The year has flown. I’ve launched, I’ve signed, I’ve smiled, I’ve cried, I’ve let new friends into my life, I’ve lost friends, I’ve realised (once again) that the online world can be magical, I’ve realised (once again) that the online world can be cruel, I’ve been part of events around the UK, I’ve read reviews, I’ve had a best-seller in Malta, I’ve toured in Malta, I’ve stopped writing, I’ve parted company with my agent (6 months ago), I’ve been excited about writing, I’ve written 25 short stories for ‘Freaks!’, I’ve written ’99 Reasons Why’, I’ve sorted out my dodgy health, I’ve met a professional man who has the potential to change my career.
It’s been quite a year.
Now I feel that I’m about to step into something new and I’ve important decisions to make. I’m waiting to hear what will happen with my very quirky ’99 Reasons Why’ and if or when it’ll be published. This wait has been really hard. I’m just finishing my final tweaks of ‘Freaks!’ and that’ll be submitted in the next couple of weeks (Amazon tells me publication is April 2012). I’m feeling very out of my depth with some aspects of publishing and, without an agent, am struggling to make the right decisions. But…
In amongst lots of niggles and rubbishness, there is a shimmering sparkle of delight. I met David (in a professional capacity, I feel I should add!) at an event last May. He turned up in leathers, clutching a bike helmet and bought ‘Like Bees to Honey’. We’ve been in regular contact since. David has boosted me and my writing in a way that few people possibly could. I’m currently writing novel 4 which I guess is for him (but, yes, that sounds odd). Regardless of whether or not something becomes of our professional connection, having someone like him so enthused about my writing is amazing. It’s quite simple, but having someone positive about your writing makes you want to create. (I know, as I said, simple!)
A very late night conversation last night made me realise that I have exciting possibilities ahead of me. In simple terms, I need to keep the positive people close and the negative people far far away. I have an opportunity to create a novel that is so different to anything else I’ve ever written (it even has paragraphs and standard grammar and I’m planning!). I’m a mix of absolute excitement and ‘can-I-do-it?’ fear about this novel, but I know that this one feels right and it wants to be written (and that, believe me, is a huge relief).
18,000 words in…
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Exciting stuff! I’m so pleased that you’re feeling on such a high, you deserve it. Can’t wait to hear about the new book xxx
I’ve so much going on at the moment that’s rubbish I think it’s made me realise there are people who ‘get’ me and my writing and they’re the ones to focus on… not the people who want to squash my spirit and make me give up. Send me positive vibes for this new book, I’ve a nig [edited: big!] task ahead of me
xxx
Will do, although I have no idea what’s involved in a ‘nig’ task. Sounds intriguing.
Big task!!! I know how you feel!!! xxxx
Carol - yes, but you have me cheering you on!
x
I never get why people feel the need to squash the spirit of others. Go for it Caroline. Really excited about your future x
You can be excited and I’ll be terrified
x
A little bit of fear for the future is good but I hope you’re excited about making the leap and trying something new, too. You’re an incredible writer and a lovely lady and I’m very glad that I got on a bus this time last year and came and met you. It was definitely one of my better decisions. Sending you lots of creative vibes and positivity. xxx
Thank you so much! That’s a very perfect comment. I’m so glad that we got to meet at my launch and hope that out paths continue to cross x
I can’t believe it’s a year since you launched Bees. That’s amazing. It also means it’s a year since I saw you, which makes me sad. I’m thrilled you have so many exciting things on the go at the moment, and can’t wait to read all of them. (PS Simon loves you. But not as much as he loves me.)
That is sad, isn’t it? Hope we get to meet again soon. And as for Simon… do you think we need to move to the US? I fear he is avoiding us both x
It really has been quite a year, hasn’t it? I would echo what Helen (M Hunt) has said too
x
What?!? You think Simon loves Helen more than he loves me too? It’s a year since I saw you. That’s rubbish, isn’t it? My stalking needs work, yes?
x
You’re probably lucky. When you join destiny, desires and dreams, then stops and time has no beginning and no end. You are happy and time does not affect the happiness. Congratulations to the new novel.
Hello and thank you for your lovely comment!
What a huge year this has been! I’m sending all sorts of good vibes in your direction and hopes that your new direction becomes all you hope it will be. And I’m sure it wil.
Thanks so much Sue, really appreciate it.
This is a nice post, Caroline - I admit I’m intrigued by the events you scoot over in your first couple of paragraphs!
I’ve had an interesting year, too. I’ve retired from writing and, belatedly, had my most successful publishing experience. I’ve parted company with my agent (well, not exactly; we’re on a break).
It’s a journey
Thanks Ian and congrats with your amazing success! You’ve retired from writing? I thought you had a new novel just about to come out? Haven’t I seen a new front cover today? My year has been mixed, with so many positives and the journey sometimes feels like an obstacle course, but I’m still here.. if not puffing and panting a wee bit. x
Thanks! Yes, I do have a new book out, but it’s really a book that I should have published years ago (five years ago, I think). I’ve just properly edited it off my own back and put it out there. Sitting on the sidelines since 2005 was so monumentally disheartening that I gave up writing; and I think I probably still have. More depressing stuff here: http://ianhocking.com/2011/04/22/one-thing-about-me/ However, since that post I’ve sold 1700 copies of Déjà Vu, which I’m very happy with. Perhaps I’ll do a Frank Sinatra…but probably not.
A Frank Sinatra? Flying to the Moon? Blue Moon? Somethin’ Stupid?
Wishing you the very best of luck with it all. Am sure you’ll do amazingly well. x
I’ll take Flying to the Moon!
Congratulations, chick. It has been quite a year for you. I wish you all the best in everything you do, now and in the future. I remember having a call from you on the way home from Bees book launch. I remember the man in the leather biker gear…I can’t believe it’s a year since I saw you. Good luck with the next twelve months x
Thanks honey. I wish you extra-special luck in the next few weeks! x
I used to have my Mary Hazel, my traffic manager, to push, encourage, tolerate and be my confessor. I miss her. Every writer needs a Mary Hazel - sounds like you’ve found yours. Lucky you! x
So true! Every writer does need someone to push. Some people are lucky to get that from an agent, others a publisher, and some in very different forms
x
Brilliant Caroline, I’ve no doubt you’ll pull it off, and fabulously! Totally relate about supportive folk, the people who understand, who push, worth way more than their weight in gold x
Glad you have faith in me x
I was just thinking that you had ‘grown up’ because you did a post without mentionning the sc word but then he manages to pop up in the comments!!!! Ah well never mind who needs to grow up anyway? Be who you and don’t change thats advice from a little woolly one. And can’t wait for your next novel, sending you luck from my sunny corner of France.
SC seems to be here to stay
Thanks for your good luck and if you could send me some sunshine… x
That should say ‘be who you are and don’t change’ .
Sounds like you’ve had a mad, fantastic year, but with all your hard work I’m sure it’s all well deserved.
Congratulations. Cheers Cathy
Thanks Cathy. Hope all is good with you x
I hope Malta laid on the red carpet otherwise I will be having a word with their tourist board…again.
When a Literary Queen visits they should bow the way we do here. For the words of Caroline’s fiction are unforgettable, and she will always have a special place in our hearts.
So Malta if you are reading, we need to talk about her next visit….I have some ideas….
I wish you happy and exciting times ahead. I’m excited by your excitement for your new book!
Anna May x
Keep going, Girl - You’re an inspiration.