Encouragement

It doesn't matter if you are a veteran or aspiring author, writers need encouragement. It is one factor that helps fuel their desire to keep on keeping on.

Don't get me wrong, constructive criticism is needed to make the writer better, but this post isn't about criticism.

Encouragement can come in many forms. I have encouragement hanging on my walls, in my emails, & comments in my head.

One great think about receiving encouragement is that you get to acknowledge those people in your book(s)!

In my acknowledgements in Left Standing I wrote:

No book can be written without the support of family, friends, and countless others. They were my foundation with never-ending encouragement, especially when I thought I would never be able to finish this project. Many of them eagerly spent their valuable time reading drafts - providing me the feedback I greatly needed. With their input, I was able to take this vision from my head, put it into words so you can ultimately picture that same vision.

First, I want to thank all of you - my readers, for holding this book in your hands. This was a long and exciting journey of patience, persistence, and passion. I hope you enjoy the journey in these pages.

Thank you to Troy Reynolds and Joe Darago - for following His call.

Adam A. Koch (The Almighty Webmaster): Thank you for your time and for putting up with me! I couldn't have done it better. (LeftStanding.net)

Dan Swoboda: Thank you for designing a book cover that surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. I hope people will judge this book by your cover and discover my words live up to it.

Many additional and very humble expressions of appreciation go to: Deb Lebakken, Jeanne Dwight, John Jordan, Jessie Stainslav, Neil Halford, Kasey Ferris, & Sue Leatherman. Thank you for guiding my pen in the 'write' direction when I was completely lost.

A never-ending thank you goes to Janet Lundquist - I can't imagine how this story would have turned out - had you not challenged me to dig deeper into each character and each chapter.

Thank you to my close friends for your immeasurable support.

Thank you to my extended family for the endless encouragement.

Thank you Mom, Pop, & Angie - my gratitude, if I could ever put it into words, would exceed the length of this book.

And finally, to my Creator, my God - thank you for providing me the right words when I was at a loss for them. I am only the author of this book; You are the author of my life.

~ Chad J. Bring

Writers:
Talk about the best encouragement you ever received.