Wednesday, November 17, 2021

What's in Your Writer's Bucket?

By Debby Giusti

 A writer’s bucket? What’s that?

Perhaps a scrub bucket comes to mind filled with tech gadgets, multi-colored pens, binder clips and flash drives? Or maybe it conjures up a bucket list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime, like becoming a New York Times bestselling author, or seeing your story in hardcover or snagging a six-figure advance. Looking at it from another angle, the writer’s bucket could refer to how you replenish your creativity, in the same vein as priming the pump or filling the well. All of these responses are valid, yet they’re not the bucket I’m talking about today.

If you’re a mom or dad, a grandmother or an educator, you may know about the bucket I’m referencing. It’s a children’s book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Written by Carol McCloud and illustrated by David Messing, the book was first published in 2006 for children from age 4-9 as “A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids.”

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Carol McCloud,
2006.

My eldest daughter received a copy of the book from her good friend who wrote the following inscription: Thank you for always being an amazing bucket filler! My younger daughter is an educator working at the county level. She uses the book as a resource for elementary school children. Since both daughters talked about filling their buckets, I decided to get my own copy and share a bit about the book with you today.

The concept is simple. Everyone has an imaginary bucket. Its purpose, as McCloud writes, “is to hold good thoughts and good feelings about yourself.” When your bucket is full, you’re happy. Conversely, negative thoughts or uncharitable actions can empty your bucket and leave you feeling sad.

Filling your own bucket is important, but filling someone else’s bucket—with a smile or kind word—is even better because, according to McCloud, “When you fill someone else’s bucket, you fill your own bucket, too!”

The idea is basic, but it has value for everyone from small children to senior citizens. Make someone happy and you’ll increase your own happiness.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Carol McCloud,
2006.

Plus the message aptly applies to the writing life. So often we’re beaten down by submission rejections, hurtful critiques, and off-handed questions about why publication is taking so long. In addition, most creative people are all too aware of the negative interior voice that can be our worst enemy. When we try to produce something new, that inner voice whispers hateful comments that have us doubting our ability, such as “how can you think you’re a writer,” or “this is trash—you’ll never sell your story.” As the negatives affront us, our bucket empties, leaving us discouraged, depressed and ready to give up on our dreams.

Instead, we need to learn to be a bucket filler or associate with bucket fillers, namely folks who offer encouragement and support. The road to publication can be a long journey, but being with likeminded people can buoy our spirits. Offering a helping hand, a bit of advice or sharing tips and techniques fills our bucket with positives that keep us moving forward. The hills are easier to climb when our bucket is filled, and we’re feeling good about our journey. An empty bucket can lead to frustration and a lack of motivation, both of which are signs of writer’s block.

Seekerville, in my opinion, is a bucket filler. We share our love for the written word whether we’re a writer or a reader. We talk about ways to improve our craft and make our stories shine. We also exchange pertinent information about publishing houses and the types of stories they’re interested in buying. Being part of this blog community helps to spark our imaginations and has us eager to continue on our journey—because our bucket is full!

Think about your own bucket today. Remember, helping others adds not only to their buckets but also to your own. Mentor another writer, offer a word of encouragement, share a lesson you’ve learned and see how quickly your bucket overflows.

As we approach our national day of Thanksgiving, I give thanks for all of you. I’m grateful for the many ways you’ve filled my bucket over the years. Thank you, dear friends.

Today I’m giving away a copy of Have You filled a Bucket Today? In addition, the winner of the drawing will also receive one of my stories, winner’s choice. In what special way has your bucket been filled in the past and how do you try to fill someone else’s bucket? Share any Thanksgiving traditions that are bucket fillers.

Wishing you a joyous Thanksgiving!

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

COVER REVEAL

SMUGGLERS IN AMISH COUNTRY

By Debby Giusti

 Uncovering secrets in this Amish town

could deliver deadly consequences.

When the robbery suspect she’s tracking begins attacking delivery girls in Amish country, officer Marti Sommers must go undercover as bait. With ex-cop Luke Lehman’s niece as one of the targets, this case is personal. After all, Marti’s rookie mistake ended with Luke injured and another officer dead. But can the two former colleagues stop a deadly smuggling ring…before Marti becomes the next victim?

Releases March 2022

 

Pre-Order from AMAZON now!


  

23 comments:

  1. Debby, this is such a thought-provoking post, and I particularly love the closing paragraph... how helping others actually helps us. I totally believe that. I believe it makes us better writers, better authors, better people. It works across the board.

    Thank you, Debby.

    I BROUGHT COFFEE AND TEA!!!

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    1. Thanks for the coffee, Ruthy! I brought pumpkin scones and bagels, which go well with your coffee!

      Paying it forward is always a win-win!

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  2. When I was growing up, my church prepared fruit baskets for the older members and "shut-ins" in the neighborhood surrounding the church. Early on Thanksgiving morning, my dad and I would help distribute those baskets. The women were so appreciative and the look on those women's faces was priceless. Many, many years have passed since then, but the blessing of those Thanksgiving mornings still remains with me.

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    1. What a beautiful outreach and lovely ministry, Edwina! Bless you and your dad and your church community. Whenever we help another, we're always blessed in return.

      Have a joyous Thanksgiving!

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  3. There is so much to mine from this...I honestly don't know where to start. Thank you, Debby, for giving me so much to think about.
    So...Did I miss anything?

