Friday, December 28, 2012

2012 In My Rear View Mirror

Ending a year on a positive note is, in my opinion, at least as important as starting a year on a positive note.


I took a little time recently to look in my rear view mirror and examine the positive things that have happened this year.  I decided to list many of those accomplishments that apply in some form to blogging or writing.

Having begun diligently working on my first book a little over a year ago and started blogging back in February, I've:
  • Published over 200 posts
  • Finished drafting--and revising--The Bonding, my first book in the Strands of Pattern series
  • Welcomed more than 30 writers, bloggers and authors as guests on my blog
  • Received more compliments, congratulations and well-wishes than I can count
  • Watched my confidence as a writer (and even blogger) grow beyond my expectations
  • Joined over four hundred blogs and frequent a hundred more
  • Created a Facebook page, Google+ and Goodreads accounts, and started Tweeting
  • Found some top-of-the-line critique partners
  • Had dozens of my posts linked from inkPageant and other places 
  • Attended my first writer's workshop (Thank you, Uncle Orson Scott Card!)
  • Had a short story published
  • Critiqued or reviewed a half-dozen full length novels in addition to scores of chapters and short stories
  • Met a slew of awesome people and embarked upon some treasured friendships.

As such, I am forced to conclude that 2012 has been a most excellent year.  And I wanted you to know that if you're reading this post then chances are good that you helped make it so.

And to you I say, thanks!

May we endeavor to accomplish great things in 2013 and find the courage and determination to succeed.

24 comments:

  1. You've had a great year, Jeff. Here's to an amazing 2013.

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  2. Glad 2012 went well for you and wish you an even better 2013.

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  3. Good on you, Jeff. You have every reason to be proud of your 2012, and I'm sure 2013 will be even better.

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    1. We shall endeavor to make it so. Wow, did I just channel Picard?

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  4. Excellent Jeff! You are an asset to the writing community and a valued friend. May 2013 see your successes multiplied.

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    1. Thanks, Julie. You've always got a kind word. May all our successes be multiplied next year!

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  5. All positive things! You're right - ending the year on that note is as important as beginning it. (And so is maintaining that attitude throughout the year.)
    This year was so huge for me, I can't imagine how next year could top it. But I am willing to try!

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    1. We've always got to try, no doubt about it. Maintaining a positive outlook is a choice. Looking for good things ahead.

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  6. "Uncle Orson Scott Card"? You're related?!?!?

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    1. Oh, how I wish I could say yes. He lives not terribly far from me, actually. But to all his workshop students, he's Uncle Orson. :-)

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  7. So pleased to here your year has been a good one, I'm sure 2013 will be even better. On another note Orson Scott Card is one of my favourite writers so jealous that you've been on a workshop with him.

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    1. Yes, it was quite enlightening hearing his views and perspectives on things. I thoroughly enjoyed his workshop.

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  8. It looks like a pretty good year. Hope the next one is at least as good!

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  9. Hi Jeff,

    What a positive, upbeat posting that bodes well for your future endeavours and interaction. Your hopes, your dreams, your aspirations will inspire. And you share with us your integral part of this great community.

    Indeed, we are all in this together. Encouragement and support are cherished gifts. May you have a most peaceful, positive and fulfilling, New Year.

    In kindness and goodwill,

    Gary

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    1. And may your New Year be just as peaceful, positive and fulfilling, Gary. We are indeed all in this together.

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  10. Wow, what a great year! You've accomplished a lot in 12 months :) May 2013 be just as good to you!

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  11. Whoa, that is an impressive list. I think it took me a whole year of blogging to just get my feet wet. Keep on rocking!

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    1. Thanks, Shell. I really did hit the ground running with the blog. It just took me a while to figure out exactly where I was going. I'm really pleased with where I've come thus far. I am so much richer for the experience and for the relationships that have developed as a result.

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  12. Whoa! So many accomplishments! 2012 definitely seems like it was a great year for you. Good luck accomplishing just as much, and perhaps even more, in 2013! :)

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    1. 2012 was definitely a great year! And I'm holding to hope that 2013 will be even better--for ALL of us!

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