We’re still full of Christmas, but I’m very aware that a new year is fast approaching. Tomorrow the children’s Uncle P will return to Spain, we’ll raise a glass to new beginnings and we’ll hope for a kind year.
Christmas was spent away from my computer, with the children, with G, with family and with friends. We’ve overindulged in chocolate and alcohol, we’ve played (and played) Beatles Rock Band (I want to be a drummer when I grow up) until my expert status in singing was established, I’ve become addicted to the Sookie Stackhouse novels and felt inspired by Ant and Dec’s autobiography, I’ve loved The Proposal and I’ve actually watched TV. Father Christmas was kind this year. He gave me some time off and being away from work and writing has really helped my frazzled brain.
2009 was a year of extremes for us. Absolute joy or utter despair. I’ve cried, I’ve squealed and I’ve felt fear. I’ve deleted a blog, created a new blog and I know that there is so much that I could say, but I don’t feel the need. 2009 is passing away and for me this New Year is about looking forward, about new goals and about new dreams. I know that I need to adjust my priorities slightly and I’ll be working on that this next few weeks. Some of the events of 2009 have left me bruised and slightly disillusioned, but I’m stronger, more focused and not alone.
Still, like always, I’ll be the one taking small tentative steps (I struggle with change!) into 2010. I hope, with all my heart, that Like Bees to Honey is well received (dare I dream, both here and abroad?) and that I can complete the challenges facing me with novel 4. I simply need to stay focused on writing goals, not let my own fear prevent me and I need to give myself permission (again!) to follow my dreams. (Did I say simply? Eek!)
There is much to look forward to and 2010 promises to be a special year for many of my writer friends. Some have debuts out, many have new novels out, many are finishing or about to finish novels for submission, many are waiting for responses and many found agents this year. It’s an exciting time! (Good luck, my lovely writer friends, I’ll be raising a glass to you all tomorrow evening)
So, goodbye 2009, you little bugger, and Happy New Year to you, to you and to
you!
*
Oh, and, in case you missed it, my Christmas wish list is up on the 5th Estate blog. But which did I receive? (oooooh, the suspense!)
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Caroline
Thanks for sharing. I wish you & yours all the best in 2010.
xoxo
Rob
Hey chick, yes, let’s say goodbye to this year with a good old kick out of the door to send it on its way.
May 2010 bring you all you wish for honey xx
Certainly a year of ups and downs… I’m very thankful for some particular ups in the latter half of the year though.
In any case, (though I’m not a writer) I shall be raising a glass to you and yours tomorrow night too – but I’ll also use this space to wish you a very happy new year, and many good things for 2010. xx
Happy New Year Caroline, to you and your family. I hope it’s very special.
Anna May x
I know where you’re coming from when you say about not allowing your fear to stop you… from following your dreams. I think that applies to more of us than we probably realize.
Hope you have a very happy new year and that 2010 is all that you would like it to be. x
2009 really has been a bugger hasnt it? Bring on 2010 – quick!
RKCharron – and I wish you all the best in 2010 too x
Lplate Author – and all you wish for too, lovely lady x
trousers – ‘some particular ups in the latter half of the year though’ – oh, that made me giggle and really I need to grow up!
Wishing you many good things and many ups for 2010 x
Anna May – Happy New Year to you and yours too. Have fun! x
Debs carr – well maybe you should join me in dismissing fear. We can help each other! I hope 2010 is special and full of happiness for you x
Helen M Hunt – let’s welcome 2010 – quick!
x
xxx
New Year in Wales is called Calennig and there’s a tradition of going out the back door (leaving the old behind) and coming in the front door (entering into the new). I hope your new year brings much joy to you and your family.
… i swear i got 2% for singing on beatles rock when i played over christmas with my nephews, causing much mirth for my family…i was much better on the drums, though it’s fiendishly tiring after a while, for me anyway …hope 2010 is fabulous for you & your books, honey, NASIMx
No, Caroline – giggle away
Raising a glass to 2010 and hoping it brings wonderful things to you and yours (and all those writerly friends). I know what you mean about staying focused and not allowing the fear to prevent you from realizing your goals…I’m just trying to figure out how to live that! xx
Hi Caroline,
Happy New Year to you and yours.
I am with you on the fear thing and am hoping that it will push me onwards with my writing this year rather than get in the way. I am, however, not with you on the drums. My boyfriend is a drummer and has tried to teach me, however all I want to do is bang every drum and end with an almighty wallop. Such a child…
I am sure 2010 will be a fab year for your writing. Enjoy!
Kelly
I hope that 2010 is wonderful for us all. I too feel like I’m looking ahead now, and feel excitement in the air.
Have a great new year, Caroline. Thanks for your friendship and wisdom over the last year. I’ll see you soon.
and all the best to you and your family for a happy, healthy and productive 2010! xo
Happy new year, Caroline. May it be good to us all.
Nik X
Happy New Year, Caroline. 2010 will be the year you get the recognition you deserve and your cup is going to overflow (but not on the best shag pile, obviously). Have a lovely evening and will be raising my own glass to you late tonight. x x
Wishing you so much Happiness in 2010 Amazing Caroline (and no more sad times) – you will always be a fairy godmother – and may it be your turn for every fresh dream to come true. And with extra sparkles too.
xxxxxxxx
Happy New Year you! x
Well it’s here gal,
Wishes and dreams in abundance to make you smile and fly, safe landings, quiet times for thought, laughter filled moments to feel truly alive, love in abundance, peace of heart and mind and much much more for you and yours in this year of 2010.
Don’t forget to keep believing…. in your self, the answers are there for any question even if that process may take time. Be gentle on your self eh :0)
It seems an age ago when I first came across your Blog. It was so good to get a writer’s perspective on the publishing world and to begin to understand that the ups and downs of being a published writer are not always what you might have expected.
Best wishes to you and your family for this New Year and I hope it brings all you wish for.
Hope 2010 is filled with happy surprises for you.
Happy New Year to you too! And a belated Merry Christmas. Hope everything goes well this coming 12 months! May all wishes be granted, all prayers be answered! Jonx
May all you wishes come true, lovely Caroline.
Thank you for all your support and cheering for me over the last year.
JJx
Thanks for all your lovely comments! And welcome to 2010! x
Awww, I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas
And a happy New Year to you too!