Happy New Year!

As a rule, I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions.

I think they are a curse.

I do have goals for the new year, though:

• I want to make great strides on Eye of the Peacock, to the point where maybe Beta Readers are reviewing it by the end of September.
•  Along with this, I want to have the cover for Eye of the Peacock designed and ready. My cover designer, Aaron La Porta, wants to be involved in the process earlier this time. We both learned a lot the first time through. Summer will be a great time to get photos ready for him.
• I want to have had at least three author signings by the end of the year. And as part of that, I want to be able to talk to people, especially kids about writing and publishing.

I have other goals pushing into the back of my mind, but I need to stay focused on the most important ones. So, at least for tonight pull out that pickled herring, hold on to that quarter, and toot your noise maker! Let's see 2016 in in style!

Talkin' Writin'

I love talking with young writers about the craft.

My daughter had some friends over yesterday, and I got to have a short conversation with one girl who has a draft of a book she wants to publish. We chatted about agents versus independent publishing.

Before the holidays, one of my students stopped by after school looking for advice about how she was drafting her story. I took a look at her notebooks, and she’s doing everything right – outlining the story, writing bios for the characters.

This is what it is all about.

Spreading the love of literature, whether it be through reading it or writing it.

As 2015 wanes, think about how you are going to start spending 2016. Find a way to chisel out some time to spend in a creative – or created – world.

 

Merry Christmas!

I got almost everything I wanted this holiday…a wonderful husband; two beautiful, sweet daughters; a comfortable home.

Peace on Earth was still missing, but at least it’s here in my corner of the world. And if we each achieved that, think of the overall effect!

Take some time to revel in your gifts, and of course, get in some writing time while the kiddos sleep in. I know I will be.

I hope you got everything you wanted for the holidays.