In 2014 I...
1. Survived the day my two oldest girls moved out to go live with their dad. I knew the day was coming. It was inevitable, but even knowing that, I wasn't emotionally prepared for it. It nearly broke me. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. I was in a very dark place, and if it hadn't been for my husband and some really wonderful friends, I don't think I would've made it. I did, though, and it has made me a stronger person, a better mother, and brought me and my husband closer. It also reaffirmed my belief that every dark cloud has a silver lining.
2. Survived the crash and burn of Entranced Publishing. For those of you unfamiliar with this story, you can read about it HERE. This entire situation was devastating on so many levels. I could take the time to list how awful it was, how it affected me emotionally and mentally, but I'm not going to. I think the fact I'm still writing, still querying, still publishing speaks volumes about how much I didn't let this one bad experience ruin me or my love of this profession.
3. I conquered my fear of flying (thanks to the lovely Rachell Nichole) and made it to RT2014! This trip was definitely the highlight of my year! Not only did I get to immerse myself in the New Orleans culture and experience the uniqueness of Bourbon Street, I got to meet some of my writerly friends and a couple of my favorite authors. Did I mention I finally got to meet RYAN WINFIELD??? (insert high pitched squeal here)
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The Disenchantments From Left to Right: Barbara Garren, Me, Kat Daemon, Georgeann Swiger, Aria Kane, Ana Blaze |
4. Hosted the Anaiah Press Co-Author Contest in which I chose one lucky author to co-write a book with me. It was a bit scary and daunting to pick a random stranger to write a book with. lol. But I really hit the jackpot when I chose Jody Holford. Not only did I manage to find a fantastic co-author, I've found a lifelong friend and confidant. It was so much more than I ever expected and something I'm so grateful for each and every day. Our first book, DANGEROUS LOVE, will be available April 2015 and we're already in the process of writing a second book with a third one in the development stages. I have a feeling we have a long and lucrative future ahead of us. Love you, Jody!
5. I've successfully built my client list at Anaiah Press. While I've acquired and signed a lot of authors, I unfortunately cannot be the editor for each and every one of them. (Wish I could!) So while each and every author I've ever had the pleasure of working with holds a special place in my heart, I want to give an extra special mention to my authors:
Courtney Rice Gager (Tess in Boots)
Connie Ann Michael (1000 Stolen Moments)
Jennifer Novotney (Winter in the Soul)
Molly Zenk (Out of Character)
Renee Donne (Runaway)
Rosie Somers (Pride)
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without a very honorable mention to my lovely freelance author clients:
Kat Daemon
Georgeann Swiger
Ava O'Shay
Dylan Quinn
7. I SIGNED WITH AN AGENT!!!!! Yes, I'm still very excited about this. lol. Dawn Dowdle of the Blue Ridge Literary Agency is simply amazing. I adore her. We edited my book and spent all year querying it. (Before you ask how that went, please re-read #6 above.) But don't worry, we're not giving up!
8. I participated as a #PitchWars Mentor for the first time ever. Talk about a crazy, wild ride. It was a fantastic experience, and I can only hope Brenda Drake will invite me back next year.
9. In a strange twist of events, I met the talented David Jemal, who I have forged a fast friendship and partnership with. We hammered out a 90k book together in a matter of months. Edited it.
10. I wrote. A lot! Let me see...
INFERNO (with David)
DOMINICK (with David)
DANGEROUS LOVE (with Jody)
TEMPTING TANNER (a new adult novel for my agent)
15,000 new words on THE GEORGIA CORBINS
It's been one crazy ride. So, what did you do this year?
Sounds like a roller coaster year of ups and downs. So many great accomplishments tho.
ReplyDeleteYour first item on your list brought back my own gut-wrenching experience of having my youngest move in with his dad. e are never prepared. 15 years later it still hurts. All the best in 2015.
No, we really are never prepared for something like that. It's been a full year for me now, and I still wake up everyday expecting to see them in the house.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and all the best to you as well :-)