After being away for nearly a decade — living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Seattle, Washington; Berkeley California; and Louisville, Kentucky — I moved back to my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama in 2009. For the first year and a half after my return, I was miserable.

I couldn’t find community. I couldn’t find a group of like-minded women who shared my passion for writing and my love for blogging.

I couldn’t find purpose. I called myself a feminist, but I didn’t feel as if I were doing anything to live out my beliefs.

And I couldn’t find fun! I was singing the same tune of my teenage years, declaring that “There’s nothing to do in Birmingham!”

Then on March 24, 2011 I started See Jane Write and that changed EVERYTHING.

In See Jane Write I found community. I found a group of women who loved writing and blogging just as much as I did and who had dreams as big and bold as mine, too. These women began as writing partners and blogging buddies but quickly became my friends. Now, many of them I consider my family.

In See Jane Write I found purpose. Through See Jane Write I strive to empower women to share their stories, whether through books, blogs, personal essays or even speaking engagements. I hope that I also encourage them to be the author of their own lives. And that is what my feminism looks like.

In See Jane Write I found fun! The women of See Jane Write helped me fall in love with my hometown. They showed me that there is ALWAYS plenty to do in Birmingham — so much so that most weekends I have too many events to choose from!

I woke up this morning, the day before Thanksgiving, with my heart overflowing with gratitude for See Jane Write and how it has changed my life. And I decided I wanted to do something special for the women who’ve supported this little project of mine — which began as a small writing group and has become an award-winning business.

Now through Monday, November 30 I am offering one-hour consultations for only $50! That is less than half of my normal rate of $125. During these consultations you can pick my brain on blogging, writing, or building a business or I can even help you set up your blog, if you’re ready to launch. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this deal (a deal I will NEVER offer again), click here to submit your payment. After making your payment, email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com so we can schedule your session. (We will meet in December, but you must submit your payment by November 30.)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!