2011: The Year in Review – 2012: On the Verge
Boy, 2011 was a heck of a roller coaster year
lots of new book releases
the loss of my agent & publisher
my first self-e-pubbed book
my very first self-narrated audiobook
weird health issues
a fabulous nomination from RT Book Reviews
a hurricane
an earthquake
fantastic trips
…did that all happen?
I'm in a good place sitting here at the end of the year, contemplating the immediate past. I made it. My health isn't the best, but I'm in treatment for my newly-discovered sarcoidosis and it's not fatal. Weird, maybe. Hard to deal with some days, definitely. But not fatal is a win in my book.
My step-brother and his lovely lady announced that they are expecting their second child in June 2012. Also a win. I'm hoping to one day actually be in the same place at the same time as they are!
Definitely looking forward to a new year, new projects for my writing career and hopefully, a new aspect to my career in voice-over narration of audiobooks.
2012 is going to be all about maximizing the income streams: aka, how can I make up for not having a traditional book contract?
The answer: self epubbing short stories, novellas; doing more audioboooks; perhaps a Kickstarter campaign. I'm extremely grateful that the technology exists for me to do this myself. I'm also extremely grateful that I have a regular job with health insurance that lets me pay my rent, bills so that my freelance income can go to savings.
Next year will also be the year of not-so-much travel. The sis, BIL and I aren't doing a big trip. Instead, we're planning a family visit (to San Antonio) at some point – probably a long weekend. My only convention right now is Malice Domestic in late April. That said, we're already planning/plotting for our 2016 UK blowout to celebrate the sister's 50th. Yes, yes, I am a Virgo and she's a tech services librarian = we are totally and ridiculously anal about pre-planning–besides, it's FUN!
What I'd like to see in the coming year?
* sane politicians (okay, well, never mind)
* more book sales for all my writer friends and me
* people getting treated with respect & dignity
I can't control any of the above, but I can damn well wish for it!
Best wishes to all my friends, fans and family. Have a fabulous 2012!
