I hesitated, at first, at doing a ‘looking back over the year’ sort of post. Then I realised that its important for me to sit back for a second and realise that what I have done is actually significant. Or at least that it should be to me. In my mind, I’ve focused a fair amount on what I haven’t done which is terribly detrimental to- well everything!.
There are plenty of things that I managed to do in 2011 that, 365 days ago, I never would have imagined I could do. I could hope for them maybe, but to reach this far and realise I’ve done all these things is almost more than my brain can cope with.
I’m not going to go through everything I’ve done, but won’t hurt to list a few of the things here. In fact I think it will be a good post for me to come back to in later months when I need a morale boost.
Post A Week
This was an initiative run by WordPress actually; encouraging bloggers to write at least one post a week. There was a Post A Day initiative, but even I’m not crazy enough to give that a go; I’d simply never manage it. But the idea of posting something every week, especially at the beginning when I was barely sure the blog was a good idea, was daunting to say the least. But not only did I manage it, but I posted sometimes in excess of a single entry each week. Better yet, while doing so, I managed to gather for myself a clearer idea of what this blog is for and what its about. A good few steps away from where I began in October 2010 eh?
Submission For Anthology
This is part of what brought my enjoyment of erotica back to me. Mitzi Szereto, author of erotic and multi-genre fiction is putting together an anthology named Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist And Fire. I found talk about it on my Facebook account and this was the very first time I had considered that I may, possibly, perhaps, maybe be good enough to submit anything. At this stage its still too soon to know if I’ve been successful or not, but part of me doesn’t care. Obviously I would LOVE to be part of this anthology, but the act of submitting anything at all is a very big step for me. Taking the plunge and acknowledging the fact that I feel I’m good enough to be considered. Woo.
Alt Fiction
What an awesome day. I only went to one unfortunately; too busy to do both, but it was the single most incredible event linked to writing so far. I’m not exaggerating. I didn’t get signed or anything like that, but I went to a place on my own, a place filled with writers who are in the same boat as me. And not only did I go and have a ball, but I learned so much about what I want to do and that I CAN actually do it. I know I keep banging on about the event, but its really important to me. I can’t wait for this year.
Growing Twitter/Blog Followers Base
When this blog began I didn’t think anyone would read it. Hell I wasn’t even sure I’d keep doing it. But this year – I wish I knew how – blog followers has leapt to 26 (four of those in the last fortnight), while Twitter followers has rocketed to 253! Now for those of you with scores of followers, on either medium, that may not seem like much to you. But I’m just one woman, sitting in a dark room spitting out my thoughts for the world. The idea that anybody is interested enough to follow those thoughts, through a Twitter feed or through email is just incredible! And I would like to thank everyone following me right now. In any form. Your interest is very warming and does keep me going on those days when I just can’t be bothered.
Pregnancy
Yeah. If you don’t know by now, then pay attention, huh? I am thoroughly pregnant (almost 20 weeks in fact) and with identical twins. I don’t know if achievement is the right word, as its certainly not something I was gunning for, but its an incredible thing to have happened to me. Some days I still can’t believe it…! Then I look down at my stomach and think ‘fuck, if I’m not pregnant, then I’m getting bloody FAT!’
Publisher For Clash Of The Animal Kings
Yes… yes… I know. I’ve kept this very, very quiet. I couldn’t help it. I was going through that whole ‘to good to be true’ kinda panic and wanting to make sure I had all my gubbins together and my head straight before I started talking about it here. Yes. Its true. I have found a publisher for Clash Of The Animal Kings and I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED! I am so happy, in fact, that its probably best that I leave the update with regards to this for tomorrow, so I can talk about it in a bit more detail.
Heh, teasers. I know.
See you tomorrow! :p
Tomorrows post: CoTAK Finds A Home
Writing: A Conversation Without Interruptions 