Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year

Here's to a brand new year.

New ideas to dream. New stories to write. New markets to conquer.

For the past two weeks, I haven't done much writing. My sons have been home from school, so there's been loud music, yelling, guitar strumming and general mayhem. Not much peace for writing.

I have managed to do a lot of thinking. About the career I hope to grow and the books I want to write. Last year, I had a lot of optimism but as the year came to a close, that optimism faded as rejections began to come in and the publishing industry began to crash. Still, editors seemed to be buying. Just not me.

Why not me? That was a question I asked quite a lot as I sat at my desk, analyzing and overanalyzing every word I wrote as I worked on a proposal. Jealousy reared its ugly head but mostly what I felt was depressed.

And then I started to think. I do have a publisher I'm pleased with. Ellora's Cave has been great and I just got a brand new editor who loves my writing. My first print book will be released this spring. I have a slew of stories in mind just waiting to be written.

I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful that I have an agent who believes in me. I'm grateful for the friends I can call or email and say damn, I hate this job or look at this great review. I'm grateful that my husband loves me and understands what I'm trying to do. That my teen sons wanted to get me a publishing contract for Christmas. They understand too.

This year, I've resolved to continue. That's all. I will continue to write, to hone my craft and dream up new stories. To learn all I can about the industry and make my stories as appealing as possible to an editor so she'll want to buy it.

That's what all writers should strive for--to continue to get better.

I'll go to the PASIC conference in NYC in March to listen to what the editors are saying about the industry. I'll go to RT in Orlando in April to connect with readers. I'll go to Washington, DC, in July to soak in all the knowledge available at the RWA National Conference. Later in the year, I'll head to Ohio for Ellora's Cave's first reader event. I'm looking forward to a busy year.

I'm also hoping it will be a productive one. I'm eager for the boys to return to school (yes, Mean Mommy) so I can return to my writing schedule. I've got a proposal to finish, edits to work on, a new series to start.

And a career to continue.

22 comments:

MJFredrick said...

:::whistling and applause:::

Great attitude, Steph! All the best to you this new year!

Stephanie Julian said...

thanks Mary, here's hoping my attitude holds, lol.

And wishing same back to you.

Robin Kaye said...

The business is a real roller coaster ride, Steph, and you're in the front seat. Hang on tight and enjoy the ride. You've doing great. May 2009 bring you everything you want and deserve.

Happy New Year!

Robin :)

Judi Fennell said...

Yay!! Positivity!!! What you put out to the universe comes back - this is your year, Steph!!!

(and now I've procrastinated enough...)

Stephanie Julian said...

Hey Robin, I love rollercoasters Let's both sit in the front and lift our arms in the air and scream.

Stephanie Julian said...

Judi, I can only hope. We're both going to have a good year. We deserve it.

Robin Kaye said...

I'm there with you, Steph. It's one hell of a ride, and it's always best to have good friends with you. I'm really blessed in that regard.

Hugs and Happy New Year,

Robin :)

Adele Dubois said...

I've never doubted for a moment that New York is waiting for you. Cheers to a successful 2009!

Best--Adele Dubois

Shauna Roberts said...

Your dreams are coming closer to being reality, it looks like to me. I think 2009 will be your year! Keep believing!

Stephanie Julian said...

Adele, we'll celebrate with a few mojitos, my new favorite drink.

Stephanie Julian said...

Thanks Shauna, I hope 2009 is good to us all.

Anonymous said...

Yes, this past year was a year of blessings for you. 2009 sounds very exciting. Good luck with selling your book to a New York Publisher. That's my goal for the year. First, I'm submitting to agencies, hoping for representation. I see you have an agent. Way to go!
All the BEST!

Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
“Conquer All Obstacles”
Prolific Writer of Romantic Fiction
http://www.gr5mom2.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I like your attitude, Steph! I need to borrow it. :) (And you're not a Mean Mommy... or at least, you're not alone!)

Happy New Year! May 2009 bring you all the dreams you're reaching for!

Laura

Delilah Devlin said...

Keep plugging away!! The sure way to never reach your goals is to quit! Hold onto positive thoughts and write!

Stephanie Julian said...

Jo-Anne, I wish you all the best with your career. Keep writing!

Stephanie Julian said...

Laura, you're obviously a mother. And you're please feel free to borrow the attitude. Hopefully there's enough to go around.

Stephanie Julian said...

Laura, you're obviously a mother. And you're please feel free to borrow the attitude. Hopefully there's enough to go around.

Stephanie Julian said...

Delilah, thanks for the encouragement. I truly appreciate it.

dig said...

Happy New Year, Steph. Your great attitude is one of the reason I appreciate you as a freind. Wishing you an awesome year. di

Stephanie Julian said...

Di, you're too sweet, here's hoping we both have a great year.

Danielle said...

It's all about attitude. Keep on writing. :)

Stephanie Julian said...

Absolutely, Danielle, and thanks for stopping by.