Wrapping up, Winding Down and Looking back

What a year it’s been? Some exciting highs mixed in with too many sad goodbyes.

Writing-wise it all kept ticking over. Though I can see now, looking back at the professional goals I set myself at the beginning of the year, that I was a tad ambitious, particularly for the year it turned out to be. Not least in aiming to not only finish my novel but to have it submitted to publishers and/or agents. Hmm, I’ve not quite kept to that timeline.

I’ve learned so much more about the crafting of a novel, balancing multiple character’s subplots and story arcs, and tying together all the different elements of story to result in what I believe is turning into a powerful read. Much of my novel is now at third draft stage and the characters have taken on real and emotional lives of their own, as strong characters should.

Such a long-length manuscript seemed overwhelming at times interspersed with grieving, an oversea’s trip for research, albeit with a fun part – Europe tour-  added in too, (though I have to say I loved the research and if that’s work, I’ve found my dream job) and then coming home to commence a Masters Degree. But at this end of the year all the work and effort seems so worthwhile.

Usually I like to tick off my list of accomplished goals at year’s end. This year, I can still smile to see I’ve only reached one of my early goals for 2010, in finishing a full draft of my novel. But then I hadn’t included the research trip, as I should have, or going back to uni. So some things may have dropped away, but others, more important, took their place.

I loved attending the SCBWI conference in September and pitching my novel concept to the publishers in the pitch session. What seemed the scariest thing I’d done all year, became one of the most rewarding.

I’m looking forward to an exciting writing year in 2011, and setting myself more realistic goals in the New Year. Undoubtedly, I’ll set the bar a little too high but finishing the novel and uni will be my main priorities.

First, I’m giving myself two weeks off to read, catch up with family and friends, take long, long lunches, and smell some roses. Hopefully I’ll get to play in my garden and pull a few weeds too.

Meanwhile, I look back on the excitement of our trip overseas last June and, since I’m tripping down memory lane, sharing some photos too. (Okay, I admit it, I’m in holiday mode already.)

Merry Christmas and a happy, productive New Year, Everyone. May Santa bring you lots of books, lorry loads of inspiration, and much more writing time in 2011.