The Month of Thanks – October 17

Continuing on in my Month of Thanks, here is my post for October 17th.

To David Robison,

There are certain people you meet and instantly know they’re something special… those people with some certain something you can’t quite put a name to.

You are one of those people.

In the short time I’ve known you, I can honestly say you’ve become a powerhouse of influence in the writing/podcasting community. Your idea for the Roundtable Podcast quickly became the talk of the town around the podosphere. That has everything to do with you.

You are one of those naturally charismatic people. Your ability to guide a discussion and prompt insightful answers from others is what makes RTP the fantastic venue it is. You’ve coined the term “literary gold” to refer to the things your guests and co-hosts come up with, but I don’t think you know how great of a role you play in those moments of greatness. It is with your guidance and thought-provoking questions that these things find their way to the surface. It is through the medium you provide that they have a platform to come to life.

I know I’m not the only writer to be blessed with the opportunity to take advantage of that forum. If they haven’t said so, I know they feel the same way I do in that it truly is something special to be a part of.

But you’re more than a podcaster. Meeting you in person was a true treat. While I’d met you at a Balticon past, it wasn’t until this summer at UtopYA that I got to spend a solid block of time with you (and your wonderful wife as well). Even then, even though we didn’t have microphones in front of us or a list of topics for discussion, you listened to me ramble on about my projects, both past, in progress, and ideas for the future. You were attentive, asked questions, and, as always, your enthusiasm knew no bounds. I don’t think you’ve ever heard a bad idea in your life for all the wonderful feedback and support you’ve shown both me and many others that have come your way. You are always positive and hopeful and ready with the pompoms when anyone needs a cheerleader. You are boundlessly curious and always looking for more information, whether that be about writing, a writers’ process, or the act of creating in a broader, general sense.

You inspire everyone around you and push them to see the value in their own ideas.

I can only hope that the others you’ve inspired rally around you as you embark on your own creative endeavors. If anyone has ever deserved the support of their community, it is you.

So on behalf of myself, and from all the multitudes of others who’s lives you’ve turned to “literary gold”, thank you.

With Inspired Gratitude,

Starla Huchton