You know when you get to New Year's Eve and suddenly wonder where the year went? That's how I feel about 2010. But even though it has flown by, it's been a good year and here are my top ten reasons why:
10) Lots of fabulous writers
The writing community is actually pretty small but every person I've met so far has been perfectly lovely and hugely supportive. To list them all would take all day but here are a few darlings who've made a big difference this year:
Gillian Philips - author of the fantasy novel of the year, Firebrand, and all round superstar
Caroline Smailes - author of Like Bees To Honey and other amazing books
Carol Dixon-Smith - Waterstones bookseller and event organiser; I don't know how she does it all
Scott Pack - Runs The Friday Project for Harper Collins but that's just the tip of the iceberg; what he doesn't know isn't worth knowing...
Mary Hoffman - Vastly accomplished author; someone I really look up to
Cathy Cassidy - brilliant author and completely lovely
There are many more - hopefully, you know who you are!
9) A very close friend fell pregnant
A good friend who has wanted a baby for many years finally got her wish. She's due next year and I think she's going to make an amazing mum - I wish her nothing but happiness.
8) Muse at Wembley
Anyone who knows me can't help but be aware of my love affair with Muse and even though I was the teensiest bit disappointed with their latest album (a bit self-indulgent on the epic long tracks front, boys), they didn't let me down at Wembley. To say I grinned like a loon through the whole thing is an understatement!
7) The RNA Pure Passion Awards
This was like a Who's Who of women's writing - all my favourite authors were there, as well as some fabulous Twitter-mates, and I had a real blast. Being in the RNA is great fun - I recommend it to any writer.
6) Inception
I came late to this film, watching it at the insistence of Teen Daughter this week, and I was so glad I took her recommendation. As someone who'd like to come up with a killer movie script some day, it was exactly the kind of film I love - complicated but believable plot, great characters and I didn't guess the end. I'm looking forward to watching it again and it's definitely given me some pointers for the future.
5) Booktrust Teen Prize
My So-Called Afterlife was Highly Commended in this year's Teen Prize and, along with the lovely Keren David (When I Was Joe), I was honoured to attend the award ceremony in November. Unhooking The Moon by Gregory Hughes scooped the award but it was a real privilege for me to be commended for my debut novel. The food wasn't half bad, either!
4) Signing my first picture book deal
Picture books are different to any other kind of writing because there's no room for flowery waffling - you have to know exactly what you want to say. When I woke up with the story of a new picture book in my head, I couldn't wait to write it down but it took a lot of polishing to get it right. The book is due out in 2012 (Simon and Schuster) and I'm looking forward to seeing what the super talented illustrator I've been paired with comes up with.
3) School Visits
I love getting out to schools and meeting the people who read my books. One of the best parts of being a writer is interacting with readers and I've had great fun answering their questions. The younger ones mostly ask about my pets and the older ones are fascinated by the paranormal elements of my books. And I'm proud to say, I've only signed a book to the wrong name once. So far...
2) Literary Festivals
I travelled up and down the country to attend some fabulous literary festivals, including the inaugural Chester Kids Lit Fest, GobbleDeeBook, and that sparkling gem in the lit fest crown, Cheltenham. Every festival I attended made me feel very welcome and I had a great time. More, please!
1) Becoming Published
No doubt about it, the best feeling of the year came from seeing my books in the shops. My So-Called Afterlife came out in February and got some great reviews. Then Harriet Houdini hopped onto the scene in Stunt Bunny: Showbiz Sensation and stole hearts and carrots everywhere. Later in the year saw My So-Called Haunting hit the shops, with some of the same characters from MSCA and a feisty new heroine. 2011 has a lot more Stunt Bunny and another Afterlife book coming out, so watch this space!
So that's my round up of this year. Now all I have to do is come up with some New Year's Resolutions and stick to them. What are you resolving to do (or not do) in 2011?
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9 comments:
Google has just alerted me to your kind words! We were already Twittermates before I read My so-called Afterlife and discovered what a good and original book you had written!
Have a great 2011!
Thanks, Mary! Hope you have a fab 2011, too xx
This is a good list. And may 2011 be even more awesome. It was great getting to know you and I'm really proud of all your hard work. You are a blogger's dream to chat with. And also a regularly cool person with awesome shoes.
You are lovely! It has been wonderful getting to know you and your characters - Happy New 2011 and lots of (even greater) success! xx
Liz - thank you, honey :) can't believe I only met you and Mark this year! Here's to 2011!
Gillian - For both of us xx
You've had an amazing 2010, and 2011 will surely be even better x
What an amazing year you've had! May 2011 be just as good!
What a fantastic year. You have worked so hard and deserve your success, Tam. Here's hoping that 2011 is even more successful for you.
What a great list - you had such an eventful 2010 and I'm sure 2011 will be even better :o)
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