At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us
Albert Schweitzer
This writing gig is long and lonely and none of us makes it without the support of those around us. It’s easy to feel alone when we’re down. When you’re trying to wring out twenty words and you’re so tired you want to fall over. You just got the fourth rejection in a row. Whatever.
But we’re each one of us standing on steps someone before us made and I think a key to getting through the rough times is celebrating the good ones by recognizing those in our lives who’ve helped us achieve.
I’m a very blessed person. I am. I have so much to be thankful for and while I get cranky over stupid stuff, it’s never far from my mind just who much I have in my life to celebrate.
An example: Last Wednesday the UPS truck pulled up to my door and my totally handsome UPS delivery guy brought six boxes to my doorstep. Two of those boxes contained postcards I recently had made for the Vegas release and also for Undercover. Another one contained new business cards - all this designed for me by Frauke who is wonderful and fabulous.
Two more contained my author copies of What Happens in Vegas which I carefully opened and then stood there, just staring at the books within. They’re a good weight. I love the cover very much. I flipped through, loving the little scene break icons (nifty little vegas styled card icons) and then i read my acknowledgements and I started to cry.
This book sold at a time when I was really low. I was really beginning to wonder if I’d ever break into New York and it got me through in a way I can’t even think about right now without crying. I’m not used to not being confident about my work. I was raised to believe if you worked your hardest at something you’d succeed. The publishing industry doesn’t always work that way. It certainly takes hard work, but it’s not enough. Waiting is really hard and it can kill your confidence.
So when I picked it up and held it, I did so knowing that the sweet feeling belonged to more than just me. It belongs to my husband. Ray. He’s my best friend and my number one fan. He has supported my work without fail. It belongs to my agent and friend Laura Bradford who has been there for me, flogging the hell out of my books to editors for going on two years now. When she called me to tell me about my Berkley deal she didn’t miss a beat when I started to cry. She’s awesome and I love her. It belongs to my parents who raised me to know everything is possible (and my mom who harasses people in bookstores to buy my books!). It belongs to my readers who have supported me continuously across publishers - Renee and Tracy who’ve beta read for me countless times. It goes to a lot of people because none of us does this alone. Ann Leveille at Ellora’s Cave and Angie James at Samhain who’ve been such fabulous editors they’ve both helped me become a better writer with each book. Megan Hart and Anya Bast who’ve been my homegirls for a number of years now who have read my stuff and critted it and who have just been the kinds of people I can trust to never blow sunshine up my skirt.
Anyway, I’m being sort of schmoopy but I never, ever want to be that person. You know the one who tells everyone she’s the master of her genre or the best mother in the world or whatever. Because I’m not here solely on my own merits. I’m here because of the support and efforts of those people around me.
Our dreams are, in part, the dreams of those who love us too. Gratitude will always serve you well in this world and it’ll get you through the dark times as well as chocolate.
SO - the contest part! I’ll be giving away a signed ARC of What Happens In Vegas to a winner (chosen Thursday April 3 at noon pacific). All you need to do is reply here with something you’re grateful for or even a favorite quote about gratitude or friendship. I’ll choose the winner at random from the resposes. Good luck!
THE WINNER IS: Comment #13 - Carol! Carol please email me your mailing address and I’l get the book out to you this week
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I am very greatful that my daughter is having a baby; and I truly hope everything goes ok. Us moms worry about our kids.
by Pat L.
on March 31st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
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Lauren that was a beautiful post. As an aspiring writer who has to complete her current wip because an agent is waiting on it, I understand your comment about it’s everyone’s dream. My husband and kids have given up so much time with me so that I can complete my book. I have told them thank you and tried to show them that I love them unconditionally, but when they complain about not seeing me enough it breaks my heart.
by Patty L.
on March 31st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
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True friendship is when two friends can walk in opposite directions, yet remain side by side.
by DeeAnn
on March 31st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
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Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.– Anonymous
Love that quote, and Lauren it sounds like you are already blessed with some amazing friends.
by Cathy M
on March 31st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
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I am truly grateful for a family that is always there no matter what…even when I do not want them there!!! 
by Colleen
on March 31st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
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I am grateful for waking each morning.
by Estella
on March 31st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
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I am greatful that my son finally started college. My family and friends. I have a friend that I have know for almost 50 years and we still keep in touch. There is just so much to be greatful for we just don’t think about it that much until you mentioned it is this post. We are all greatful all of those wonderful books that we travel in day to day.
