2014 was an interesting year. I don’t remember half of it (loooonnggg 7 months story…) But what I do remember, has impacted me greatly, growing me as a person and as a writer.
PERSONAL: In the spring, I went on an impromptu trip (as “keep me awake as I drive” companion) to Michigan with this crazy-amazing woman/mother named, Sarah who I’d kinda just met (she locked me in a hotel room for three days, where I wrote like crazy!!)..and, as they say, the rest is history! I now have a BFF who gets me and has stuck with me on this rollercoaster year! So thankful! Also this year, my SUPER Editor got engaged, and I’m a bridesmaid. Shopping with her for her dress and playing mannequin for my dress, has been so much fun! Looking forward to the wedding in July, 2015.
WRITING: I spent most of this year editing, revising, rewriting, and brainstorming BOUND. I sent out at least 100 queries and several proposals to agents (Status: Professional Waiter). My editor and I worked so hard this year–swea
t & tears–and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished…now to find the perfect agent who agrees! 🙂
In September, I finally joined a critique group. There are 5 of us, and it has been such an encouragement to spend time with these ladies. We’re a great mix of writing talent and knowledge–it’s been so helpful! Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us! We’ll always have SKYLARK!!
In 2013, my boys started going to a new school, and I have to pick them up every day. This put me in the path of Laurel Pardo–a VERY talented author who writes super-awesome TV scripts (Horror/mystery/paranormal—SOOOO out of my genre of quirky, witty YA fiction). Fast forward….Laurel and I are great friends, and recently partners! As I write this post, I’m in the process of adapting her scripts into a full-length novel! Stay tuned to meet Eli Toler–the cemetery Restorer!! So honored to be a part of this project!
I also worked on my other WIP’s…and got a few new plot ideas…So many ideas….:
- Taken: “sequel” to BOUND–Main characters: Dillon Xanthis and Marisa Hale (YA Urban Fantasy)
- Endicott: Main Characters: Endicott Keary (Cinderella’s best friend) Della Bentley (my cinderella), Daved Bentley (Cinderella’s Brother), Prince Cyril, Princess Keturah (YA fantasy/steampunk series)
- Acacia: Main Characters: Acacia Mitchell, Samara Bethany (YA paranormal Series)
- New Creation: Main Characters: Cayce Thornton, Marco Brooks (YA Christian Fiction)
- Lines Crossed: Main Characters: Marianne (TBA), Chris (TBA) (Christian Adult)
- Flip-Flop Kimmi in Tap Shoes: Main Character: Kimmi Joy Harper (Middle Grade Novel)
EXTRA BLESSINGS: In addition to all the ones above… 🙂 Through Facebook, I connected with SO many amazing people/authors who have blessed my life with advice, books (WINNER OF GIVEAWAYS!!!), friendship, and encouragement in my writing journey. This year, I also got to be a part of several editing/promotion projects! I did several book reviews and 2 YAA! CHAT interviews on my blog–hoping to do more in 2015!
I read and reviewed A Christian Writer’s Guide to The BooK Proposal by Dave Fessenden. My review was published!
Stop! Before you even write one word, read this book! Author Dave Fessenden makes the case that the proposal should come first, and that writing it can actually be enjoyable. Dave’s invaluable wisdom saves countless hours of Googling “How to write the killer book proposal.” It gives writers the how-to and examples they need to catch the editor’s eye and nail down the ever-elusive publishing deal. –Janelle Leonard, novelist, and blogger at The Writing Life: behind the Scenes with an Author of YA fantasy
Through a dear writer friend, I connected with Oliver Dahl–got to read and help with some edit/thoughts for his novel LIES 
(My name is in the acknowledgements!!) Check out Oliver’s website: http://www.thedreamersadventures.blogspot.com/
One of my greatest joys, is helping promote and encourage other writers toward their dreams–love seeing them accomplish something that they’ve worked so hard for.
Shout out to: ** Michelle Weidenbenner: http://randomwritingrants.com/
**Olivia Stocum: http://www.oliviastocum.com/
READING: I didn’t read as many books as most years, but what I did read this year definitely had an impact on who I am as a person and as a writer. Here is list of my 10 out of 10 coffee cups awards:
YOUNG ADULT
Crash Into You & Red at Night & Dare You To Katie McGarry
Skull Creek Stakeout Eddie Jones
Out of Easy Ruta Sepetys
Splintered A.G Howard
Spies and Prejudice Talia Vance
On the Fence Kasie West
The Queen of the Tearling Erika Johansen
ADULT
This year has been one of the BEST reading years for Adult fiction! I discovered, and fell in love with the:
Brain-tweaker, heat-felt stories: Katherine Reay
Fellow Jane Austen (& Arrow) fanatic: Mary Jane Hathaway
Swoon-Worthy, quirky, & fun: Nicole Deese
Also loved this novelization of The YouTube series The Lizzy Bennet Diaries:
The Secret Diary of Lizzy Bennet Bernie Su & Kate Rorick
NON-FICTION
The Jane Austen Handbook Margaret Sullivan
A Christian Writers Guide to the Book Proposal Dave Fessenden
How to Adapt Scripts Into Novels Rene Gutteridge & Cherly McKay
RE-READS
Cinder Marissa Meyer, Pride & Prejudice Jane Austen,
Emma Jane Austen,
Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets J.K. Rowling
Last but not least . . .
DISTRACTION: I discovered I-should-be-writing-but-I’m-watching-yet-another-episode TV shows
Arrow (Absolutely love Felicity and her babbling ways!)
The Flash
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Firefly (WHY did it take me soooo long to watch this???)
Witches of East End
YOUTUBE: The Lizzy Bennet Diaries & Emma Approved
Well, that my year in a nutshell review. Thanks for journeying with me on my blog and my writing life! So appreciate ALL of you!! Here’s to 2015 and all the amazing BOOKS waiting to be read (and written).
THE WRITING LIFE 