2014: A Look Back

The year is almost over and I can’t believe it. SO many things happened to me this year and yet it felt like nothing happened at all. I truly believe that many years feel like that though. I thought I’d go back and see what happened this year. And you know me and numbers, so let’s start with that! LOL

Including box sets, volumes, and novella rereleases, I had 18 releases in 2014. Oh my.

Of those, I had 10 brand NEW releases in 2015.

I made the NYTs 1 time on 2 lists.

I made the USA today list 2 times.

I reached my “goal” on Facebook of over 10,000 Likes.

I went to 6 reader conventions.

I attended 2 writing retreats.

I had 1 baby niece enter the world.

I moved across the country 1 time. (this year LOL)

I bought my 1st house.

I lost 42 pounds and 29 inches overall.

I went into audio for the 1st time and to date have 10 of my books in audio. More to come!

I ended 1 series officially and changed my mind about another because I loved the world so much.

I was invited to join 1,001 Dark Nights. (Wicked Wolf releases Jan 13th!)

I joined with Alexandra Ivy to start our new series Branded Packs for 2015 and plotted Books 1,2,3, &4.

I opened 1 book store on my website that has ALL my books.

I took 1 vacation. (it was for 3 days and wonderful.)

I wrote (as of this post) 608,201 words.

I read (as of this post) 551 books. (Not including rereads.)

I, as part of Fated Desires Publishing, published, 52 books.

I met countless readers, authors, and people that share my love of reading.

I found the best group of women in our 1 Skype group to sprint with.

I found out that there is only 1 me in all the world, and I’m allowed to ask for help.

I’m sure there is more that happened in 2014. So much happened in fact that I can’t believe that was my 2014. But here you go. Time moves faster than ever these days and I’m not taking it for granted. I already know I’m slowing down in 2015 though it doesn’t seem like it. Mostly I’m learning not to stress as much and that’s allowing me to organize better. Those that know me know I’m scarily organized as it is, so be on the lookout!

So what’s coming in 2015? Let’s look at the numbers.

11 releases. 10 of which are brand new.

1 Redwood Pack novel, 2 Talon Pack novels, 2 Branded Packs novels, 2 Montgomery Ink Novels, 1 re release of a Montgomery Ink Novella, 1 Temping Signs Novella, 1 Dante’s Circle Novel, and 1 Dante’s Circle Novella.

3 conferences so far for sure, maybe more. But breathing is key.

2 Writing retreats planned.

2 family vacations.

What would I like to happen in 2015?

I’d love to keep up with every reader. I’d love to keep up with my reading. I’d love to hit another list, but really, having the readers I have, finding more, and keeping my love of writing and new worlds on top of my personal list is key. I want to spend more time outside my home. I want to take more photos of the trees around me and visit Gettysburg again. I want to learn a few more recipes and stick to my life plan. I’d love to lose a couple more dress sizes now that my MS/RA will allow me to do so. I’d love to have my readers kick butt and love my worlds as much as I do.

So yes, that was my 2014 writing wise with some personal thrown in. When you look at the numbers, things get a little scattered and a little less so at the same time. So much went on in my life and in the world around me that had nothing to do with numbers, and yet, all I can say is thank you readers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me write the words I want to and the words that make me whole. 2014, with all the stresses, changes, tears, and blood, was a crappy year for most people I know, though. So let’s move on and think about the good things. Bring on 2015. We need it.