2012: It's Been Real

Today my friend Chris wrote on her facebook page: Later, 2012 - it's been real (a real lot of things!).

That about sums it up.  It's been a real lot of things.  I can't say I'm sorry to see it go.  I accomplished some of my goals while others fell by the wayside.  But let's not focus on the negative, eh?  Here's a brief list of some of the AWESOMENESS OF 2012, in no particular order:

• I read some amazing books - 60 or so on a goal of 52.  I didn't quite make my goal of 12 books in December - if I can finish the one I'm reading now before midnight, I'll have hit 9, which is still a great reading month!
• I met some amazing writers - over twitter, ya lit chat, platform-building campaigns, etc., and in person.
• The idea of a MNYA Writers critique group launched in March and is going strong - with more to come in 2013.  I'm working with an amazing group of YA writers and we get to see each other at least once a month - LOVE it!
• I wrote a lot - some months more than others.  Some of what I wrote is amazing, and some of it is amazingly bad.  I wrote what could possibly be a brilliant novel during NaNoWriMo in November.  I'm writing.  And that's what's important.
• The search for an agent and ultimate publication had its usual ups and downs (see Rejectionista badge).  Some days being a writer was amazing and some days it was amazingly agonizing and I was filled with self-loathing.  Nothing new there.
• We had some amazing good times as a family.  I love my husband and my kiddos and I'm so grateful for their understanding and support, especially during those amazingly agonizing days of self-loathing.

The details are a bit foggy and it's time to look ahead to 2013.  I don't know if I'll scratch out any resolutions this year or not.  The narrator of a book I'm currently reading talks about becoming her "truest, best self" and I think that's an admirable, if vague, goal.  Maybe I'll be more specific as the year unfolds.  Maybe not.

I'll continue my writing journey with more writing, more reading, more critiquing, more beta reading, more querying, more contesting, whatever comes my way.  I'm determined to see more success in 2013, however that looks. 

Here's to you, my dear friends, as we embark upon a new year.  All best wishes to you for a wonderful year ahead!

Cheers!