Anyway, the 'year in review' post has become a bit of a tradition for me. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2016. Plus, there's all those 'oh yeah, that happened' moments.
Here are my posts for 2012, 2013, and 2014.
So ... grab your popcorn folks, here's what happened in 2015.
January
THE ASP gets a title change and becomes ASP OF ASCENSION: A NEFERTARI HUGHES MYSTERY.
Sent in second round of edits for ASP OF ASCENSION to Fierce Ink Press. Get to talk 'cover talk' with my publisher.
Most popular blog post for the month is Twelve Awesome Ways to Reuse Old Books
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February
Outlined sequel to ASP OF ASCENSION.
We have a huge snow fall in Halifax, then it rains, and then it freezes over for a hundred years. No one goes outside except to buy storm chips.
Ordered Netflix and binged on THE WALKING DEAD.
Most popular post of the month is a recap of The Bachelor Episode 6, "Crying, Catfights, and Cray-Cray"
Remember this girl?
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March
Sent off final edits for JUST JESSE (companion novel to BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE) to Nimbus Publishing.
Met with Fierce Ink Press to discuss cover ideas and book launch venues (whoo-hoo) ANNNND signed contract for book two of the series, DIADEM OF DEATH! (double whoo-hoo)
Traveled with family to Barcelona! So, so, so wonderfully gorgeous and delicious. I recommend the bikini sandwich at Tapas 24.
Halifax has two crippling snow storms three days apart. No one can remember why we still live here.
Most popular blog post that month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 16 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"
Happy Easter!
Worked on first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH.
The last of the snow finally melts. No, seriously.
New title for JUST JESSE is *drum roll* ... GIRL ON THE RUN. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!
A few rejections roll in for NIGHT SHIFT. It's still a featured novel on Wattpad and has consistently ranked in the top fifty since it was posted a year before.
Most popular blog post for month is my coming of age epiphany simply titled "The First Time I Touched 'IT'"
May
Cover reveal for ASP OF ASCENSION and pre-order campaign launches. This is the most exciting part, my friend.
I discovered picmonkey and
The executive editor from Nimbus, the awesome Whitney Moran, drove to my house with an arc of GIRL ON THE RUN. I hugged it like a pillow.
I brought shenanigans to Authors For Indies Day and got to hang out with Alexander MacLeod and Kate Inglis at the cozy BookMark on Spring Garden Road.
I turned forty-four and eat all the cake pieces with the most icing.
Most popular post of the month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 21 "Mother"
June
Made a few promotional videos for ASP OF ASCENSION, and sent off blog tour interviews.
My kids finished out their final years at their elementary and junior high schools. Everyone is pumped for summer.
NIGHT SHIFT is chosen by the movie 'The Gallows' to be part of it's official reading list on Wattpad.
Most popular blog post of the month is "Top Ten Most Ridiculous Moments In Jurasic World"
July
Went camping for the Canada Day weekend with kiddos and hubby and Cody (beloved cocker spaniel).
Sent first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH to editor (four days before deadline *cough* awesome *cough*
After discovering she was tweeting from Chapters in Halifax, I rush there and manage to get a selfie with the adorable RAINBOW ROWELL!!!!
Had book launch for ASP OF ASCENSION!
My niece gave me a pompadour hairdo and I felt like a super star!
Most popular blog post of month is "Hosting A Writing Workshop for Teens"
August
Ate my weight in smores while camping and kayak the heck out of summer. Ah, sunsets...
Most popular blog post of month is "I Am Currently..."
September
Lovely weekend spent in Old Quebec city. Let me tell you, they do poutine and coffee like nobody's business.
Had book blitz and cover reveal for GIRL ON THE RUN. The fantastic publicist at Nimbus, Tom Ryan (who also happens to be a prolific YA author) made the snazzy trailer.
Celebrated Word On The Street at the bee-u-tee-ful Halifax library, or as Sarah Sawler likes to call it, Halifax's Book Palace. I had the opportunity to share a YA panel with the effervescent and hilarious, Melody Fitzpatrick. I don't have a picture of us together, but here's the Nimbus gang working hard at the book signing booth.
Had book launch for GIRL ON THE RUN! Some of the prizes included ...
Received four stars, highly recommended reviews for both ASP OF ASCENSION and GIRL ON THE RUN from the CM Magazine!
"... an amazing mix of reality, mystery, and fantasy. Asp of Ascension is a really gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their chairs right to the end."
"Quick-paced with lots of twists, readers will love Girl on the Run."
I celebrated with sushi from Wassabi House.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time, Season 5 Episode 1 "Dark Swan"
October
Now that all the books had been launched, it was time to get to my reading pile. I was thrilled to discover, AMRITA by Banana Yoshimoto. I also finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN, and THE MARTIAN.
Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 5 "Dream Catcher"
Went to my first Hal-Con and signed copies of ASP OF ASCENSION; fitting since Star Trek is mentioned in the dedication.
November
Book signings galore! I love book signings when the store is all decked out for Christmas. I was especially grateful to have three books on the table this time.
Received my last EVER rejection for NIGHT SHIFT. That's because I made the decision to stop querying and self-publish the series. *takes deep breath, plugs nose, jumps from high diving board*
Lucky enough to enlist Penelope Jackson (editor super star) to edit NIGHT SHIFT.
Worked on creative portfolio for cover artist.
Began first round of edits on DIADEM OF DEATH.
Most popular blog post for month is "How To Be As Happy As Your Dog"
December
Got a sample of covers that are all beautiful. Picked the one that was a perfect mix of style and mystery. (I'd love to show you, but you'll have to wait for the reveal).
Tackled first round of edits for DIADEM OF DEATH. I can't wait to make book art for this one!
Enjoyed getting my skates on again as the Oval opened for another season.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time Season 5, Episode 11 "Swan Song"
Goals for 2016
Write a combined novel for both Kelsey (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) and Jesse (GIRL ON THE RUN).
Skate on the Oval more.
Somehow get chosen to be a parade marshal.
Outline third novel for The Nefertari Hughes Mystery series.
Find the agent who is the right fit for my secret project.
Learn how to knit socks.
What are you writing goals for 2016?
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