There is no other way to describe this year other than to say it has been EPIC! Unlike most years in a writer’s life, this one has been a rollercoaster of HIGHs. Since our last Sparkle Party, my reasons to celebrate have been immense:
- Miles Between Us won Just Write’s Monthly Masterpiece
- Baby Number Two was highly commended in the Accent Press/Women’s Magazine Writing Competition
- I won the 2015 Katie Fforde bursary
- I was a finalist at the London Book Fair Write Stuff event.
- I was offered a two-book contract with Carina UK
- The Romaniacs won Media Star at the RNA Industry Awards
Sue, Catherine, jan, Laura, Debbie & Vanessa, with Celia & Lucie holding the fort back at Romaniac HQ, but with us in spirit.
So overall, my writing CV is somewhat shinier than it was this time last year, but none of this has come without sheer determination and grit. I’ve only listed the good stuff here because those are the parts I’m choosing to dwell on. There are of course the occasions I’ve submitted to agents and been rejected or not received a reply. There are the competitions I’ve entered and not even been placed in. To those occasions I say Pah! Because what do they matter? Those occasions won’t stop me from writing something new, from doing something different, from finding someone who loves my style of writing as much as I do.
As this is my last LCOAW this year, I’m going to encourage you to write some lists. One for the things you have achieved this year however big or small, writing related or not. Then write a second list for the things you want to achieve in 2016. I’ve been doing this every year for the past five years and without encouraging myself, half of the above wouldn’t have happened. I’ll be writing mine up soon and I break it down into categories: Family/Health/Writing/Competitions. (I have a feeling I might have to add spring cleaning the house once Book Two is written.) Once you have those lists, continue celebrating the good stuff, even if it’s the simple things like writing The End.
Then find a group to celebrate with like The Romaniacs. Because on the occasions I haven’t triumphed, they have. On the occasions I’ve wanted to grumble, they’ve listened. When I’m not sure where I’m going wrong, they’ve pointed me in the right direction. And vice versa. In just under two weeks when we meet up for our next Sparkle event, I know this whole life cycle of a writer gets to start all over again! And who knows what the next year will bring?
The Romaniacs 
Great post and an amazing year for you, Catherine. 😀 I remember coming home from last year’s Sparkle weekend in the car with you and you told me about the list idea. I did make a list but I haven’t been great at sticking to it but never the less, it does help to keep you focussed. I will definitely be doing it again for 2016.
xx
Your energy and enthusiasm is legendary, Catherine. I am so thrilled for you – it’s been a brilliant year. Can’t wait to own a copy of your debut 😀 xx
Catherine, you’re a total star! You’ve just made me stop and think of all the good things I’ve achieved on the writing front. There have been some stressful things to deal with on the personal front, but you know what? Even they have a positive. Where’s my pen? Need to make my list. Do I really have to put spring cleaning the house on it? 😦 I’d just like to add my thanks to the superb Romaniacs too! You’ve been tremendously supportive, ladies. There with the shoulders and wine when I needed it most. Ta, m’dears! Go, Catherine! 🙂 xx