By guest blogger Milli Thornton

Milli Thornton, author of Fear of Writing

ALL TOO OFTEN as writers we’re focusing on what we see as our shortcomings. Over the years I’ve witnessed many writers dumbing themselves down, even in the same moment that I was reveling in their creativity.

I decided to make myself sit down and come up with ten things to celebrate—instead of another thing to verbally and carelessly denigrate myself for. I hope you’ll be inspired to make your own list. You might find it hard to stop at ten!

1. It’s fun to have an avocation/career that includes making up stories from my imagination.

2. I feel lucky to live in this age of technological wizardry, making it possible for authors like me to publish books on demand (thus saving trees) and also to publish instantly (blogging, e-books, my Website).

3. During my travels—on the Internet, as a workshop and writing circle leader, and because my husband and I have moved around a lot—I’ve met so many other WONDERFUL writers, and have made so many lasting friendships!

4. What other job can claim “pajamas” as the optional uniform?

5. Through my writing I’ve been able to inspire or entertain others.

6. Being a writer is powerful—I have the ability to impart information that can make a difference in people’s lives.

7. In my quest to evolve myself as a writer, I’ve learned countless new skills; everything from computer to people skills.

8. Writing lets me reinvent myself on a regular basis: blogger, newsletter editor, author, screenwriter, story scribbler, journaler, travel writer (whatever I wanna be that day). Published or unpublished, my inventions are mine!

9. When I’m out in public, every time I see the word “write” or “writer” my blood quickens. That’s a primal reaction that happens before I even have time to think.

10. Writing allows me to hide from the world when I need to and disappear into comforting solitude.

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MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and still misses Australia, where she lived for 25 years. A bit of a gypsy, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband. Milli blogs at the Fear of Writing blog and Screenwriting in the Boonies.