In my other life, I am a teacher and there is a fantastic blogging trend called #nurture1415. Each year many educators use the same structure to reflect on five positives from the year that has passed, and to share five hopes for the year ahead. I’m going to blatantly steal the concept for my obligatory end of year blog…
2014:
- Writing. In notebooks, in pencil. This turned out to be the only way I could draft Jake’s sections of Heart and, thanks to him, I have rediscovered the joy of writing longhand. Hmm, notebooks with tactile covers. If you’re ever wondering what to get a writer..!
- Books. Maybe Someday and The Law of Moses: best reads of the year. Both made me want to be a better writer but also think the bar was maybe beyond my reach.
- Critique partners. Writing doesn’t get any easier. Seriously, there were moments when, if I felt I had any choice, I would have given up on writing. However, my wonderful critique partner Karli got me through, and helped to make Heart so much better than it started out.
- Hearts. Forget rats and goats…this has been the year of the Heart for me. From publishing my second book to my themed Christmas tree to my endlessly supportive husband, I’m thankful for every heart of the last year.
- Online friends. Through my writing, I’ve made some fantastic friends who mean so much to me. Social media at its best.
2015:
- Signings. I am attending my first signing as a writer (well, two actually!). As scared as I am that I will be the only writer at her table, being studiously ignored by hundreds of attendees, all of who are fangirling over everyone else, I know that I need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I am naturally reserved and the idea of having to be so sociable freaks me out!
- Writing. I want to finish the third novel in the Define series and then try something different. I fancy trying a historical novel, but am worried that it will be a step too far for the small but loyal fanbase I am growing.
- Time. I don’t believe in resolutions but I aim to spend less time lurking on social media and more time writing…are you laughing at me?!
- Reading. I want to read books which challenge and inspire me, not more of the same. If I’m going to push myself as a writer, I need to do the same as a reader. This may mean moving away from Goodreads to broaden my recommendations.
- People. I hope that I can give back to friends (and I include my husband in this!) as much as I get from them. Friendship makes the world go round, don’t you know?
Much love.
xx
Nicola Hudson 