Here's to the New Year...

It's been a while since I blogged on the Bootcampers site. I haven't had much to share of late when it comes to writing, but I've started to reflect on what an interesting year 2009 has been.

This year I became a Bootcamper, did an e-pitch, worked on improving my critiquing skills and made a point of doing more research into the market. I didn't write as much or as often as I'd hoped to, but is there EVER enough time write? Probably not.

It's difficult to manage a young family and an active lifestyle at any time, and to fit the dream of publication in there is almost - but not quite - impossible for me right now. I squeezed it in when I could, but it just couldn't find a nice, neat place for it in between the soccer, dance classes and layers of plasterboard. Poor little dream got a wee bit lost in all the chaos, but I've dusted her off, and she's ready to go again. A bit wonky, and requiring some reshaping, but worth resurrecting.

So, yes, 2009 was not a great year writing-wise for me, but it was a good one. I moved forward. I made progress. I have more words now than I did in 2008. I know a lot more than I did last year, and I'm more confident in my ability than ever before. I have potential, and I'm determined to stick it out. I just need to take things at my own pace, and not rush, especially when I know I don't have the time right now to give it my best shot.

One thing I've said before, and will continue to say, is that the best thing I did this year was participate in Bootcamp. It opened my eyes to the huge flaws in my writing (and to the good bits, as there were some!), as well as introduced me to some lovely people with similar dreams about being published. The BootCats, in particular, have been a source of inspiration for me this year, and I want to thank them for their support. But every Bootcamper, from our bunch to those who went before us, deserves a special thanks for any bit of support or wisdom they have shared.

Oh, and here's a pic of two BootCats - Shayne and I - at the Sydney lunch for RWA members about a week or so ago, showing our pearly whites!

Good luck to all the Bootcampers in 2010, and keep aiming for your dream. I'll be here to support you if you ever need it, so don't hesitate to contact me in the New Year.

Happy writing,

xx Mon