This year, instead of writing one post looking back at the past 12 months, I thought I’d write a few, each focusing on a different thing that is important in my life.
After having a difficult time 2016, things have changed for the better this year.
Sure there have been plenty of challenges too, not to mention the every deteriorating shit show that is US and UK politics, plus the ongoing sexual harassment revelations and the very real social issues that seem to be increasing around us every day.
But for me personally, this year has been good and I’ve made some real progress in all the key areas of my life.
The biggest one has been my writing career.
A few months ago, even using that term would have been unthinkable. Fast forward to the end of the year and not only have I signed a publishing contract, I’ve also been approached by two literary agents and I’ve been part of a great mentoring scheme that has allowed me to work on my next novel with support from other writers.
I’m feeling really positive about it, although it’s still early days. I’m looking forward to spending some time working on the book over the Christmas break.
For the first time, calling myself a writer feels real. It’s no longer a dream, or something that I want to do.
I’m doing it. This is happening.
If I can reach the crowdfunding target for my novel, it will soon be something very real that I can hold in my hands and that people can read.
Getting to this point has taken a lot of work and meant a long stream of rejections, which has been difficult at times. And there’s a lot of work still to do, but it feels good to be a few steps closer to my ultimate goal.
It’s exciting to think about where I might be this time next year. Here’s hoping for good things!