Attacus Atlas & Other Inventions: Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. — Albert Schweitzer

I’m so grateful to so many this past year, for lifting me up when I was feeling low. Writing is often a lonely venture, and this time last year, I was discouraged. The past ten months have flown by in a whirlwind as Counterpoint Press has made magic, turning my manuscript in to my debut novel, The Atlas of Reds and Blues. In February, you’ll laugh at my lengthy acknowledgements, but I did want to take a minute this week to say mahalo to y’all for the support and love.

It’s hard to believe that in January of this year, I had not yet met my wonderful editor at Counterpoint, Jennifer Alton, or my wonderful agent at DeFiore, Reiko Davis. I’m so grateful for the care and love they’ve shown my words and me. Many many thanks to the team, here and across the ponds.

I’m grateful to my writing community, you’re the engine that runs my days. So many people to thank, especially my VONA family, FMWG + B, and my colleagues at Book Writing World & our fearless leader, Elizabeth Stark —

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. – Marcel Proust

I want to thank my community on Facebook and IG for cheering me on as I complete another year of #artaday. Without your support, I would have stopped long ago. I’m very thankful to my friends in the ATL for your continued love and support from the “other coast.”

Many many thanks to Jean, Victor, KieseNayomi & Elizabeth for your generosity of time and spirit. I’m forever grateful.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. – Thornton Wilder

I’m so grateful to K.A. Doore, Layne Fargo, Stephanie Jimenez & Martine Fournier Watson — you’re the best! I couldn’t have wished for better pals for the Debutante Ball this year. Thank you for your friendship and goodwill and humor.

And most of all, I’m grateful to my family. Thank you so much for all of the love.

Namaste

Authors & Books to consider this week:

Jean Kwok: Girl in Translation and Mambo in Chinatown

Victor LaValle: The Changeling and Slapboxing with Jesus

Kiese Laymon: Heavy and How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America

Nayomi Munaweera: Island of a Thousand Mirrors and What Lies Between Us

Elizabeth Rosner: Survivor Cafe and Gravity

 

 

Author: Devi Laskar

Poet, photographer, soccer mom, VONA & TheOpEdProject alum, Columbia MFA, former reporter, debut novelist!