Tuesday 9 December 2014

Taking Stock of 2014

Monthly Clock Face, Messina
It’s a good time to take stock of the year almost ended and think a bit more about what’s coming next, writing-wise. Have I achieved what I hoped this year? Not completely, but that’s mainly because I don’t always make the effort to complete the projects in time! However, I’m happy with the writing year overall considering I’ve been enjoying life in between and we’ve been clearing out the house a bit. So here’s a rough overview of writing-related activities.
  • Adjudicator of Romance Novel Competition at SAW Conference
  • Shortlisted finalist in Holland Park Press Poetry Competition and read at the prize-giving
  • The Adonis Touch novella (2nd in series) published by Tirgearr
  • First Draft piece published in Writers’ Forum
  • Runner-up in Txtlit Competition
  • Article published in The Highlander Magazine (US)
  • Re-published Dangerous Deceit with new cover
  • Winner of Poetry Competition at Writing Group
  • Poem accepted for publication by the Hawick News
  • Story accepted for Anthology by Pulse/Myrmidon (not published yet)
  • Story published in Ireland’s Own
  • Story published in A Star in the Heart collection
  • Story Collection, Beneath the Treetops, on Amazon
Attended the RNA Conference in July
Entered first chapter of historical novel to M&B Open Subs – good feedback
Started a newsletter

Writing several new projects but haven’t finished them!
Several rejections and non-starters in a few competitions- par for the course

The most exciting event was having my new mainstream novel, The Highland Lass, accepted by Crooked Cat Publishing for a spring 2015 release. Can’t wait to get this ‘book of my heart’ out there at last. I was also asked by Thresholds if they could publish my non-fiction article about DH Lawrence and short stories in their January issue (more about that when it happens). Still to hear about a couple of other submissions to various places.

I’m not going to write a list yet of what I hope to finish and send out in the coming year, as it might well change before then. But I am interested to know - do any of you make a business plan for your working year? I haven’t done this in any great detail before but I read an excellent blog post from a writer who makes such a plan and it sounds a good idea. You can read her post here. I might get around to making such a plan myself for 2015 – watch this space!

If anyone is interested in books at 99c (or UK equivalent), it's happening on Facebook today - you might get a few bargains here!

Rosemary


11 comments:

Joanna said...

I am so impressed by your wonderful and well-deserved achievements, Rosemary. It is a fantastic list, one to be proud of. Your writing is beautiful and warm, your passion and skill evident in all your work, so I'm not surprised you have done so well.

My plan for next year is to finish another two drafts of my current novel, now nearing the end of its second draft; to promote Tying Down The Lion and my story collection, due for release at the same time, and also to fit in some short stories and begin a third novel.

I hope you achieve all your dreams in 2015 and I'm absolutely sure you will. Congratulations on a fantastic year. xxx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Joanna - you are always so supportive and encouraging. Thank you so much for those very kind words.

As you know, I'm really looking forward to your novel and short story collection and I'm sure your writing career will go from strength to strength next year. I definitely want to feature you on my blog when your novel is released!

Nicola said...

What a wonderful reflection of achievements Rosemary. Isn't it a wonderful time of year? Taking stock of what we have accomplished and planning for the next chapter of our writing career. I love it. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a successful and prosperous new year! Thank you for such inspiring blog posts, Rosemary. Cheers!!

Nicola said...

An over abundance of 'wonderfuls' going on there :)

Joanna said...

Many thanks, Rosemary. I would absolutely love to be featured on your blog! xxx

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thank you so much, Nicola, and for taking time to comment on my blog. And you're quite right - it is a wonderful time of year! All the best to you and yours.

joanne fox said...

Well, that looks quite a round-up to me, Rosemary!

No I don't make a yearly plan, though at the end of each month I usually do a rough list for the next month. Things always change, and some stuff stays on the lists for some months until completion. But at least I am never stuck for something to do!

Vikki said...

I think this is a great list of achievements. What a fantastic year you've had! Here's to an even more successful 2015 x

Wendy's Writing said...

Many and varied achievements this year, Rosemary - good for you. I don't have a detailed plan but a general idea of what I want to achieve.

Carolb said...

You've done so well this year, Rosemary, congratulations on all your successes so far this year, and the many more to come.:-)

I always set myself a basic target for the approaching year, and review what I've done in the current year to remind myself what I've achieved so far, and what more is possible.

Looking forward to reading more of your successes in 2015.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joanne - a monthly rough list sounds like a great idea! Might try that next year.

Thanks a lot, Vikki - will try to do as well this coming year!

Thanks, Wendy - a general idea is usually what I have, although I tend to ignore it half the time!

Many thanks, Carol - you've not done badly yourself! A basic target for the year is a good idea.