Thanks to all the writers out there!!!
by Virginia H.
on March 31st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
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I am grateful to my family and to a couple of really great friends. They are so supportive and helpful when I need them to be. You truly find out who your real friends are when tragedy strikes like when my childhood home burned down and when I went through a difficult pregnancy.
by Cherie J
on March 31st, 2008 at 4:22 pm
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I’m grateful for so much. My husband does everything he can to make my life a good one. My parents taught me to believe I was capable of anything. And as much as I love to read, I’m ever so grateful there are people like you, Lauren, who like to write the marvelous stories that float about in your head.
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I am greatful for two wonderful healthy kids, a nice hubby sometimes, and a pretty good job. I would also be grateful to win thsi book. Looking forward to reading it.
by Pamk
on March 31st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
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Love your post, Lauren! There are so many things to be thankful for that I tend to forget to be thankful - my wonderful husband of 21 years, our three handsome sons, the USA and all our brave servicemen and women who give up so much for us.
by Lisa F.
on March 31st, 2008 at 9:30 pm
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This post makes me smile every time I read it 
I’m grateful for friends and family. I was *extremely* sick last week, and my mom brought me soup. My friends asked me how I was doing, and one told my Wills & Trusts professor I couldn’t talk when he called on me (which was true) - and I’m dog sitting the best dog in the whole world for my sister right now. Life is good. 
by limecello
on March 31st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
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There are so many things I’m grateful for, but right now, at this point in time, the thing I’m most grateful for is the fact that I’m finally going to be published! Woo-hoo! Two weeks ago I signed my first ever contract, and my Historical Romance Novel is due to be released this September! Yes! 
by Carol
on March 31st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
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to all my good friends and family who love evrerything about me. no matter if i have a bad attidude.
by kim h
on March 31st, 2008 at 11:53 pm
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to all my firends and famly who love me through thick and thin and if i give them a bad attitude.
by kim h
on March 31st, 2008 at 11:55 pm
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“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
William A. Ward
I am so very grateful for my family. They truly are my heart and soul and everyday…I count my blessings for all of them….My husband, five wonderful children, two amazing grandbabies, my parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephews.
What a great post.
by Lori T
on April 1st, 2008 at 12:47 am
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What a wonderful post. I am grateful for the beautiful sunshine and uplfting novels that I read each day.
by ellie
on April 1st, 2008 at 1:18 am
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“I get by with a little help from my friends.” This is from one of my favorite Beatles songs.
by Jane
on April 1st, 2008 at 1:29 am
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Thank you for a lovely post, Lauren! It’s so affirming to live appreciatively–I’m thankful especially for my family and especially my sister. She’s there through thick and thin. And I’m thankful to be part of several communities–physical ones and on-line–it’s always a blessing to be surrounded by like-minded and like-hearted people!
by Fedora
on April 1st, 2008 at 1:32 am
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Thank you so much for the great post. I am grateful for my family and friends. I’m also grateful for life and good health.
by Amelia
on April 1st, 2008 at 1:47 am
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Be schmoopy all you want Lauren. We should always give thanks for those that help us make it through the day (and night!)
And the Godiva doesn’t hurt, either!
My favorite quote about friendship is this:
Of all the gifts that a wise providence grants us to make life full and happy FRIENDSHIP is the most beautiful. ~ Epicurus
by Angie-la
on April 1st, 2008 at 2:34 am
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There are always so many things to be grateful for - it’s a matter of stopping and remembering all the good things instead of all the bad–especially the little stuff that we complain about every day. Good healt, 2 healthy children and a husband of 38 years for starters - the newest is my daughter getting married this summer to a wonderful guy.
by catslady
on April 1st, 2008 at 2:49 am
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Ack it ate my post lol.
