The Good Patrons of 750 Words

A Note of Inspiration from Amy Roth

23 cups

Hello, all my brave, inquisitive, and lovely fellow writers…

This is my farewell note of sorts. I’m in the process of transitioning over to our shiny new online home – but things are run a little differently there, and I suddenly realized how hollow I’d feel if I just left all of my cups to languish over here on the original site. I was always in the habit of hoarding them to pour out in a burst of celebration and euphoria when I reached a new badge or milestone (my last one being the Early Morning Rooster far too many months ago). But now I just want to use them to enjoy one last moment of reflection and camaraderie here where it all began.

I’ve been showing up to spill my ink since someone mentioned 750 Words in passing during NaNoWriMo of 2015, and I used it as a tool to help me get through November. By the end of the month, it was an ingrained habit. I knew I didn’t want to give up my daily words, so I joined without any hesitation. That feels like an eternity ago now, but I know there are many of you who have been at this much, much longer than me. A HUGE debt of gratitude to all the writers who have left so many amazing Notes of Inspiration since I’ve started here! I can’t tell you how much I look up to all of you Flying Squirrels and Great Gryphons; I don’t know how you do it! I have yet to capture the Pterodactyl, and sometimes I despair that I ever will get further than the Phoenix…but seeing all of your accomplishments leaves me with a little hope that I can make it, too. SOMEDAY. YOU are what I aspire my writing practice to be. So, thank you, genuinely.

Thank you most of all to Buster and Kellianne for creating this little haven for us and keeping it running smoothly even when the rest of the world seems to be falling apart at the seams. I’ve filled my blank pages with fan fiction, original work, character interviews, NaNo projects, Etsy messages and letters to friends, rants, dreams and plans for my future…and most recently the character letters I began writing for others during the pandemic. I don’t think I’d have had the courage to take that somewhat scary leap if it hadn’t been for my hours spent here. (Now that I think about it, I credit a LOT of my personal growth in the last few years to showing up here consistently, to say nothing of my growth as a writer.)

So when that notice about a “new and improved” site popped up a little while ago (with the reassurance that we could transition whenever we were fully ready) I felt a surge of denial and foreboding. I didn’t particularly WANT new and pretty and shiny. I didn’t WANT to pioneer my way into the grand new adventure of Version 2. 750 Words IS MY HOME, blast it, and I had NO wish whatsoever to see it tinkered with or “upgraded”. Leave the bookshelves and the rugs and the furniture alone! I wanted it kept exactly the way it had always been: comfortable, steadfast, and predictable. I created my new account mostly to see what the fuss was about, prepared to white-knuckle and molar-grind my way through the whole dreaded experience. Honestly, though, guys…it’s not so bad! Different, for sure. A bit of a shock to the senses when you’re so used to the familiarity of this version – especially the first week. But there are some wicked cool new badges to aspire to for those of you who are badge motivated like me. There are streak freezes and confetti showers every day! (That last one will make sense when you switch, I promise.) All to say that it’s worth tamping down your trepidation if that’s where you’re at right now. It still may be bittersweet for a while…it very much is for me. But I’m proud to be an early adopter.

Heard a quote this morning that really resonated with my writing habit and what I want it to look like one day: “You become what you practice being.” I’ve resolved that I’m using Version 2 for a fresh start, and I plan to practice being a writer every day for years to come. Thank YOU for being such a supportive, nourishing community in which to do that, everyone. Even though we don’t necessarily converse or message one another in the traditional way, it’s so reassuring just to know we’re in this thing together. Clacking away at our keyboards in solidarity with each other every day.

I hope to see you all on the other side when you’re ready! Look for Butterfly-In-The-Storm. Until we meet again… <3 <3 <3 <3

Testimonial Note from Amy Roth on Sun, Feb 27

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