Someone asked me something or other about the past year (I think it may have been my Dad) and I remember telling him that I’d be happy to see the ass end of 2010. Now that my house has calmed down and I’ve had a chance to think a bit more about 2010, I can’t say it’s been all bad.
As everyone else does, I thought I’d take a few moments to ponder the past year, but good and bad. Then, I’m going to get mentally ready for my New Year’s Goal list, something I didn’t do last year.
Could Have Been Better
I don’t want to end on a negative, so let’s start with the not great stuff. There were a number of things that I wish had gone differently in 2010. As most of you know, my year started off with me being very sick. At the time of the attack, I’m glad I didn’t know how serious things really were. I’m a bit of a worst case scenario person on a good day, but when the worst case bites your nose, it puts things into perspective. It took me a solid six months, but I’m happy to say I’m doing better. The clots in my lungs will never be completely gone, but neither will they get any worse. Now I’m on to testing and a long term plan with my doctor.
On top of this, I had a number of problems with the health of my extended family. I’m not one to go into details online, but let’s just say I’m thankful to still have everyone still in my life, more or less in the condition they started the year off in. I’m hoping 2011 is better on the health front. We are due a break.
I did find that I was pushing myself way harder than I needed to on the writing front this year. I think it was a bit of a compensation for having been sick the first few months of 2010. As a result, I did get a bit down on what I was able to accomplish (more on this later). I know some of you are scoffing right now. She had a pile of books published! There is nothing for her to be depressed about! It doesn’t have to be logical…
But On The Up Side
No more dwelling on the negative (yeah I know that wasn’t a lot, but more than I normally do), let’s focus on the good stuff. I am feeling better. I started exercising again this year and it really helped me on more than one front. I’ve managed to get my focus back and re-evaluated a lot of things in my life. My kids and husband are happy and healthy and that is more than I could ask.
I have two great dogs now, a day job I like, my writing job which I LOVE and a husband who is more supportive than I could ever ask for (love you sweetie!). I have amazing friends who have been so very supportive of me and my family this past year. I have met some great people and had a BLAST at the Ellora’s Cave conference. I’ve grown closer to a number of people online and even had a chance to meet some of them this year.
I saw good friends get agents. I saw good friends get bigger publishing contracts than before. All of this helped keep me smiling and I am so very thrilled for each of them.
And That Writing Stuff
This year I published two novels, two novellas and a Quickie at Ellora’s Cave. I sold a short story to Berkley Heat courtesy of Jane Little over at Dear Author. I have unofficially sold another short story to another publisher (hope to hear the final word soon) and have submitted a bunch of other stuff.
As I sit here and read that, I have to smack myself on the forehead. That is a huge accomplishment for having had the start of to my year that I did. Yes, there were rejections. A lot of rejections. No, I didn’t get an agent. Hell, I didn’t even get a nibble, but such is the publishing industry. I shouldn’t let the didn’ts in my writing life diminish the dids (that sounds like a resolution. Will save it for tomorrow).
I am surprised to have found that I started writing another series. No Quarter was intended to be a stand alone novel. Then out popped No Remedy. Funny enough 2011 will see No Master and No Honor (if the names stay the same) coming out in the series. This year I wrote my first menage book (Mistress Rules), my first m/m (No Quarter) and a lot of kink. I didn’t know I could write kink! I love Kink!! Wait a minute…
TMI?
I have completed another full length novel. I’m very excited about this book. Yes, I’ll try the agent thing with it, but I’m not letting that be the only objective of my year. I have options and I’m finally okay with them. 
Reading
I had been reading a lot of romance in 2010, but for the first time in a long while, I got back into reading literature. I missed it! I’ll be keeping up that trend in 2011. I also discovered a bunch of new authors this year. I’m in love with so many of them I can’t go into it here. But, you can check out my Goodreads reviews. Just a note though, I won’t give a book a bad review. The lowest I go is 3 stars. If I think the book was bad, it won’t go on my site.
Movies
Tron Legacy in 3D…IMAX 3D…Awesome!
Inception…one of my favs of all time.
How To Train Your Dragon…loved.
Alice In Wonderland…loved.
And Next Year…
Tomorrow I’m going to do a resolution post. I feel I need one.
Have a happy New Year’s Eve everyone. Be safe and drink responsibly.
I’ll be playing Rockband. 
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