In year zero: I started this blog. Looking back through my posts, I see that there are a variety of shared thoughts - from short stories, to essays, to my musings on writing, to the journey through the revision of my first novel. In the beginning, I thought I had nothing to say. I got beyond that though, and I've found lots to write about (including randomness). Posting has been a blast (even the sad ones). I hope you enjoy reading them.
In year zero: I joined Twitter - as an author. Big step for me; stepping out of the ranks of AA (Authors Anonymous) and openly declaring myself. How lucky it was that CathrynLouis was available! I took it as a good omen that not one of the millions of Twitter users had chosen that user name. On Twitter, I've met many communities of authors - the #amwriting, #litchat, #writechat, #scriptchat, #fridayflash, #fridayreads, #IndieBC, #ROW80 folks and more; I've learned from those in the businesses of writing, publishing and social media; and had a darn good time! I love dropping into the Twitter conversation several times throughout the day. Something is always going on. It's a never ending Happy Hour. All I have to do now is find those vodka martinis...
In year zero: I created pages on Facebook and Goodreads. Posting more consistently on Facebook and becoming more involved on Goodreads are goals for year one. I have lots to share with Facebook folks and my Goodreads shelf is packed with books I haven't yet reviewed and a fair few that I haven't read.
In year zero: I joined communities such as Zoetrope and RedRoom. Being on Zoetrope really helped me tighten up my stories; being on RedRoom introduced me to many other authors and experts. I haven't visited them as much since I have been revising. I want to spend more time on those sites, so that's another of my goals for year one.
In year zero: I self-published my debut novel as an ebook. Once I understood that it was something that lots of people might like to read, I unpublished it; and am now taking it through a purposefully scripted revision process. Though I missed my goal of having the revision outline completed by the end of this year, I'm fairly well along and have created a process and document that work perfectly for this book and all the next ones. When this first novel is ready, I may again self-publish it, or opt for traditional publication channels. That's a decision for year one. Year zero taught me the novel is good enough to give it my best effort - so I am.
Have you looked back over the year and itemized what you have accomplished? I think you may be surprised. I certainly was. That's why I'm inspired to do even more next year; and I hope you are too. What a difference a year makes.
Goodbye 2010, and Happy 2011!
Wow! You have a great year. I think you and I were on the same road. This year began my 365 adventure. I hadn't planned much--write daily was my only goal. From that, three and a half first drafts were completed. Thinking about it now still blows my mind.
ReplyDeleteHere's to another good year and it's going to be one. I can feel it in my bones!
Glad you had a good year too. I agree - next year can only be better! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteYou've had quite a year! Congrats on moving forward to confidently and proficiently as a writer. I hope 2011 proves to be just as productive and rewarding.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I'm really looking forward to 2011.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great year. Particular congratulations for publishing and then unpublishing your novel. May 2011 see people many paying you to read it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great year zero, Cathryn. it bodes well for year one. Your year is incredibly similar to my own in terms of novel, blog, Twitter etc. We coud be twins - except I guess I'm about 100 years older than you :)
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the very best for your writing and life in general in Year One.
Claire, thanks for your well wishes. Anne, I think we're closer in age than you think. :)
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