Writing is an extreme privilege, but it's also a gift. It's a gift to yourself and it's a gift of giving a story to someone.
-Amy Tan

I am a notebook hoarder. I have this terrible habit of running to the grocery store specifically to buy something to eat but somehow, totally against my will, I always end up in the Home & Office section scouting out the stationary to see if they've gotten any new notebooks. For most people, going to the mall means looking forward to trying on clothes or grabbing something from the food court. However, I head right to the Stationary Section in the nearest bookstore. I chalk that up to being a writer. My number one writing rule is to alwayscarry a notebook and a pen wherever I go. I like to be prepared just in case an idea strikes when I'm wandering the aisles in Target or waiting for class to start.

So many of these notebooks I buy are full of ideas. Books, articles, lyrics, you name it. I have plot lines for twenty-three different novels floating around in those pages. Every time I pull out one of those notebooks, I feel grateful. I'm grateful for an outlet to clean up all of the endless thoughts clogging up my mind. Putting pen to paper is my stress reliever and the key to my own little alternate universe. Even better, sometimes I get to put those thoughts into pieces that people actually read.

I'm so thankful to be able to write, but even more thankful to share my thoughts with people who like to explore my mind with me and better yet, express their love for my work. Writing for an audience is so rewarding and wonderful, and I can't thank my readers enough. Sometimes you feel a little alone in this big ol' world, and sending out little pieces of your soul can be intimidating. I have been met with open arms on many occasions and my cup runneth over.

I try to come up with something new every week to share with you all, and it's not always easy. You meet me with endless praise. Thank you for letting me write. Thank you for taking in these small pieces of me and sharing them with the world. You are all priceless and you deserve to hear it much more than I say it.

Thank you.