Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve! I’m excited because tomorrow is the day I *might* finish the first draft of my novel (maybe), or I might come *very* close, and I still feel good about where I’m at, even if I’m a little behind schedule. And, even better, since we abstained from celebrating Christmas this year, I am giving E some New Year’s presents tomorrow, and I love giving people I love presents! I’m looking forward to 2010, the start of a whole new decade, and I’m hoping for another ten years together with E (at least!).
Tomorrow is the end of the year, one of the biggest years of my life. In 2009, I stopped ghostwriting for good in order to focus on my own fiction, my first novel came out, I got an incredible agent, I got a new book deal at a dream publisher, I did my first book signing (and my second), I connected with some incredibly inspiring writers, my novel got reviewed and I didn’t die from it, I put my writing first and made a big career leap, I got into what I’ve heard is one of the best artist colonies in the country, I lost 10 pounds (though I think I’ve just gained it back), and I fell more in love with my other half, which I didn’t even know was possible. There was bad, too, but I’m not dwelling. I’m grateful for every single thing that was given to me in 2009, and be assured I will be working hard to make the most of every opportunity.
As for 2010, I do have quite a few resolutions. One of which I publicly said on Verla’s, which is: to go into a bookstore unannounced and offer to sign stock, something I tried to do more than a few times and then lost courage and walked out without introducing myself—even though I’d promised some important people I’d do it. I tried, honestly. I don’t know why it scares me so much.
So… precisely because it scares me so much, I am going to make myself do it in 2010. I want 2010 to be the year I challenge myself and force myself out of my comfort zone, in the hopes of becoming a stronger writer and author and person because of it. (If you work at a New York City bookstore and want me to come face my fear there, e-mail me: nova [at] novaren.com!)
Signing stock in a bookstore is just one resolution of many. I’ll keep the others to myself. Happy New Year, everyone!
You can do it Nova! Especially in a store near me! 🙂
You can do it! And next time I’m in NYC, I’ll gladly come hold your non-signing hand if the buddy system works for you.
Yes! Sign stock! If you ever come out here, I will pave the way for you, casually mentioning to a bookstore employee, “hey, my friend is here and you have her book on the shelf–she should sign them, no…?”
Happy New Year Nova! And well done for working so hard over the festive season – am truly impressed!
Nova, what a great resolution. You should swallow your fear and do it! Easy for me to say…I know. My book will be out in a few months, when it’s out I’ll go with you to a bookstore —
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you, Nova. Thanks for setting such an inspiring example during 2009. I look forward to following your adventures next year…
Cheers,
Kaz
You can do it! I went to a bookstore just last night with 2 writer friends for them to sign stock. The employees welcomed them & seemed genuinely happy to have them show up. In a bookstore, you’re a rock star. 😉
Best wishes!