So this month's optional question is "As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?"
Hmm. Well, this question kind of has a philosophical bent for me. I'm a believer that everything basically happens the way it's supposed to, whether that's for good or ill. We could get into all sorts of time travel, alternate universe scenarios by going back. All that said, I'm pretty happy with how 2017 went. I became an admin of a certain amazing group (clue - it's in the title of this post!), got the first part of my trilogy out (a big thing for me, as this had been a long time coming), and also got asked to be part of an anthology that's raising funds for military veterans. All great stuff. Yeah of course, I could have done some things differently. I haven't actually got a final ending for my trilogy yet - it would be good if I had that down - but I'm ploughing through edits and polishes for book 2 and hoping that'll help strike some synapses together to trigger it. I guess I'm pantsing this series the same as I do any other story! I could always wish I'd done more marketing, but that's an ongoing process and I am doing things I haven't done before - excerpt tweets, a Facebook author page and a newsletter being three big ones.
So yes, I would have to say I'm pleased with 2017 overall, and I'm already looking forward to 2018 being even better. How about you?
Check out the other great IWSG posts here.
38 comments:
Congratulations on a really good year, Nick; here's hoping 2018 is just as good (or better)!
I'm not sure how I would answer that question, so I'm gonna punt. Well, okay, less procrastination. A lot of issues in life become so much worse if you don't deal with them right away--and that goes for writing, too.
I agree, can't remember where the year has gone. Happy Christmas and good luck with the work in 2018!
Glad you are pleased with your 2017. I think you've had a fantastic year getting your writing out in the world. Loved watching you do it. Hope you have a great 2018.
Like you, there's not a lot I would change. But I know what I can do better in 2018.
Glad you are part of that certain group!
Sounds like you had an excellent 2017 - good for you! And here's hoping 2018 is even better! :)
I think you had an amazing year getting your book published, working on the next in the series, and being asked to be in an anthology. That's definitely all cause for celebration :-)
We all want to do more. I'm still lobbying for a 40 hour day.
Fantastic! You've had a great year. Here's to making 2018 wonderful for all of us. :)
Always looking for ways to market our books. Ugh. Hope you have a wonderful December and write all the words.
It's hard to believe we're in December. It sounds like you've had a good year, especially with releasing the first part of your trilogy. Here's to a fantastic 2018!
You'll eventually figure out how the trilogy ends. Just be sure to paint yourself into a corner with no way out first. That's the kind of pressure that will get the creative juices going.
Even after reading a bunch of posts today I still can't believe it's the December meeting! You did have a great year - congrats on some excellent accomplishments. Here's to an even better 2018.
Oh, I so hope 2018 is better. Has to be, really.
Good for you, Nick! I was just commenting on Angela Brown's blog that we're where we're supposed to be, with all the ups and downs. I'm happy with 2017, so #NoRegrets!
I'm glad with how 2017 went for me too. I recently looked at the goals I set for the year and was happy with all I achieved. Best part of the year was my parents staying healthy. No hospital stays for him. =D
I too believe that things happen for a reason and are just the way they are supposed to be, but I can't help but look back this year and wish things had been different.
Those are some great things that happened for you this year! I wish you the best of luck with your writing and editing goals.
Congratulations on a successful 2017, Nick. Here's hoping 2018 is even better.
Kudos on a newsletter. I'm still putting that puppy off. AND...taking part in the anthology.
I've been regaining my health super slowly, so yes, 2017 has been good, mainly because I learned what some issues were and started tackling them.
I am definitely looking forward to 2018.
I do believe everything happens the way it's suppose to, but I have to be careful not to use that as an excuse for procrastination
Sounds like a good year! Congrats on all you've accomplished in 2017.
I like your zen acceptance of the events of the year. :-) Thanks for being an admin of IWSG and good luck to your synapses--may they fire with glee when dreaming up the ending of your trilogy!
Glad it was a great year for you! The marketing thing is so tough. And no worries, you'll figure out your ending. I didn't know the ending to my trilogy either. When it came time to write the last part, I locked myself in the bedroom and had a conversation with my characters about what they wanted, and didn't let myself out until it was finished :-)
I believe you can't do something differently until you do it in the first place. It does get very philosophical!
Great! I'm overall pleased with the year too. Cheers!
Nick, I"m pleased you're pleased with your 2017. Nothing much we can do about it if we aren't, is there? I wish you the very best success in your writing/editing in 2018!
Well, if you got everything you wanted this year, you'd have to come up with a new wish list for next year. A little delayed gratification is a time saver :)
I'm glad to hear 2017 was a good year for you! Best of luck with finishing your trilogy!
I'm right there with you in the belief that everything happens for a reason. Glad you had a successful 2017 and I wish you much luck and success in 2018! :)
With Love,
Mandy
Congrats on publishing part 1 of your trilogy. It sounds like part 2 isn't too far behind. From what I've heard, everyone feels they didn't do enough marketing, so it's important to do what you can and be happy with it. Happy holidays.
I always know the ending of a series when I start. The work for me is getting all the pieces in place to get there. Sounds like you had a great 2018.
It's always good to be optimistic, so I'll go along with the hope that 2018 treats all of us better than 2017.
Hi Nick - it's good you're looking back on a reasonable year ... and I feel with you always putting yourself out to try new things, especially the IWSG admin - you'll be successful in 2018 ... take care and cheers Hilary
You inspire me. I'm just happy to be spending so much time writing, even if I'm sheltering my precious OC's from the world for now. Be well!
How's your ending coming?
Congrats on all your 2017 achievements! Glad to hear this year has treated you well. Hope your edits for book two are going smoothly!
I hope 2018 brings you many good things. It sounds like 2017 was decent.
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