2012 In My Rear View Mirror

Ending a year on a positive note is, in my opinion, at least as important as starting a year on a positive note.

I took a little time recently to look in my rear view mirror and examine the positive things that have happened this year.  I decided to list many of those accomplishments that apply in some form to blogging or writing.

Having begun diligently working on my first book a little over a year ago and started blogging back in February, I've:

• Published over 200 posts
• Finished drafting--and revising--The Bonding, my first book in the Strands of Pattern series
• Welcomed more than 30 writers, bloggers and authors as guests on my blog
• Received more compliments, congratulations and well-wishes than I can count
• Watched my confidence as a writer (and even blogger) grow beyond my expectations
• Joined over four hundred blogs and frequent a hundred more
• Created a Facebook page, Google+ and Goodreads accounts, and started Tweeting
• Found some top-of-the-line critique partners
• Had dozens of my posts linked from inkPageant and other places 
• Attended my first writer's workshop (Thank you, Uncle Orson Scott Card!)
• Had a short story published
• Critiqued or reviewed a half-dozen full length novels in addition to scores of chapters and short stories
• Met a slew of awesome people and embarked upon some treasured friendships.

As such, I am forced to conclude that 2012 has been a most excellent year.  And I wanted you to know that if you're reading this post then chances are good that you helped make it so.

And to you I say, thanks!

May we endeavor to accomplish great things in 2013 and find the courage and determination to succeed.

It's Available! And It's PROOF!

I posted about it on Facebook first, and then on Google+. Then I went and tweeted about it. I saved the blog post for last.  I didn't really know how to word my little announcement.

Proof that it's possible!

You see, it was a magical moment, seeing my name on Amazon for the very first time. But then, it should be magical, right? It's an anthology of magic stories. And mine followed Barnabas searching ever so desperately for his magic.

But there must have been real magic at play. Nothing else explains how my story found itself rubbing shoulders with those written by some highly skilled and talented authors.

I achieved something that not all writers achieve. I'm obviously thrilled. But I'm also humbled because there are so many worthy writers who haven't yet been published.

And to that crowd of deserving writers still reaching for the dream I say this:

Don't you dare stop reaching!

Some get lucky right out of the gate. Others struggle years before finding success. And for a few, the accomplishment comes posthumously.

And I can hear some asking, "So which is this? An announcement or a pep talk?" I honestly don't think the two can be separate. Yes, I'm announcing that the anthology containing my short story is available. And that is proof the goal is attainable. So Do Not Give Up!

My story is called "Barnabas" and appears in Spells: Ten Tales of Magic. It's currently available on:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords