Bring it on 2012

I was really glad to kick the dust off of 2011 and celebrate the New Year. I don't know about you, but 2011 was difficult. I don't think I need to cry on your shoulder about my problems, because I know I am not alone and you all have yours as well. And maybe some of you have none, and therefore, I certainly don't want to rain on your day.

Needless to say, when the clock struck midnight, I opened the door and said a hearty and happy "Welcome!"

What do I want to do this year? Lots of things.

I want to begin traveling again–and I have trips planned to So. Cal, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Denver. (Watch my Events page for details as I get them.) And hoping to add a few more destinations in there to round out the year.

I love seeing new places, getting a chance to meet some of you and of course, just strike out a bit on my own. As a stay at home mom and someone who also works at home, sometimes I just need to GET OUT. I'm sure there are plenty of you who can sing the chorus to that song. So here's to getting out.

I want to write more. In fact I feel energized to write more. I went to a wonderful conference in October that I have to say probably renewed my love of writing more than anything has in years.

I couldn't put my finger on any one thing about the conference (The Surrey International Writer's Conference) but I came back just stoked to get writing. Perhaps it was meeting new friends, laughing my backside off, and hearing such wonderful writers share their truly inspiring stories. I loved every moment of that conference, even having my car searched by the RCMP before I could enter the hotel. (That is a story in and of itself!)

All in all, what I want to do in 2012 is push myself to try a new project and find a new joy in the ones I write for all of you. I'm working on my 20th book right now, and I truly needed that creative reawakening to revive and re-motivate my muse. She's stoked to get storytelling as well.

And in the face of all this enthusiasm, I want to bring balance to my writing and personal life. I know that seems at odds with the two goals above, but I think it is in that finding balance that the creativity will continue to well up and I will be a better writer for it. There are so many other things I love doing: knitting, gardening, camping/hiking, exploring new places, spending time with the family–and this list is in no particular order, especially if you are my family. LOL. These things have to have their place as well and are very important to me. And they need to be in the forefront.

I'll probably blather on a bit over the new year about my progress, as well as popping in with a few surprises I have up my sleeves. In the meantime, I would love to hear about your ideas, resolutions and plans as well. What are you planning on doing in 2012?

©2012 Elizabeth Boyle Blog. All Rights Reserved.

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