This past year has been a bit of a challenge in terms of life choices. I made some big ones, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
After meeting my amazing agent at a conference, I struggled with three major priorities: full-time mom, full-time preschool owner and full-time writer. Throwing in my part-time freelance work as a writer and court advocate meant the day was about twelve hours too short. Not to mention that my efficiency level suffered in every area–including sleep. Something had to give, so I sold my preschool. Which, by the way, I miss more than words can say.
Despite the tough decisions, 2011 had many successes, some personal and some writerly.
- My kids are much happier with me back at home and able to attend all their events/needs–or is it the taxi service they like so much?
- DH enjoys eating again before midnight. Okay, that’s only slightly exaggerated, but a healthy rebalance to say the least.
- Two of my dear writer friends e-pubbed some amazing novels. If you haven’t checked out Diary of a Small Fish by Pete Morin or Viridis (and its steamy sequel) by Calista Taylor, I’d recommend these for your newly unwrapped e-reader.
- Another wonderful writer friend, Sophie Perinot, is awaiting the 2012 spring release of her historical novel The Sister Queens. I’ve already preordered my copy, and you can too. Not to mention a fellow crit partner, and extremely poetic writer, also reeled in a contract for her historical fiction. I wish Icould tell all, but I can’t spill the beans until she does.
- Aaaand, in case you missed the buzz, Mindy McGinnis received a huge, two book contract for her YA, Not a Drop to Drink. I’ve critiqued a few pieces by Mindy (aka BBC) and have to admit I’m thirsty for her debut. I promise–promise–it will be a splash hit when it reaches the shelves. This deal came shortly after Jessica Khoury’s news about selling her debut novel–another much-anticipated YA read for me.
- I read–and conversed with–Sarah Darer Littman. I must say the author of Want to Go Private? is as sweet as they come. Her novel is a must read for every human walking this technologically unsafe Earth. Seriously, if you love a kid, you have one last day to get your name in a drawing for a free copy of this amazing YA. Contest details found here.
- In my personal writing news, I’m a site moderator over at AgentQuery Connect–the absolutely BEST writing community on the net–and a contributing member of From The Write Angle, a writing blog by writers of all levels for writers of all levels. I also wrote my way to another NaNoWriMo victory and partook in the Epic Paranormal Romance Blogvel: The Skeleton Key.
- Christmas came too fast. With no snow on the ground and only a few flakes to our fall/winter season, it doesn’t quite feel like the end of the year. In fact, Eldest golfed yesterday. Not that I want a repeat of last year and the 27 snow days we had, but come on? Where’s the white?
- Oh yeah, and I have a short story coming out in an e-book anthology this spring (details to be announced later), so it’s just one more reason for you to buy a Kindle and enjoy the e-revolution.
All in all, 2011 has been good to me.
How about you? What wonderful news do you have to share–writing or otherwise–that made 2011 worth every hour?
P.S. In case you were wondering (and I know you were), Sock Dog came back from training as a full-fledged hunting dog. She no longer runs the other way from birds and her nose is amazing. So much so, that the trainer offered to buy her. If she keeps chowing socks, I just might give him a call!
Words from the Woods 