2011 Recap: 4.5 out of 5!

At the beginning of the year, I wrote some goals for myself as a writer. How did I do?

1. This year I will write more.
I did! I finished two (as yet unpublished) novellas this year, and outlined two more. I also did concept work on a new series that I fully intend to outline. There was also the "CM project" which I quit halfway in, and eventually cannibalized. I could have done more, if not for having a baby and maintaining my day jobs. Getting my smartphone, Lucas Android, helped with the outlining at least. With it I've been able to record my ideas, and even lining up at the supermarket cashier is productive time. Score: 1 point.

2. This year I will publish online more.
Love Your Frenemies was my only indie online publication this year. I wish there had been more, and there would have been more if I had my way on everything. (Which I don't.) Score: 0.5.

3. This year I will help people get published.
I did! Some on Amazon, others elsewhere, but definitely I did my work in this area. I apologize to fellow novelists who've contacted me but I wasn't very hands-on about. I decided that I wouldn't be too involved in work that's similar to mine, but I do hand them off to capable editors and publisher people. Score: 1.

4. I will buy less paper and start going digital.
I did! Read close to 50 books this year, and over 40 are ebooks. Even when supporting Filipino authors, I bought ebook versions of their work. Score: 1.

5. I will try writing something new and different.
This is probably what I'm proudest of -- because I quit on it so many times in the past few years. But yes, I tried something different, but hopefully remained myself throughout. Score: 1.

2011 was kind to my books too. My Imaginary Ex returned to the bookstores, and was my most-mentioned book on social media this year. Fairy Tale Fail surpassed its older sibling (MIE) in units sold, and continues to be my overachieving baby. No Strings Attached is the most-appreciated-by-women-of-a-certain-age book, I must say, based on emails and other feedback I've received. (No I will not say what age.) Love Your Frenemies is so far the youngest, and the one I had least expectations for (because it was so difficult to write) -- but the generally positive response to it has been the most satisfying I think.

The work hasn't ended yet for me, as I'm still preparing the release of Interim Goddess of Love. It's fun work though.

Happy holidays to everyone!