Hello, Thursday Morning, and all those who happen by today.  Most of our part of the country received a blast of Arctic air this week, along with snow. If you were snowed in, I hope you enjoyed your time off.

I poured myself an extra cup of coffee and enjoyed the view. I don’t mind snow, as long as I don’t have to get out in it.

I’ve been thinking about writers this week. Most writers work hard and make very little. A few hit it big and make a name for themselves. Some end up working it as a job, others as a hobby.

If you’re a writer, you know the loneliness of pursuing the craft. Sometimes, a writer’s own family doesn’t realize how much “blood, sweat, and tears” goes into the work they do. And when the work is done, and the book is out there–its creator is biting his or her fingernails, waiting to see whether anyone will read it. Or like it.

Do you have a writer in the family? Here’s a way you can support that loved one. Buy the books. Don’t wait for your writer friend or family member to offer you a freebie, those books cost her a lot of $$. Head out to the bookstore, or click over to Amazon and buy the book.

Display the books. Have a bookshelf dedicated to the writer you love.  Brag on her when company comes. Displaying the books may catch their interest enough that they go home and buy the book.

Give the books as gifts. Make the gift special by getting it autographed.

Read the book. Okay, this one may be the most difficult. You don’t like to read, you don’t like your writer’s style. Not everyone likes the genre the writer may have chosen. In that case, at least skim the book. Read the reviews on Amazon. Get an idea of what’s in the book. Talk to the your writer friend or family member about their research, which may have been extensive. This may bore you to tears, but remember, we’re talking about love here. You are showing your support.

This is how you encourage your local author. It also shows that you love this writer and appreciate the hard work that goes in to each of their creations. Help your star shine, if only for a moment.

…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4: 1-3 NIV