I was really glad to kick the dust off of 2011 and celebrate the New Year. I don’t know about you, but 2011 was difficult. I don’t think I need to cry on your shoulder about my problems, because I know I am not alone and you all have yours as well. And maybe some of you have none, and therefore, I certainly don’t want to rain on your day.
Needless to say, when the clock struck midnight, I opened the door and said a hearty and happy “Welcome!”
What do I want to do this year? Lots of things.
I want to begin traveling again—and I have trips planned to So. Cal, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Denver. (Watch my Events page for details as I get them.) And hoping to add a few more destinations in there to round out the year.
I love seeing new places, getting a chance to meet some of you and of course, just strike out a bit on my own. As a stay at home mom and someone who also works at home, sometimes I just need to GET OUT. I’m sure there are plenty of you who can sing the chorus to that song. So here’s to getting out.
I want to write more. In fact I feel energized to write more. I went to a wonderful conference in October that I have to say probably renewed my love of writing more than anything has in years.
I couldn’t put my finger on any one thing about the conference (The Surrey International Writer’s Conference) but I came back just stoked to get writing. Perhaps it was meeting new friends, laughing my backside off, and hearing such wonderful writers share their truly inspiring stories. I loved every moment of that conference, even having my car searched by the RCMP before I could enter the hotel. (That is a story in and of itself!)
All in all, what I want to do in 2012 is push myself to try a new project and find a new joy in the ones I write for all of you. I’m working on my 20th book right now, and I truly needed that creative reawakening to revive and re-motivate my muse. She’s stoked to get storytelling as well.
And in the face of all this enthusiasm, I want to bring balance to my writing and personal life. I know that seems at odds with the two goals above, but I think it is in that finding balance that the creativity will continue to well up and I will be a better writer for it. There are so many other things I love doing: knitting, gardening, camping/hiking, exploring new places, spending time with the family—and this list is in no particular order, especially if you are my family. LOL. These things have to have their place as well and are very important to me. And they need to be in the forefront.
I’ll probably blather on a bit over the new year about my progress, as well as popping in with a few surprises I have up my sleeves. In the meantime, I would love to hear about your ideas, resolutions and plans as well. What are you planning on doing in 2012?
I’m going to try to squeeze in as much writing, exercising and traveling as I can before I have another baby. 😉 I hope 2012 brings you peace and creative inspiration!
That second one is way fun–don’t put it off, you’ll be glad you had them close together later on. Believe me! In the meantime, hope the writing continues splendidly!
I know what you mean Elizabeth – 2011 was a difficult year for me as well and I’m so happy to have it behind me and to start a new year, full of new possibilities! In 2012 I’m going to enjoy all my hobbies, be kinder to myself, and allow myself to just relax sometimes and be OK with that. I hope the new year brings you peace and inspiration – you are a wonderful writer and bring joy to all your readers. I hope that joy reflects back to you and showers you with happiness.
I’ve heard this from so many people. And do give yourself a break now and then–I plan to try that strategy with myself.
I love your books and hope this new year is your best ever!
Thank you so much! Hope your year is fabulous.
You are coming to Philadelphia? Ooh, I can finally meet you! 🙂
Not to be like scary fangirl, but not many of my fave romance authors come to my home city. Can’t wait for more info.
As for what I am doing in 2012 – go to Phillies games, work, go to the shore this summer & hope plan a gathering for my buds with my friend, Mags.
We’ll have to plan a reader dinner! How does that sound?
now that would be something, wouldn’t it? 😀
you should pop down to DC/northern VA when you come out to Baltimore (it’s only an hour away) & we’d love to have you here too 🙂
I’ll be doing a signing at the bookstore that Nora Robert’s husband runs–so perhaps you can come up for that.
A highlight of 2011 was meeting you. I’m hoping to convince you to come back to SIWC this coming October. C’mon you know it will be fun.
And meeting you! Ditto! And if SIWC invites me, I will be there with bells on. Literally, if it is required.
I am going to explore and try new things. I am going to learn to play piano, and continue with singing, writing and sewing.
I want to spend time with family.
Also, I want to start planning a trip to the United Kingdom for the following year or the year after.
I went to the UK on my own when I was 28. I saved for two years and spent 5 weeks hiking around. It was glorious and life-changing. Save for it!
I wish I had traveled to Europe when I was younger. Traveling is a bit more challenging with kids. They are good travelers now that they are older. The one biggest challenge is that my youngest gets motion sickness.
Mine does as well. We’ve just learned to travel prepared.
Happy New Year! It sounds like you have a very nice plan for 2012. As for me, I plan to write more, finish up school (I’ll be done in May), travel, spend more quality time with my family and friends. School has been a good challenge, so once I’m through, I want to find some other type of project that will challenge my mind.