My Year In Writing, 2015

I usually post this the end of December, but I was knee deep in revisions for two different books, and then Christmas came ... and Netflix.

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?

abc.com

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"

April

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 wasted invested time creating some lovely book art for my Pinterest boards like these...

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

Began work on final edits for NIGHT SHIFT!
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?

Don't Ever Give Up

GIRL ON THE RUN is out in the real world, y'all!

"Quick paced with lots of twists and turns, readers will love 'GIRL on the RUN.'
    ~ CM Magazine. Four star review, highly recommended.

I am more than thrilled to FINALLY share Jesse's story. I first wrote this book five years ago. The manuscript went through two agents and almost a total of two years of being on submission. I was so completely disheartened by all the rejections, I almost gave up on writing.

Then I discovered Wattpad. I posted a novella with cross over characters to boost interest in Jesse's story. That story (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) quickly gathered its own audience of over two million reads, demanding to buy the book. I decided to send my novella out on my own. Soon afterward, my agent and I amicably parted ways.

Nimbus Publishing, the largest publisher on the East Coast, picked it out of the slush pile and BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE was sold. A week later, GIRL ON THE RUN was bought by them as well.

So, lesson learned. Don't ever give up.

But I'm so grateful for the previous rejections because Jesse ended up with the right publisher. I couldn't be more pleased with Nimbus and the awesome editorial magic of Penelope Jackson and Whitney Moran.

And now you can WIN your very own copy of GIRL ON THE RUN, plus the book that started it all, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE!

 

Check out the blitz that's happening this week for your chance to enter!

Here's some eye candy on the Pinterest Board to further tempt you.
And you can add it on Goodreads too, you lucky doll!

Can't wait? No problem...

Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon CAN Chapters Barnes & Noble

Top Nine Reasons Why Halifax Is Awesome

#1. The Emera Oval



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Located in the north commons, the 'oval' is open to the public seven days a week all year round. Whether you're roller blading or playing street hockey in the summer, or ice skating in the winter, all rentals and admission are FREE.


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Host to speed skating events throughout the season, the oval is the largest outdoor, artificially-refrigerated ice surface east of Quebec City. It has an ice surface equivalent to 3 NHL hockey rinks, and can accommodate up to 1500 skaters at a time.



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#2 The Halifax Citadel



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Originally built by the British military in 1749, the Halifax Citadel continues to watch over the city’s downtown core.

As a visitor you'll be able to explore the fortress, learn about the soldiers who were stationed there,  and literally touch a piece of Halifax’s military history. Don't miss the Army Museum, which showcases uniforms, weaponry and models of the fort throughout history.

 

 

Every day at noon, the cannon is still fired from atop Citadel Hill. Not just for summer tourists, the Citadel is also famous for its ghost tours and Christmas programs.  

#3. The Halifax Public Library

 

 

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Pardon me while I drool. With the official opening date of December 13th, 2014, this sleek design incorporates the feeling of inviting openness with high tech influences. Personally, I'm going to try and hide and get locked inside overnight, then read ALL THE BOOKS.

You have to check out the link for the photo gallery because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

#4. The Waterfront 

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I feel incredibly lucky to live in a city where I'm only a half hour walk away from the ocean!

Stroll along the boardwalk that stretches from Pier 21 all they way to the Historic Properties, while stopping at various vendors and delicious restaurants along the way.

With the downtown business district as a backdrop, the Halifax waterfront is home to countless world-class events each year. From Nocturne Halifax: Art at Night, to the renowned TD Halifax International Jazz Festival to international Tall Ships visits, Halifax is a vibrant event city.

#5. The People!

Yes, it's true. We are awesome. Halifax—and let's be honest—all of Nova Scotia is world renowned for its hospitality.


#6. The Halifax Public Gardens



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Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1984, the Public Gardens showcases a collection of garden artifacts such as statues, fountains, and the iconic bandstand.



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With it's lush backdrop of massive rhododendrons and pathways lined with vibrant annuals, the Public Gardens is a popular spot for Wedding and Prom pictures.

Plus, it has Uncommon Grounds, a locally owned and operated gourmet coffee shop that also serves hand paddled ice cream.


#7. The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market



halifaxwaterfront.ca

Originally created in 1750, the Seaport Farmers Market is well placed in the vibrant arts and cultural district found at the south end of the Halifax waterfront. It is the longest continually running market in North America and is home to over 250 vendors.





#8. Pier 21


nationalparkscanada.ca

This National Historic Site was the gateway to Canada for one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. It also served as the departure point for 500,000 Canadian Military personnel during the Second World War.


pier21.ca

Today, Pier 21 hosts the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier   21—Atlantic Canada’s only national museum!


#9. Neptune Theatre

The perfect way to spend an evening downtown, Neptune Theatre is the largest professional theatre company in Atlantic Canada.







With the capacity to showcase a range of plays from Chicago to Margaret's Museum, the Neptune Theatre successfully brings the flash and glamour of a Broadway musical without losing its perfectly intimate appeal.






BONUS!

Nimbus Publishing

Halifax also happens to be the home of my publisher, Nimbus Publishing—the largest English-language publisher east of Toronto.

Nimbus produces more than thirty new titles a year on a range of subjects relevant to the Atlantic Provinces— children’s picture books and fiction, literary non-fiction, social and cultural history, nature photography, current events, biography, sports, and cultural issues.


What's your favourite thing about Halifax?