There are always so many things to be grateful for. The trick is stopping and remembering them instead of the little things that we gripe about every day. For me it’s good health, 2 wonderful daughters, a husband of 38 years and my mother who is 85 and smarter and healthier than all of us and oh yes, 6 wonderful furbabies!!
by catslady
on April 1st, 2008 at 2:55 am
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Oh for goodness sake 
sorry about that. As you can see, I revised it because I can never remember what I say the first time.
by catslady
on April 1st, 2008 at 2:58 am
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Congrats on your new book and I love the cover too. Your post was very moving. Gratitude is something we sometimes over look. As for me, well I’ve almost died a few times in my life and it’s made me grateful for everything I have each and everyday. For my freedom, my family, my friends, my health, the food I eat, the roof over my head, etc. How can you only pick one thing to be grateful for?
by April
on April 1st, 2008 at 3:39 am
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I am grateful for good health, a loving and supportive family and appreciate this fact each and everyday.
by pearl
on April 1st, 2008 at 4:06 am
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What a lovely story! I am grateful for my family and friends. Especially, my loving husband and my 3 wonderful children.
by Linda F
on April 1st, 2008 at 4:32 am
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I am grateful for good friends who have helped us this past year and a half. The support we’ve gotten for our travels down under have been phenomenal.
by Ann M.
on April 1st, 2008 at 6:52 am
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I am grateful that all of my family is happy and healthy!
by brownone
on April 1st, 2008 at 7:48 am
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I am grateful for my family.
by Maureen
on April 1st, 2008 at 9:40 am
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I am very greatful for having a little girl. Well she is not so little anymore. She is the first girl born in three genreation on my husbands side, so we never expected a girl. She has also had two very close brushes with death in her ten years of life. So basically I’m greatful to still have my wonderful little girl in my life.
by Rebekah
on April 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am
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I’m grateful that I’m finally going to be an Aunt. After many problems and losses my nephew will be joining us in about a month. I’m very excited and a very proud Aunt.
by Katie B.
on April 1st, 2008 at 10:13 am
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I am grateful for my loving husband and family.
by Crystal B.
on April 1st, 2008 at 10:49 am
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I’m grateful for a supportive family as I jumped from one job and interest to another. I’m also grateful that I finally have a steady job with great pay and benefits.
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I am grateful for all the people in my life–I’ve never been truly alone, for there has always been someone there to lend a hand, a shoulder, an ear, dispense advice and offer comfort.
And I’m eternally grateful for my two children and for Patrick, whom I love with all my heart.
by azteclady
on April 1st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
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I am grateful that I have 2 daughters and 3 beautiful grandkids, who help to make my life complete!
by Dina
on April 1st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
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I’m grateful for my family. I have an autistic son and I treasure each day with him. I’m also thankful for the friends that I have.
by Janet
on April 1st, 2008 at 10:13 pm
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“Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life”- Mark Twain
I’m greatful for everyone and everything God puts in my life.
by Nicole Price
on April 2nd, 2008 at 11:45 am
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I’m always grateful for my family, but find myself more and more grateful for my mother. As she ages and her health begins to fail and I find myself taking on more of an adult role in our relationship. I’m especially thankful for the excellent role model she has been, preparing me for the neverending role of “mother” as my daughters have tipped most of the way out of the nest, and she has begun to dip her toe into it.
by Laurie
on April 2nd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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I am grateful for the friendship I have with my Dad. He has stood by me during my crazy teenage years, through several “I should know better” relationships, through thick and thin. He is my most trusted friend.
by Linda
on April 2nd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
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books,
school, to get rid of kids for few hours,lol
family
there is 5 genrations of women in my family
by blackroze37
on April 2nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
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*applause* Yay, Carol, congrats!
by azteclady
on April 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
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wtg carol
by kim h
on April 6th, 2008 at 12:30 am
