November is the season of year we to pause and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. We have been given the gift of communicating through the written word. Writing energizes us with joy, meaning, and purpose. Our calling is to delight readers with stories, nonfiction, poetry, and songs that entertain, inspire, inform, and encourage. That sounds like a grand celebration to me!

I invite you to record 10 ways of celebrating gratitude in your writing. Here is my list, and perhaps it will spark a few ideas for you.

1. Start a gratitude journal for your writing. Record those wow moments of your day when you’ve met your word count, submitted a manuscript, received encouragement, or finished revisions that made your piece dance the turkey trot.
2. Write a thank-you note. Do you remember the first person who saw your enthusiasm for writing and urged you pursue the craft wholeheartedly? Tell them your heartfelt thanks. 
3. Reach out to mentors. Many seasoned writers, who shared their wisdom and took time to help you, don’t realize how much they bless a fledging new writer on their journey.
4. Acknowledge your family. They have sacrificed time and space so we can learn the craft. They are behind-the-scenes people who deserve hearing how they have helped us. Create a small note or invite them to a special event in their honor. That enables them to be part of your writing success.
5. Thank the sales and marketing staff. These unsung heroes work tirelessly to market and promote our books. Send a card or note that expresses your thankfulness. Arranging a tray of goodies for their breakroom will shine a star after your name.
6. Appreciate your editors. They make our work sparkle. Have you told them how much your value their time and patience?
7. Invest in a gratitude jar. Develop the habit of recording the best part of your day and drop it into the jar. Even when it’s a stretch, there’s always something good. You could title your journal SAR— Search and Rescue. Use it throughout the year when down days are discouraging. Open the jar and spend time building your confidence and self-esteem to fight discouragement. You can do it! 
8. Give back to another writer. Offer feedback, instruction, helpful support, or a cup of coffee. Sometimes a listening ear is all they need. Sometimes empathy is the greatest gift.
9. Host a thank-you meal. Invite friends, neighbors, or book club members who support your commitment to writing. Ensure it’s enjoyable, and the event is all about them. Perhaps a decorated cake that says, “Thank you to all my bookish friends.”
10. Celebrate your online community. Social-media friends are faithful supporters! Write a short story, novella, poem, article, or meme, to show your gratitude.

Bonus! Need more ideas? Browse online for creative ways to celebrate writing. Try a gratitude or blessing jar, a unique journal with just the right cover, or even a custom mug or a T-shirt. 

Writing is one life’s sweetest treasures, a gift worth giving thanks for. So carve the turkey, pass the mashed potatoes and dressing, pour on the gravy, butter another roll, and don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie—with whipped cream.