Calvin & Hobbes owns all rights to this…
Okay, so that’s not really true. I know, shocker right? It’s that time again, when a fresh and shiny new year appears at our door and the past year is packing up in the room behind us.
Like many other writers and bloggers out there, I have to give 2018 a grateful hug, as a year goes, it was a doozy.
Behind the writer curtain, 2018 decided to go whole hog on me. I lost two very important and dearly loved people this year–my godson and my aunt. Losing them both mere weeks apart was far from easy, nor was it expected. There were family members and close friends who faced serious health challenges and thankfully came through. There were the typical yearly challenges we all face on the home front–financial situations, personal relationships, electronic carnage wrought by my furry duo–we’ve all been there and survived.
I wish I could say that was just 2018, but from experience I have to amend that to, “That’s life.” And it so is, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you’re in the whirling midst of it.
The great thing about Life is Balance. So even with the heartache and tears came the love and laughter and celebrations. Prankster Duo #1 began his college journey on a scholarship and successfully navigated the end of high school and beginning of higher education. Prankster Duo #2 is well on his way to dominating his last year of high school and as already gotten his scholarship for his next stage of education. The Knight and I couldn’t be more proud (I think our chests are close to bursting) of these two young men.
My younger brother and his wife welcomed a stunning new edition to our family. Not to be out done, my oldest niece did the same! One of our good friends found someone to share their life with, and one of my besties will be tying the knot in the next few months. All around us we had friends who triumphed, big and small, and we were blessed enough to share in their joy and celebrations.
Knight and I quietly celebrated 21 years together in Spring, and I have to admit I’m just as in love with him now as I was when we started out. He’s my buoy when life’s currents start getting uppity. And this year, I needed him more than ever.
And that was just behind the writer curtain. On the main stage, welp that’s where Knight’s support became invaluable.
In April I made a huge decision to request my rights back to my PSY-IV Teams series. Not only was I able to get them back, but I was able to take all that I’ve learned through the years and successfully re-issue them. To say I was nervous going into this was putting it mildly, but I knew this series could go somewhere if given a chance. Eight months later, I’m happy to see I was right.
After pulling that I off, I finished the fourth and last book for Fate’s Vultures and sent it in to my publisher. Alas, my editor has moved on to greener fields, so I’m still waiting for a publication date for Reaper’s book. On the plus side, Vex’s book – Caught in the Aftermath (Fate’s Vultures #3) is all prettied up to hit shelves Feb. 20, 2019. With the Vultures series done for now, I went back to my first series and began considering its future.
A lot of discussion and many pro and con lists ensued, and eventually I requested and received my rights back to the entire Kyn series. After revisions and new covers, I re-issued the first four books and watched them grow and flourish. Cheveyo’s story, Shadow’s Dream will hit shelves Jan. 7, 2019 and I hope readers enjoy every word.
Taking sole control of my books has been daunting but oh so rewarding. It also means that with a full-time day job, I now have to juggle a full-time writing business, because that is what my writing must be to continue to grow.
So thank you, 2018, for showing me if I dared, I definitely could.
Which brings me to 2019 and my plans. On the personal side, I have a financial and health plan I hope we can make work. On the day job side, I’m hoping to take on the challenge I was recently given and making it a success. Fingers crossed. As for the writer side (I know that’s the one you’re really interested in!), here it is:
- Release SHADOW’S DREAM, Kyn Kronicles #5 on Jan. 7, 2019
- Attend the Scottsdale Book Fair on Feb. 2, 2019
- Release CAUGHT IN THE AFTERMATH, Fate’s Vultures #3 on Feb. 20, 2019
- Finish FRACTURED BY DECEIT, PSY-IV Teams #4 and ensure an early Aug. 2019 release
- Start and finish PSY-IV Teams #5 for Jan. 2020 release
- Fingers crossed FEAR THE REAPER, Fate’s Vultures #4 comes out late 2019/early 2020
- Create a Beta Reader group and grow my social reach with readers
- This one isn’t for sure, but I’m pondering setting up a Facebook group for my readers, but I need to learn a little more about it and be sure I can make it work.
- Research getting PSY-IV Teams into Audiobooks
- And always, WRITE and more WRITING and even more WRITING
- Read more books (there are so many good ones out there just waiting for me)
Okay, your turn. Share the one goal you’re bound and determine to dominate this upcoming year!