I first heard that idea from Robin Roberts of CBS This Morning.

I believe her mother said it to her when she was struggling with health issues.

When you’re in that position it’s easy and completely normal to be down and depressed and uncharitable.

Her mother wasn’t being dismissive.

When you are in a position of vulnerability, when your life seems like a mess, find the golden thread of hope.

What positive message can you unearth in your pile of mess that could not only help you but others going through the same thing?

Don’t stop looking until you’ve found it.

Because it’s there.

Make your mess your message.

That’s what stories do.

They take a big ball of mess and untangle it in some helpful way.

If you can write about a mess that registers with enough readers, you’ve got yourself a successful story.

More importantly, you’ve helped people.

You’ve made your mess your message and shared valuable insight.

It’s a worthy goal.

Writing stories is a worthy goal.

In some way, your story will help someone—show them a new path, entertain them when they’re sad, build them up with courage, keep them company when they’re lonely.

You never know who needs your book.

But keep writing so your book shines like a beacon.

Until next time,

~ Gail

Countdown: 12 weeks left of 2024

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