Some of you may be wondering what the heck is #LoveWriteCreate? Well, it’s what I’m thankful for this week and obviously, it’s a hashtag, but this week I plan to share so much more about this tool that I (along with Morgan Wylie and Gaby Robbins) have been utilizing this year. As a writer, I find myself constantly searching for answers. Whether it’s research for my current WIP, a quick How To for formatting, the hottest YA novels exploding across the blogosphere, or anything pertaining to series I’m currently reading, I want to know more. The more I write, the hungrier I am for knowledge and wisdom from those that have already done it.

I’ll admit, I’m the type of person that likes to learn from other people’s mistakes.

#LoveWriteCreate is a way for all of us to learn together. Not only can anyone use the hashtag to ask or answer a question on Twitter, but every week-ish Gaby, Morgan, and I take a topic we’ve recently become aware of and talk about it on a Google hangout that everyone can watch! If you haven’t seen an episode, here’s the latest one…

Now, to get a little more specific about what I’m so thankful for…

31. Gaby & Morgan: There’s no way I’d feel/be willing or able to face and destroy all the hurdles that pop up during, what feels like a marathon, when writing a book. They help, challenge, and walk beside me on this writerly journey.

2. Community: To know that others are asking the same questions I am is very comforting. What’s even more comforting is the willingness of authors to share their experience, as well as their encouragement. Knowing that there’s a community that I belong in, and can contribute to is a type of support that I can’t get anywhere else.

23. Challenges: Most of us like to decimate a challenge, and #LoveWriteCreate likes to throw out challenges to help sharpen our talents and skills. In some cases, we’re trying new things, and we don’t know if there’s a talent or skill to be honed, but that’s part of the fun.

4. Laughter: There’s nothing better than to laugh with friends! We may try to make a lousy situation better with laughter, or we may take a minute to laugh at ourselves. It may be a lol on twitter or an outburst on the Google Hangout, but it always makes me feel better!

Needless to say, I’m super-thankful for all that being a part of #LoveWriteCreate has taught me. If you want to watch more of the #LoveWriteCreate Hangout, you can check out the entire playlist…