There is something about the end of year that causes someone to reflect. Well, I found myself reflecting recently as the end of 2024 was coming to an end a couple of weeks ago. I was feeling like I hadn't accomplished much that year, at least not what I was planning, and was feeling disappointed. Then, scrolling back through my photos, I started seeing all that I did do. There was quite a bit, too long for a social media post. So, here is my reflection of 2024.
Publication
I honestly thought I hadn't published anything this year. I wrote three stories for Havok Publishing (if you've been hanging out for a while, you know I have written and published a bunch of flash fiction stories with them over the last five years and used to volunteer with them) and submitted three of those stories. Sadly, not one was accepted.
However, I actually did publish two stories. First, a short store was released on Jenelle Schmidt's blog in February, an Asian inspired fantasy that retells a fairy tale and the story of Judith from the Bible.
Also, I did have a story release with Havok in their Legendary anthology. "Relic Recovery League" is Warehouse 13 meets Indiana Jones meets the Bible. I had fun creating my Catholic secret society that collects and protects artifacts from the Bible.
If you'd like to read either one of these, they are available to ready, the first on Jenelle's blog and the second in Havok anthology on Amazon and on my website.
Anaya the Seafarer Released
Anaya finally set sail! I've had the idea for this character and her adventures for a few years now, wanting to write these stories and how I wanted to release them since I plan for this to be an ongoing series. Well, I finally started this year!
I can't wait to wrap up her first story arc (about half way through) and there have been some learning curves. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to keep up with an on going series while also working on my next book. I'll need to work on keeping up with my schedule but I'm looking forward to working on this adventure and releasing the first story arc in paperback and ebook form.
Right now it is only available chapter by chapter on Patreon and Ream. But stay tuned...
Catechism in a Year
I finished Catechism in a Year in March (I think). Late in finishing it but I finished it. It took time but I kept with it and it was good. I'll have to do it again some day as well as Bible in a Year.
Vender Event
I did my second vender event this year in June. It was a better event than my first. I talked to a lot of people, books were sold, and I almost broke even. After the event, there were a couple of sales through Hoopla which will bring it into library systems so I'm hoping others will discover it and give it a try. I also ran a Facebook Add over Christmas which was a lot stronger than the first one I ran a few years ago. I think this year ended up being one of my top sales years since The Beauty of Magic's release. I am still planning my events for this coming year but I hope to keep up the momentum this year and learn some good advertising and marketing techniques that I can use for future books.
Realm Makers
I've been a part of the writers group Realm Makers for years, wanting to go to their conference but not having the finances. In 2020, when everything went online, I was able to attend for the first time and attended virtually each year since.
But, in July, I was able to attend for the first time in person! It was great. I got to learn how airports work (not as fun and overrated), visited the St Louis Zoo, meet so many author friends and new ones, great speakers and sessions, and got to problem solve when my flight got caught up in that whole issue with Delta. Also, the books. So many books. I was also able to pick up my Finalist badge while I was there. The Beauty of Magic finalized in 2022 in the Novelette category.
I can't share all the pictures here but if you want to see more, visit my Instagram and Facebook to see more. You can also visit the Realm Makers website if you'd like to learn more about them or join the conference.
I Learned a New Craft
A local business taught a glass on how to create a stained glass Highland Cow. It was so cute that I wanted to take the class. While I was only anticipating doing the one class, I ended up falling in love with the process. I've now done several stained glass projects and even designed and made my own pattern. I can't wait to continue growing this skill this year.
I have lots of ideas but what sort of patterns would you love to see in the future?
Saw the New Lord of the Rings Movie
Don't underestimate the simple. Going to a movie, attending Independent Bookstore Day at your local shop, learning a new board game with friends (which I also did do and wanted to share the pictures). It is these little events added up to a year of activities. I only remember seeing one movie this year (actually, I also saw an Angel Studios film this year), Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim, where I went to the closest AMC Theater to get one of the special steins. While the movie ended having a little of criticism, I enjoyed it but felt a few things could have been stronger to make it shine. And, it was an adventure going to a different theater in a quest for the exclusive. A fun outing.
Accomplished a Goal
My state has a writer's grant that it give out every year. I've known about it for a long time (back in collage at least I believe) but have never been able to apply. First, I wasn't qualified. Second, the details for the grant change every two years, such as theme and categories, so there is a limited time I can apply. Two years ago, I wasn't able to get my entry finished in time. So this year, I took time from both Anaya and my WIP to finally apply. And I did it. I got it in a little later than I'd hoped, but I finished, uploaded, and submitted. I'll hear results in April so now it is time to wait and keep working.
I can't share what I submitted but I hope to prioritize this project soon.
Wrap Up
So, lots more than I had anticipated. It was a good year and a lot happened. Thank you for joining more on this journey and all its adventures and I hope you continue with me in 2025. Happy New Year and will be seeing you.
