Welcome 2017!!
It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. Here we are, starting a brand new year, resolutions firmly in place (for at least the next few weeks…!). My resolutions – like many of you out there – are typically forgotten by the time February rolls around. I always claim I’m going to exercise more, swear less, and try to be kinder to my fellow man. I tell myself that THIS is going to be the year when I do something monumental, or when one of my books finally reaches a larger number of people. But when I look back over the past year, I realize it WAS monumental, simply for the fact that I followed my dreams.
I have much to be grateful for. I have a loving family and (knock on wood) everyone is healthy. I’ve got a great hubby, fantastic kids, and the love and support of my friends. I have a good “day” job, though at times I don’t always remember that. I’m lucky enough to work from home, though I do wish the job itself challenged me.
I am doing what I once dreamed of many years ago….back when I was a junior in high school, sitting in my Creative Writing class. I’m such a lucky gal to do what I love and to be supported in that endeavor. Sure, there will always be that family member or friend who rolls their eyes when I say I’m a contemporary romance author. You know what…that’s okay. Something I’ve learned very quickly is that just because someone is related to you, that doesn’t mean they will support you in what you love. Sadly, being accepted is not a given. Not with writing. Not with anything.
2016 was a busy year for this gal. I turned 50, so that alone is mind-numbing. I’m used to it now and will happily disclose my age when asked. That’s not to say I don’t sometimes look in the mirror and cringe. I do. Daily.
Anyway…back to the busy year that was 2016. Aside from the all the family stuff, 2016 became the year that I committed myself to indie publishing. Doing this all on your own is a lot of work. Let me repeat….A LOT OF WORK. I’ve learned so much from others like me who are trudging through the mud of this industry. I’ve made mistakes, jumped when I shouldn’t have, and taken a lot of chances. In the end I’m thrilled with this path I’ve taken. I published one book in 2016. I will publish at least three this year (maybe four, if I can get off my rear and make it happen). I’ve already got one book targeted for 2018, and I’m sure there will be more to follow. The truth of the matter is that it was easy to churn out manuscripts when I wasn’t in the thick of the publishing arena. Now that I am, I have less time to write, which is frustrating. Frustration, I’ve learned, goes hand-in-hand with this craft. Right up there with self-doubt, which I could literally write an entire book on. Don’t worry….I won’t.
2017 is on target to be the year that my hubby and I become empty-nesters. I’m not handling that well…at all. Be prepared, my friends, there will be many posts to come on the emotional roller coaster of seeing your kids fly away. I’ll gladly take any advice you’d like to share with me. Right now, denial is working real well.
For this New Year, I wish you all health and happiness. I wish you success in whatever you do, and I encourage you to follow your dreams. I thank you for your interest in me and my work.
Happy 2017 everyone! It’s going to be a great year!
-AJ
