My friend, Emily, sent me the video we made of last New Year’s Eve. In it, we’re screaming at the top of our lungs “RIP 2k9!” about…oh…a zillion times. I would post it if it weren’t the most embarrassing thing ever, but since it is, you’ll have to use your imagination. Truth be told, though, 2009 was not our year–well, it definitely wasn’t mine (with the notable exception of an awesome job working for the Cowboys, of course!) Needless to say, we were thrilled to see it go.
I can’t say I had particularly high hopes for 2010, however, despite my (sometimes) best efforts, 2010 has turned out to be a darn good year.
In January, I went to NYC to meet Agent Dan in person and visit the iconic Writers House brownstone. I also got to meet some of the writer buddies who had already become my close friends. Having dinner with nine amazing authors in Manhattan was a truly awesome experience.
In other news: I accepted a job offer for post graduation. I climbed two mountains. I was offered a deal for two work-for-hire adult books, which I ended up declining. I turned in a manuscript and went through revisions with my agent. I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, traveled to Philadelphia to spend time with my college girlfriends, and headed to Florida for Thanksgiving w ith my family.
In December, I got an offer to write two books in an existing middle grade series, which I am now in the process of accepting. Thankfully, it looks like I have some things brewing with my own work, too–but I guess that’ll have to wait for 2011.
So, because I’m a total sap like this, I figure there are a few people who have really been supportive in my writing life this year and it only seems fitting to wrap up 2010 with a solid dose of gratitude.
My parents - For keeping up with my writing, rejections, and acceptances. My mom for always being ready to direct her positive thoughts at the appropriate publishing person and my dad for reading pages last minute. Also my mom for volunteering my dad to do this.
Emily & Kelley – For learning more about writing and publishing than they could possibly want to know. For reading my rejections, never googling my name, and for asking questions–but not too many questions–because they are conscientous followers of my “on submission” rules.
Sara – For always being ready to celebrate with me and for “catching up on FWF”…Fumbling with Fiction…ahhhh I get it now.
Shana – For everything. For teaching me so much I didn’t know, for brainstorming and spending an incredibly generous number of hours giving thoughtful feedback on my manuscript. My writing has become so much better because of you.
Jen H. - For setting goals with me, for commiserating, and for always being around to talk about anything, but especially boys, life, and–oh yeah–sometimes writing.
Katie Anderson – For taking the time to provide guidance and wise counsel when it comes to my writing career.
My whole writing posse (y’all know who you are) – For giving honest advice, wonderful encouragement, and for generally “getting it.”
Blog readers – For emailing me, commenting, subscribing, and reading whatever I put up on here!
Have a safe New Year’s Eve, everybody!
Aww, thank you for including me and THANK YOU for always being there to talk things through.
Happy New Year! I have a great feeling about 2011!!
Awwww.
OMG this is the nicest blog post I’ve ever seen. You made me cry! And the thing is I think the exact same things about you! You helped support me so much this year, brainstorm things with me, helped me with voice.
Thank you for everything! And I’m so honored by your words!