There comes a point in the writing of your novel when it’s just a slog. You’re close to the end but you don’t feel like you’ll ever see that finish line or hold your book in your hands.
This creative despair can be crippling. Time to lighten things up with gratitude.
The quickest way to gratitude is to write your acknowledgement page. If you’ve written a book, you know that this page isn’t just a nicety. Finishing a book really does require all those people, and even though it’s your name on the cover, the names on the acknowledgement page are equally important.
They’re especially valuable when you need to gather encouragement. You may not be able to invite them over to soothe your writer’s soul, but you can bring them together by drafting your acknowledgment page.
Now, it’s not just authors who can do this. Any artist has a cadre of supporters to thank.
When I drafted my acknowledgement page, I nearly wept with gratitude. As I listed my editors, readers, teachers and champions, I felt their support around me. I recalled their words of encouragement and basked in their belief in my novel.
I also panicked a bit, fearing I would leave someone out! But I’ve started the list early enough that I can always go back and add names. It, like my novel, is a living document, evolving over time.
Try this for any project you’re working on. Your blog, painting series, essay collection, whatever you’re working on and whenever you need an extra boost. Keep the list present so you can glean ongoing support – and add more names.
Have you done this? How did it go? Tell us how writing your acknowledgement page impacted your work.
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What a great idea, and really, you could do this for anything. I’m not currently writing a book, but in general there are people around me who have and are seeing me through some really tough times and should be acknowledged. Seems like common sense, doesn’t it, but sometimes you need a reminder. Thanks!
This is lovely! Timely too xx
Renee, You are welcome for the reminder! It was my hope that you’d see this as applicable for anything.
Glad it’s timely for you, Jenny! I was just thinking about you and your videos yesterday! Hope you’re having fun.
I frequently feel grateful for the teachers who have helped me along the way to becoming an artist, and your idea is a wonderful way to acknowledge them. I am now inspired to write a post about the lessons each person taught me. Thanks for the great idea!
Leslie,
I love your idea about recognizing and acknowledging the lessons from each of your teachers. That’s so powerful for you – and for them! And what a great series idea for your blog!
Glad this sparked something for you!