Successes of 2019

Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. 

 It's easy to sit here and say I had no successes. Much of my year was spent applying for mentorships but not being selected, entering contests but not winning, querying agents but getting rejected. BUT, much of what I did this year is paving the way for future successes. So that makes what I did this year successful???
Success, go get it
Photo by Gerd Altmann from Pexels

Success #1: Revised half of two novels. I could look at this as "didn't finish" two novels, but the half that's done means I don't have to do it next year.

 Success #2: Wrote 12 picture book manuscripts. They're not all in query-shape, but a few are. I also have several started manuscripts that didn't get finished. I have a huge list of ideas that haven't come to life yet.

 Success #3: Community. As part of becoming a picture book writer this year, I've grown my involvement with picture writers a ton! I've found a few critique partners who I would now consider "friends". And I have an amazing critique group that helps me grow.

 Success #4: Actual accolades. For one of those contests I entered this year, I was named a finalist! What an honor. 

 Success #5: I managed writing all year while working full time and momming 3 littles...writing while parenting a baby/toddler is difficult! Managing the mental energy is a feat all its own.
arms raised in celebration at top of mountain
Photo by Min An from Pexels

 Other things I'm proud of myself for doing: 

 Investing in myself. I shop at goodwill. I can afford not to. I simply don't like spending money on myself. Well, this year, I joined two writer's organizations and signed up for a writing class. Money spent on me and my "hobby".

 Putting my work out there. Even though most of my attempts were fruitless, I'm proud that I put my work into contests and that I queried agents. It takes guts, and I don't use my guts often.
I look forward to 2020. I've sewn a lot of seeds this year, and I hope to start seeing the fruits of my labor...or at least a couple of baby sprouts ready to grow?

Comments

  1. kfiechtnDecember 29, 2019 at 6:48 PM

    I'm so proud of you, my CP friend, esp that you were able to see all you do accomplished and I just adores the money comment, I am the same, got I from my mom—and I'm so proud that you invested in yourself! Keep going, nothing you did was fruitless, you'll get there.

    Sincerely,
    Kaitlyn Sanchez

    ReplyDelete

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