First, boys and girls, a small history of why Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving now and not in November like our American neighbours:
Canadian Thanksgiving is tied to European festivals giving thanks for a successful harvest not for settling safely in the New World. The actual date moved around between October and November until 1957 when Parliament formalized it as the second Monday in October. The Proclamation read (in part):
"A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed ... to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October…"
This got me thinking. Harvests from the field are wonderful, but, we writers harvest as well. What am I grateful for as a writer?
- My characters. In both my games and my WIP. I love them all. Some drive me a little crazy and some are easier to write than others, but bless 'em with all their quirks.
- My plots. I never have had trouble coming up with ideas. May it continue, please.
- A thesaurus. I try not to write like I've swallowed one, but bless it for the many times when I can't come up with the right word. I go a little crazed when that happens.
- All of you out there in blog-world. This is a lonely business. I cherish the contact with all of you and so enjoy reading all of your blogs and your comments here on mine. We are not alone!
Last but certainly not least...
I will always be thankful for all the lovely people who have bought my games and taken the time to tell me they enjoyed them. I still find it strange that my games are played all over the world. Who knew?
What are you thankful for as a writer? It's interesting to think about.
Karen; I'm the author of 14 murder mystery games that are sold both on the internet and in certain stores.
ReplyDeleteElspeth - Thanks for reminding us of all that we have. It's easy to get caught up in the everyday world of stress, petty nuisances and sometimes major problems, and it's important to step back sometimes and give thanks.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I am most grateful for the incredible support I get from my family and friends, and from those of you in the writing world who are taking this journey with me. Without the net you spread beneath me to catch me, I would never risk walking the tightrope that is writing.
Happy Thanksgiving, Elspeth, to you and other Canadians. From deep in the heart of Texas.
ReplyDeleteIt's a Canadian thing - I just blogged on the same topic yesterday :)
ReplyDeleteLike you, Elspeth, I am amazed by the generosity and helpfulness of the writing online community. There's so much to be thankful for, isn't there?
Happy Thanksgiving -- now off to finish preparing that turkey dinner! :)
I love to be up at my sister's house in Victoria for Thanksgiving, but this year it wasn't possible. I love Victoria in the fall, and I also like the timing of the Canadian Thanksgiving. Lucky me, sometimes I get to have TWO thanksgivings.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for my family most of all. I have a super family. And, like you, I am grateful for the support of my friends here in blog world. Have a great celebration Elspeth!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Elspeth!
ReplyDeleteNice idea to think what we're grateful for as writers. I'd say that I'm grateful for a computer (beats typewriters all to pieces!)
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I'm thankful to be writing and to have a publisher who keeps assigning me new books.
ReplyDeleteElspeth, are your games board games?
Helen
Straight From Hel
Margot: Support from family is wonderful, indeed.
ReplyDeleteCarol; And now you've got that song running through my head...
Jemi; Enjoy the turkey. So yummy!
Elizabeth; The timing is nice. And I agree with you (and others) blog friends are great!
Elizabeth; Oh yes, the marvelous computer! So much faster and less frustrating than a typewriter!
Helen; The games are downloadable. Everyone can adjust them to fit their own needs. You can go to http://www.host-party.com and see how it all works.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for many things, but I'll echo the sentiments of other commenters before me--I'm grateful for the friends I've made in cyberspace.
ReplyDeleteBeing a mean, nasty, and contray, so-and-so, I’m not greatful for a #*&*&%$ thing. In fact, I annoyed by the following…
ReplyDeleteNah, just kidding. Everyone was playing so nice I just couldn’t resist. Grateful? Hmmm. Grateful for my health and my wonderful wife who seems to ignore my many shortcomings and flaws.
Happy Thanksgiving, Elspeth.
Best Regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Alan; Cyberspace friends are great. Does this mean we get a cybespacesuit? 'Cause that would be cool.
ReplyDeleteGalen; I'm just playing nice because of Thanksgiving and I don't want to be pelted with turkey gizzards.
I miss my October Thanksgiving :(
ReplyDeleteI always feel like the American one backs up against Christmas. Oh well, after 7 years you'd think I'd be use to it.
Hope you had a great day!
Really nice post, Elspeth. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I am grateful for many things but the opportunity to see a manuscript published and the wonderful support of my family are two of the biggies.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for you, Elspeth, for saying everything I didn't have time to say when I posted yesterday!!!
ReplyDeleteI second much of this. When Thanksgiving comes here in America, one of the main things I'll be thankful for are the wonderful people I've met since coming to Blogger!
ReplyDeleteI would be more thankful if we had Thanksgiving in Botswana and the shops were full of pumpkin pies!!!!
ReplyDeleteI went and checked out those games- how cool is that? Do they have books that match the games? That could be a cool way to market a murder mystery book- make a game. Or am I behind the times?
Like you Elspeth I'm very isolated. If it wasn't for my online writing friends I'd go loony. So thanks to all of them!