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Stress and Nostalgia Saturday
Hi! I’m newbie author Jennifer Shirk, and I’m a first time blogger, long time reader here at the Samhain blog. Unfortunately, I’m also a little neurotic. Bear with me as I explain…
Normally, I’m a Chatty Cathy over at my own blog, but when I received the memo reminding me to blog here at Samhain, I totally stressed myself out, trying to come up with SOME cool idea for a blog post. Believe me when I say that I stared in a trance-like state at my desk for hours. Ok, slight exaggeration But I’m sure I looked like Cindy Brady on that TV game show where she froze as soon as the red camera light when on.
But that’s me. I sweat the small stuff.
Anyway, since the 2007 year is almost over and my critique partners were feeling pretty nostalgic (and thankfully gave me the idea), I decided to reflect upon my accomplishments as a writer over the past year.
Um, drumroll please
*I started my own blog Me, My Muse and I (Well, I really started it around Christmas 2006, but, hey, it’s been a year)
*I got four—at least—R’s on various manuscripts (but at least I sent them out, so I consider that an accomplishment)
*I started and almost finished a brand new manuscript
*I finaled and won third place in a writing contest
*I found complete strangers were adding me to their blogroll list. How sweet is that?
*I got an agent request even though I wasn’t looking for an agent.
*I attended three online writing seminars and went to one RWA conference
*I won five books and an Amazon gift certificate on various blogs and forums. Woo-hoo!
*I made some really great online friends who share the same passion for reading and writing as I do
*I read over twenty-five books, including five writing “How-To” books
*and last—but NOT least—I signed my very first publishing contract with Samhain Publishing for my romantic comedy, The Role of a Lifetime, scheduled for a May 2008 release.
Even without that last one, I’d have to say 2007 wasn’t too shabby a year for me, and I’m sorry to see it go even though I’m excited to see what 2008 will bring.
What about you? Was the 2007 year a good one for you as a writer, or have you already kicked this year to the curb?
Hooray, Jennifer!
All stellar accomplishments for a newbie. I feel fortunate that I could add many of the same things to my ‘what I accomplished in 2007’ list. Especially the R’s :(
But…we neurotics who sweat the small stuff also must learn to celebrate the small stuff. A journey of a thousand miles and all that jazz. Every step counts.
Can’t wait to read The Role of a Lifetime!
Great post – I knew you could do it!
This was a terrific year for you – we’re all so proud! Can’t wait to hold your book in my hands.
(And I think we all sweat the small stuff!) :)
Fantastic list, Jennifer! You’ve done so much in 2007. You should be proud of yourself. :)
Woohoo! Hey Jennifer, that’s quite a list of accomplishments. Truly something to be proud of.
Here’s hoping that 2008 will be just as exciting.
And I’m sure you’d become an overnight sensation if you shared the secret of how to get an agent when you aren’t even looking. :)
Yay you! You’ve had a great year, girl! And I love the new ms storyline…it’ll be snatched up for sure. 2008 sounds VERY promising!
Hi Jennifer!
Great post! December is always a wonderful time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments. I plan to do that this week on my blog so I won’t say much here. But I will say, “Kudos!” to you because you’ve had a tremendous year.
Patricia
This year wasn’t bad. Didn’t get the contract yet, but I’m almost finished with my work in progress. Maybe this one will sell. I’m going to keep plugging away nevertheless.
Woohoo Jen, you did awesome this year. :)
Give yourself a great big pat on the back.
Silke – who should take a leaf out of your book and finish… something!
First, let me say welcome Jennifer. I’ve been here with Samhain for a little over a year now. Received my first contract the beginning of December 2006 and it’s a great place to be. Congrats on all your great accomplishments, that’s fantastic and you should be very proud. As far as 2007 goes for me, I won’t be sad to see it go. Book wise it was a good year, but real life wise it was a bit tough. So instead I’m looking forward to 2008 with optimism and hopefulness. It will be a better year. But then it’s the downs in life that truly make us appreciate the ups, right? Welcome again and try not to sweat the small stuff too much, okay?
Welcome, Jennifer. Great blog! And huge congrats on a fantastic 2007!
Hey Jennifer –
Excellent! I can’t wait to read your book. Looks like you had an amazing year. I’m so happy for you. I hope 2008 will be just as great and productive for you.
I’m proud of you, Jennifer.
I know you’re book is going to be a success. Can’t wait to get it.
2007 has had many ups and downs for me, mostly downs, but 2008 will be better.
Good luck, Jennifer.
Theresa
Thanks for the welcome and the words of encouragement, ladies! :) You rock!!
Michele: Sorry that 2007 wasn’t such a great “personal” year. It is the ups and downs that make life… well, life. But I hope 2008 is a much year for you.