I know the web is flooded with posts looking back at 2013, but I can't resist a little nostalgia. Last year was pretty crazy for me, so I'm really just happy to have survived it. In short form:
- I finished teaching my first year as a professor and started my second. At some point I really will get the hang of it.
- I read 46 non-academic books. Considering the above point, I'm counting that as a decent score.
- A traveled to a few new countries while on a Caribbean cruise with my in-laws. It's safe to say I could easily move to any of them if someone would like to fund me :)
- My second novel, The Chemistry of Fate released. If you'd like to grab a copy, I'd love that (hint-hint!).
- I wrote, revised, and had the 3rd Sary book (Surrender the Sky) accepted for publication. Expect it early this summer.
- Colors Like Memories released in paperback.
- I wrote/contributed to two academic papers, based on research I've been working on. It amazes me that a 20 page paper can often be just as much work as a 200 page book.
Okay, that's enough randomness! Still, lots of crazy things, and a serious dose of stress for 2013. Anyhow, I'm not a huge fan of New Year's Resolutions. But there are a few things I'd like to see happen this coming year, and with that in mind, here's a few things that I plan to work toward in 2014:
- Read just as many, if not more, novels as last year. Considering how much I love to read, this is a bonus.
- Get an agent for, or sell my NA sci-fi (An Absence of Light). Fingers crossed!
- Escape the eternally grey skies of Montana as much as possible :)
- And the kicker: learn how to not stress so much. This is definitely something I need to be better at, for my health especially, and so I have some hair left. I swear I spent most of last year rushing from one thing to another, but I'm really hoping I can figure out how to handle it all better this coming year. We'll see how I manage!
Okay, giveaway time! I haven't done anything fun lately, so I figure it's a good way to kick the year off. I've been having a lot of fun making these really cute necklaces with different words on them (you can pick the word for yours!). To enter, all you need to do is let me know in the comments what you're most looking forward to in 2014. Bonus if you follow me on twitter and facebook (just say so in your comment). I'll pick a winner next Monday the 6th. Good luck!
Ooh, pretty necklaces! I'm looking forward to my first writing conference this year. Squee! And querying(weird, huh?). Following u on both!
ReplyDeleteLots of awesomeness!! Good luck querying and with your conference!!
DeleteWow, have YOU been busy - all that writing and reading AND necklace making? I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteI'm most looking forward to travelling "home" to Ontario this spring and hugging my kids. Oh, and selling more books. And finishing my next book. And trying the much raved about Chinese restaurant in the next town. And miraculously becoming thin. (Are chicken balls diet food????)
Chicken balls are DEFINITELY diet food! Sounds like you have an awesome year ahead of you :)
DeleteHappy New Year, Meradeth! Congrats on the books. You've been busy.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what I'm looking forward to! :-p Hoping to move it all forward in a much more focused way.
Happy New Year! I hope you are successful with your focused path this year!
DeleteNew books, new authors, vacation with the family. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun!! Happy New Year!
DeleteCan I say I'm most looking forward to winning this awesome giveaway? Oh wait, that's not a given. ;) I really want to though and I follow you on FB and Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to my upcoming book releases and working with my new agent.
lol, I think that's fair to say! :) And best of luck for all your awesome adventures this coming year!
DeleteI am hoping to go on a cruise, read more books and listen to more music. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a ton of fun!!
DeleteFantastic giveaway and sounds like you had a full year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and all the best!
Nas
Happy New Year to you too, Nas!
DeleteLovely giveaway- the one on the left is my favorite! ;-) I'm looking forward to the trips I have planned and teaching my first cooking class. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I follow you on Twitter
That's my favorite, too :) Everyone else was all about the keys I guess! I wish I lived closer to take your cooking class!!
DeleteI am looking forward to all the new books that are coming out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Happy New Year!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
There are SO many good ones this year :)
DeleteI'm looking forward to finding more time for myself this year.
ReplyDeleteFB follow.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Oooh, that's a good one! :)
DeleteIn the next year I hope that a person I know will get good news on a submission. I'm almost as excited for her as for my own books...almost. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to finish my first NA book and find an agent/publisher for it. That's my biggest goal this year.
Michelle
lol!! I honestly can barely breathe thinking about this. So. Nervous!!! :)
DeleteSending you all kinds of amazing good luck on your NA!
2013 was amazingly productive for you. I hope 2014 is amazing, too, and good luck querying.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway. I'm looking forward to new opportunities in publishing. I'm crossing my fingers for another book contract. sharif(at)sharifwrites(dot)com
Crossing my fingers for you!! :)
DeleteGirl, you are the most productive person I know and you hide your stress well too :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for more Sary in 2014!
lol, I definitely don't think I'm that productive :) And my hubby would totally disagree on the hiding my stress. But I'm working on it!! :)
DeleteYou got a ton done!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the new year. I hope you find an awesome way to de-stress. :-)
Thanks! I hope you have a great year, too!
DeleteThese necklaces are beautiful! I would love to win one! Wow! I follow you on twitter (@dmsfiles) and on facebook as myself. :)
ReplyDeleteYou had an amazing 2013. Look at all that you got done! I am sure you are a fabulous professor and I know from experience that it does get easier each term. I feel more confident at the end of each semester (lol). :) I can't wait for the 3rd Sary book!
Sounds like you have some great goals for 2014. Wishing you the best of luck and that 2014 is very good to you.
~Stephanie
Thanks!! I hope you have an awesome 2014, too! You have lots of amazing things coming up!!
DeleteLooking forward to many fun adventures! :) Following on Twitter @MunchTalks!
ReplyDeleteHope you have fun! :)
DeleteOh man, those are CUTE! I am most looking forward to.....MY BOOK BIRTH!!!! Yep. It's true. :0) Happy 2014
ReplyDeleteHeck yeah!! I'm looking forward to that, too! :)
DeleteI'm looking forward to a new job.
ReplyDeleteTheresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Awesome! Good luck! :)
DeleteI'm hoping for a more peaceful, quieter year. 2013 is a year I will not miss....
ReplyDeleteI hear you there! Here's to hoping 2014 is a good one!
DeleteLooking forward to relaxing with cozy towels in 2014! I’m excited about new products from Homelabels, especially their luxurious bath and kitchen towels. Followed you on Twitter and Facebook. Cheers to a stress-free year and best of luck to everyone!
ReplyDelete