I don’t know about you, but 2014 was a mixture of good and bad.
I spent much of the year on a personal level looking for a job. 9 months in and I finally landed one working for a real estate company in their property management division. Even though I bitched and moaned for the 1st 9 months that I kept going on interviews and kept getting turned down, I realize why I had to wait. This job is perfect. Low stress. Lovely people to work with. I’m pretty much my own boss as far as what I do, and I’m making the upper folks take notice of my work. From what I understand, they love me and the work I’m doing, and I couldn’t be more content. Thank you, God, for once again keeping your eye on me and knowing what was best.
As for my writing – well it’s been an awesome year. I had a short story, The Passion of Millie Hudson published by Hypothetical Press in their READING GLASSES anthology. What a great bunch of stories by some pretty fantastic authors, if you ask me. If you like speculative fiction, this is an amazing collection of some kick-butt short stories and I’m thrilled to be part of the collection.
I also accomplished a lifetime dream – I got a publishing contract with Month9Books for my debut YA epic fantasy novel, IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGON KING, the first installment in the Chronicles of Fallhollow series. It is slated for release in 2016, and if 2015 goes by as fast as 2014, release day will be here before I can blink my eyes.
What does 2015 hold for me?
Writing, writing and more writing. I am wrapping up the second book in the Chronicles of Fallhollow series and I am almost ready to send to my publisher. The third and final installment has been started, but it’s a long way from being done.
This year will be a crazy ride as I’ll be preparing for In the Shadow of the Dragon King’s release. That means I’ll need to take a crash course in marketing. I need to come up with a plan to spread the word. I’ll guest blog, guest host, conduct live interviews, interact with YA readers however I can. Suggestions from all of you would be worth more than all the gold in the world. Anyone in the marketing business who would love to tag along for the ride and help me jump in and get my feet and legs wet, I’m open to suggestions. Goal for 2015? Are you ready?
I want at least 5000 people lined up, eager and ready to purchase Dragon King before it’s release. It can happen. All it takes is the dream, the determination and a can-do attitude. Dragon King WILL be #1 on the NY Times best-seller list. It, and it’s three siblings, WILL be made into films. I won’t take no for an answer.
Now that you know my story, what was your biggest accomplishment in 2014? What is your biggest ‘gonna happen’ dream for 2015?
YA Chit Chat 
Firstly, I’m so glad to hear that the job is working out so well! After trying for so long, it would have been awful if the job was terrible, and you’d have felt like you had to stick it out because it had been so hard to get one! So yay for that!
Secondly, so great that the writing is all paying off now too. I really like your writing. As I told you, I loved your story in Reading Glasses, which reminds me, I haven’t written a review of the book yet, will do that soon! I’ve got One More Day on my Kindle but haven’t read that yet. Very exciting about the Fallhollow series, 2016 seems such a long way off, but like you say, I’m sure it will fly by. I’m happy to do something on my blog for it when you’re ready – it would be fun to come up with something a bit different than a regular interview post, I’ll see if I can come up with any ideas (let me know if you have any too).
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Woohoo! We both had kick-butt years. in 2015, my dream would be to get a non-FIRE IN THE WOODS book at least contracted. That is a super stretch for me, since I only have outlines of the two books that I am considering writing, and I have a third book to finish per my contract, and a lot of editing to do. But hey, nothing ventured nothing gained, right?
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Amen to that, sister!
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It’s so nice to hear that your year ended up working out perfectly, despite the challenges at first. Sounds like ALL your dreams came true in the end, though you had to fight your demons to get there. That does seem to be how it works, the hero’s journey and all. Sign me up for help in guest posting or whatever. Congrats!
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I ❤ your attitude, Jenny! I couldn't get 500 people to buy my books on release day, let alone 5,000 . . . so I will be taking notes from you!! Will it be on bookstore shelves? You know I will tell EVERYONE in my realm of influence about your book 🙂 I can't wait to say, "I knew her when . . . "
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Hi Jamie. It’s too early to tell everyone in what format it will be available due to publisher contract and all. You know how that goes. But I certainly need to drum up the interest, so any words of wisdom you can give me, I’ll take it. I think you had a very successful opening day with your book and the third one will draw even more. You now I’m going to promote the heck out of the series. It’s awesome!!!
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I will buy your book on release day. I will promote it to my YA reading friends.
I hope all your dreams continue coming true. You deserve it.
As for me, my first short story is sold – to be released on Feb.13 and my YA Fantasy stand alone Doomsday Dragon will find a publisher in 2015. It can’t be a bestseller until it’s published. I’m behind you…but I will get that novel contract this year.
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I know you will, Sharon. I can feel it in my bones!!!
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What terrific news in all aspects of your life. I guess my biggest accomplishment ending out 2014 is finally being me again…loving life again and all those who I hold dear to my heart. Hugs!
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How wonderful, Erika. What a wonderful gift to give yourself. I know it’s been rough for you. May 2015 bring you all the blessings of life you could possibly ask for.
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Way to keep your confidence up!
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Thanks, Deby. One must do what one must do. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful year.
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