Embracing Gratitude in My Journey as a Writer

I’m all about embracing gratitude. Apparently, I’ve been at this writing gig for a little over three years now. My first book was published in February 2024, and I have two more to be published in 2025!

As writers, we often spend hours honing our craft, diving into research, and navigating the ups and downs of creativity. But one thing that keeps me grounded is the feeling of gratitude for this journey. Here’s why I’m thankful for my life as a writer.

1. The Freedom to Express

• Writing allows me to bring my thoughts, dreams, and imagination to life.

• Each piece I write feels like a unique fingerprint, a mark of my perspective in the world.

“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” – Gustave Flaubert

2. Continuous Learning and Growth

• Writing encourages a lifelong journey of learning, not just about words, but about people, cultures, and ideas.

• Every story, article, or post teaches me something new, shaping my understanding and empathy.

“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

3. Connection with Readers

• One of the greatest gifts of writing is connecting with readers who resonate with my words.

• Knowing my work can inspire, uplift, or provoke thought gives me immense gratitude.

“Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.” – E. L. Doctorow

4. The Therapeutic Power of Words

• Writing offers an outlet for my emotions—a way to process life’s highs and lows.

• I’m thankful that my craft can also be my therapy, a place to channel everything from joy to sorrow.

“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic, and fear which is inherent in a human situation.” – Graham Greene

5. The Gift of Creativity

• Writing is more than just a job; it’s a creative passion that allows me to bring new ideas and stories into the world.

• Every blank page is a new adventure, and I’m endlessly grateful for the thrill of that unknown.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein

6. Leaving a Legacy

• Writing allows me to leave behind a legacy of ideas, stories, and perspectives that may outlive me.

• Through my words, I feel connected to the larger tapestry of writers who’ve come before and those who will follow.

“To gain your own voice, you have to forget about having it heard.” – Allen Ginsberg

Embracing gratitude

A writer’s life may not be easy, but it’s filled with purpose, passion, and countless reasons for embracing gratitude. Whether I’m sharing stories, learning, or simply exploring the world through words, I’m profoundly thankful for this life I’ve chosen—or perhaps, that has chosen me.

Here’s to the beauty of words and the endless journey of writing!

Read Crafting a Writer’s Mood Board and then follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with news about my book and any special offers! Be sure you grab your FREE 10-step checklist to plan your novel when you subscribe!

Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)