When the year starts to wind down, I usually do an evaluation of
what I’ve accomplished, and what I’m still working on. Augh. Some of my goals
for 2023 came to fruition, others fell flat, and still others were not in my
control to begin with. Augh, again. I did manage to finish the third
installment of Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, entitled Sticks and Stones, but fell short of my
deadline for spring. Instead, I completed my manuscript just before our Canadian
Thanksgiving in early October. How fitting, since the novel ends during our
Thanksgiving. Divine timing, it seems, is everything. My goal was to get the
novel ready for my publisher’s 2024 publication roster. Um, no. Fell a little
short. But I got into the 2025 for sure, unless something unforeseen happens
and a space opens up. Such is the complexity of the publishing industry. Sigh.
That said, I feel very blessed to have a publisher like Mirror World Publishing, who
literally has their authors’ backs, and are so supportive and understanding.
Another goal I did manage to get launched was compiling a writing resource
ebook called Tips,
Tools & Tricks for the Tenacious Writer, and offering it for free
on my website as a downloadable PDF. It was actually ten years in the making,
as I took helpful articles from my blog to share my publishing journey with
wannabe writers or authors who might just glean some useful material from it. I
managed to get the freebie up last March, so a win-win for me! *Pats back
vigorously*
A smaller goal was to try to get my books into the local libraries
of the Southern Ontario region I live in. Talk about red tape and politics. Triple
augh! I contacted the right people in the right positions, explained that I
wanted my books to share shelf space with the numerous books they had on hand,
and of course told them I was a local author. I was informed that their budgets
would only allow so many books to be purchased (most likely famous authors or
bestsellers), but that I could drop off my books at the closest libraries in my
location. So I did. I chose the first books in my two young adult series, The
Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, and Lost
and Found from Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls. I wrote a cover
letter and packaged my book babies up, and sent them on their way. I also
mentioned in the letter that if they decided against purchasing my books, then
please accept these titles as a donation. Sigh. Never even got a thank you or a
charitable slip for tax purposes. *Shakes fist vehemently*
My HUGE goal (this one is NOT in my control) was to acquire a
literary agent to handle foreign and subsidiary rights for both my young adult
series. Yeah, I know it’s a pipe dream, but I truly believe in myself as a
writer, and do want to bring more light into the world through my books. I
began this endeavor in November 2022, crafting a query tailored to my goals,
and researched prospective literary agents. Shoot me now. I really hate Query
Tracker because the format is geared to one manuscript. So, I got creative, cut
and pasted my query and sent it along. I did hit pay dirt in July with a UK
agent who requested my PDFs! My elation was short-lived, as she explained that
her heart had to be all in, and she didn’t feel she was the right fit for
representation. Hey, I wouldn’t have expected anything else. That said, I know
that the query letter I wrote did its job, and captured the eye of an agent. At
least now I know there’s a chance of landing the perfect agent for me.
*Crossing fingers and toes*
Of course, I had many other
mini goals throughout 2023, as I continued to chip away and plod through my
author life. How about you? If you’re an author, did you reach many of your
goals? If you’re a reader, did you realize what an author’s life entails? Would
love to read your comments. Wishing you, and your loved ones, a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers!
