Fedore Writer

BEST MUSE EVER

My Yorkie, Liam, is the best writer’s companion. He keeps my feet warm and gazes at me doe-eyed, reminding me to maintain a thriving writing routine and take an occasional break.

Last year, a writing instructor said to all the attendees, “To be a successful author, all you have to do is finish.” He simplified the writing process on purpose to make a point about finishing a rough draft. This mantra pushes me forward on days when I’m distracted with social media, emails, or other author-related responsibilities. As for social media, friends on Facebook, followers on Instagram, subscribers and readers of my blog, and writers of reviews also push me forward with words of encouragement and “likes.” You all are an important part of this time-intensive, grit-testing writing process.

Thank you for your cheers, check-ins, and clicks. You matter to authors everywhere.

KIDS: A KEYSTONE CAUSE

Winning a “Book Club in a Basket” could be the most boring prize ever, but there might be a group of teenagers that would love to host or join a conversation about a book. I keep on believing that if young people come together to talk about important topics, some of the anxiety they feel will dissipate by sharing the burden with each other.

I’m donating a basket to Thriving Generation, supporting this phone-free initiative. Here’s an excerpt from a letter they’ve sent to donors:

“The statistics are sobering, highlighting the urgent need for local action:

● In the decade following the rise of the smartphone, emergency room visits for self-harm among adolescent girls in the U.S. soared by 188%.

● The suicide rate for younger adolescent girls has increased by an alarming 167% in the same period.

● Today, teenagers who spend more than three hours daily on social media face double the risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms.

The Thriving Generation is hosting a phone-free weekend on November 7-9^th with a raffle prize drawing for those students that commit to the effort…”

How can I not be passionate about this? If you live or work in the Gig Harbor area, tell teenagers about the phone-free weekend and share this link with them.

TAKE THE STING OUT OF GOSSIP

Is it better to let gossip die down or fight back with fierceness?

… Fierceness doesn’t have to be aggressive or intense to be effective. When advising and brainstorming with students, I’d always viewed fierceness to be internal, like a staunch protector of self. Like a student’s identity remaining unshakeable, no matter what others said about them. Read more…