2012 Recap, and 2013 'Resolutions'

So 2012 was a pretty darn good year, if I do say so myself.

I finally got off my ass about being serious about writing, and braved the rejection filled world of submissions.  I learned that patience and perseverance are key to making it in this world, as well as a tough skin, but not one so tough that you can't see the joy in each rejection, because each one is another step towards that goal of being able to hold you head high and squeal like a little girl when you see your work in print.

And out of the rejections I acquired this year, I was lucky enough to get a couple that were more than your stock rejections, and two contracts for publication.  So yes, it's been a good year spent focusing on my writing, and my dream of being an author.

I also managed to survive another year in retail, which is always good, since that's another brutal world. XD

I read 220 books, successfully completed my 10th year of NaNoWriMo, making it my 7th win, participated in a 5K run/obstacle course with zombies, and while I crossed the finish line as a zombie I was able to get up the next day and move, and I started the process of reconnecting with my stepfather.

All in all, a good year.

~*~

As for 2013; well, here's my tentative list:

Try not to freak out completely when Jan 23 sneaks up, and Rock n Roll Seraphim is released into the wide world.

Finish the rewrite of 2012's NaNo monstrosity, and submit it.

Submit to as many of my, currently 15, submission calls as possible.

Sign up for, and participate in this year's Run For Your Lives 5K, this time trying to cross the finish line as a human.

Start working with my Da on our joint writing project in between my other writing projects.

Keep the blog updated, regularly, not just willy-nilly like this year.

Take two on trying not to freak out when August rolls around, and Put You in a Song comes out.

Rewrite The Alighieri, or add more to this world; not sure yet.

Attend a couple more conventions.

Make this year's AM2 the most amazing thing Ash and I can.

Be happy, and proud of myself, no matter what anyone says, because I'm worth it, and eventually I'll find that special someone who'll be able to accept my writing, my quirks, and will sweep me off my feet. XD

~*~

Happy New Year everyone!  May it be a fantastic year for you and yours!

Tackling the NaNo and New Cover reveal

As we race, flailing, towards the end of the year - or, the end of the world, if you follow that - I've begun work editing what I wrote last month.  My still untitled monstrosity is going to be submitted to LT3 for their upcoming serial deadline, and I'm really hoping they like it as much as I hate it. XD No really, I do like it, it's just that I've spent so much time with these characters that I'm kind of sick of them for the time being.

See?  It's ginormous! And to think I wrote all of that in a madcap 26 days. *is proud and a bit afraid* So I'm breaking out one of my Christian Bibles, my roomie's random file of psychology notes on the Bible and being gay, and my editing cap. I know I'm going to be cutting a good portion of what I wrote last month because it doesn't fit where I want this to go currently, but I'm sure I'll end up using the scenes sometime. :3

In other news, I got the cover for the volume/round of Rocking Hard that my story 'Put You in a Song' is being included in.  

Isn't it pretty? I'm not ashamed to say I'm totally in love with it. :D 'Put You in a Song' doesn't release in the serial line-up until August; which means, once I clear the nervousness of 'Seraphim' being released into the wide world, I've got a number of months to recoup before having to do it again. XD

Now I know I said I was going to release another short into the world for Christmas, but I'm sad to say that it isn't going to happen this year.  The characters refuse to cooperate with the rewrite, so I'm setting it aside for now, to work on other projects, and will try tackling it at a later date.

~*~*~

The Alighieri

Apparently when I said next week what I really meant was today...sorry to be misleading and all. XD

Now up on Smashwords:

The Alighieri

Desperate to escape his demon of a step-father's control, Ivan accepts a temporary job as a runner for the annual Samhain Convention at The Alighieri; the only first-class resort in Hell. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, I know this has absolutely nothing to do with the current holidays, but I didn't feel like holding onto it until next October.  So nya, you get a free 2.5K short set at a resort in Hell.

Enjoy!

Edits for the short set in Hell are almost finished. :3 I'm hoping to have it up in a week as an early Christmas gifty. <3