Day 7 – Encourage – 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

Today’s word is “encourage,” a nice word and a nice thing to do. To encourage someone is to cheer them on, to be supportive. I love to encourage and to be encouraged. As a fairly new member of the writing group, Hope*Writers, I feel both. When asked, members are happy to share what they know and offer valuable advice along with cheering one another on with kind words and “likes.” As a journalist turned teacher returning to a writing career, things are much more complicated than they used to be. Without highly followed social media platforms, websites and email lists, it seems like it would be nearly impossible to move forward and publish a book or get articles accepted. I used to be able to pitch an idea, get the assignment, or not, then move on with writing, or come up with more ideas. Simple. Technology is challenging for me but I am encouraged by all of the help.  So, with patience (Day 5 word,) the encouragement of others, and my drive to succeed, I will move forward and tackle this new way of getting my words out in the world. In turn, I will seek to be an encouragement to others.