The first two days of the bright, sparkling New Year has been about catching up with dear friends. I love it when I hop on Facebook for a few minutes only to have a writer friend or two pop up to say hello, and Happy New Year. Especially wonderful to catch up with those I have lost touch with over the past few months. More likely my lack of presence, due to a hectic full-time work schedule and being exhausted at the end of the day. I feel 2014 regardless of my busy work schedule promises to be a more exciting time for me.
Why and how do I know this? Well let’s see:-
Firstly; I will always be grateful for what 12×12 has done for me; meeting new people, learning and garnering so much inspiration, while enforcing and keeping me honest with my writing. It has also helped me with my inner confidence, and that’s a big plus. So I will be joining again with 12×12 in 2014, if for nothing else, then for the family atmosphere that radiates compassion, understanding and encouragement both in the forum and on facebook.
Secondly; My lovely critique group with whom I have had an amazing year and I am so happy we are soldiering on together again this year. We had some wonderful successes in our little group and I know we will hear of more success stories this year. I can feel it!
Thirdly; Making good use of services that are available to me, especially those I feel will benefit, guide and help mould my writing. Examples I will be looking at are Rate Your Story, and Emma Walton Hamilton’s YA Novel writing course that’s expected to start this year as well as a couple of others. This will depend on my time management, and other factors. Something I will be looking into as the year progresses.
Fourth; Continuing with Perfect Picture Book Friday, I love this. Making new friends through blog hopping and discovering what makes a great picture book in the process.
Fifth: and a biggie for me is time management. Setting up a roster to ensure I at least try to stick to meeting deadlines a little more with enthusiasm, instead of sliding on ice to get in, as I did more than once or twice last year. I am profusely aware of how important this is for me, would benefit my writing and also others with whom I have a “writing” relationship with . I owe it to them also.
I also intend to add more stories to my travel section of this blog, which is long overdue. So watch this space!
With a couple of changes I have made in my working life I feel that the coming year should work a little easier for me. The stress should not be as great as last year with cutting staff hours, and jobs and hiring additions. Believe me, from a boss’s point of view it is certainly not easy, and one goes home worrying, stressed out, and unable to sleep. But 2014 will have non of that… yay! Well, not unless someone knows something I don’t! …. All silent in the back row? Good!
I would love also to take this time to thank YOU who have taken time out of your busy life, to read and comment here. I know how time-consuming it can be at times hopping from one blog to another, especially when something you find interests you and takes you off the path you were first travelling. Without you this blog would not exist. Hugs and Thanks!
So, do I plan on more drafts, revisions and the biggie, submissions? Most certainly. That and the encouragement and love from you, and commitment from me, is what it is all about. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey in 2014.
Yay, looking forward in 2014,
*****************************
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Sounds like your 2014 will be awesome. Less stress at work is my goal too. All the best. I look forward to our continued correspondence through the wonderful world of blogging. Hugs from Canada
Hugs from NZ, Darlene. So love seeing you here. Glad you are also taking some time out for yourself in 2014. All the best.
I can REALLY relate to one part of your post in particular. I wonder why??? ;~)
Donna L Martin
http://www.donnalmartin.com
lol…2014 will be a more interesting year for both of us, I think. Lovely to catch up with you, my friend.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you this year, Diane, and reading your wonderful stories! Looking to reading more in 2014!
I too have enjoyed getting to know you, Tina. I am really excited about 2014 being a successful year for our little group. You have helped me so much, and I am truly grateful. Look forward to 2014 with you.
What a busy year you’ve ad. It must be really hard trying to fit in work and writing and keeping up with everybody. I hope 2014 is a great year for you with really special things happening. Keep blogging!
lol… it has been hectic at times, Anne. But I enjoy my writing and the encouragement and accountability that I am given keeps me on track and spurs me on. I too hope 2014 is a good one. I wish that also for you. You keep blogging too. All the best, my friend.
I love PPBF too, and for the same reasons!
Awww…. I love seeing your smiley face here, and so glad you love PPBF for the same reasons. See ya soon!
I ought to update that picture with a lot more grey hair!
You really have had a wonderful year! Enjoyed our chat yesterday!
Hi Pat, Well yes I did and I also had a lot of work related issues that kept me from writing, but I persistant as long as I have lovely friends like you around. Yes I did enjoy our chat. We must do it again soon.
I am so glad I stopped by. There is for which I am truly grateful and due in large part to my connection to 12 x 12 and amazing people I’ve come to love from this community. Love this blog.
awww… thank you Pamela for your lovely comment. 12×12 certainly has been a great help to many people. So glad you love it too. Thank you for being here.
I’m excited for you, Diane getting more time to write. You are an inspiration juggling work and writing. All the best in 2014 :0)
The more time to write will come with the setting of time management and not being so stressed. I haven’t cut back hours, just made life a little easier. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. You are sweet, all the best to you and your family in 2014.
Happy New Year! *pours apple cider into cups* Cheers!
lol… Happy New Year, Erik! Mine is a lemon ,lime and bitters, thanks. I had a lovely New Year and I hope you did too. Here’s hoping 2014 will bring many surprising things your way.
Here’s to a fantastic 2014, Diane. I’m glad that you’re going to have more writing time! It’s hard to balance it all.
Thank you Penny. You and your blog is always inspiring. It sure is hard but when I can pop on a blog and have a laugh…. there you are. 🙂