I thought I’d take a leaf out of my dear sister Chelsea’s book and do a post about what I’ve accomplished for 2010 since, it being a sucky year, it might be a good perspectiviser (no, I know, it’s not a word) and not as depressing as it seems.
So, anyway, on with the perspectivising…
I have only had one sub out this year and it took a full year to have it rejected (yes, at partial stage). While I was waiting for that sub, I wrote four books, not including a second rewrite of the eventually rejected sub.
I’ve had two rejections. One for the above sub, and one for a pitch of a book I wrote a year or two ago.
I entered three contests. One I got nowhere. One I got lots of wonderful reader comments. And one I won. Two out of three ain’t bad. 🙂
I have had two requests. One from the editor for another story after the other two were rejected and one for the contest I won.
I have had about 30 thousands meltdowns (and that’s just in the last six months), given up writing for good at least as much, thrown myself on the couch and torn my hair about 100 times, sulked in my bed, ate chocolate and whined on 50 separate occasions, whined generally about writing and about how other people are doing waaaay better than me and why can’t I catch a break pretty much every week for the past year, and actively grumped at the family when the writing wasn’t going well every day.
I have gained an iPad, an octopus and the numbers 4 and 0 after my age.
I have also learned a whole lot about my process, about how to keep teh sexxay emotional, how to make sure conflict is there from the first page, and how to keep my conflicts simple! I am still learning and no doubt in the next year will learn even more.
And last but definitley not least, I have made so many wonderful friends through this blog, through conferences, through CPs and through writing in general and that made the Year of Suck infinitely more bearable.
So, thanks guys. For listening to my moanings and general crapola, for being supportive and patient with me. And for all your lovely encouraging comments this year.
Oh yes and ending on a hopeful note, I have three subs out there (sending my third tonight) now so am hoping one of them hits the target to make 2011 the Year of Win!
Any major revelations for 2010 that anyone wants to share? Writing ones not things like llamas are bigger than frogs or anything (which they are, oddly enough).
Now are you sure about llamas being bigger than frogs? 😉 LOL I like it.
You’ve had a very impressive 2010 and you’re ending it on such a high with three submissions in! May 2011 bring The Call your way xx
Lacey – apparently. 🙂 Don’t know if the year is impressive but the end was pretty good. Thanks for the good thoughts, Lacey. Right back at ya!
You should be SO proud of all you’ve achieved. I know it’s gonna get you fabulous places very soon!
LOVED meeting you in person at the conf btw!
x
Rach!
Rach – Awww back at ya too, chickie. What say you to 2011 being our year huh? I can’t wait to see you guys in Melbourne again. Because you WILL be coming. Hehe.
Oh I really hope I AM coming!!
May 2011 bring you all you wish for! And more!
Rach – you’d better. Hoo will be coming after you otherwise. 😉
Nas – same to you too!
I don’t know that I have any great revelations. I quit my (poorly paid, part time) job this year and have started seriously pursuing writing. I just sent in my SYTYCW submission. Now that I can’t do anything else with it, I’m oddly nervous.
Keeping my fingers crossed for all of your submissions, Jackie.
Good luck with your subs. It’s like riding a horse – if you fall off, you should just get back on again straightaway!
I’ve had a great 2010, after a shaky start. Had a nervous breakdown of sorts in January, suffered a number of ms rejections and various troubles with my kids, both older and younger. But I scooped the jackpot in the end, so I’m not complaining. 😉
The good thing about sucky years is they can only get better. Right?
Jackie, I hope 2011 brings you everything you’ve been working so hard for.
What have I learned? Hmm, this writing business is never easy for anyone no matter where you are on the journey?
Wishing you lots of luck for 2011 Jackie, three subs already? Your definitely starting the right way x
Julia – Yay for you! That’s what I did a couple of years ago. It was ostensibly to look after the kids but they’re at school during the day. Hehe. All part of the master plan.
Jane – so true. But 2010 was your year wasn’t it? Talk about the jackpot! And yes, I’m hoping for better from next year.
Anne – ack, it’s one hell of a journey isn’ it? Thanks for the good wishes. *passes some back*
Susan – starting as I mean to continue! 🙂 Thanks for the good luck. Right back at you for your revs.
Duh! Read your blog the other day and forgot to comment – blame it on the Xmas rush. Just wanted to say that I *feel* 2011 is going to be YOUR year. Caroline x
Caroline – I hope your feeling is correct! 🙂 Whatever happens, I know I’ll be learning heaps more. Let’s hope 2011 is the year for all of us eh?
Fabulous revelations eh? George Clooney has been lusting after me for AGES……What? Oh, they have to be true? *screws up nose* Reality is highly overrated – how’s that for a revelation?
I just wanted to say that my admiration for you just went a couple of notches higher Ms Ashenden. You’re a strong woman and a mighty role model. 2011 is going to be the Year of Yay! 3 subs is HUGE – what will you do when they are all accepted?
Elissa – um, yep, reality IS very overrated. Lol re me being a role model! I don’t know if that’s true at all but hoping 2011 is the Year of Yay! One thing’s for sure, gotta keep subbing otherwise won’t be the year of anything. 🙂