Donna,
I would say this is the MOST important thing.
I have mentioned I am reading the best non-fiction how-to book I have ever read in my life by author and celebrity literary agent Donald Maass. It is called
"The Breakout Novelist: Craft and Strategies for Career Fiction."
Talking about "God" in literary circles is supposed to be "forbidden" (by some people's opinions) but he goes there anyway. Instead of going on for a million pages about "you need to have a dramatic character arc" [no kidding, YAWN], he goes to heart of the matter. Here is a paraphrase of a gem:
"Make sure to take notes on all the little miracles that God works in your life every day. It may just be the kindness of your spouse. If you have ever looked at your spouse or a loved one and felt a silent moment of awe and humility you have experienced God. So keep careful notes on all those little miracles that happen to you every day. A lot of people love to read about that kind of stuff. Like millions of people. Just sayin'. Hey, how about dark, dreary, highly intelligent, gloomy, sarcastic books where evil triumphs in the end? You might sell two copies. Just sayin'."
This guy's agency sells 150 hot property books every year.
Counting your blessings and cheering people up is where it's at.
