Today is day one of 2011, the year I will officially become a published author, and I am anticipating lots of busy days ahead. You see, there’s book 2 to write (BY MARCH 1st), my website to get up and running, and promo for When One Night Isn’t Enough, my debut novel coming out in the U.S. in July 2011 for any newcomers. There are ads to place, postcards/bookmarks to order, and blogs to write for my debut blog tour. There’s the author book signing my local library scheduled when they made me AUTHOR OF THE MONTH for July. (How exciting is that?) Then there’s RWA national where I may be signing my new release, which quite honestly, scares the confident right out of me.

But getting published has been a goal of mine for a few years now so I say BRING IT ON!

In preparation for my new year, I spent part of last night cleaning out my office. I sorted through dozens of judge’s score sheets from contests I didn’t win, or even place in. In fact, I found results from one contest  where I finished second to last. (In 2008) And if I can go from a second to last place finish to published in three years, YOU CAN, TOO! If you take the time to learn from the the judge’s suggestions, study books on the mechanics of writing, attend conference workshops and take online classes to hone your writing skills. (If Christine stops by, maybe she’ll post the link to some upcoming online writing workshops she’s coordinating.)

On some positive notes:
– My editor liked my chapters 1-3 and I am deep into chapter 4. It’s 1,500 words a day or no downtime reading for the entire month of January! Then I’ll have February for fine-tuning/final editing. (Don’t tell anyone, but I purposely stuffed my muse with so many chocolates and cakes this holiday season, she’ll be too weighed down to travel.) 
– My web designer, Diane, is amazing and as difficult as I’ve been because I can’t seem to pinpoint exactly what I want, she has come back time and time again with new templates without complaint! (At least she doesn’t complain to me.)
– My editor tells me that while she hasn’t yet seen the cover for the 2in1 UK version of  When One Night Isn’t Enough, she’s heard very favorable reports. Apparently the art department gave it a very contemporary even chick-litty feel. I can’t wait to see it!

For the month of January I plan to blog every Sunday. I hope you’ll stop by to see what I’m up to, and keep me up to date with what’s going on with you! I’ll also be blogging on the Medical Authors Group Blog on the first thursday of every month, starting on January 6th. If you have time, I hope you’ll visit me there. Here’s the link: http://community.eharlequin.com/content/medical-authors-group-blog

So, what are you doing to get your new year off to the right start? What changes are you making to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself?