I wasn't going to post until Monday, after the holiday, but just for fun, I was skimming through my old posts to see what the last few New Year's were like, and well, here I am.
Three years ago I catered a wedding on New Year's Eve. I forgot all about that. My first last and only job in NC. It was icy raining, I had to drive UP a mountainside, and then back down. I did not like the people, they did not like me. The groomsmen were drunk as pigs, the bride was a demanding little bee-yotch, the father hit on me, and the only people I really talked to were the dogs. A far cry from my catering clientele in Rhode Island. (I'm not casting aspersions, I'm just saying it's different down here is all.)
I had also, during the course of that year, finished writing and querying MASQUERADE. Lots of interest, no takers. I'm still thinking it's all about the sex, or lack thereof. But you know, I still stand by that. I don't need to write sex to have a good book.
Two years ago, I was still writing THE LADY'S FATE but calling it MisMatched. I was also in the throes of trying to put together a YA (yeah, I know huh - I do still like that story and think it might be a good one to finish but not right now.) I thought about going on a diet, and you know what happened to that thought. I finished REMEMBERING YOU and queried that. I really thought I was going to land an agent with that one. And well, things happened to make me take a really hard look at my writing life.
Now last year at this time, I wrote a post (which you can find here) and after re-reading it, I thought WOW, that was really prolific. Now I'm not saying I'm a prolific writer by any means, but every once in a while I do have a moment. And that was mine. I built my fence. Thinking on it now, it's like a giant mandala, and I suppose that was the purpose of it all along. Only I didn't know that then.
This year, looking back, I have accomplished a lot. I'm very proud of me. Certain things, not so much, but for the most part I'm pretty happy with the decisions I've made. I've made mistakes, sure, who hasn't, there were probably a lot of things I should have done differently, but I made my choices and there we have it. No changing it now.
Looking ahead, I can only take it one day at a time. Because joy happens in life, and you have to be ready to accept it, and you know what else, so does shit. And somehow it all evens itself out.
It's not fun being a writer sometimes. It's a head game for the most part. It's also very lonely and isolating and if I didn't have you guys, I wouldn't be where I am today.
No, I'm not going to sing again, but I want to thank you all for being there for me. Being a writer is a tough job. Being a published author is even harder. You have to love it with your whole heart. Dreams really do come true, and it's within each and every one of you to make your own a reality.
So Happy New Year my friends. May you all find your heart's desire in 2012!
15 comments:
You have indeed come a long way! Happy New Year's, Anne.
You have come a long way baby! There is absolutely NOTHING harder than writing and I so admire you and everyone else who gives it their all. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Anne! I hope 2012 brings you lots of sales and more confidence in your work.
I remember reading Victoria Holt books back when I was in Jr. High School. Her books didn't have sex in them, either. Can't say they were YA (that term didn't exist back in the 70's), but they had an audience. You'll find yours, too. I'm sure of it.
Alex -- Happy New Year to you! Much prosperity in 2012!
Yvonne -- Thank you so much. Your poetry should be read, so you should think about gaining a larger audience. The 55 word flash you wrote about the girl in the bar still haunts me.
Stacy -- I used to read Victoria too. I'll have to find some of her books and have another go. Happy New Year.
2012 is going to be AWESOME! I just know it
Anne I've been following you for a year or more now and you have come a long way.
All we can do is keep on keeping on.
Absolutely love your book covers.
I'm getting ready this year to go the route of self pubbing and it's scary but a leap I must take.
I wish you a fantastic 2012. I agree with you on the sex. Yes, sex sells faster than a good story but I prefer the good solid story. So stay the course.
Blessings, Barb
Wishing you much fun in 2012.
Beautiful post. :) This year is going to be great! I can feel it in my bones.
And your best years are ahead of you! Full steam ahead! :)
You've written and published some wonderful novels, Anne! You deserve to pat yourself many, many times on the back. It IS lovely, isn't it, to have such a supportive community. Sometimes when I'm not sure I can keep up the blogging, I think how I would miss these wonderful friends!
May many lovely things happen to you in the coming New Year. More writing success, and whatever else your heart desires!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs
Happy New Year, Anne! I have a feeling this is our year. :)
I hope 2012 is better for you than 2011. Happy New Year!
This was a great post, btw :)
Great post. I remember the fence! :)
The old years always seemed to be burnished and tarnished by expectations and disappointments. I hope the new year is pristine ;)
Happy New Year :D
Happy Ne Year to you too!
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