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  4. Seekerville is definitely a bucket-filler. All of the generous writers who pour out of themselves…their wisdom, expertise, and love so faithfully over the years is amazing and appreciated. I’d say it’s more of a vat! Grateful for this community. The most wonderful bucket to fill ~ the golden bowls of incense in the Throne Room filled with prayers…I have both received this year and given, both especially needed. Blessed by ya’ll and the privilege and power of prayer. Joyous Thanksgiving to y’all, as well!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, Becky! We are a praying community, which is so important. So glad you've benefitted from our prayers, and equally important, thank you for joining us in prayer. I love your mention of filling our Heavenly buckets, namely the bowls of incense in the Throne Room of the King of Kings. Such a beautiful thought!

      So glad you're part of our Seekerville family. Blessings to you and yours throughout this month of thanksgiving!

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  5. I love this, Debby!

    I have to say that you're one of those writers who often fills my bucket. Thank you!

    I'm on my way to teach 1st and 2nd graders at Bible Study this morning - I'll definitely try to fill some buckets today!

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    1. Jan, your comment touched me. Thank you, dear friend!

      Bless you for teaching little ones about Our Dear Lord and Savior! I know you'll be filling their buckets in so many ways.

      If only we could all have childlike faith. As adults, sometimes we stew and fret too much instead of trusting. He is all-loving and all-merciful and He wants the very best for each of us. Amen!



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  6. Debby, you are definitely a bucket-filler. Thank you. But I love the concept of this little book, particularly for kids. The world doesn't teach them that, so to instill it at a young age sets them on a path for a more fulfilling life, IMHO.

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    1. The message is so simple and so true. No wonder the book has been reprinted a number of times.

      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Mindy, with your beautiful family. I know their buckets will be full because you shower love and affirmation on all those around you! Enjoy this special time of year!

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  7. You filled my bucket today, Debby!

    You have incredible timing! Just this morning I was reaching out to my local writing group for prayer. I'm using this month's NaNoWriMo focus to try to complete an entire terrible, horrible, no good, very bad first draft. I've never done this before because the enemy always takes me down around the first quarter or third of the project. I start thinking that my story isn't good enough, writing romance novels isn't good enough, I'm not good enough. Usually I set the project aside. But I can't NOT write, so after a week or two, I start another project. This is why I've never finished a novel. Started plenty. Haven't finished any. I can see the pattern. I just don't know how to overcome it. Any prayers or advice from this group of bucket fillers would be greatly appreciated.

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    1. Terri, I can relate, and I bet most of the Seekers can relate as well. It's your internal editor and that pesky negative voice. Turn them off!

      Also, know that all writers start with a very rough draft. I use an AlphaSmart to pen my first draft so I can't edit, and it's always terrible and requires so much revision. BUT, the story comes to life as I rework the pages and then rework them again and again.

      The secret is to have something to rework. If you don't have a rough draft, you can't get to a finished manuscript. So tell youself that, this time, you're going to push through and write the entire story and type THE END. At that point, pat yourself on the back, celebrate and then start revising and reworking those pages until that lump of coal first draft turns into a beautiful diamond.

      Okay? Promise you'll keep working and won't stop to criticise your words and your story? Good! Keep us posted and have a wonderful Thanksgiviing.

      Remember to kick the Negative Voice out the door so he doesn't sabatoge your manuscript or undermine your determination. If I can write a story, you can too!

      Keep your bucket filled with positive affirmations. You are a writer, and you will take your story from a rough draft to a finished manuscript that's ready for submission!

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    2. Thank you so much, Debby, for your encouraging words. I was just reading through your Amish Refuge again a few days ago to see how you put your story together. I am now sitting at my table, ready to try to just keep writing, no matter how awful I think it is.

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    3. Just keep writing, Terri. Some folks review what they've written each day and then start fresh the next time they get to their computer. I find writing straight through is better for me and keeps me from getting hung up on editing. See if that just-keep-writing method works for you. I have a feeling you'll be surprised by how much you can get done! :)

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  8. Thank you, Debby, for being such a bucket-filler yourself! <3

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    1. Hi Erica, all of the Seekers do such a great job filling buckets. We are truly blessed to be part of this wonderful blog group.

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  9. My counselor many years ago talked about this and how our creative side comes from having our bucket full. Great insight Debby. I love and appreciate you. Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Lucy!

      I need to keep checking my bucket and ensure it's full! So many things can steal our joy. When we focus on the Lord, we're better able to fill our hearts--and our buckets--with peace and love.

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  10. Debby, what a great post. I never thought about all the ways "bucket" can be used in real life. I love the idea of being a bucket filler for others. My bucket has been filled by other writer friends who have come alongside to encourage or to help me grow my craft. I love talking with writers who are starting out and sharing encouragement with them. And, as for our Thanksgiving bucket fillers, since the time our boys were toddlers, we have spent Thanksgiving breakfast talking about five things we're each thankful for from the year. We've written each person's inputs for the year into a journal. When we've each shared our five, we read the "thank you's" from previous years. This is one time when our teenage boy-men don't balk at us listing the things we're thankful for. I love hearing their perspectives on the year!

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    1. Jeanne, what a lovely family tradition! Thanks for sharing.

      I know you're a bucket filler within your home and community, as well as with the writing community. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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