Reflections and the New Year

With 2012 coming fast, I’ve been reflecting on all the things that have happened over the last year.

I kicked my writing butt in gear to get my first book ready to query. Of course, I went through a handful of critiques to hone it into what it is now. The journey was agonizing. Developing a thick skin from crits wasn’t an easy feet at all. Ugh! Crying was a common occurrence. But it helped me to become a better writer.

I learned how to write a query letter as well as the dreaded synopsis. Querying was a battle for me. The ups and downs were awful. There were nights I only wanted to crawl on the couch and vege out, stuffing my face with chocolate.

But it paid off in the end when I achieved my goal to have an agent by the end of 2011. A lofty aspiration, I know! But it miraculously happened. I feel blessed for it and lucky.

I’ve also gained more confidence in my writing skills. Just weeks ago, I wondered how the devil I got an agent. It dawned on me I need to trust that I can write a story worth reading. An agent thinks so and others believe in me, too. It’s time for me to accept that I’m good at this.

I don’t say this in a prideful or pompous way. I am my own worst critic. We all are! It sucks, huh? I only share this to encourage all of you to believe in yourself.

Anyway, 2011 has been a fine year. I have high hopes 2012 will be likewise.

I hope we can all hail in a great 2012! Let’s make this a fantastic year!

What are things about 2011 that have made it a good year for you? What do you want to happen during the coming year?   

Happy New Year!

Writing. Jewels.

The Holiday Season

Autumn has somewhat of a bittersweet feel to it for me. I will miss the warmth of the previous season. However, I love autumn changing the color of the leaves and the crisp feel in the air. I love breaking out my fall and winter clothing; however, I do not like the decrease in the temperature. I tend to run cold, thus the cold weather doesn’t agree well with me. My teeth chatter. My knees shake. And I never can get just warm enough. Although, I enjoy sipping hot chocolate and wearing warm clothing, especially scarves. But the best part about the weather changing and autumn charging its way in is the holiday season draws near.
I constitute the holiday season as four holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. There really isn’t another time of the year that grants us so many entertaining holidays within a three-month period of time. I adore these holidays because they get people together for fun parties and gatherings. Friends join together to watch scary movies and trek through haunted corn mazes. Families gather together to eat delicious meals and enjoy each other’s company. Tricks are treated. Blessings are realized. Songs are sung. Trees are decorated. Service is offered. Gifts are given. A new year offers a regeneration of spirit. And love is shared.
With that said, what are your favorite parts of the holidays? Do you have a favorite holiday during this time of the year? You may even share a story that you can remember about a previous holiday season memory.
The holiday season is the best time of the year! I hope that you all enjoy 2010’s holiday season. With love, Julia!

PS: I can't say which holiday season holiday is my favorite, but it would be a toss up between Thanksgiving and Christmas!