I had huge plans for 2012 that were derailed and adjusted early on, just as every year. I’m not entirely sure that I’ve actually managed to hit every goal set per year for the last eight years. One or two, yes – I can hit one or two. I count that as a win, since (taking Chris Baty’s philosophy and twisting it a bit) finishing something is better than not even starting something.

From the Works in Progress section of my Stats:

Collection: Into a Long Ago Future – (complete!)
Series: Eternity – (canceled)
Novel: Into the Mirror Re-write – (still working)
Non-Fic: Soup Cookbook – (still working, close to finished)
Non-Fic: Sabbat Meals – (still working)
Non-Fic: Alternative Healing – (still working, close to finished)
Novel: 1 For Sorrow – (on hold)
Novel: New Bedlam – (on hold)

The Pagan Family series is nearing completion after being stalled by the computer crash of August and October. The releases of Lughnasadh, Mabon and Samhain are scheduled (in pencil) to happen in January and Esbats in February. Once the series is complete, I’ll be asking for readers to look over the rough version of the collected print edition – which I hope to release for Glas Celli’s 13 year anniversary in June.

At least Into a Long Ago Future finished, and was released! In celebration of the one completely completed project of 2012, here are some codes for discounts at CreateSpace and Smashwords:

FW346JWN for 35% off print edition at: https://www.createspace.com/3785102

JT75B for 50% off multi-format ebook edition at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/127875

I didn’t quite make my word count goal for the year, falling short by just under 10k. Five of the scheduled 15 releases actually made their release dates (or thereabouts), leaving ten sitting in limbo. Well… technically six. In August, I made the decision to pull the Eternity series entirely, and as of Tuesday morning, it will be gone from Smashwords. Other than freebies, there had been one (1) sale of either available title in 18 months. Perhaps I’ll re-visit the work at a later date, maybe put it all together into one novel and releasing it that way. Or maybe I’ll just let it die a quiet death in a trunk folder.

The thing is – I focused a lot more on Belfire this year. Yes, there were moments when I looked at where I wanted it to be, and where it was at that point in time and I thought I should just cut my losses and let everyone go. These thoughts hit particularly hard in early September, when several of my freelance contracts were swiped from under me, and a family tragedy knocked us all for a very hard loop. I just kept saying to myself – WHY?

A couple of authors inspired me to move forward, and the staff – Tracy, Bob and Barry are gold wrapped in platinum, I tell ya – saved it from closure. Not financially, but in simple words of encouragement. I don’t even know if they realize that their words did have the effect they did. I can never thank them enough. Within a matter of days, everything was back on track. Even the computer crashes couldn’t keep me down. Belfire will be doing the jig in 2013, but jigging forward.

On a personal level, my 52 Weeks blog project failed in epic fashion by mid-February, I think. This year, it’s going to happen. Right? Erm… yeah. It will. I think. Maybe. Okay, here’s the thing. I’m going to try, but I’m not going to make any promises. It should be easier, because there is only going to be posts for that challenge here, on this blog. Want to join me? Click the avatar!

Another fail was the Get Off Your Broomstick Weight Loss challenge. I don’t think I mentioned it here much, but I know on my other blog it was a main focus for a while. Although I can still sign up for this winter’s challenge, I’m not going to split my focus. I’ve re-joined SparkPeople, and found a couple of really supportive teams there… so that’s where I’ll be. Progress will still be posted on my private blog, but the occasional update will be posted here to the relevant page.

I have another personal project I’m working on for 2013 as well. I don’t want to jinx it, so I’m not going to post anything until I’m done. I know it’ll surprise a lot of people…lol.

So – there it is. How was your year? Are you ready for our first step into the teens of this bright and shiny millennium?

HAPPY NEW YEAR and all the best in 2013!

- Jodi Lee & Fam