Because everyone’s doing it – 2014 Year in Review and One Resolution
Happy New Year!
With all due respect to 1995 (married), 1999 (first child) and 2002 (second child), 2014 has been the best year of my life. Personally, everyone is happy and healthy. No major tragedies in my immediate family. There have been losses and sicknesses in my extended family which remind me how lucky and blessed I am. I know that won’t last. It never does. But, at this moment in time, our family is happy and at peace.
What has made this year stand out from the rest is what I’ve accomplished professionally. In January, I set a couple of professional goals for myself: 1) become more active in the writing world 2) write and submit short stories for publication. I achieved both goals. Let’s run it down:
Elected to the DFW Writers Workshop Board of Directors in January
Frisco First Chapter contest – (l-r)Art Molinares (Henery Press), George Goldthwaite, me, Kendel Flaum (Henery Press)
Sold an excerpt of my historical fiction novel, PALO DURO, as a short story to The Western Online.
Sold THE WAGES OF SIN mystery short story to Heater Mystery Magazine.
Interview NYT bestselling author Deanna Raybourn, as well as Kenneth Mark Hoover and Kendel Lynn on my blog.
Sold FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT romance/erotica short story to a holiday themed anthology, published in November.
Submitted an erotica short story, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, to an anthology. Will hear if it’s accepted or not in January.
Won the Frisco Library First Chapter contest with the first chapter of PALO DURO.
Was a finalist in the Whidbey Writer’s MFA Alumni Emerging Writers Contest.
Along with Kendel Lynn, founded the Sisters in Crime North Dallas chapter and was elected Vice President/Programs.
Attended DFW Writers’ Conference and the Texas Book Festival.
Completed the sequel to STILLWATER and started the third novel set in the Stillwater world.
With Deanna Raybourn at a signing at Murder by the Book in Houston
If I stopped there, it would be a fantastic year. But, the most exciting achievement came in July when I signed a publishing contract for STILLWATER with Skyhorse publishing.
So, yeah. It’s an embarrassment of riches. But, I’ve also worked very hard for a lot of years to get here. And, the hard part is just starting. Next year will be insanely busy with working with my editor to make STILLWATER shine, learning about publicity, marketing and the business side of the publishing industry, and finding time to write. I also need to get back on the fitness wagon and lose about 20 pounds.
Which brings me to my one resolution. It isn’t to lose weight; that’s a constant resolution. It isn’t to write consistently; another given. No, my 2015 resolution might be the most difficult one I’ve ever set for myself.
DON’T PROCRASTINATE.
I could say get organized, plan your day, etc., but Don’t Procrastinate is more succinct and covers it all. I’m working on being more succinct in my writing. A two word resolution is a good start.
What are you resolutions for the New Year?
