Feels like I might as well write this post now, right?
2016 has been a fun year. I started querying back in 2015, in December, but 2016 was the jump into the trenches. I have learned many things, from changing my queries to editing manuscripts, to finding great critique partners. Some of the best moments in 2016 happened because of them, so thank you all (and a special shout-out to Deeba and Dana, who keep up with my frightful amount of e-mails and ideas).
As for other things, 2016 was a rough year, especially in politics. The world is complicated, but we must not be afraid to speak out. If we don’t speak out, nothing’s going to change. And we have the power to do that — we have the power to fight back, to make the world a better place.
This year is also the year I finally graduate from college. It feels like I’ve been here a long time, but I can finally say I have my BA in Literature! Yay! I’m really excited to see what comes next, where I’m going to work, and what else is going to happen in my life. I really love all aspects of publishing, so I’m hoping I can get work in the area.
In 2016, I started Pitch América, which I’m hoping to return with next year. I met many other great writers and started solid friendships. I finished two different drafts, and edited three novels. All in all, it was a good year — a year that brought me closer to all my writing goals. A year that made me more aware of my privilege, and how I can use my voice to lift others.
Looking back at my goals, it wasn’t exactly what I had planned. I always think I can accomplish all the goals I set back in January, but almost never do. And you know what? That’s OK. I’ll get more things done next year. And the year after that. There’s going to be plenty of time, and although I felt like a year where I hadn’t been as productive as previous years, especially in writing, I have learned a lot. And it got me farther than I had before – I entered contests, put my work out there, got feedback and learned how I could edit a book to make it even better.
So I really hope that in looking back at 2016, you see that you have learned a lot, too. Take your time now to do the things you like, to set goals for the next year. But most of all, remember that no matter what, you accomplished something.
Bring that feeling to 2017 with you, and be willing to take chances. Don’t set goals for yourself that don’t depend on you. And always, always try to do better and learn new things.
See you all in 2017!