Appreciate This!

As others have pointed out the past couple of days, literary agent Nathan Bransford declared this Writer Appreciation Week.

I started taking my writing more seriously in May and expanded my education to online pursuits of knowledge. Through the EveryDayFiction web site, I came across such fine writers as Catherine J. Gardner and Aaron Polson. Their stories have been been horrific yet thought-provoking and have taken us to strange new places and, at times, to the edge of madness. BT was correct as referring to you as the 'parents' of this circle of friends.

Of course, if they be the parents, then Brenton Tomlinson must be the wise, elder son. He works hard at researching writer's sites and reviewing books and his strict work ethic is most inspiring. I tip a glass in your direction, sir!

Others who have inspired and entertained? The zany Carrie Harris has always put a 'sparkle' in my day and KC Shaw has shown me that fantasy is a fine alternative to horror. Katey Taylor has introduced me to zombie romance, set in 19th century America. I look forward to nagging her for a signed copy of her book (I will, of course, pay for the book...). The stories of Natalie L. Sin have both horrified me and made me chuckle (often at the same time). She has shown me that 'Relentless Sodomy' (The Musical) isn't such a bad thing...

Yes, there are others who have impressed to whom I must show appreciation. I have enjoyed frequenting the blogs of writers Mercedes M. Yardley, Jameson T. Caine and Jamie Eyberg as well as Rebecca Nazar, Jeremy Kelly and Danielle Ferries.

My longest-running 'cyberfriend' is Anton Gully (or whatever your name really is) who's blog recently came to an untimely demise. He may, at times, doubt his ability as a writer but his words say otherwise. His stories can still be found at the Black Dogs Reading Room.

The circle of friends I have draped around me, like a protective and warming cloak, is ever widening and I have recently formed friendships with writers Laura Eno, Jarmara Falconer and Akasha Savage...ladies, I look forward to enjoying more of your work in the future.

Wow! The list is long and full of well-deserving folks that understand the struggle of juggling work with writing, or perhaps family with writing...or both. You have all, in varying degrees, come to mean something to me as a fledgling writer. You have either posted inspirational advise on your blogs or have imparted kind words or advice at mine. I tip my hat (I will put on my fez for this special occasion) to you all in celebration of Writer's Appreciation Week. Nathan Bransford has suggested we all hug a writer...I would give you all a big hug, but since we are scattered about the globe you will have to be satisfied with this...

Almost forgot...I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the multi-talented Helen Ginger who educates and promotes writers daily. I should also thank my creative writing instructor, Ed Kavanagh whose talents as an educator, a writer, an editor and a musician have been an inspiration to myself and many others about this beautiful province. Of course, I should send a shout out to the legendary Stephen King, whose tales sparked my imagination as a young man, and to that grandfather of horror...Edgar Allan Poe, who lives forever in all our imaginations.