Cathy C. Hall Writes

until-i-break One of my favorite things about being a writer is my writer friends. Because I often get the chance to read some very fine writing before it makes its way out there in the world. Such was the case when I read Kara Bietz’ first page in the book which would become UNTIL I BREAK.

Sometimes, the words are so true, the story so strong, you just know. I wasn’t surprised when Kara’s manuscript sold not once but twice! (Is there anything more nerve-wracking than when a publisher goes out of business? Fortunately, Kara had another publisher just waiting to get their hands on her book.)It’s an incredibly powerful debut on bullying (read my Goodreads review here) that should be required reading for high school students everywhere.

I was a little surprised to see my name on her acknowledgement page because honestly, there was nothing I added to these pages. Maybe I’m just a good listener? Anyway, Kara’s moved all the way to Texas now and has other good listeners, I’m sure. And I haven’t had the opportunity to read her current work-in-progress. But I can promise you this: the minute it makes its way out into the world, I will grab it up!

How about you? Have a writer friend that you’d like to recommend? It’s a new year and I’m itching to start that To Be Read pile! (Seriously. You should start with UNTIL I BREAK.)

hand-children-child-child-s-hand-159827 So I just read my newspaper from New Year’s–don’t judge, I had a lot of football and family going on–and I opened my Parade magazine to find “Let’s Make 2017 the Year of Being Kind.”

That’s a swell idea but I may have laughed out loud, sitting at my kitchen table, reading. Because suddenly, people being kind to one another has become a trend. And we have all sorts of templates and books and specially made cards to help us remember to be kind.

*sigh*

I can remember sitting in the kitchen of my childhood home, after a particularly hurtful day at school, and hearing my mother say (for probably the millionth time): “Be kind, fair maid, let him who will be clever.”

Now, the quote is actually “Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever” from a poem by Charles Kingsley. But I’m sure Mom thought the word kindness worked better in that quote, or at least, in trying to explain to her children the importance of being kind to people instead of retaliating in some hurtful way.

She preached kindness every day, and my teachers did, too. When I think about it, most of the adults I knew growing up–family and friends–not only preached kindness but lived it. And so we grew up understanding the value of kindness, and we taught that value to our children.

I’m very glad that the old-fashioned trait of kindness was instilled in me and those I love. And for those who may have forgotten, or perhaps didn’t grow up with kindness, I hope that the Parade articles and templates and quotes will inspire all to begin the best new habit ever.

So Happy New Year’s, y’all! And may 2017 flow with kindness (and lovely acceptances)!