The thinking cat is a reminder that we writers often suffer writer’s block, so we need a little help from our friends.

Today we celebrate ” love to Write Day.”  I happen to have a penchant for these weird and unusual holidays so bear with me.  Not everyone is an author, but all of us, at one time or another, has penned something in a diary, a to do list, a letter to a loved one or a required piece in an English class.

I started my writing career when I was in 7th grade.  A lot of my childhood was spent in movie theaters or hearing mom read magical stories at bedtime.  My imagination had taken off at an early age and the way I often expressed myself was through the written word.  So when I entered 8th grade and the assignment was to create a play, I was all ready for it.

I spent hours defining my characters and story line.  It would be an epic production with a cast of thousands – beautiful costumes and sets – amazing music and choreography – and in the end love would conquer all.  I’m not sure if the teacher even bothered to read it, because it was so long, but he gave me a good grade.  I also vividly recall his comment at the top of the page.  “This would be impossible to produce.”

Those words were indelibly printed within my brain and my desire to write was squashed for a while.  It’s amazing how a teacher can discourage you without really intending to.  In fact, my husband failed art in elementary school, because he wasn’t following the formula in the curriculum.  He dared to be creative.  It’s a good thing that most negative comments bounce off both of us or we never would’ve followed our careers.

When I teach a writing class, I encourage my students to buy a journal and start writing down their thoughts, observations and emotions. These facts will lead to an abundance of stories for the future.  With a class of senior citizens, it becomes a way for them to relive some of their own memories and stay sharp by keeping their brains active.

Not everyone is a writer.  Not everyone can whip through mathematical formulas.  We don’t all know how to dance, sing or use a musical instrument.  Some of us have skills that we can only imagine doing.  That’s what makes each one of us unique.

So even if the only writing you do is a grocery list, consider it an accomplishment.  If you have an admiration for those who do write and give you hours of enjoyment, give them a hug if possible.  Let them know that their writing has touched you in some way.  It’s the best compliment a writer can receive.