So yeah. December. With the end of the year upon us, it feels like a good time to reflect on where we are and how far we have come. I thought I would get more writing done this year. I just, yesterday, wrote an outline for the third book in my YA trilogy. I think I've finally found an angle that will make the threat in this book more of a threat, rather than being dispatched with easily. So that's good. I thought I would have the book written by now, but life doesn't always work like that. This year, many things have been going on that aren't about writing, and that's okay. We moved to a house that feels much more comfortable for us, and which has given us all a fresh start. Got another puppy at the beginning of the year who's slotted into the pack well with his endearing cheekiness. I started a full-time editing gig, and my wife is running two home businesses that I also help out with. My older stepdaughter started a new college course closer to home that is working out much better for her. So there's a lot on our plate, but it's all good stuff. Sometimes you need time away from a project for it to properly come together. I'm still happy with the short stories I wrote this year, but this month, and next year, are definitely going to be about writing this book. I'm thinking about keeping myself accountable here, with goal updates and wordcounts. We'll see.
In other news, I didn't participate in NaNoWriMo this year, but congratulations to any of you who did, whether you completed 50,000 words or not. It's always an exhilarating, worthwhile experience.
And finally, I'm feeling bittersweet because I just finished reading The Shepherd's Crown, the final book in the wonderful Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. What can I say? Funny, nostalgic, heartbreaking, warm, uplifting, inspiring, and more. The end of my favourite series by my favourite author, that I've been reading for over 25 years. I'm going to try to get a review together soon to post here.
How are you feeling about life and writing as we near the end of 2015?
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45 comments:
You know what you have to do when you reach the end of a 25 year old series... You start reading it all over again ;-)
I'm glad you've had a positive year--albeit with new challenges. Have a great December!
What a great year you've had, Nick! I often feel a little lost when I've finished reading something I have really enjoyed. But that is what makes the author credible! So hands off to Terry Pratchett. I wonder if he writes with his hat on? Hmmm. Wishing you and the family a wonderful December and a brilliant Christmas!!
Hi Nick - it's good to find all the things about life slotting into place for you all ... and I include the puppy in that grouping! So pleased to read this - and you've lots going on too. Good luck with your WIPs ... sounds like the whole is coming together ...
I've never been able to get into Terry Pratchett - but perhaps your review will help ... all the best - cheers Hilary
A busy and productive year behind you and ahead of you too, hopefully! Well done Nick :)
shahwharton.com
Sometimes other things in life take priority, and that's okay. We can reset our goals and start again.
It sounds like things are going well overall, Nick! Good luck with the novel work in the new year. :)
Not sure how I feel about life and writing as the year ends (more on that when my post goes up), but I'm putting my best self forward. Best to your writing goals in the coming year! :)
I never heard of Terry Pratchett until after his death; I'll have to check out some of his writings in the new year.
You did a lot this year and managed to survive both a new puppy and a move in the same year!! You and your wife sound super busy too between all the different business adventures!
Good idea to do a little bit of accountability with your writing on your blog; at least seeing it in writing here might help you get more of what you want written in the new year :)
betty
Sounds like things have been full on at home. Especially getting a new puppy. They're so adorable, but a lot of work. Thanks for the words of encouragement for NaNoWriMo participants. Cheers - Ellen
It's hard to believe we're at the end of the year already. It sounds like you've had a productive one. A new house and a puppy are a big deal, too!
Hope 2016 is another productive year for you!
I'm proud of the stories I released in 2015, chagrined by the marketing aspect, and hopeful that I will do better in 2016.
Sounds like you took the year to get life into place, and that's all right.
I really need to catch up on Pratchett's work. He's such a wonderful writer. Congrats on finding the angle for your book. That's always a great feeling. :)
I also thought I would get more writing done this year. I've actually written very little, but I'm sure I'll get more done next year :)
Good luck getting your book finished!
I feel like I'm ending the year right. Lots of writing this past month and looking forward to this month. Maybe i can finish one of the books I started for NaNo!
Sounds like a productive year for you congratulations. Best wishes in the coming year. I am hoping 2016 to my writing year.
Happy Holidays
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Even good things can be stressful, especially when they mess with our routines. Sounds like you've had a good year. And the writing will come back when things settle. It always does.
Sounds like it's been a busy year for your family. And even if you aren't as far along as you wanted to be (life gets so in the way), you're making progress :)
I'm glad things are working out with family. And I know you can do it in 2016. You'll get your book written, and probably some more shorts in between. :)
You do have a lot going on. Seems things are settling for you and your family which is great. I don't want to reflect on this year. Not at all.
