Tag: happy new year

Happy 2018

“This is not going to end the way you think.” –Luke Skywalker, The Last Jedi

Luke’s quote sums up the bizarre nature of 2017. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any stranger or more unbelievable, it did. Fears about what might happen with the new administration turned out to be correct, but on the flip side, I have been more politically aware and involved than I have been in a long time. Participating in the women’s march last January gave me hope that we can make changes, but the fight is just beginning and we still have a long way to go.

Writing-wise, 2017 was disappointing. I didn’t get nearly enough writing done, despite starting the year on a positive note and having some ambitious goals. Right now Thief of Destiny is on hold but being reconsidered as I work through some plot issues. Time to rethink and figure out why it hasn’t been working for me. But the good news is that I have started working on a new novel featuring a would-be executioner and I’ve been having fun writing it. Being able to enjoy writing again is a strange and welcome concept. I want to have that same feeling when I go back to working on Sydney’s story. I know I will get there.

Fortunately we’re staring down 2018 with a clean slate. I won’t let last year’s disappointments get me down. I never seem to follow through with resolutions, but I am hoping for a happy and successful 2018 and wishing you all the same, wherever your path may take you.

Happy New Year’s Eve and farewell 2016

MP900441004I think I’m just one of many who will be very happy to send the end of 2016. It’s been a rough year. So many celebrity losses, and the recent loss of Carrie Fisher (not to mention her mother Debbie Reynolds) has affected me the most. Along with David Bowie and Alan Rickman. Were there really more celebrity deaths this year or were there just more that had an impact? I can’t say for sure.

While I’m celebrating the end of 2016, the new year also brings a lot of uncertainty. We face a new presidency and no one has any idea what will happen. Many parts of the world are still in turmoil. More than ever, we need to come together as a global community. We need to stand up for what’s right and support each other. We cannot be complacent about this, not when there is so much at stake. As much as I loved Rogue One, one of the most important messages of the movie is that people have to be willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in. I have hope that we can do this.

So here’s to 2017. May it bring you peace, love, and happiness. And lots of writing!

Happy new year and a 2015 writer’s wish list

Happy new year! I know a lot of people who are more than happy to see the end of 2014. There were plenty of both good and bad things for me. I was really hoping to finish Thief of Destiny, but fate seemed to conspire against me and instead I ended up re-releasing and self-publising Thief of Hope. I think that will end up being a good decision. It came out in early December and that month has been the best I’ve had in terms of sales in a long time. I’ll be self-publishing book 2 and that means once I finish, the book will come out much quicker.

Here’s my annual writer’s wish list. Some of them will be repeats of last year.

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1. Better time management

I’m determined to write more and waste less time on the internet. I have little enough time as it is, so no Facebook until I’ve written a page. Doable? I think so.

2. Finish book 2

All right, I think this is the third writer’s wish list and this item is still lingering. It will NOT be on the 2016 wish list. I’ve been telling people late spring. Fingers crossed I can stick with it. I have almost half of the book written, it just needs a bit of rewriting and then the big push to finish. I even have some ideas for the ending.

3. Blog more

I’m hoping to have a lot more to post about this year. Exciting things are coming. Plus I know a bunch of people with new books out that I’d like to feature. And hopefully more of those to come during the year.

4. Attend more author events

I went to Balticon last year, but that was about it in terms of events. With my book in limbo for a while, it made sense to hold off attending events and plan for 2015. I have a list of events in mind already.

5. A copy of Adobe Creative Suites

I broke down and signed up for the trial copy of Photoshop and InDesign so I could do some basic graphic design and marketing materials, but I really need to invest in a good design program.

6. Enjoy life

It’s easy to get caught up in work and family and chores and putting one foot in front of the other just to get through each day. I want to take more time to truly appreciate life, even–or especially–the little things.

That’s it for now. Wishing you much success and happiness in whatever your endeavors may be!

Happy 2012!

Out with 2011 and in with 2012! Wishing all of you a very happy new year! 2011 was an eventful year, my first year as a published author. I’ve learned a lot, starting with the editing process prior to publication, and now the ongoing challenge of marketing. I’m pleased the book has had some positive reviews so far and hope to have more reviews coming this year. And I appreciate all the support I’ve received, from Crescent Moon Press and the other CMP authors, from family and friends, and from new fans of the book. I generally don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but some goals for this year include:

  • Finishing up Thief of Destiny
  • More author appearances
  • More blogging activity
  • Getting a schedule down so I can accomplish the first three items while maintaining the rest of my life!

Wishing you happiness and success in the coming year!