2008 Is Right Around the Corner!

What goals do you have for 2008? What challenges are waiting for you?

To recap, let's just say that 2007 was a whirlwind year; a great year me. My first novel was published by the first publisher I contacted and it's been a perfect match. I worked harder on my novel than I ever worked at anything before in my life. Made some mistakes, tried several new ventures, learned a few lessons, made lots great new friends, and some dreams came true.

At this time a year ago, I was finalizing the edits on Silenced Cry with my editor while starting work on the second book. I developed my website (a very intimidating experience), had a blast creating my book trailer, and outlined my marketing plan. But the truth of the matter is that I had no expectations as far a sales or promotions. I was at a point where I didn't know I didn't know ... but now I do.

Thankfully 2008 promises to bring more of the same. I submitted the second book in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery series to my publisher on December 18 and have started work on book three. If accepted, the entire process will begin again starting with the editing the second book which will take some time. My photographer friend is brainstorming ideas for the cover and the graphic designer is standing by. My website will need to be updated with the new book information, and I'll need to develop a new book trailer and will have to evaluate and tweak my marketing tactics. I look forward to more book signings, a conference or two, maybe another virtual book tour, adding more friends to my list, and hopefully getting a few more interviews and reviews.

So what's the short list of things I learned in 2007? That ...

1. family still comes first.

2. writing is 5% passion and 95% hard work.

3. anything is achievable if I put my mind to it.

4. some days I'll work like a dog and get nowhere and that's okay as long as I walk away having learned something from the experience.

5. some days, I'll just get lucky and that's okay too.

6. success is up to me.

7. what works for someone else won't necessarily work for me--so dare to try something new.

8. reciprocate, reciprocate, reciprocate.

9. timing is everything especially when there's a deadline involved.

10. it's okay to cry.

11. I should choose my battles carefully.

12. many will pat me on the back, but a true friend will be honest.

13. there's nothing wrong with standing up for myself.

14. I am less experienced than most and more than others, but we all have one thing in common. We had to start somewhere.

15. I will never stop learning.

16. not everyone is who they say they are.

17. it's good to pay it forward.

18. I should always listen to my heart. Unlike my brain, it doesn't second guess itself.

19. if the green-eye monsters come out of hiding, I must be doing something right. Skip to number 22.

20. e-mails and forums are addictive.

21. the relationships I nurture today will become life-long gems.

22. Smile. It drives people crazy.

23. the real work starts AFTER I typed "The End."

24. I need to remain true to myself.

24. I need to remember to breathe!

As great as 2007 was, I'm ready for 2008. How about you?

Happy New Year Everyone!!