In an effort to stay positive, I decided to celebrate my writing hits for 2009. I took the misses into account when writing my daily plan and 2010 goals, but today's post is all about getting, and staying, in the game. Even if I'm not batting a thousand. (Sorry, I'm having too much fun with baseball metaphors…)
- Started writing in January! Joined RWA in March.
- Completed two manuscripts (When You're Not Looking and Counting on You) and started Floater. (Also wrote about 100 pages each of two others that may or may not be revisited. The characters, however, are eager for my return.)
- Entered Counting on You in three contests. Received helpful feedback, and took 1st place in one contest. Also entered it in the 2010 Golden Heart.
- Joined Southern Magic RWA chapter and met some great, helpful authors and aspiring writers.
- Met my great writing friend and most awesome CP, Christine, thanks to unlikely mutual acquaintance, Marie.
- Queried four agents with Counting on You. Got two standard rejections, one partial request, and have one still outstanding.
- Got my PRO status with RWA.
- Started writing romantic suspense–the genre I really want to write, but was afraid to try–with a little (friendly) push from Laura.
- Attended a fabulous reader's luncheon where I mingled with cool authors like Lynn Rae Harris, Christy Reece, Kimberly Lang, Anne Stuart, and many others.
- Started an almost-daily blog.
- Judged a contest for the first time and got all my entries done on time, complete with comments on the score sheet and the MS.
- Read eight craft books and took one online class.
It's been a busy and exciting year. I can only hope that with my goals written down, and the continued support of friends and family, 2010 will be even better!
Getting an agent would be a nice start, but first I have to finish the book, revise it, get my CP to look it over, revise it again, polish it, send out queries…
The Daily Squirrel: Eden, part II (a different coworker's viewpoint)
Eden really knew how to light up a room. She had a smile for everyone, and her colorful suits were a bright spot in a sea of gray and black. When some of us asked for help with our own wardrobes, she happily shared tips for dressing professionally without being boring.
During meetings, she had a way of keeping everyone on track without ruffling feathers, and always had a humorous quip ready in case the mood turned too serious.
Most of all, though, what drew me to Eden was her generous heart. When she heard my husband was in the hospital after a car accident, she brought over homemade dinners for a week so the kids and I could spend more time with Rob. That was even before we were friends.
Eden was a beautiful woman inside and out, and I always enjoyed work more when she was around.
Kimberly Lang
Gwen Hernandez
Christine
Gwen Hernandez
Christine
Martha W
Gwen Hernandez