Blogger’s Note: Tomorrow, in collaboration with 23summers.wordpress.com and , I am beginning a 30 Day Writing Challenge on Twenties Unscripted. We have 30 topics, one a day (duh–you can do math), that we will write about. Three women. 30 days. A hell of a lot to say. Hope you’ll enjoy!

I hate when people write those mushy notes to their “readers.” It’s almost as vapid as acceptance speeches from musicians thanking all of their fans. Something about it always strikes me as empty, a blanket model for offering gratitude. Plus, I don’t consider myself someone who has “readers.” There are simply people who read this blog. I prefer that phrase.

Twenties Unscripted turned one this month, a milestone that almost

became more important to me than my own birthday. On a Thursday night a few weeks ago, I painstakingly stuffed gift bags for the handful of women (and wrote cards for the men) who would attend the happy hour celebrating the blog’s year. That Friday of the happy hour, the skies opened and it poured. The weather was more appropriate for an evening cuddle session than drinking $5 dollar margaritas surrounded by DC yuppies. I felt like a nervous fifth grader, gripped with anxiety that no one would show up to my birthday party. Fortunately, they did.

And, only a few days after I was shelling out gift bags covered in unique quotes, the amazing Evette Dionne listed Twenties Unscripted in her “5 Most Underrated Blogs You Should Read.” Her very generous plug opened the door to a completely new set of women who began reading my work. I was peeing-in-my-pants happy. Over the moon and humbled and speechless and a host of other words that I still can’t seem to find.

My Evette Dionne excitement bubbled over into a conversation I had a few days later with J. Courtney Sullivan at her book signing for The Engagements. I was practically foaming at the mouth in the presence of one of my writer idols, gushing to her about my love for both her writing and writing in general. I returned home that night so ecstatic that I almost didn’t read her inscription in my book. And, then I read it. And, then I just about died.

These anecdotes are a part of my much broader writing story, a journey that has taken me in directions I never expected and introduced me to people I would have never known otherwise. The Internet is a zoo. It is sometimes a gigantic and daunting place. But, every now and again, you come across gems in the digital animal house. Somehow, in the most twisted of ways, this blog has put me in contact with those gems.

I do not say any of these things to somehow gloat. I say these things because I am still utterly shocked that anyone gives two shits about what I have to say. I am moved that people connect to anything I have to write. I put myself and my soul on the screen day after day. Some days, I have no idea what I’ll write up until the moment I open WordPress. Some days, I’m met with radio silence. Some days, I know I’ve pissed people off and, often, I know exactly who those people are. But, I write any way because for me, it is the only way.

So, forgive me if this laundry list comes across as an Oscar winner obtaining an award, but I said I wasn’t going to do a blanket thank you and there are specific people who deserve shout outs. There are the women who have unequivocally supported me and listened to the many inane thoughts I have about writing–Alexis, Makeeba and Kerin. There are my parents, the individuals who birthed a child who is a hybrid of corporate and creative, and yet, they love me (and read the blog) anyway.

There are the diehard Twenties Unscripted kinfolk–Nicole, Laura C, Robyne, Betty, Jess C–who will never fail to click “like” to remind me that my words aren’t out there just floating in cyberspace. There is Emily who gave this blog a look and feel and Kevin who made the apparel. There is my fiery tribe of women writers. There are the women who I pretty much know by their Twitter handles–, , – who always show love. There is Clair, whose email from last night is something I will always keep tucked away, encouragement for both the good times and the bad times. There is Jazzmin who told me, “Keep the sarcasm and authenticity pumping,” a piece of advice I try to live up to every damn day. There is a shit ton of people. A village. I missed them but the elevator music is drowning me out and I need to wrap up.

Today I read a quote: “Praise the bridge that carried you over.” I do not know if writing is the bridge or the people who have supported me form the bridge or if it’s a combination of the two. But, I do know that as a writer, some times, most times, you feel stripped completely naked. You write about the guys you liked who had a penchant for Mary Jane. You write about the man you were mildly obsessed with who never wanted you as much as you wanted him. You write about your loans and never-ending financial plight. You write about the tough moments. The foolish moments. The beautiful moments. You write and write and write. And, then, it reaches someone. Just one person. And, that is why you keep writing.

Happy Birthday, Twenties Unscripted. To this year and many, many more.

Xoxo,

Tyece