Good-bye 2009 -- Hello Tomorrow

This is the time of year I look back and say, "I should have..., I wish I could have..., Why didn't I..."

Looking back on 2009, I actually accomplished more than in 2008. This year I wrote and took pics for The Times of Southwest Louisiana. One of my pictures actually made the cover. I've been able to get needed publicity for deserving artists, writers, and different organizations. Overall, I feel fairly satisfied with this year, though I didn't write a lot of fiction. I've been able to encourage and teach and I absolutely LOVE that--encouraging those who truly have talent and teaching/instructing on a casual level. I've learned a lot about myself.

But what do I want for 2010?

Arghhhh, I hate verbalizing goals, tossing them out there for all to see. That's the kiss of death. I hate--yes, HATE-- commitment, even though I never miss deadlines and will bust butt to meet them. I hesitate to obligate myself for some weird reason, but I've certainly done a lot of that this year. And that's what makes me wonder. . .

If I toss my goals out there for all to see (or at least the 24 of you who follow this pitiful semblance of a blog) will I be more likely to accomplish them?

Let's find out and see what happens.

In 2010 I want more of the same, but also I want to . . .

Rewrite Miranda's Mistake and In the Valley of Broken Dreams. Both novels are completed but I plan to revise/rewrite using Randy Ingermanson's Snowflake method--a program I bought and really like. I'll give each revision 6 months.

Do some freelancing--just a little--outside the regional market.

Completely outline the three nonfiction books I've started. No pressure here. I want to just sit down and devote some time to them; give each some serious thought.

For fun, do some beading. I'm always threatening to quit writing and go into jewelry-making. Well...I've taken the first step and joined a beading group.

And last, become a serious blogger. That's where YOU come in. What do I blog about?

I've noticed my favorite blogs are those that are organized with a specific schedule, like my friend Erica's at On The Write Path. That's what I want: ORGANIZATION!

So... give me some inspiration or advice. So far I have Monday Motivation which can be any little motivational tidbit including quotes and on Saturdays I'll revive my Louisiana Saturday Night--interviewing Louisiana authors. I'd like to blog about three or four days a week. I plan to cut back on the blog tours/reviewing except for special friends and books.

Suggestions, anyone? Come on, help me out here!

And the Winners are . . .

Last week I caught a cold, or something, and have been under the very rainy weather for several days. Bummer! I hardy ever get sick. Orange juice has never tasted so good.

In spite of sniffing, sneezing and coughing, popping Sudafed and Advil, I had a few assignments so I've dodged raindrops to make deadlines. This isn't fun. Louisiana weather is weird--hot one day, freezing the next. No wonder everyone is sick! Curling up with a good book is the only way to go during this kind of weather, and that's exactly what my two winners can do:

Congratulations to Sherry Ann Miller and Sherry Dale Rogers. I know they will enjoy Mistletoe and Murder by Florence Case.

Christmas Parties, Mistletoe and Murder

Bayou Writers' Group celebrated Christmas this past Saturday. Here are some of our members. We were really surprised when Santa made a surprise appearance. Believe me he looked like the real deal.
Don't we look great? We've just come through a successful conference and now we're looking at a new year. I pray 2010 is our best year yet--for fun, fellowship, writing and marketing our work.

If you ever find yourself heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana, let us know. We'd love to meet you for coffee or have you speak to us.



Now on another note, If you read my blog regularly, you know my writer friend, Florence Case from North Louisiana passed away awhile back. Her last book hit the stands a few weeks ago so I bought three copies: one for myself and two to give away. Some time ago, I interviewed Flo for my weekly Louisiana Saturday Night, interviews with Louisiana authors. I'm sharing Q&A #11 with you because so often, especially at the end of a year when we look back and see how little we've accomplished, we begin to doubt and wonder if we should try beading, photography or some other craft to satisfy our creative itch. Flo's answer is one for us to keep in mind.

11) What would you like to say to writers who are reading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, if they are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough to share?
Ask yourself if you're meant to be a writer. Signs? You try to quit, but you keep going back to writing. You keep envisioning scenarios about people and stories. Anything else you do for pleasure or work makes you feel incomplete.
And/or you have a background involving any or all of the following: You always had a book in your hands; you'll stay up really late to read a good story; English was one of your easiest subjects; you like to spin unique tall tales or embellish on things when you tell what you've been up to. You have opinions on lots of stuff and find people fascinating. If you see yourself anywhere in the above, and you have strong skills, you'll need perseverance. Don't worry about if the market is out there. Just keep writing.

To read the full interview with Florence, go HERE. And to read my tribute to this special lady, go HERE.

I couldn't think of a better Christmas give-away than Mistletoe and Murder. Leave a comment if you want your name dropped into Santa's Stocking. He'll be drawing two winners.