The Last Day of 2011

Weeelllll, I know there's a lot of these reflective posts going around, but hey, a lot's happened this year for some of us...monumental events that we'll never forget as long as we live (unless we end up suffering from some medical affliction that makes us forget and in that case, better to have written it down somewhere).  Besides, I'm a writer.  I love to ramble on paper. But I'll try to keep this post short and sweet.

There were some pretty huge events that occurred in my personal life.  I won't go into that since I try to keep personal stuff to myself as much as possible.  But just know that 2011 will go down as a heart-warming year for the simple fact that I got to spend more of it with the most important people in my life.

There was, however, one big thing in my not-so-personal life:

I published a friggin book.

A year ago, had you Googled my name, you'd find NOTHING.  That's right.  Nothing.  How do I know?  I did it many times to make sure there was nothing.  Because at one time, I was a hermit who wanted nothing to do with the internet.

I finished a novel and I needed beta readers.  And NO ONE knew I'd written a book.  Well, except for my mom.  And my best friend.

So I joined an online writing workshop called Scribophile.  I was shy, in fact, I didn't even use my real name at first.  Every time I posted something, I was so nervous I could hardly type without backspacing all over the place.  I met three pretty amazing people who helped me learn how to take criticism for my work.  To post something without the nervous jitters.  They pulled me out of my shell and encouraged me to get my writing out there.

From there, came the blog.  And I had NO IDEA what the hell to blog about.  I struggled for the first few weeks trying to figure it out.

Next was Twitter and I panicked, thinking I'd NEVER learn this 'Facebook on crack' social network.  But I did and I met some fantastic people that I now call friends.  Then came the FB page, the website, four fabulous beta readers, the decision to self-publish, a kickass editor, the book trailer, the cover art, bookmarks and....just over two weeks ago, my first published book.

I know other writer buds who've also had an outstanding year.  Writing a book takes dedication, perseverance and mental conditioning.  There are times a writer wants to toss the WIP and start over, but instead stays the course.  I've had some pretty wonderful words of encouragement along the way.  From my hubby, my daughters, my parents, siblings, cousins, friends, neighbors...

Here are three of my favorite from 2011:

"I would shovel shit the rest of my life, just so you could write the rest of yours"  ~ My all-time favorite from my awesome hubby (also the dedication for my book)

"Mommy, I'm going to publish a book someday, just like you"    ~ My oldest daughter

"Keri, you have busted your ass for this and will soon be inducted into the very exclusive group of people who became published authors within their lifetime.  Your literature will carry forward through generations of human existence well beyond your years, making you literally immortal.  Congratulations big sis!!!  I'm rooting for you front and center. "    ~ My brother, just before the book launched.

And so, one of my New Year's Goals for 2012:  Publish another book

What was the highlight of your 2011?