The Finish Line
It’s been a busy week for me. Not only did I finish the first draft of Blood Faerie (yay!), but I also managed to change the blog layout, put up a MySpace page, create an author newsletter (sign up for updates on release dates and events — I promise it won’t be spammy!), create a Facebook author page, and even participated in some activities that were not all about me. (Those who know me best know that I feel like a little bit of a dork doing self-promotion — I’m just glad Facebook no longer calls people who “like” my Facebook page “fans” any more.)
Also, I finally managed to leave the house after the big snow-in of 2010. A Certain Highlander had managed to go on the bus to get groceries (our car is rubbish on snow and ice), and Bear’s school buses had finally started running again, but getting me and my walking stick onto the icy pavements of Perth was not something anyone wanted to take on. You wouldn’t think leaving the house would be such a big event… but just try being stuck in a house with a half-baked writer (oh, wait that’s me) for two weeks and we’ll talk. Probably a good thing I finally got out a bit. Monday was A Certain Highlander’s birthday (Happy Birthday!), and it did my brain good to clear the cobwebs before our ritual “spend twenty-four hours paying attention to the other one” thing we always do for each other’s birthday. Nobody wants a mental patient paying attention to them for an entire day, and after two weeks of being snowed in, I was getting a little batty.
Blood Faerie is in a (virtual) drawer right now, giving me a chance to clear my head before I get into polishing it. Although my fingers are itching to dig into it, I know from experience that I have exactly zero perspective on my own work immediately after I finish a draft, and trying to fix anything now could be disastrous. A bit like deciding whether you like the colour of paint or not before it’s had a chance to dry. So while the paint is drying, I’m taking a moment to reflect.
As the year is winding down, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months, not just the past week. Considering the year I’ve had, well, let’s just say it’s been a year of mixed results. On one hand, my debut novel, Ordinary Angels, was accepted by a publisher, I’ve finished my second book, and made some very good friends, both readers and writers, in the process. On the other, I’ve spoken to doctors more in the past year than I have my entire extended family combined. Eh… Doctors Schmoctors. Even with all that, It’s been a good year, I gotta admit. A bit more like an obstacle course than usual, but definitely I’ll remember 2010 in a good way.
So, as you look back over your year, do you feel a sense of accomplishment, have a lot of happy memories, or just want to shelve it and move on? I certainly hope your year wraps up nicely!
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I can handle being trapped for a few days, but two weeks would make anyone nuts!
[ Follow me on Twitter: alexjcavanaugh ]
Glad you finally got out of the house. Fresh air does everyone good, even if it’s cold fresh air.
Look at all that stuff you got done – wow, you’re cruisin’! Congrats on all the progress, and on finishing that first draft. I do so love that feeling.
A mixed bag year is better than all bad, for sure. Glad you’re taking it in stride.
My year has been insanely productive (even with a few set-backs), and one full of potentially life-changing decisions. We shall see…but I’m optimistic going into 2011.
[ Follow me on Twitter: JamieDeBree ]
Yay for getting out of the house! Yay for a Certain Highlander’s birthday!
Overall, I’d have to say it’s been a good year.
[ Follow me on Twitter: talliroland ]
Congrats on finishing! I can’t wait to have that same feeling in a month, if all goes well. Good luck on “letting the paint dry” and getting perspective before edits!
Congrats on getting so much done! I’m excited about your newsletter.
Happy birthday to your Certain Highlander!! And yay that the buses are at least running now!! Please be extra careful though – the weather is only taking a break and may be back with a vengeance!!! Or so the BBC weather people keep saying!!
Anyway – congratulations with your up and coming debut novel, social networking and now your second novel!! Wow!!! You’ve certainly had a great year!!! Well done you!
Take care
x
Congratulations on finishing your first draft! Love the new layout too. I’m so close to completing my novel I can smell it… Er, hopes it’s not the writing that stinks [bg]
Wondered why you hadn’t posted, then realized I had an old link glued in my browser — nuthin’ wrong with ME.
I, too, love your new look: clean, crisp, loads of access and easy to read. A consensus: A+
To your question, now. Usually, I’m not one to take stock, looking back over a year. Just this Fall semester, I’ve been reported to Admin for being uncommonly rude to a student, at the same time having received more “you-da-best notes” from students than at any earlier time (Schizo? Do ya think?)
We’ve decided, with my much improved mobility, to stay in our sweet old house in Mayfair (a mixed blessing, as it is 63 years old with uncertain pipes, albeit the best-looking house on the block.) I’ve lost nearly 45 pounds on WeightWatchers and am wearing the same size my wedding dress was in 1961 (except my naked belly looks like a pink Austrian Shade. Just have to keep my clothes on, I suppose.)
I’ve had a couple of poems selected for a prestigous Oklahoma publication; however, haven’t written one damn thing longer than a Tweet (besides my comments). #feetup #amknitting #sleepy #amsnacking sort of sums up my motivations these days.
About your year: some fly by. A few are ‘dog’ years. In general, if we just allow ourselves to float when that is all we can do besides drown, life is good.
[ Follow me on Twitter: girlfrenkate ]