Zero, One…And Counting

Yes – I know it’s customary to count down to the new year, and no – I’m not counting the wrong way. I’m saying goodbye to 2010, – or as I’ve come to think of it – my year zero; and saying hello to my year one. It will be my ferst furst first full year of being known as a writter writer.

In year zero: I started this blog. Looking back through my posts, I see that there are a variety of shared thoughts – from short stories, to essays, to my musings on writing, to the journey through the revision of my first novel. In the beginning, I thought I had nothing to say. I got beyond that though, and I’ve found lots to write about (including randomness). Posting has been a blast (even the sad ones). I hope you enjoy reading them.

In year zero: I joined Twitter – as an author. Big step for me; stepping out of the ranks of AA (Authors Anonymous) and openly declaring myself. How lucky it was that CathrynLouis was available! I took it as a good omen that not one of the millions of Twitter users had chosen that user name. On Twitter, I’ve met many communities of authors – the #amwriting, #litchat, #writechat, #scriptchat, #fridayflash, #fridayreads, #IndieBC, #ROW80 folks and more; I’ve learned from those in the businesses of writing, publishing and social media; and had a darn good time! I love dropping into the Twitter conversation several times throughout the day. Something is always going on. It’s a never ending Happy Hour. All I have to do now is find those vodka martinis…

In year zero: I created pages on Facebook and Goodreads. Posting more consistently on Facebook and becoming more involved on Goodreads are goals for year one. I have lots to share with Facebook folks and my Goodreads shelf is packed with books I haven’t yet reviewed and a fair few that I haven’t read.

In year zero: I joined communities such as Zoetrope and RedRoom. Being on Zoetrope really helped me tighten up my stories; being on RedRoom introduced me to many other authors and experts. I haven’t visited them as much since I have been revising. I want to spend more time on those sites, so that’s another of my goals for year one.

In year zero: I self-published my debut novel as an ebook. Once I understood that it was something that lots of people might like to read, I unpublished it; and am now taking it through a purposefully scripted revision process. Though I missed my goal of having the revision outline completed by the end of this year, I’m fairly well along and have created a process and document that work perfectly for this book and all the next ones. When this first novel is ready, I may again self-publish it, or opt for traditional publication channels. That’s a decision for year one. Year zero taught me the novel is good enough to give it my best effort – so I am.

Have you looked back over the year and itemized what you have accomplished? I think you may be surprised. I certainly was. That’s why I’m inspired to do even more next year; and I hope you are too. What a difference a year makes.

Goodbye 2010, and Happy 2011!