As a writer - 2019 has proven to be a very interesting year.
It started out cold (I do live in Michigan), as it always does. And as for writing? I was busy burying myself inside, with cups of caffeine (tea & coffee), and working madly to get three books ready to be published. In May I was able to get the books out 364 days after my computer decided I really didn't need those books and deleted them from my system, leaving me only very rough drafts to start from.
The rest of the year was busy as I discovered truths about myself... I detest coming up with names for my extra characters. My main characters are no problem, but all the other people who make up a life? Not so much. Another writer I know uses the labels "extra character 1" or "female character 2" as place-holders for those people. I detest that more. They don't have faces, thoughts, emotions or play into my story if they are no more than a sticker on a page. So... I spend time going to my dear friend Google and putting in crazy searches like, "interesting boy's names 2010" to see what I get.
I also discovered there are moments my characters irritate the sh*t out of me. Truly. I've read something I've written and I want to go punch that person in the face.
This never bodes well for my story if I want to smack the character.
Writing is also an act of frustration at times. The same story when given to 'beta' readers gets all sorts of responses I never expected. "Would she really wear pants to that? Or a green sweater?" Or, "Why do they swear so much?" Or, "I don't like that she's so bossy. Does the boss have to be bossy?" Or, "Would a mom really call her own kid a dick?" [Speaking from experience? Yes. Yes, she would. And did.]
And while the frustration is there? So is the very great pleasure of looking online and seeing your book. Or a bookshelf and seeing spines with your name on them. It's a dream realized.
And to the readers who are kind enough to spend their hard-earned money and purchase a book? I'd hug every single one of you given the chance.
I've not sold a million books (yet). And the hope is there it will happen. But for those out there who bought, or read, or considered? Thank you. I truly wish you all the best of the new year!!
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