Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Thankful Author 2017- Jennifer Wilck



In my head, our Thanksgiving celebrations rival those portrayed in Norman Rockwell portraits. No matter what is actually going on at the time—who is cranky, who doesn’t like turkey, who is laughing or crying, who is having a great time—I always picture a perfect celebration surrounded by those I love and who love me. But the one thing I have never liked, and will never like, is being forced to go around the table and announce what I’m thankful for that year. 

I’m a writer. I like time to think and rework and reword what I say. Yes, I know the question will be asked every year. Yes, I know when Thanksgiving comes. But I still feel put on the spot when my turn around the table comes and no matter how prepared I think I am, nothing I say comes out exactly right.

But a blog post about what I’m thankful for? Yes! When Angela offered me the opportunity to participate in her Thankful Author event, I jumped at the chance, because it gave me the opportunity to write down what I’m thankful for and finesse it until it comes across exactly as I want.

So here goes:

· I’m thankful for my husband’s unending support of me and my writing career; of his good humor when I ask him to “act out a scene” so I can see if it works (insert blush here); and his never-ending pride in me. I’m even thankful for him pushing me to step out of my comfort zone. And I’m also thankful he’s the laundry guy and the dish washer guy and the big-box shopper, freeing me up to write and brainstorm more.

· I’m thankful for my children. They’re turning into strong, spirited women whom I admire and whom I look forward to being with as they reach adulthood. They have yet to be embarrassed by my romance writing (although they don’t read them, so...), they’ve helped me scope out speed-dating events and beautiful settings (including the house in my latest book, In the Moment), and they make me laugh every day.

· I’m thankful for my family who love and support me no matter what. Their excitement pushes me out of slumps and their confidence and marketing assistance (telling all their friends) energizes me. I couldn’t do what I do without them.

· I’m thankful for my friends—my real-life ones, my online ones and my writer ones. They keep me grounded, make me laugh and commiserate with me. They also keep me plied with coffee and chocolate, for which I’m eternally grateful. 

· I’m thankful for my critique partners—I couldn’t do what I do nearly as well without you. Your support is invaluable, your comments spot on and your cheers make me smile.

· And finally, I’m thankful for my publisher, my editors, my cover artists and my readers. Because without you all, my books would simply be manuscripts hiding on my computer. 

This year has been a wonderful ride professionally. I’ve set goals and achieved them. I’ve stretched and grown as a writer. I’ve gotten to see my dreams come true and I’ve been able to tell my stories. Seeing my books in print and holding them in my hands is like living my very own happily ever after just like my characters. 

So thank you for supporting me and reading my books. I hope you continue to enjoy them! And as a thank you for spending some of your time with me, I’ll draw a random name from all who comment on my post—please tell me what YOU’RE thankful for—and I’ll send you an e-copy of my other new book, Addicted to Love (released in July, sequel coming out in the spring). Winner will be picked and notified November 8.


Book: In the Moment

Blurb:

 Cassie Edwards, a former foster child, purchases an 1870s Victorian mansion, the one home from her childhood where she felt like part of a family. She’s spending her summer lovingly restoring it, with dreams of one day raising a family of her own here. Rayne Tucket, a photojournalist, is haunted by the death of his best friend in Afghanistan, a death he thinks is his fault. He survives day to day. Forever is not in his vocabulary. Swearing off photography, he answers an ad for a handyman—mindless, no emotion involved. As the two of them renovate her house, can Cassie show Rayne that love is strong enough to heal all wounds?

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13 comments:

  1. Hi Jen,

    You certainly are having a fabulous year! I do so love this time of year to stop and really reflect on the things we're thankful for.

    And I am so laughing about your Norman Rockwell comment. That's how I picture Thanksgiving in my head too, and it's usually a lot crazier when our whole clan gets together. Not quite so serene...but oh so much fun!

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    1. Yes, it really is! I love the holiday regardless. I just spend a lot of time thinking, "Well, THAT wasn't quite what I expected."

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  2. Haha! Norman Rockwell, indeed! I love his paintings and my mom had many of those plates (with his paintings on them) you'd hang on the wall. I, too, wanted that picture-perfect Thanksgiving, but something always hit a snag. Now, as a I look back, those "snags" make me laugh and I realize how blessed I truly am for those special holiday memories. Thanks so much for sharing, Jennifer. All the best!

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  3. Jen, Great post! I suspect your husband really, really enjoys helping you act out those scenes...especially if they make you blush. Congrats on your great year! I, too, am grateful for my publisher and wonderful editor!

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  4. I agree with your discomfort of having to say what you are thankful for at the table. It seems so artificial. Thanks should be expressed every day in a meaningful way...just a smile, a word or a touch at the right moment.

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    1. Oh I so agree with this! But I cave to the desires of others. :)

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    2. Lin, your name was drawn as the winner of my giveaway. Please let me know your email so I can send you a copy of Addicted to Love. :) Congratulations!

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  5. A Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving is a wonderful dream. In my reality, it turns out more like the Griswold's! "...Clark!" haha.

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    1. Ha! I love it! I want to spend Thanksgiving at your house.

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  6. Very well stated. I'm thankful for family support too. Now if only I could teach my dog to fold laundry 💙
    Congratulations on achieving your goals this year and on to the next!

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    1. Thanks, Charlotte. For some reason, when I pull clothes out of the dryer, my dog goes running in the other direction. I think she's afraid I'll make her fold. :)

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