Happy New Year everyone!

I guess the thing to do with the beginning of the new year is to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Probably something we should do more than just once a year, but it’s still as good a time as any to start!

2015 in review

Last year, after a long time of doubt, soul-searching, and learning more about the current options for writers, I decided to move forward with self-publishing my first novel. I started this blog, scheduled a copy editor for February 2016, went over my manuscript for the zillionth time, and then sent it to some beta-readers who are still reading and giving/plan to give me some priceless feedback before I make some more changes and send it to my editor. I’ve read countless blog posts and articles on self-publishing, book marketing, consumed an inordinate amount of podcast episodes, and read a couple books on the subject, and I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. However, I feel way more prepared and educated than just 6 months ago, and I know that while I still have more to learn, I’m going to do my best to learn and apply my knew knowledge. I’m currently still shopping around for a cover designer, but I’m narrowing it down little by little (hope to have someone nailed down in a couple weeks).
Also, I had some short fiction published last year! You should still be able to find my short stories, “A Man’s Guitar” and “Mama’s Bird” online for free.

Looking forward to 2016

My main goal for 2016 is to publish my first novel on Amazon as an ebook and POD paperback by June! And I know that I have a lot of work to do still, but I’m on a pretty good track to get there in time. I’m also looking into the possibility of making an audiobook version after the ebook and paperback come out. Stay tuned!
Another goal for 2016: finish a rough draft of another novel-length manuscript before the year’s end. Depending on how busy I am with the rest of my life (and with my job where I actually try to make real dollars), this may take as short as a few months to as long as the whole year. Who knows? But I think if I’m consistent I can easily finish before 2017. Often, though, writing is scary and hard.
I have a few short stories submitted to different markets. If you’ve ever tried to get short stories published, you know the submission process can be pretty brutal. While I’ve had tons of rejections last year, I’m still pretty hopeful.
I want to feature some interviews with other authors on this blog sometime this year. I don’t really know who or when, but again, keep checking up.
Another goal is to actually remember the date. After I finished a version of this post, I realized I better check and make sure that it is in fact 2016 (it is!). People close to me know that I have trouble with my own birthday. Maybe I can at least master the current year.
As far as my writing life goes, I’m pretty excited about 2016. I can’t wait to share my fiction with you guys. If you want to get regular, more detailed updates on my writing progress, send me your email address and I’ll keep you in the know. I’m also hoping to send a free preview of my book to the folks on my email list as I get closer to publication.
Otherwise, thanks for reading my blog! Here’s to a great new year!(Sounded so cliche I just had to say it.)