I might have to start reading Discworld; I've heard so much about it. This year has had its ups and downs for me also. I'm looking forward to seeing what next year has in store.
Life has a way of messing in with all our plans, doesn't it? Sounds like you've had a lot of positive changes, though. Here's to 15 going out and 16 coming in. Enjoy the holiday season!
I can't believe it's the end of the year. Where did it go? I feel like I got little accomplished, but I know that's not true. I plan on recapping the goals I set at the beginning of the year and making new ones for next year. It definitely kept me accountable.
Sounds like you're in a good place literally, and well literally :)
Best of luck wrapping your head around your business and writing projects and here's to a jolly grand 2016!
And, why not, right :)
Best regards,
Mark (IWSG co-host, author and certified slacker:)
There are so many wonderful things going on for you. It's important to be settled. When I settled into my current home, it was a big shift at first, but then my productivity went up. Distance and planning are also important for our projects.
Great post . . . I reflected on 2015 too :-) Cheers to hopefully another good year coming!
I didn't participate in NaNo this year. I was deep in rewrites. I missed it though. I've been meaning to pick up that series every since I took one of those Facebook surveys that said I could live well in that world. Hm... =) Here's to a great new year and good things to come!
Wow, you've had a busy year! No wonder writing had to take a backseat sometimes. Best of luck with your book in 2016!
My writing has slowed. I had hoped to finish the first draft of the novel I'm working on by the end of this month, but by the way it is going, it's not going to happen. I haven't got the pacing right, and just have to let it percolate until I understand how to fix it. I need to hold myself accountable, too. Good luck with all your future goals, writing and otherwise.
Sounds like you have lots of good happening in your life. Keep writing at whatever pace works for you. I know how you feel when ending a series by a favorite author. I look forward to your review. I'm a little behind, but I have ideas on how to kick start the new year of writing and living a creative life.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
third books are so hard, I'm plotting one myself and decided to postpone until the holidays to give myself more time ... so congrats on having new fresh ideas! :-)
I like that - a lot on your plate, but all good stuff. Mine's not ALL good, but most of it is. It sounds like you've got your work cut out for you, but in a good way. Best wishes that things continue to go your way.
Life definitely doesn't always work out the way we plan. But it sounds like, despite all that, yours is coming together and on track toward your goals.
We moved this year, too--it always feels like a big accomplishment when you're in a new, better home as the new year begins!
Sorry to hear you haven't gotten a lot of writing done this year. Life sounds good for you, anyway, and you can always resolve to write more next year.
Thank you for sharing your life and writing journey, Nick!
I think it's important to live life fully and well and it sounds like that's what you've been doing this year with a new home, a new puppy, and lots of home business work! Wow!
I'm sure that all of those experiences will enrich your writing!
Huzzah for a new angle, too! :)
Merry Christmas, Happy End of 2015, and Happy New Year! :)
Hey Nick, I feel pretty darn good about writing as we close out 2015. I released a book and re-edited a previous trilogy to release next month, and outlined a new series. So I feel really good.
Ooh, I like these year-end posts. We always get so much done and live through so much and don't give ourselves credit at the time...
That does sound bittersweet -- I'm rereading The Lord of the Rings again :-)
Such wonderful things to celebrate. We recently added to our household, too, adopting two cats from the local shelter. They're settling in nicely and will make the holidays all the more fun. Writing went well for me this year even with my nagging voices saying I'm not doing enough.
Sounds like your family had a good year personally and professionally. 2015 was pretty good for us with a little stress mixed in when my daughter was in the middle east but it's all good now.
It sounds like you've had a really positive year, despite not feeling you wrote enough. You've published a book of your stories, found a new normal, and are doing a job that sounds totally great. It's a win/win no matter what the word count. I hope the writing continues to happen and that you have a wonderful holiday season.
Sounds like it's been a great year, Nick.
Busy and productive.
Good luck with that third book in your YA trilogy.
I've never tried NaNo. I MAY still do it one of these years. Just for the experience. The thing is I write too slow...we'll see.
Happy Holidays!
It sounds like you've been busy and gotten a lot done this year. Come to think of it, I should probably go check to see if I set some annual goals for writing this year. Whoops!
I'm half way through THE SHEPHERD'S CROWN. Terry Pratchett will be missed.
Sounds like a worthwhile year! Wishing you a very happy season of blessings, and a wonderful new beginning.
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