Looking Back at 2012 and a New Year's Kisses Party

Today is the last day of 2012. Obviously the world didn't end, but did anyone really think it would, or did that just become a global joke? From what I've read, the Mayans didn't intend for it to be the end of the world, but rather the start of a new world. That makes more sense.

Looking back at the passing year, there were highs and lows. To be expected. Bad people did bad things, tragedies occurred, and good was also done. For me, 2012 was a stronger year than 2011. After being unemployed for two years, I got a job with a temp agency. Although at times the work is sporadic, it's a start. I've made some friends and I've been able to make some money.

As for my writing, it's been a mixed bag as well. I cut ties with two publishers, was published by one I truly despise, and had my first release with one I edit for, with others to follow. I also self-published for the first time. I have three stories out there that I did myself. And I contracted Revelations, something I've been trying to do for years. I actually believe Revelations is the real reason I was fired from the job I held for over thirteen years, that my born-again Christian brother caught wind of it somehow (must have been through his wife, because he doesn't do FB), and he fired me, no matter what bullshit story he tells everyone else. (He tells his customers that I left to write my novel, but that is very much not true).

Also, in 2012, I began a new writing partnership with a new friend and our first story, Be My Alien - first in our Moonlit Skies series - has been contracted with Dreamspinner. I finished writing When Will I See You Again, a m/m paranormal, and subbed that to Dreamspinner on Christmas Eve. I am currently reworking Leonardo di Caprio is a Vampire and will sub that to DSP when I am done.

My kids did well this year. Michael left the navy and took a job in the private sector, making good money. He has a new girlfriend and she sounds nice. I hope to meet her someday. He came home, which was good and I was thrilled to see him, although the reason was a sad one - his father had complications from diabetes and had to undergo amputation of part of his leg.

Chris spent the summer in Kansas City, interning there, and spending time with his gf, who lives there. He's graduating from Mizzou in June and has a job lined up with Amazon in Seattle already. Katie is still happily  married and is working at losing weight and doing a good job of it. Sarah is going to community college and will be head of the campus newspaper next semester.

In 2012, I worked my last convention, at least as a staff member, cutting ties with KawaKon. In future, if I go it will be as an author. A lot less stressful that way.

Tomorrow I'll talk about the future and what I see for it, but today I'm looking back. 2012 was a good year in many ways. I think I've learned some things this year, and hope to benefit from having made mistakes. We all make them. It's what you do with them that matters.

And remember, we're all in this together, so we have to make this the best world we can!

And now for the party - I'm part of Kay Berrisford's New Year's Kissing Party. Go to her blog here and check it out. There will be kisses and prizes galore! I have an excerpt that will be hosted at Tara Lain's blog, so head on over there when you get time.














Have a wonderful New Year's Eve! Stay safe and be happy! Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

My thoughts on the coming year

Happy New Year to one and all! I'm feeling better today, so it's time to begin again, and plunge into 2012!

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.


This year my goal is to focus on what is to come, not on what was. The past is gone. It's the past for a reason. I shall try to follow this mantra to the best of my ability. To live for today, with an eye toward tomorrow. I cannot change some things, and some people, and there's no sense in beating my head against a brick wall.


As I mentioned before, there has been a change in the Flash Fiction. Silver no longer supports us and has forbidden us to use their name or their badge. They've decided to run their own free fiction on the Silver site, and to reward those with contracts for 2012 with the right to join in on their little venture. So be it. However, we aren't rolling over and playing dead by any means. The flash fiction will continue, under a new name, with a new badge. This week we shall probably be nameless. In fact, suggestions for a new name are quite welcome. Also, we welcome other authors who'd like to join us in our flash fiction fun. No longer will we be restricted to one publisher - we welcome all writers, all genres, published or not. You are welcome here.


Moving on.


I am still seeking a job and shall continue to do so. I have my editing and my writing as well, which mean everything to me. And working at conventions. For 2012, right now I have only one convention scheduled - KawaKon, which is in March, here in St. Louis. It's going to be awesome. If you like anime, or Japanese culture. If you are interested in having fun, and dressing up and seeing other people cosplay. If you like to dance the Time Warp, KawaKon is for you! This year we'll be at the Sheraton Westport - a great location with more room! I am co-chairing a panel on Alice in Wonderland, besides running Registration, and I'm running the Rocky Horror, Dr. Horrible and Repo! the Genetic Opera events. Did I mention it'll be fun? It'll be great fun!

I just started to run my Forbidden series at Romance First Publishing. I only had two chapters out before, so soon, there will be new ones. I am working on the third book in my To the Max series, as well as various other WIP's. And still looking for a home for Revelations.


No problem is insurmountable. If you want to, you can do anything. 2012 is going to be a great year. I want to work hard, and still have time for fun and family and friends. I want to be a friend, and help other people as much as I am able. We're all in this together, so let's help one another, shall we?


Thanks for taking the ride with me! It'll be a great one!


Until next time, take care!


♥ Julie