It’s the end of the year, so I’m being a reflecty. I won’t say it’s been my best year ever but it’s been pretty good all things considered.It’s been a pretty good writing year. I didn’t have a new book out this year but I did have two re-issues in the form of DID NOT FINISH & HOT SEAT. I also had two books translated into German and it was a lot of fun working with editors and translators tailoring a story to a foreign culture. I was happy to see some new short fiction out in the form of THE FRAME MAKER & PATHFINDER and CRESTFALLEN. I finished THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY and I think it’s turned out well. And book sales have been pretty good. A couple of titles are still waiting to be discovered though. Readers really do need to get on that.
Bouchercon was a highlight although a scary one. It was a great honor to be the toastmaster at this year’s World Mystery Convention. Public speaking is something I do because I have to and not something I enjoy, so it’s hard to say I had fun, but I was more than happy to have done it. I was touched by some of the remarks made by some of my favorite authors. As scary, touching, exciting and tiring as it all was, I would do it again. This year has been a year where people have wanted me for my mind and not just my words. I seem to be building a reputation for my industry knowledge. I did put on several seminars for writers and a publisher hired me as a consultant to help with a book launch. I want to keep building in this direction as it’s good to have an additional string to my bow.
Away from the keyboard there’ve been some good things too. I’ve continued to improve cycling prowess. My times were better across all events although I’ve yet to crack a 100k in 3hrs. For me, cycling is where I do all my story thinking.
On the home front, things came together albeit with a little elbow grease. After last year’s debacle with our mortgage lender who nearly financially ruined us with their incompetence, we’ve paid off the mortgage, replaced the windows, installed solar and gone with a tankless water system. We’re now lean and green, but more importantly, we’re self supporting. Being a writer means being an independent contractor, so by keeping overheads low, I can weather any writing storms that should come my way.
There have been a couple of disappointments along the way. A TV pilot deal fell by the wayside along with a few other things. August proved particularly hard on the soul where three publishing deals fell through. Naturally, these things happen and as a writer, you just roll with the punches and move on to the next opportunity.
Overall 2014 has been solid. It’s been another good foundation year where I’ve continued to solidify my position as a full time writer. I’m quite excited about next year. There are some good things planned for THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY. I’m hoping to seal the deal on some new things. All in all, I hope it’s going to be a big year.
That’s me, but what about you? How’s your year been?
