Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Pop of the Charts

What happened to 2013? December already??

Well, I feel like I'm behind on everything! But I've also gotten a ton done, so what didn't get done will just have to wait, right? For the Insecure Writers Support Group this month, I suggest reflecting on what you have accomplished this year, rather than what you didn't. It's like Vikki's "Celebrate the small things" on a grander scale. To that end, here are some things I'm proud to have accomplished this year.

#1, of course, is getting POP TRAVEL published. And I've had two successful book signings and one less successful one (can't win all the time!). And I achieved my goal of getting on the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble! The last big bookstore! Who would've thought that only a few years ago?

#2, reading some of my friends' books - I'm so excited for them, too!

#3, working full time - though the long-term subbing is kicking my butt, it's good to get back to work! (with kids approaching college, I've got big bills ahead!)

#4, writing a bunch! I've gotten pretty far on my sequels.

How's the year gone for you? What's your proudest achievement of 2013?

Since I'm dwindling to posting just once a week, I'm going to go ahead and announce a couple of other items...

My comedic friend and editor, Andrew Buckley, has another book coming out this week. STILTSKIN. I'm in the midst of his first book, DEATH, THE DEVIL, AND THE GOLDFISH, and I can tell you he is pretty hilarious. And very inventive in his marketing methods. It also helps that he knows what he's doing with media! Here are some of his audio creations to help promote the upcoming STILTSKIN... (will add more daily)

I recommend you take a listen for some hearty laughs!

Finally, I kick off the last month of my Pop Travel Blog Tour with Sydney Aaliyah on Friday, Dec 6. I only have 2 more posts after that, and boy, are my arms tired! (you know, from all the popping, but the reference is about flying, nevermind) I'll be talking about research - it's importance and how fun it is! One of my favorite things about writing is the research. I hope you will join me over there.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy December!!

32 comments:

Donna K. Weaver said...

Love that idea of looking at what we've accomplished. Sometimes, the measure of our goals compared to what we're able to do can bury us. If we let it.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Tara you have accomplished a great deal this year!! I am so proud of you :)

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

It is quite ironic that you mention the small things today, I can relate. Any accomplishment is a great accomplishment, by the way.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Wonderful accomplishments, Tara! Well done!

Happy December to you, too. :)

Dana said...

Tara, I'm so happy for you and so excited about all your accomplishments—and what a great picture!

Cathrina Constantine said...

It always amazes me how someone can work full-time, raise a family, and write a novel. You're amazing Tara!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Look at you with your book - that's awesome!
Will definitely check out your spot with Sydney on Friday.

Michelle Wallace said...

Tara, working full time + family + writing + reading = how on earth do you manage?
You are an inspiration, my friend!

Nissa Annakindt said...

Sadly, for me it's hard to look back on my accomplishments since I have the mindset that if I've accomplished it, it doesn't count. :(

But it's encouraging to read what you have to say, thanks. I've added myself to your followers on Blogger and Facebook.

Nissa

Unknown said...

Pop Travel has been on my to-read list for a while. I need to get around to reading it so I can say that I read it before you became famous.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'll have completed 15 credits of my master's program at the end of the year, plus the 3 from last year, so that's probably a nice accomplishment. It'll be even nicer when I take the GRE to get formally entered into the program. If I'd had more free time, I might've finished my WIP within this year, but given its length, I'm not expecting it to be done until at least six more months.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Julie signed books with peeps. Brinda signed books with peeps. You and I need to get our Ohio/WV peeps together and do a successful signing (I mean I know it would be successful, bc where we gather, there is fun...right?)

StratPlayerCJF said...

Congratulations on a very successful year filled with awesome accomplishments!

Julie Flanders said...

The pic of you with Pop Travel at B&N is so awesome! Yay!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tara .. I agree with Julie re the photo. You've done and achieved so much this year - as well as getting extra work to help with your kids' fees - good for you .. and I hope next year will be successful too. I now feel I'm getting back to my own life .. and look forward with new projects for next year ..

Cheers Hilary

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Congrats on all the success Tara. I feel very accomplished that I finally started Briar's Dilemma through Nano this year. Also about my cover reveal despite having to delay the book.

Kristen said...

Ah sequels! How do you manage them? Mine are making my poor brain blow up.
And I congratulate you on your successes. There's nothing like them! :)

Diane Burton said...

How wonderful you are able to find the good you've done. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we haven't accomplished we forget. Best wishes!

David T List said...

Congratulations so much on that very successful book!
Very cool

E. Arroyo said...

Congrats!! Some pretty great accomplishments. =)

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Tara,

You've done GREAT this year. Congrats!!! I was exhausted just reading all your accomplishments. LOL.

Keep breathing and have a wonderful holiday season!!!

Unknown said...

It's always better to see the good side of things. (Or the "bright" side, Monty Python, ha!) Your accomplishments this year are fantastic! You have a lot to be proud of. :-)

Nicki Elson said...

You're not starting to get headaches from all that popping, are you? ~_^

How amazingly cool and exciting that you're on the shelves at Barnes & Noble!!! And right next to Tolkien too, niiiiice.

Congrats on a well-spent year with much accomplished.

Rhonda Albom said...

Great idea, wish I had done this rather than my whiny post. My biggy this year was not only getting my book finally started, but also winning NaNo. Plus a long overdue visit to family and friends in the states. - this all gives me an idea for my celebrate post.

Sharon Bayliss said...

Sounds like 2013 has been awesome and 2014 may be even better! Yay!

Unknown said...

Tara, I'm ecstatic for you and your accomplishments this year. B&N and beside Tolkein. Can't beat that! Have a great holiday season and stay safe.

M.L. Swift, Writer

Kimberly said...

Congrats on accomplishing so much this year - it sounds like you have been super busy!

LD Masterson said...

You've had a heck of a year. I can't wait to see you top it it 2014 (and I know you will).

Unknown said...

Some really great and exciting accomplishments Tara =) Congrats to you on so many wonderful things. Hope 2014 is even more wonderful for you.

P.S. love the picture! Cute :)

Jeremy Bates said...

congrats tara on getting on the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble! some day it might be gone too :((

VikLit said...

Happy December! What a great post looking at what you accomplished. I hope that sequel will wing its way to me soon ;)

LOOK AT YOUR BOOK ON THE SHELVES!

Emily R. King said...

You have so much going on, Tara! Good for you! Sounds like it's been a great year. :)

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