5 Writing Achievements from 2019

As the year comes to an end, and a whole year of fresh opportunities arises, I am reflecting back on 2019, and the achievements I’ve made. It’s a little self indulgent, but I want this blog to represent my writing journey, so I can look back on it as the years pass. Not only that, but it’s been a year of set backs in a number of ways, and this is a great excuse to focus on the positive! So let’s go…

I spoke to an agent face to face for the first time
This was a huge deal. I have attended writing events in the past, but tend to sit quietly and listen, and then leave when it’s all over. I’m hugely shy and it doesn’t come naturally to me to speak to people who I don’t know. But this year, I took the plunge. An agent of one of my favourite authors was at an event, and afterwards I spoke with her, about reading and about writing. It was a huge step for me, and one I hope to repeat at events going forward.

I finished writing my second novel
Done. Edited. Completed. I finished writing Vanishing Act this year, and it is now in the submission stages. I loved writing that book, and I’m proud of the outcome. It’s the quickest I’ve ever written a novel, and based on my current efforts, is likely to remain that was for some time.

I started keeping a journal
I’ve read about the benefits of keeping a journal a lot. But I’ve just never been able to stick at it. This year though, I made a real effort to get back into this. It’s amazing how liberating it feels to jot down your inner thoughts at the end of each day. I hugely recommend it.

I improved
Small and simple. I improved as a writer. I’m studying creative writing at university, and received plenty of very honest constructive feedback from my tutor. And as the year progressed, my assignment results got better and better, as did my feedback. It’s tough to hear criticism about your work, but so worth it if it helps you grow.

I started writing novel three
This one is draining me a little. It’s challenging me. It’s wearing me out. But, I’m excited about it, and so proud to be working on my third novel. I’m enjoying fleshing it out. I think it’s going to be very different to the story I first anticipated it to be, but that’s part of the fun!

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Share your successes from the year below – I love getting to know you all, and I’m sure you’ve had a fantastic year in many ways. Drop a comment below to share your highs and lows.

Until then,
Keep writing,
M
x

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