To prove my point, here are three big highlights from 2013 (in order of occurrence):
My first-ever holiday picture book, SANTA'S SECRET, was published and I had several book signings in Springfield and Branson. Barnes & Noble even carried my book! I enjoyed school visits, especially going back to my former elementary school, York, where I donated copies to first graders.
My novel, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, was picked up by Soul Mate Publishing. This is a life-long dream. I'm still pinching myself and cannot wait to see my cover art and hold that book in my hands! My release date is tentatively Summer 2014 (I asked that it be moved back. Crazy, I know, but read the next bullet point for an explanation.)
My daughter, Amy, got engaged! She and Chris will be married in Los Angeles on May 30, 2014. We couldn't be more thrilled! I'm having a shower for her in April and am trying to assist her long distance with wedding preparations. It's a fun, life-changing time for all of us.Now, we're well into 2014. (Where did January go?) So, what's up for this year?
Several events will carry over from 2013--the release of THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS including marketing, book launches, launch parties, book signings and conferences.
The WEDDING in May and all the happiness that will ensue for my precious daughter and her soon-to-be husband.
And either another children's picture book, finishing the sequel to THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, continued work on my haiku collections or my non-fiction marketing book for authors. Decisions, decisions.
What were your top three events in 2013 and plans for 2014?
What a great year! And your 2014 sounds fantastic, as well.
ReplyDeleteMy top three events of 2013? Hmm. Finishing the rough draft of my first novel. Winning 1st Place in the Ozarks Romance Authors' Weta Nichols Writing Contest. And the Ozarks Writers League awards dinner. My main goals for 2014 are submitting that book and writing the next one.
Sharon, you had a great year, too! Congrats on finishing your amazing novel and on all of those contest wins. That should give you all the confidence you need to get your novel in the hands of agents and editors. Good luck. It's going to happen for you!
ReplyDeleteAnd I LOVE that Save the Date photo!
DeleteCongratulations on the success of 2013 and the big plans for 2014. Best wishes for continued success and realized dreams!
ReplyDeleteAs for me--well, 2013 was a mixed bag of such great and some not so great. My first novel had sold in November 2012 so 2013 was spent with lots of promotion, signings and travel. It was great! I learned so much. It has been a ride I will never forget and am so grateful for. And my second novel has been picked up by Soul Mate Publishing and I can't wait to do it all over again--but differently.
In addition I have a couple freelance opportunities for publications in my local area. This is exciting, challenging and just a little overwhelming. But in a good way.
Sadly, 2013 was not without its challenges. I had two auto accidents within 5 weeks, and I am now on my third vehicle. Thankfully I am okay but I did lose a trusty old truck I really liked. A lost a couple dear family members of whom I will miss greatly.
What do I plan to do in 2014? Well, much the same as I did in 2013, minus the auto accidents I hope. Write and publish of course!
Hi Anonymous. Who are you?! :)
DeleteSorry to hear about the three(!) auto accidents and family members you lost but happy about your novels and freelance opportunities. Glad we are Soul Mate sisters! Wishing you a great 2014.
Congratulations, Beth. My 2012 events were a bit different--getting our house ready to sell and selling it, then getting moved to Naperville to finally be back together with my husband. I'm also into year 2 of my blog and got to my first OWL meeting. :-) On the small writing front, I have a story in the Friday Fictioneers book Madison published and a haiku in Jan's upcoming haiku book. Very small, but satisfying.
ReplyDeletejanet
Hi Janet!
DeleteI'm sure you're happy to be back together with your husband and I enjoyed officially meeting you at the OWL meeting.
Congrats on your upcoming publications--small but mighty and you're in great company!
Congratulations on all your achievements! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks much, Rachel.
DeleteMaybe 13 is your new lucky number. I've noticed that Rachael Ray always throws salt over her shoulder when she uses it on her cooking shows. Guess she's superstitious too. So you're in good company. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI think it is my new lucky number, Shirley. I never really had a lucky number before so I'm claiming it! I've seen Rachel Ray do that as well. :)
DeleteAnd congrats on selling your novel in 2013, too! I'm so happy for you.
Congrats Beth! Sounds like 2014 will be another lucky year for you.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Joanne. We had a run of horrific family tragedies a few years ago so it's time for happy news. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteFabulous year for you. Mine wasn't bad, either.1) Y-Chromo got his masters degree and found a job in his field. 2) I sold my first book. 2) My husband left an abusive work situation and landed a dream job.
ReplyDeleteYou had a very good top three things in 2013 as well, MJ! Congrats and thanks for chatting.
DeleteSounds like you've got a great year started, Beth! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mia. You cast a large shadow with your work! I can't wait to meet you soon!
DeleteThanks so much, Mia. You cast a large shadow with your work! I can't wait to meet you soon!
DeleteThanks so much, Mia. You cast a large shadow with your work! I can't wait to meet you soon!
DeleteWow! Definitely a magical year in the making. So Happy for you. MY first romance came out from Soul Mate last week. http://www.amazon.com/Time-Forever-Susan-B-James-ebook/dp/B00I3PFF40/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1391463392&sr=1-1&keywords=time+and+forever
ReplyDeleteThree good reviews so far. I live in Los Angles and May is a beautiful time for a wedding. You are going to have so much fun. I also write childrens books and this year I resolve to do more to finish up the ones I've been working on. Still waiting for news on Log ON Log which will be published at some point by Beach Lane Books a div of Simon and Schuster.Don't think I have an illustrator yet.
I wish you joy on your magical journey!
Susan, please forgive my tardy reply. Thank you for stopping by. It's fabulous to meet another SMP author as well as a children's author. We've got to get acquainted. Good luck to you as well!
DeleteWow - you had a great unlucky year. ;) I can't wait to see what 2014 holds for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm as late as ever with my poor, neglected blog. Thanks for your support, Lisa. You are always so gracious. Here's to a great year for BOTH of us!
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