Three Clear Gifts

This past weekend provided three of the best gifts.

They won’t wear out, fall out of fashion, and they grow in value.  

I’d like to share them with you.

After all, what good is a gift if you can’t impart some aspect of it to others?

I attended a workshop sponsored by Five Wings Art Council, a regional foundation supporting artists.

Krista Soukup is an inspiring literary publicist and owner of Blue Cottage Agency.

She presented on the author platform topics.

I received three clear gifts from this experience. 

GIFT #1

Knowledge.

This workshop was a learning opportunity.

I feel I’ll always want to work in ways to grow in skills and craft.

Sure, it sounds like perfectionism or anxiety-driven fear of never being enough, but I see my inner-drive differently. 

I pursue growth because I desire to provide the most value to my readers.

I appreciate those who read my stories or blogs.

When a reader finishes something Carys E. Rees wrote, I want them to feel they spent their time well.

I owe them nothing less than my best effort.

GIFT #2

Time.

I designated time to attend the workshop, and work on my writing goals.

These actions don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

There are ways to do both, but they rarely occur without planning.

GIFT #3

Camaraderie.

I felt welcomed to the Blue Cottage workshop by Soukup, Five Wings, and others I know from our local writers’ group.

The artist’s journey can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.

Many creatives, myself included, prefer quiet time when writing.

Others may listen to their favorite soundtracks. 

Our paths and methods may be varied, but it’s great knowing we aren’t traveling alone.

The photo below shows the writing group members who attended the Blue Cottage Agency’s workshop with Krista Soukup.

 I would encourage all of you to find and support your own local chapters promoting the arts.

Have a happy writing week.