My Year In Writing, 2012

This was a great exercise. It helped define my goals for this coming year, and made me realize that even though I didn't get a book deal in 2012, my writing has come a long way.

January

I finished my latest revisions of NIGHT SHIFT. My agent and I nailed down a date to officially launch it into the world of submission.

I also started a running club at my kids elementary school—every Friday at noon hour. Nothing better than running on ice with little kids.

February

My agent and I polished the pitch, and NIGHT SHIFT was sent into the world. Candles were lit and turkey wishbones were snapped.

I started working on Winterfest, a huge benefit/party fundraiser at my kids school. I was in charge of decoration. It looked fantastic.

March

I started talking with my agent about JUST JESSE, my contemporary YA, coming of age novel. We came up with a plan for some revisions and I started researching for comp titles.

Joined Pinterest and lost track of A LOT of time.

April

I discovered how to use dashboard on my twitter account (life changing). I also discovered waiting through submission and revision notes was excruciating. Thankfully, I had good writer friends who were going through the same thing.

May

I turned 41! I love birthdays, especially my own.

A few rejections for NIGHT SHIFT rolled in. My agent and I discussed how to use their comments to strengthen the story, ie: more revising.

June

Finished revisions on JUST JESSE. Started working on a one page synopsis.

One of my beta readers went on submission with her totally fantastic MG magical realism adventure.

July

JUST JESSE goes on submission to a few select editors.

Vacationed in Cavendish, PEI with hubs and kiddos! (Land of Anne of Green Gables).

An editor requested R&R for NIGHT SHIFT.

Joined wattpad and started posting short stories.

August

Worked on MAJOR revisions for NIGHT SHIFT.

Enjoyed comments and meeting other authors on wattpad.

September

I broke my foot on labor day weekend. I was non-weightbearing for the next two weeks. I couldn't work, but holy sweet fancy molasses I WROTE like a madman!

Oldest kiddo started junior high. She got braces, but was also made assistant captain of her ringette team, so that balanced out the metal mouth thing.

I entered CURSED in a wattpad, short story contest.

Then I received an R&R for JUST JESSE. Talked with my agent about tweaking/revising.

Discovered I could post blog entrees on Pinterest. O_O. Like...wow.

October

Finished revisions for JUST JESSE. Very happy with how it had developed into a genuine story of first love and loss.

My awesome beta reader got a two book deal for her MG adventure!!!! You'll meet her and her fabulous characters in the near future. Plus, she promised to give me an interview on this blog. Stayed tuned.

Sadly, this month also brought terrible news for my family. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and was told she had to undergo surgery. Helping her manage became my priority.

 November

My sister had surgery and we all waited to hear what the pathology report found.

Slowly revised NIGHT SHIFT. 

CURSED failed to make it to the next round of the competition on wattpad.

December

My sister received the best Christmas present. The oncologist confirmed her surgery was successful in getting rid of all the cancer. She didn't require chemotherapy or radiation, but will be on tamoxifen for five years.

Wattpad contacted me, complimenting CURSED. They asked if I had longer stories to post, and if I would be interested in being one of their 'featured authors' in the new year. I worked on an outline, then gave them a query for my contemporary YA novella, BUSGIRL BLUES.

I finished revisions on NIGHT SHIFT, and I STILL totally love it.


So there you have it. No book deal, but I'm proud of the work I've done, and all the new stories I've written since last year.

And don't forget, BUSGIRL BLUES will be 'released' on wattpad in late February!!!

 

What are some of your goals for this year?