the journey with you. I love each of you dearly.

And so on this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks to God for each one of these mentioned. I'm thankful you're in my life. To each of you, I send my undying thanks and love.

Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving,
Ane
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Gina's Turn:

It goes without saying that I'm thankful for those who critique my work and let me cry on their shoulders and listen to my delusions of grandeur (which are many): Ane, Jessica, Michelle Griep, Sandra, Mike D, and Lisa Ludwig. Also to the folks I randomly bother to be a fresh set of eyes: Ron, Wayne, & Mike.

I'm thankful beyond words that I, a wretch, should be called a child of God...thank you Jesus! And for my boys, Jacob and Levi, whom offer me unconditional love that feels straight from Heaven. My children are sweet, smart, funny, kind, beautiful, and love God. Um, am I blessed? Ya think? I have a wonderful and enormous family: sisters, brothers, parents, etc who I adore and know I don't deserve whom of course I'm also very grateful for.

I'm thankful for my agent, Chip, who is amazing. Many, if not most of you, know him so I won't go on except to say, he's incredible at what he does (and is one of the few people who I don't have to constantly say "I was just kidding" to.)

I've been blessed with incredible mentors. Some of these folks read my work and give advice, others are there for an occasional question or bit of encouragement but who bless me on a continual basis: Alton Gansky, Don Brown, Kathy Mackel, Colleen Coble. Also: Deb Raney, Bob Liparulo, Camy Tang, Gail Martin,Tony Hines, Brandilyn Collins, Randy Ingermanson, and the list goes on. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be there whenever I've called on you for help.

With the exception of our always encouraged and encouraging Ane Mulligan, writers tend to be a moody, melancholy bunch. I'm no exception. I've had certain folks whose edification is medicine to my soul and always when I need it most: Cindy Sproles, Kelly Klepfer, Reni Bumpas, Janet Rubin, and Mark Ragonese, to name a few.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers): If you're not a part of this huge group of encouragers and talent, you should consider it.

I'm thankful to the publicists who make my job easier here on Novel Journey: I appreciate them all, but several have gone above and beyond for us: Rebeca Seitz & our own Jessica Dotta of Glass Road PR, Dave Bartlett, and Jeane Wynn, though I appreciate all of you!

Our Penwrights, who were hand picked originally for their incredible potential. Man, these folks are talented! But more than that, these people from all over the country, oops-make that world, love each other like family. These are quite possibly the loveliest group of PEOPLE, not just writers, that I've ever been a part of.

I'm thankful to all the authors, editors, publishers, agents, etc, who come to Novel Journey and write for us or allow us to interview them and learn. What a blessing you've been! And to our many book reviewers over at Novel Reviews. You all do this as a service to the writing community and we are so very grateful to you!

And a huge thanks to the community of readers of Novel Journey. When I started this site, I would never have dreamed we'd grow the way we have and it's really all of ours now. Thanks especially to those who consistently leave comments for the authors (Mary DeMuth and Kristy Dykes come to mind off the top of my head but you all know who you are). It might seem like a little thing, but it makes a difference in their day, and I appreciate this kindness!


Wow, this is starting to sound like an acceptance speech, (remember those delusions of grandeur I suffer from?) I just wanted to take this rare opportunity to tell each of you reading this that you have blessed me in some way.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Gina Holmes