Happy New Year to You All!
Looking back it has certainly been an interesting, adventure. Full of learning, and growing, with changes that have come my way. In my personal life I took on a Managerial roll, with new staff, and new responsibilities. Sure it’s been stressful, and exhausting, but I have learned we reach our goals only with the help of those around us. To respect the knowledge of others, and while I may be master and leader in my own destiny, it is with fond appreciation and gratitude, I never forget those who guided and walked with me, who trusted me, and had faith in my abilities.
This is true in my writing life, I have achieved much, with manuscript drafts to work on for submission. Communities such as 12×12, PPBF and Children’s Book Hub, have helped me grow, enlightened and informed me. The amazing people I have come to know and regard as my dear friends, have also inspired me and I am often in awe of them, not only in their writing, but their ability to never give up, when the going gets tough! Their strength, their creativity, their belief, their unwavering encouragement and faith is pure gold.
My critique group… yes! Can you believe it; I am in a critique group. I can’t tell you how badly I have needed them. The silly thing is, although I knew I needed someone to check out my work, I didn’t realise how badly I needed them, till they came to be. Talk about a chook with her head in the sand….dahhh! I so appreciate their value in encouragement and guidance, their direction, not to mention what I have learnt in such a short time. They have been a blessing I will take with me into 2013.
The Kiwi SCBWI conferences have been valuable for me in many ways. Meeting new people and realising I was not alone (down here) in my vision as a writer. Gaining valuable knowledge and insight that probably would have been inaccessible to me. They also tribute to my confidence and commitment, another plus.
My most greatest achievement is my confidence. Who knew I would send my work out for professional critiques, do another online workshop, attend a workshop, and enter a competition. I know I never thought about it at the beginning of 2012. But I do know this. I would dearly love to report on New Year’s Eve 2013 that I have an agent, and that I have a book picked up by a publisher. That is my GOAL for 2013! What is yours?
As I post this, the countdown to 2013 has begun……. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Yahoo for increased confidence, Diane! And rightly so. What a wonderful if challenging year you have had. Wishing you even more confidence to go for your dreams in 2013.
Thank you Joanna, and may all your dreams and hopes come true in 2013. Happy New Year!
What a busy year it’s been for you Diane. I hope you achieve your goal in 2013. I’ve just thought it is already the 1st of Jan in your part of the world hope you saw it in with a bang. Much love x Happy new year!!
Thank you Anne, We saw it in with a bottle of wine and watched the fireworks from our deck. Today was spent with a friend at the beach. A beautiful day! Happy New Year to you and much love..x
You’re already a year ahead of us! We’re communicating in two different years as I write at 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Cool! You have had a remarkable year Diane and it has been so much fun to watch your grow in self-confidence. And, I especially love the work you’ve done with Big Brother Mouse and other charities. You have such a huge heart — I know that personally! You have much to look forward to in th comming year, including a trip to South America! Have a great writing year! And in about 10 hours I will join you in 2013. Love you, Pa
Aww… thank you Pat. It is funny how you put it, us being in two different years….lol. By now you have just joined me in the New Year….. Happy New Year Pat! Thank you for all your kind words and much love. Wishing all that you wish for in 2013, take care Pat…x
All the best for 2013, Diane — may your dreams come true.
Thank you Beth, Happy New Year to you and all the best for 2013.
It seems being a patient dreamer pays off. Congratulations on all these wonderful successes. I look forward to your 2013 year-end post announcing your agent and contract.
Well I am known to have a lot of patience…. lets hope it pays off in 2013…. I to am looking forward to big things in 2013. All the best to you and everything you hope for in this New Year, Alayne.
Well, I’ve got the same dream for 2013, and I’m so glad to be able to ‘live’ it alongside you! We can do it Diane! Woo-hoo!
Woo-hoo, we sure can Julie…. Yay, love knowing you are joining me!
Happy 2013! Good luck!
And you too, my friend. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Horray for good critiquing partners. Thanks for you valuable feedback, and here’s to a great 2013!
“For your valuable feedback…” See how much I need you looking over my shoulder. 🙂
Confidence is a great thing to have achieved:) Best of luck in 2013.