Author: Janet Eriksson

Posted on

From One Reader’s Heart: Thank You for Writing

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reflecting on how thankful I am for everyone who has the courage to write. Every book or blog starts with someone who is willing to share with readers. As an avid reader who has drawn much inspiration and encouragement from books and blogs, I want to say thank you.

It’s not easy to be a writer. It takes time, energy, lots of reflection, and a big focus on what your reader needs. It’s a vulnerable feeling to share your life in words with people you don’t know. Even starting a writing project takes a lot, and I am grateful for everyone who starts.

As a reader, I appreciate the doors writers open for me. Stories to explore, wisdom to ponder and apply, new perspectives, entertainment and laughter, adventures, someone who has been through it and understands what I’m facing. Books have been meaningful throughout my life, all because authors were brave enough to write and share. 

I am thankful for your courage to write and share with readers like me. Your words make a difference. Photo by Megan Watson at Unsplash

No matter where you are in your writing project, I’m thankful for you. I’m thankful that you’ve started writing. Thankful for the messy drafts that lead to a published book or blog. Thankful for the treasures you are sharing with readers like me. Readers need what you are writing. Don’t ever doubt it.

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I just wanted to encourage you that your words matter. Your story makes a difference. Your writing is valuable. Whether your story is an idea, a few paragraphs, a messy draft, or almost done, I’m grateful you’re creating a written work to share. 

From one reader’s heart: Thank you for writing. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. 

Posted on

A Simple Thanksgiving Blog Post that Strengthens Connection

November can be a busy time of year: holiday plans, family commitments, end-of-year tasks. It’s easy to put your blog on the back burner to simmer next to the turkey gravy. 

But November is a great time to write a short, simple blog post of thankfulness. Clients love to see how they’re appreciated. And it’s a simple but effective way to keep your blog visible during a busy season.

Continue reading “A Simple Thanksgiving Blog Post that Strengthens Connection”
Posted on

Autumn Lesson for Writers: Let Go and Keep What Matters Most

Autumn is a beautiful season of trees shedding leaves. Some of those leaves are so pretty, it’s amazing the trees have dropped them. You’d think they would want to keep them on display till the end of the season. The red leaves are my favorites. I don’t see them often, and I think they’re remarkable.

Just as trees let go of beautiful leaves, writers can let go of beautifully written sections of their book if those sections don’t serve the overall story. It’s part of the self-editing process that comes after writing your first draft. This process may include the difficult decision to remove some of your carefully crafted paragraphs if they no longer serve the focus of your book. And possibly replace them with something new.

Continue reading “Autumn Lesson for Writers: Let Go and Keep What Matters Most”
Posted on

What Working at EPCOT Taught Me about Writing

A college summer job in a Disney gift shop prepared me for content writing, editing, and coaching in ways I didn’t expect—and here’s what I’d share with younger dreamers too.

In the summer after my first year of college, I took a job at Disney’s EPCOT Center near Orlando, Florida. I was a gift shop hostess—the shop where I worked was right next to Spaceship Earth, the EPCOT entryway landmark. With Disney’s focus on guest experience in their theme parks, we as employees were called cast members. Our role was to create a wonderful experience for our guests.

I loved interacting with our visitors from all over the world. I enjoyed getting to know the other cast members too. They were awesome to work with, and many of them came from other countries. I loved everything international, so it was the perfect working environment for me.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how one summer job would shape my future career. 

Continue reading “What Working at EPCOT Taught Me about Writing”
Posted on

Like Autumn Leaves, Your Writing Can Change Too

One of the beautiful things about fall is how the leaves change colors in such unique ways. No two leaves are the same, but they all reflect the beauty of fall. 

Just like fall leaves, writing can take on different hues. Your first draft can look one way. As you begin to shape your story, your writing style might change. And that’s good. It means you’re growing, your story is taking shape, and transformation is happening. 

Continue reading “Like Autumn Leaves, Your Writing Can Change Too”
Posted on

Shorter Days, Shorter Blog Posts

It’s that time of year when the days become shorter. You are busy, maybe feeling a little tired. You have little time to work on your blog — and even less on the horizon with the holidays coming up. You’re just not able to write those long posts you want to share with your clients and prospects.

You’re concerned your blog will go into hibernation till January. 

But you can keep your blog going by matching the rhythm of the fall season: shorter days, shorter posts.

Continue reading “Shorter Days, Shorter Blog Posts”
Posted on

Courage to Raise My Hand

In the early 1980s, when I was a sophomore in high school, my friends and I enrolled in Junior Achievement (JA). We traveled to a big conference center one night a week to meet with our business mentors and participate in a JA business venture.

Each JA group was involved in a business project, where we created and sold a product, all the while learning about how to run a business. Our group was tasked with making and selling hanging flower baskets. We stained pieces of wood, assembled them into a basket shape, and sold them to people who wanted to support our endeavors.

Early on, we all voted for a president of our little ensemble. I had no intention of running for any office. But my friends encouraged me to try. So, I raised my hand and said I would like to be in the running for president.

Continue reading “Courage to Raise My Hand”